116 posts tagged “business start up”
When starting up a business, small business entrepreneurs usually seek out business loans to obtain the funds they need. However, not all banks cater to all types of businesses. For instance, larger banks may not be as acceptable with small businesses as smaller banks would. In most cases, larger banks prefer clients from larger firms or established businesses rather than small enterprises.
If you have a small business, it would be recommended to apply for a loan from your local bank as it is more likely to grant approval. In addition, smaller banks are much more accommodating to small business entrepreneurs, giving them the personal attention they need.
Now let’s discuss the major factors that a bank considers when reviewing small business loan applications:
Credit History. Any lender makes the decision to approve a loan or not based upon the individual’s credit history. Needless to say, those who have a high credit score can expect to get a loan approval more easily than those who have less-than-perfect credit.
In fact, people who have low credit scores are at risk of getting rejected and may have to settle for sub-prime loans. For this reason, a business owner is advised to check his/her personal credit history first before submitting a loan application. Thus, if he/she finds that his/her credit score is low or unimpressive, the necessary steps can be done to boost the rating.
Capability to pay. A bank also considers the business owner’s capability to make repayments. This is why banks require business loan applicants to submit their
financial statements for at least the past two years to make sure that the business can produce sufficient cash flow and keep up with loan repayments at the same time.
Working capital. This is the amount of money you intend to borrow. Is it within a reasonable range? Asking for an amount that is larger than your capacity as a business would will most likely result to a rejection. Thus, consider carefully about exactly how much money you can afford to loan before submitting your application.
Loan Security. Lenders love borrowers who have properties that can be submitted as a security for their loan. Properties could be a home or a lot which can be used as collateral. If you have assets in your account, you can expect that the bank will approve your application.
Your reputation. Aside from your credit score, the lender will also measure you credit worthiness based upon your reputation. This is especially true from small businesses seeking a business loan. Expect that the bank will be conducting a background check on your business’s reputation as well as your personal reputation as an entrepreneur.
Reason for loan. A lender will also consider your purpose in obtaining a loan. What would you do with the money you wish to loan? Are you going to use it as working capital to start up a business or for expansion? Whatever your reason is, your lender would consider if it counts as a sensible reason for getting loan.
Read More How to Obtain Business Loan from a Bank
Resources for Start up business loans and new business loans.
It is a fact that a business isn’t always guaranteed to succeed. In some cases, despite all your best efforts to save the business, you are left with no other choice but to sell. But selling a business doesn’t always mean that it was a failure. Some business owners are faced with the need to sell because they don’t have the time or the energy to run it or sometimes because they just don’t want to continue with it. Whatever your reason is for selling your business, there are different ways on how you can get through with your selling. One way to do so is by seller financing.
What is seller financing?
Simply put, it is where the business seller offers to finance the business so that the buyer will not need to apply for a financing loan of his own. This helps a seller find more prospective buyers, especially those who do not have the requirements needed to secure a loan from a lender.
As part of the deal, the buyer of the business will only pay the agreed upfront payment, and continue with his payments in installments within the time period that is agreed upon between both of them (the buyer and the seller). The seller will take a lien against the business until the buyer completely pays all his balance in time. As the seller, it will give you the benefit of continuously profiting from your sale with a higher interest.
Naturally, the price of the business will be much higher since higher interest rates will be incurred. However, most buyers prefer this way of selling, because it gives them ample time to make repayments and it also gives them more confidence on the profitability and potential the business. Since the business seller is willing to finance it, then surely it still has a strong potential in the market.
Should You Offer Seller Financing?
Given that seller financing has its benefits, it also has its risks. First of all, if the business will not be a success, then you won’t be able to claim the full repayment that you originally planned. Yes, there is a lien on the business but it doesn’t guarantee that it will be enough to give you the complete price you spent on the business. For this reason, some business sellers ask for additional security or collateral from their buyer just in case the business fails.
