This report, prepared for a BA in Business course, examines the various sources of long-term financing available to different business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, private limited companies, and public limited companies. It delves into external financing options, comparing and contrasting them to provide a comprehensive overview. The report explores key sources such as bootstrapping, venture capital, crowdfunding, business loans for partnerships; and owner's personal funds, borrowing from family and friends, and retained profits for sole traders. For private limited companies, angel investors and bank loans are discussed, while public limited companies can utilize equity capital, private bank mortgages, and retained earnings. The report highlights the significance of accounting in providing financial insights for informed decision-making and concludes by summarizing the critical role of accounting in documenting financial activities and determining a company's financial position. References to relevant books and journals are also included.