One of the worst things that "start your own business" books suggest is taking out a loan. A very high percentage of startups fail (really. high percentage!). The last thing you want to do is quit your day job and get a loan. If the startup fails, you will have no income, no money, and a fat debt. Hello bankruptcy! Avoid loans until you find some measure of income/revenue stability. If you absolutely have to go the loan route, fine, just don't quit your day job.