This document discusses various methods of short-term financing including spontaneous financing like trade credit and negotiated financing like commercial paper, bankers' acceptances, and short-term business loans. It also covers secured loans backed by accounts receivable or inventory, as well as factoring which involves selling accounts receivable to a financial institution. The best mix of short-term financing methods depends on factors like cost, availability, timing, flexibility, and degree to which company assets are encumbered.