Starting your own company is daunting, and more so when you are not sure about your financing options. Most of the time, small businesses are arrested in the initial phases of their establishment because of lack of funds, low credibility, and inability to restock. The most common option to opt for is a commercial loan, and unfortunately, the process isn’t as easy as it sounds. Commercial lenders are conservative in this regard. While there is no set minimum credit required for receiving a business loan, a greater credit does enhance your odds of getting one. Lenders are skeptical about investing their money if they are not sure it will be secure. They need assurance that you will pay them back, and they won’t suffer a loss.
If you are thinking of starting a business, focus on your business plan, create a road map, and establish a thorough understanding of how you wish to execute it. After you devise a strong plan, we will help you secure financing for your start-up.
Pointers to Secure Finance for Your Business
Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned businessman starting a new venture, there are certain rules you need to play by to get what you want. Here is what you can do:
Analyze Your Financial Standing
While it is important to invest yourself in your business in all ways you can think of, it is also crucial to understand that the money you invest is also the money you are prepared to lose.
Conduct an audit to assess your assets, debts, and savings. Be realistic about your financial standing and invest only a reasonable portion of your savings.
Provide a Business Plan
Lenders are concerned about the worth of your business unless you can show them your true potential. A well-researched business plan goes a long way for investors. Show the investors that you have knowledge and expertise regarding the market, cash flow projections for at least 6 months, potential challenges, and how you wish to execute your plan.
Improve Your Personal Credit
If you are lagging behind your personal credit, now is the time to build a better reputation. Show your investors that you are proactive in improving your credit score by paying bills on time and in full. A good credit score portrays trustworthiness, responsibility, and commitment. Investors are attracted to clients who have better credit standing.
Consult a Professional
It is best to ask for advice from someone who knows the industry better than you do in matters of such gravity. Consider opting for corporate finance consultations to get a professional opinion on how you should proceed. Financial consultants devise an ideal course of action for your business to secure finance and assist you in all financial decisions.
What Are Your Financing Options?
While traditional loans are always an option, there are other ways you can seek funds for your company. Here are a few options that you can consider:
Venture Capitalists (VCs)
A venture capitalist is a private equity investor who is not part of the company but wants to trade capital for a part in the ownership. These firms invest large pools of money and undertake risk to seek massive returns. In exchange for their funding, VCs gain considerable control of the company.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
CFDI are non-profit institutions that provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged entities such as small businesses and micro-business owners. What sets CFDIs apart from a traditional bank is their evaluation of credit scores and collateral prerequisites. CFDI is more lenient towards low credit scores that can be explained by unfortunate circumstances such as medical issues and unemployment.
Factoring or Invoice Financing
Factoring is a type of debtor finance wherein a business sells its invoices at a discount to another party called the factor. This ensures a steady cash flow to your company. It bridges the pay gap between billed work and payments to suppliers and contractors while the company waits for customers to pay their outstanding debts.
Partnership
Partnership financing is another way to secure funds for your start-up. It offers an arrangement that enables the lender and borrower to pool their capital to undertake business. The funding company receives special rights, access to company products, or some other compensation in return. The benefits of a partnership extend to greater knowledge, audience, and networking for your start-up.
While starting a business is daunting, do not be discouraged if your application for a loan from a traditional bank is declined. Remember that there are more than one ways to score a capital, only if you are true to your goal.