If you intend to sell your business, seller financing is an option you can consider but remember that this option may not be the best option for all business owners. It does give you an opportunity to get more from your investment, but it is also accompanied by risks. Furthermore, if you’re selling the business because you need the cash, then definitely this isn’t the way to go. Thus, study your situation carefully before deciding to choose this method of selling.
If however, you do choose to go on with seller financing, remember to carefully check on the buyer’s background and reputation. Also, consider asking for an additional collateral to give yourself more security and protection.
Read More Who Will Finance The Purchase of Your Business?
Resources for Equipment Lease for Startup Business, start up business loan and start up business financing
June 18 (Bloomberg) -- The government’s bailouts of General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are unpopular among large numbers of Americans, and that is helping to drag down President Barack Obama’s approval ratings, according to three new polls.
A survey published today by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found that the percentage of respondents approving of the way Obama is handling the economy dropped to 52 percent from 60 percent in April. Fifty-eight percent said they opposed spending billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to keep the automakers afloat, compared with 36 percent in favor.
A New York Times-CBS News poll found 46 percent disapproved
of the government’s handling of the auto industry’s problems,
while 41 percent approved. And in a Wall Street Journal/NBC
survey, 53 percent disapproved of the U.S. providing financial
aid to the automakers. Detroit-based General Motors filed for
bankruptcy protection June 1 and Turin, Italy-based Fiat SpA
bought a stake in Chrysler, which is also partially owned by the
U.S. government.
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Applying for a business loan can be very difficult if you have poor credit. Most lenders prefer clients with good to excellent credit history because they are considered as low risk borrowers. Nevertheless, because there is a big market for bad credit loans, some lenders are willing to extend new credit even to those with poor credit scores.
Secured and unsecured Bad credit Loans
A bad credit loan can be secured or unsecured. Secured bad credit loans are those that require collateral to make up for the applicant’s bad credit. In this case, the property submitted acts as a guarantee for the lender in case the borrower fails to keep up with his payments.
On the other hand, unsecured loans for businesses with bad credit can be acquired without submitting any form of collateral but with higher interest charges. For those who do not have a property to submit or who do not want to put their homes on the line, an unsecured bad credit loan is an option.
Repayment terms range from 1 year to 30 years depending on the amount loaned and the lender. Ideally, a bad credit loan with a fixed rate of interest and a longer term is a better choice especially for those with bad credit. A longer repayment term would mean a lower monthly payment and a fixed interest gives you the security that your payments would remain the same despite changes in the Prime Rate.
Benefits of a Poor Credit Business Loan
What benefits can you get from acquiring a poor credit business loan? First of all, it gives you the opportunity to obtain the funds you need for the development or enhancement of your business. Although these loans come with higher rates, you can still get the cash you need right when you need it.
Another benefit is the chance to improve or repair your damaged credit history. After getting approved on your loan, you can prove your credit worthiness by timely submitting your payments. After about 6 months of consistent payment, you should be able to see a progress in your credit score. More importantly, improving your credit history would also enable you to qualify for loans with lower interest rate and better deals in the future.
Consequences of a Poor Credit Business Loan
Bad credit loans do offer a great opportunity for business owners. However, before deciding to apply for a secured or an unsecured poor credit loan, it’s crucial to be sure that you can keep up with your payments. Defaulting on your poor credit business loan would only hurt your credit history even more. Aside from this, you’ll be jeopardizing the business since it would be very difficult to get approved for another business loan.
Do not sign up for any type of loan without taking the time to read and understand the complete terms and conditions of your lender. See to it that there are no hidden costs that can make repayment more difficult for you. Lastly, borrow only a realistic amount that you need for your business and use the money with care and discretion.
Read More Getting A Business Loan Despite Your Poor Credit
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Vendor Equipment Leasing Programs
The demand for new and/or additional medical equipment continues to rise among heath care facilities. Quick Medical has recognized the need to offer hospitals, medical clinics, and other health care facilities the option of leasing new and/or additional medical equipment versus paying cash or long-term high interest rate financing.
