Tag Archives: startup

Top 5 Considerations Startup Business Loans

If you want to start your own company it will take a little money to get started and on your feet. Banks put many things into consideration when you ask them for money for startup business loans. Here are five of the most important considerations when you want money from a bank for a loan for your new company.

1.When you want to get money from a bank the first thing they will consider with startup business loans is your credit. You should have a healthy credit score that looks great. If your credit is bad it tells a lender that you do not repay your debts and this may stop you from getting a line of credit.

2.Experience is a big factor when you are hoping for startup business loans. You should have years of experience in the line of work you want to start your own business and you should be able to convince the bank you are the right person to open the company. A bank may think you have the best idea ever but if they do not think you are skilled enough for the company to generate revenue or to manage the business they will not lend you any money.

3.Assets are another factor that lenders want to see. When you are trying to secure startup business loans you should have some assets worth money that the bank can secure if they feel they need it. If you have nothing worth any value and you are asking for money to begin your own business you will probably be turned away. Banks want to see you are serious and when you secure assets with the money they know you are.

4.Come up with some money down for the startup business loans. The best way to show a lender that you are serious about your new company is by having a healthy chunk of money as a down payment. When you have 20% to 25% down payment for your startup business a bank is more willing to talk to you. A good size down payment may even make a bank look past your bad credit.

5.If all of the factors above do not fall in your favor you might try and find someone who can co-sign a loan with you. A lender will want to know if you have someone who will back you that you are good for the money. This person will need to have good credit but they can be considered as a silent partner in your endeavors. In most cases a friend or family member is the best person to ask to cosign startup business loans.

If you are looking for money for startup business loans you should consider many things. A bank will want to know that you are financially in a good position, qualified to run the business, why the business will do well and many more things. Securing a loan is important but you may need a down payment, good credit, assets, or even a co-signer.

Business Startup Loan – Negotiations, Thieves, and a Pot of Gold

Small business startup loan, let’s keep this simple. If you are trying to get a larger loan (one over $100,000), then you will probably need collateral. You probably already knew that. But what you may not know is that for some smaller loans, you may be able to get by with several other alternatives—home equity and unsecured loans. You may even be able to negotiate your accounts receivable as a form of collateral if none of the other options work. The government provides several programs to help you as well.

USE THE MONEY IN YOUR BACKYARD
If you have no collateral and your lenders require it, you may be able to convince them to use your home equity as collateral. This should be exciting news for all of you homeowners that are starting businesses with less than sterling personal credit. However, this tactic will not work if you have already borrowed significantly against your home equity.

TAKE THE THIEF APPROACH (LIKE BANKS DO)
You may not understand why you need collateral for smaller small business startup loan amounts when you are already paying interest for borrowing the money. This is a perfectly good question. And the answer is simple: for small amounts, they don’t. So either find a lender that provides unsecured small business startup loans or convince traditional lenders to give you money without requiring collateral. If you are looking for $15,000 or less and your preferred lender will not do the deal without collateral, make like a thief and run (to the next lender.) Just don’t do anything illegal on your way out.

TAKE THE MONEY FROM YOUR CUSTOMER’S POCKETS
Instead of trying to use assets you don’t have, try using the cash that customers already owe you. Some banks let businesses use accounts receivable as a form of collateral instead of real estate or other assets, so if your bank’s primary objection is your lack of collateral, negotiate to see if they will accept accounts receivable. This may reduce the amount a lender feels comfortable providing, but any number is better than zero when you are desperate.

CALL YOUR UNCLE SAM
If all else fails, ask lenders if they can distribute SBA funding. The 7(a) Guaranty program can help allay their doubts for larger small business startup loans, and the Microloan program can help for start up loans. You must qualify for these programs, so do some research about the SBA loans to make sure you are eligible. Be aware that even if you qualify and are approved for an SBA loan, banks can still choose not to loan money to you.

Some states have grant programs to foster business growth. Consult your local chamber of commerce for information about those or use the internet for additional information.

DON’T GIVE UP
If you are completely out of options, keep a positive attitude. Learn from your mistakes and do everything in your power to correct them as soon as possible. If you do this, the small business startup loan check will appear in your bank someday. In the meantime, maybe one of your family or friends will decide your business is great and provide some funding. You never where a pot of gold may be hidden!