Business financing can be extremely difficulty especially for a new business. There will surely be expenses to take care of and it is up to the business owner to find reliable resources to finance the business. The good news is there are several financing options to choose from. Aside from loans offered by banks, you can also rely on other sources. Let’s discuss these options one by one.
Secured and Unsecured Business Loans
Acquiring a loan is the traditional method of financing a business. This proves to be true not just for start-up businesses but even for established businesses as well. Whether a big or a small business, applying for a loan is the most viable option.
There are two types of business loans in the market – secured and unsecured business loans. A secured loan involves the submission of collateral such as property, vehicles or equipment. If the borrower is not in the position to provide a security for the loan, then an unsecured loan is recommended.
Unsecured loans do not require the submission of collateral, but lenders tend to limit the amounts they are willing to lend due to the higher risk of this form of financing.
Loans from the SBA
The Small Business Administration or the SBA created a number of loan programs that are especially designed to help small businesses. If you have been recently rejected by a bank or a lender, you can ask for assistance from the SBA.
The SBA does not directly provide financing for small businesses. The SBA collaborates with other lending companies, and provides a guarantee on behalf of the borrower. A lender will be more confident to finance a small business if the loan has been guaranteed by the SBA.
It is important to understand that there is a standard set of criteria that the loan applicant must meet to be able to get approved for an SBA loan program. To know more information, be sure to visit the SBA’s website to see if you are eligible to apply.
Business Line of Credit
Another option is to apply for a business line of credit. A credit line is extended by a bank or a lending company but unlike a loan which is given as a lump sum payment, this form of financing gives the borrower the option to borrow money at any time within a preset period, without having to go through the process of loan application. Having a line of credit gives a small business enormous support especially during times when cash flow is tight.
Business Equipment Leasing
Business leasing is also a method of business financing accessible for both new and old businesses. Instead of applying for a loan or a business line of credit to have sufficient cash for purchasing equipment, a business owner can lease or rent the needed equipment from a leasing company.
Many business equipment leasing providers offer lease programs for established, new and even start-up businesses. Evaluate the lease programs available and choose the one that’s best suited for your business type.
What’s great about this method of business financing is that the application process is simple and quick, so you can obtain the equipment you need right away.