Bootstrapping is how the great majority of small business startups are funded. Studies show 90%+ of all start-ups are funded by the entrepreneur's resources and internal cash flows from the business itself.

Most start-ups get going using a combination of bootstrapping methods, and many highly effective small businesses continue to fund their own growth internally by continuing to use these methods. Bootstrapping is not "going without". Instead, its finding creative ways to use limited resources to launch and grow businesses.