Snoqualmie, WA (PRWEB) May 28, 2009 -- With the continued fluctuations in interest rates, slowing of the economy, and competition for new patients, a number of hospitals, dental and medical clinics are struggling with reduced cash flow and the dilemma of how to purchase new or additional medical equipment to meet the needs and requests of their patients.
"The medical industry continues to remain strong with the constant and increasing need for health care goods and services," said Bobby Beaulieu, IT Director at Quick Medical. "For many health care facilities, profit margins and cash flow are lower and the cost of providing newer or additional medical equipment is higher. At the request of our customers, we made the decision that we would offer a new medical leasing program designed specifically for hospitals, medical clinics and other health care facilities."
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Vendor Equipment Leasing Program
Spencer Richman, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, became president of the largest equipment leasing association in the United States at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers (NAELBä) on May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas.
PRLog (Press Release) – May 11, 2009 – Mr. Richman is the owner of American Financial Network, Inc., a commercial equipment leasing and financing company in Beachwood, Ohio. American Financial Network has been providing equipment leasing and financing to businesses and municipalities nationwide for over twenty years. The company offers leasing and financing for nearly all types of business equipment including computers, manufacturing equipment, software, vehicles, construction, medical, office equipment and more. Leases range in size from as little as $5,000 to as much as a few million dollars. While bank financing is very difficult to obtain these days, American Financial Network continues to provide funds for companies who need to acquire equipment.
The National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers was formed more than twenty years ago to serve the interest of equipment leasing companies who broker or sell their leases in the secondary market. The association has experienced phenomenal growth, increasing from a few hundred member companies just a few years ago to over one thousand leasing companies at the end of 2008. NAELB member companies are in all fifty states and Canada and range from small one to two person operations to large national bank owned leasing companies.
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There are several methods of business financing that are available to businesses today. One of them is applying for a small business line of credit. What is a business line of credit and how does it work? Should you use a line credit to fund your business? If so, what important points should you consider before submitting your loan application?
Line of Credit for Businesses
Lines of credit are loans that are used particularly for business expenses. Business owners with home properties and who want to apply for a business line of credit submit their homes as collateral. This type of loan is usually not given as a lump sum payment or a one-time payment but instead, is taken in installments. This means, any time throughout your loan’s term, you can take out cash advances from your lender. Take note that the amount of loan you can borrow will depend on the value of the collateral you submitted.
What benefits can you get from a business line of credit? As your business grows, expenditures will also increase and a bigger budget would be necessary. Therefore, having a stable source of financing is crucial to the growth of your business. A line of credit gives you the assurance that you can take out the cash you need at any time.
What are the requirements for a business line of credit? Generally, lending companies require that a business must have already been established and must be in operations for at least two years. A good or excellent business credit history can also qualify an entrepreneur to lower interest rates and the best deals.
Important Points to Consider About Business Line of Credit
Before applying for a line of credit, a business owner must carefully examine his plans and financial situation. Are you really ready to take on a loan or a new credit? To what specific purposes or expenses will the money be used? Exactly how much money does the business need at the moment? More importantly, have you created a repayment plan to ensure that you can keep up with your loan payments?
Unfortunately, some businesses did not utilize their funds efficiently and instead of achieving growth, overspending or mismanagement has led to failure. Hence, after getting approved for a loan, you should also be prepared to take on your payment responsibilities. Remember that a line of credit is guaranteed using your home and missing payments puts you at risk of losing the property you’ve submitted to your lender.
Ultimately, this business financing method is indeed a viable choice for small businesses and home based business owners. However, business owners must be realistic about their plans and goals for their business and take things one step at a time. Even with a business line of credit, it is still a must to pay close attention to where and how you spend your finances. Make sure that every cent of your loan is spent for the enhancement and growth of your business.
Read More Why Consider Obtaining a Small Business Line of Credit
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NEW YORK: Higher than expected US unemployment claims and mixed news on
global banks yesterday suggested the global recession was far from over
despite a survey that found euro zone businesses cautiously optimistic
about next year. In the US, initial claims for state unemployment insurance benefits
increased to a seasonally adjusted 640,000 in the week ended on April
18 from a revised 613,000 the prior week, the Labour Department said.
