119 posts tagged “start up financing”
We often hear that in order to succeed in a business, planning and preparation are needed. Many people have rushed-in into opening up a business only to find that they weren’t prepared for the challenges. Sadly, most of them who opened a business unprepared were forced to close shortly.
If you have plans on venturing into your business, don’t overlook the necessity of planning and preparation. Let’s discuss the main things you should consider in advance when starting up a business.
Commitment, Discipline and Determination
Starting up your own business will demand lots of your time and energy particularly on the early stage of the business. If you were used to working eight hours, going home, and leaving all your tasks in the office as an employee, things will be a lot different running your own business.
You would be facing loads of tasks in your hands, and lots of responsibilities and decision-making on your shoulders. Yes, you can work in your phase and at your own time, but if you don’t have a work schedule to follow, or if you’re not following the schedules you’ve set, your business will be in trouble. Thus, self-discipline, commitment, and determination are qualities that you must have and you must nurture if you want to succeed in a business.
Knowledge About the Business
Being knowledgeable in running a business and in the specific type of business you wish to start on is very important. Most people who overlooked this factor have failed with their business. For instance, you need to have at least a basic knowledge in accounting to be able to manage more effectively. You need to know the basics about working with a computer to handle your tasks more quickly and easily. If you wish to start an online business, then you should know at least the basics about how internet marketing is done.
If you think you lack the skills and knowledge on these things, it’s about time to start learning about it before you even start the business.
Understanding and learning about business management is essential to be able to make the right decisions for the business. Furthermore, managing a business involves different areas such as marketing, production, accounting, human resources, finance, and others. Even if you will be hiring employees to perform these tasks, you still need to have at least the basic understanding about these functions in order to manage your people and the business effectively.
Start up Financing
Do you have sufficient funds to start up the business? This is a question you have to seriously consider. If you have your own resources to fund the business, it is still possible to get help from other sources. Nevertheless, you have to be very careful and certain when trying to obtain funds for your business.
Possible options to obtain start-up financing would be to borrow from friends or relatives, get a loan from banks or lending institutions, seeking angel investors, applying for a business equipment leasing or seek a government grant. Whatever you decide, see to it that you’ve made extensive research about each financial source before choosing the one you feel is best. Make sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate and trusted company and lastly, see to it that a lawyer has checked that all agreements written in the contract are legal and true before it is signed by all parties involved.
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Read more Business Start Up and What You Need
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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?
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If you plan on getting a start up financing or an equipment lease financing, you should know some of the essentials in getting an approval quickly and easily. Here are the new rules of small business financing that every aspiring business entrepreneur should consider:
The importance of your credit history.
As before, this rule still exists even today. Lenders still base their approval upon an individual’s personal credit history especially for those who are just starting up a business. So before even submitting a business loan application, don’t forget to check on your credit report first. You can order a copy of your credit history from any of the 3 major Credit Bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) for $12.95 or for free.
Once you’ve received your copy, check for any errors or incorrect details and inform the credit bureau who issued your report about this. If you have any derogatory record that has happened beyond seven years, see to it that this is not included in your current credit report. If you have a good credit status, you can be assured that lending companies and leasing companies will be willing to grant you an approval when they make on your credit report.
The New Automated Credit Scoring System
Today, lenders use the new automated credit scoring system for granting loan approvals for businesses. With this new system, a person’s credit worthiness will be based upon the new scoring system. The automated credit score is applied for businesses who wish to loan an amount less than $100,000. This new system makes way for speedier and easier processing of loan applications.
Business owners who are in need of immediate funding to start their business can take advantage of this opportunity by seeking a lender that uses this system. In addition, lenders who make use of automated credit scoring do not require a business plan to be submitted. Thus, there’s no need to hire a business plan creator or do the business plan on your own which can be both costly and time-consuming.
How to Avail of the New System
How can you benefit from these new rules of small business financing? If you want to apply with a lender that uses automated scoring system, better seek a larger bank than small financing firm.
To ensure speedy approval and processing of your loan, make sure you’ve checked your credit report for any errors or inaccuracy. On filling up the application, take the time to understand the questions and make sure that all the information you’ll give are true and accurate. Double-check the application before submitting it.
Another important thing to remember is to give accurate description of what you’re business does, in what industry you belong, and what type of business you’re running. An inaccurate description can cause the lending company or the bank to give your business an incorrect code. Lastly, in case you’ve been refused by a lender, request for an explanation and ask that a representative personally review your application.
