seed money

American  

noun

1. capital for the initial stages of a new business or other enterprise, especially for the initial operating costs.

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seed money British  

noun

1. money used for the establishment of an enterprise

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Etymology

Origin of seed money

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Not a trust fund, not an inheritance — the same seed money anyone might scrape together.

From MarketWatch

At the onset, $50 million in seed money was allocated statewide, but the law stated an additional unspecified amount would be needed in the future.

From Los Angeles Times

How did a drug rooted, like many, in seed money from the U.S. government — that is, American taxpayers — and spurred by the grassroots fundraising of desperate parents, end up with such a price tag?

From Salon

He sold prints of old covers to raise seed money, and hustles on social media to gain a following and entice subscribers.

From New York Times

So many alternative sports have gained in popularity for boys and girls, from skateboarding to rowing to rugby, with a little seed money to help attract the curious and the courageous.

From Los Angeles Times