Analysts had forecast 635,000 new claims. The number of people who remained on unemployment benefits posted a new record high. Another dose of negative news came as the pace of sales of existing
homes in the US fell three per cent last month to a much
lower-than-expected annual rate of 4.57 million units, the National
Association of Realtors said. Economists had forecast home resales to slip to a 4.70m unit pace
from a revised 4.71m for February, which was initially reported as
4.72m. Resources for
If you’ve just ventured into the world of business, equipment leasing may be a new thing for you. The fact is, this type of business financing has long been used by many successful businesses in the industry. Both big companies and small enterprises turn to equipment leasing to bring their business ideas to life at a minimal cost.
A wide variety of equipment, machinery, vehicles and special building tools are available for leasing. In this article, let’s discuss the benefits of leasing business equipment as compared to purchasing.
Why Lease Business Equipment
100% business financing. No down payment is required for you to be able to lease equipment or vehicles. Imagine not paying the down payment and using the money instead on other needs of your business.
Free your working capital. Leasing frees up your funds while purchasing ties up your budget on the purchased equipment. There is no need to shell out a huge amount of investment to buy machines or vehicles needed to start the business operations. This is why, equipment leasing gives new entrepreneurs the chance to start right away even with a limited budget.
For growing businesses, leasing enables you to push through expansion projects even if the working capital is still stuck as unpaid invoices. There is no need to wait for your accounts receivables to get paid to obtain additional equipment or vehicles.
Eliminate obsolescence. Machines, equipment and vehicles can get obsolete or phased out from the market at any time. Leasing gives business owners the opportunity to replace their old equipment with new ones at any time during their lease term without worrying about the cost. Obviously, if you purchased your equipment or vehicles, you can’t enjoy the freedom to replace them for better ones unless you have an excess budget.
Get access to state-of-the-art technology. Even newly start-up businesses can compete with established companies by using the best equipment in the market. Since the devices are “leased” or “rented” in installments, business owners can opt to obtain the latest in technology even with a small budget.
Enjoy tax benefits. Business equipment leasing gives business owners the chance to enjoy tax privileges. Many business equipment leasing companies offer programs designed to assist business owners especially with regards to their leasing tax privileges.
Lower monthly costs mean more profit. Most small business owners prefer the monthly mode of payment when leasing business equipment. This way, the leasing costs are considered as operating costs instead of a one-time investment. Monthly expenses can be balanced and funds can be distributed accordingly so the business can enjoy more profit.
Fast and easy process. Business equipment leasing doesn’t involve complicated processing. As long as you can fulfill the requirements of your chosen leasing company, you can get approved within the same day of submitting your lease application and complete processing your orders in a maximum of 4 weeks. If you still prefer to get a loan, leasing can help you get started immediately while you’re waiting for your bank loan to get approved or while waiting for your funds to be released.
Read More Reasons to Lease Business Equipment
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McLEAN, Va. In the first of the major newspaper earnings reports for the 1Q, Gannett Co., Inc. reported today that 2009 first quarter earnings per diluted share were $0.34 compared with $0.84 per share in the first quarter of 2008.
In the publishing sector, ad revenues were off just over 28%, and 33.5% at flagship USA Today. Overall revenue decline for newspapers was 26.9% vs. 2008.
Circulation revenue climbed 1% based on single copy price increases.
“Although business conditions remain very challenging, we continue to transform all facets of the company as we position it for a more favorable economic environment and the opportunities we see in the changing media landscape,” Craig Dubow, the CEO and chairman, said in a statement.
“While revenue in the quarter benefited from growth in our digital segment and significantly higher retransmission fees for our television stations, our results reflect the pressure on advertising demand across all of our business segments due to continuing recessions in the U.S. and the UK. Our results, however, highlight the positive impact of the company’s efforts to operate its businesses as cost efficiently as possible in light of the revenue realities we are facing in this extraordinary time."
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