Read more What are the New Rules of Small Business Financing?
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When starting up a business, purchasing the needed devices or equipment may cost you a fortune. If you only have a limited start up capital, these expenses alone can eat up your budget. The good news is, businesses now have the option to start the business without the need to buy brand new equipment. How? Though business equipment leasing. In this article, let’s discuss the benefits of leasing business equipment:
Equipment leasing frees up your cash. You don’t have to use up all your cash just to buy new computer, machines or other devices necessary for your business. You can save your cash for more important expenses instead. Add to this, equipment leasing do not require expensive down payments and you can submit your payments in installments so that it’s easier on the budget.
Equipment leasing enables you to start the business now. Again, you don’t have to wait to save up a big amount of money just to start your own business. In fact, many successful small business owners were able to overcome tight budget limitations and execute their business ideas through leasing equipment.
Equipment leasing provides 100% financing. When you lease business equipment, everything you need to start using your equipment is taken care of by your leasing company. From freight services to installation as well as providing training and support – all these services should be included with your lease package.
Leasing lets you use state-of-the art equipment at a much lesser price. Even if you have a limited capital, you have the option to choose the latest and most advanced equipment for your business. If you’re going to buy a new device, you may be forced to settle for an older version just because it’s cheaper and more affordable.
Equipment leasing saves you from obsolescence. Purchasing a brand new computer today requires an expensive budget. Yet your brand new computer can obsolete and lose its value after only a few years. Through leasing, you can replace the equipment you leased for a better one at any time you want.
Equipment leasing is eligible for tax write-offs. An equipment lease can be considered as a business operating expense and is therefore eligible for tax write-offs of exemptions. Imagine how much you can save from your equipment’s tax value.
It is easy and convenient to obtain. Compared to applying for a business loan, leasing equipment is a lot more convenient, easier and faster. You can search for the best equipment leasing company online, send in your application online and get approved online as well. The process is not complicated and you can get approved within the same day.
Equipment leasing comes with more flexible payment terms. Leasing isn’t just limited to one type of payment term. You may choose to pay for your equipment lease on a monthly or annual basis, whichever is more suited for your business. Equipment leasing companies usually provide a number of payment options and payment schedules to accommodate their client’s needs. Choose a repayment term that is most convenient and appropriate to your financial situation.
Read more Equipment Leasing - a Best Option for Your Business?
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Here are some tips on how you can get approved for a construction equipment leasing more quickly:
Check your credit standing.
Poor credit status can get in the way of getting your construction equipment lease. Even before you apply for an equipment lease, see to it that you don’t have any problems on your credit history, especially on your business accounts. See to it that you have made all your payments too all your creditors. In addition, keep all your invoices or receipts of your payments for future references. A great credit history will surely speed up the approval of your lease.
Prepare necessary documentations.
Prepare the necessary documentations to avoid delaying your approval. You can prepare a document that contains complete information about your business, such as a brief history, the nature of the business, the industry where your company belongs, its current standing in market, your projections for the business, and other important details. Also, prepare in advance a list of all the equipment you wish to include in your construction equipment lease as well as the leasing terms that you expect as a lessee.
Include your business’s copy of tax returns and financial statements.
If you’re applying for construction equipment financing that amounts to more than $75,000, make sure you have already prepared financial statements. Leasing companies would appreciate it if a business can present its financial standing for at least the past three years of operations.
Include References
It is recommended to provide at least three references with your leasing application to support your credibility as a business. Possible references can be your past or present lender, vendors, or other creditors you’ve done business with. Just make sure that you have a good history with these creditors and that you did not have any conflicts with them.
Include professional partnerships.
If you business is sponsored by a venture capitalist or other independent investors, include them in your report as well. If your business enjoys the sponsorship of reputable investors, naturally it adds to your credibility as well. Leasing companies love to provide service for promising businesses in the industry.
Consider several leasing companies.
Get quotes from at least three different leasing companies so you can compare rates and terms. Since leasing companies have their own specializations, it would be better to consider leasing companies that especially caters to your line of business. Remember not just to compare prices, but the terms and conditions of the lese as well.
Arrange for ACH debiting payment system.
This payment system is a coordination between you, your leasing firm, and your bank. This way, your bank can automatically send your lease payments on specific dates straight to your leasing firm. This arrangement is ideal for leases with monthly installments since it prevents delays or skips on your payments.
Read more How to Get Approved For A Construction Equipment Leasing
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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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