20 posts tagged “startup financing”
A business, regardless of how big or small it is, faces lots of challenges along the way. Oftentimes, it is about the financial aspect of the business. Having access to a steady financial source is very difficult to achieve. Although you think you have done enough to save on expenses, still, there will be times that you’ll experience financial difficulties.
That is why it is important that you know what to do during tough times. Have you heard of accounts receivables factoring? Would you like to know what factoring is and how it can help you? What can you do to make your working capital grow?
Accounts Receivables Factoring – Why Be Interested?
Accounts Receivables Factoring is a business financing method where a business owner sells his/her accounts receivables or invoices to a third party lender (also called a factor). The business owner will be given the instant cash by the lender or the factoring company. In return, the lender gets to take over the collection of the business owner’s accounts receivables.
To explain further, let us say you have an invoice worth $1,000. When you sell this invoice to a factoring company, you will be given 80% cash from the total value of the invoice you sold.
The factoring company will then send your customer a notice that his/her debt is now payable to your factoring lender. In the event that your customer has completed his/her payments, then the other 20% will be given to you.
Account receivables factoring is a recognized business financing strategy. Most businesses have used this method of factoring. Some entrepreneurs that failed to reach or submit the requirements of traditional loans or bank loans found accounts receivables factoring as another ideal solution.
Will Your Customers Agree?
Most consumers are already familiar with
how a factoring works since it has been used by most businesses, big or
small. But if your customers are not aware of this kind of business financing
strategy, your factoring company or lender will send them a detailed letter of
explanation on how receivables factoring is done. The letter will also assure
the client that the whole process is very safe and legal.
Can factoring really raise your working capital?
Because the cash is given to you by your factoring company, you can already use it to purchase new machine or equipments, hire new staffs, launch and advertise new products or projects, etc. If unexpectected expenses arise, you can be sure that you won’t have problems dealing with it since you can have the funds available on time.
The approval of your application can only take a few minutes and you can get the money within 24 hours. That is how fast, quick and easy the approval and processing is when applying for account receivables factoring.
Secured loans require a property or an asset as collateral whereas in account receivables factoring, you only need to submit your invoices. Always keep in mind that if you have good to excellent credit, you can negotiate for a lower interest rates and best deals from your factoring lenders.
Read more Tips on Making Your Working Capital Grow
Resources for working capital, startup business loan, start up business financing
The lack of financial funding or start up capital is what prevents many aspiring entrepreneurs from executing their brilliant business ideas. Are you one those aspiring business owners who are hindered by finances? Would you like to learn more about the different business financing options that are available for you? Read on and find out.
The Importance of Sufficient Capital
True enough, one must not quickly jump in to a business without considering the consequences. Having sufficient funding or a reliable financial resource is crucial especially on the initial stages of the business. As your business tries to establish footing in the market, you will be confronted with different costs and expenses. Thus, without financial aid, you may find yourself soon stuck in debt or forced to give up the business you’ve started.
Business Financing Sources – Equity and Debt Financing
What are business financing sources? There are two basic types of business financing sources- the first one is equity financing and the second is debt financing. Examples of equity financing include angel investors and venture capitalists that are willing to provide funding assistance for new and established businesses.
Angel investors invest their money to smaller businesses with great potential and they become shareholders of the company’s profits. Similarly, venture capitalists invest money to help new entrepreneurs with promising business ideas. The difference with venture capitalists is that they can provide much higher investments and they are willing to take bigger risks.
Debt financing, as its name implies is a debt or loan borrowed by the owner of the business. Bank loans are the perfect example of this type of financing. When you obtain a bank business loan, you are expected to pay back the money you borrowed according to the bank’s terms. The repayment period may last from one year or more depending on the amount of money you borrowed.
Alternative Financing Options
Small business credit cards can also be considered as debt financing tools. With a business credit card, you can make purchases in advance even without cash. Business credit cards work pretty much the same as personal credit cards in a way that you can pay off your balances in installments. Nevertheless, business credit cards usually offer a higher credit limit.
Each time you carry over your balance for one month to the next, you automatically incur the additional interest on your debts. Thus, business owners must learn how to use their business credit cards wisely. To avoid getting stuck in debt, submitting credit card payments on time and staying within the given credit limit are two important actions that must never be neglected.
These are the business financing options that you can get if you plan on venturing into business. In most cases, debt financing is chosen because they are easier to obtain. Nevertheless, finding angel investors or venture capitalists is worth the try. Even if it may take a while to find potential investors and complete the process, equity financing frees you from the responsibility of making repayments.
Read more On Obtaining Small Business Financing
Resources for small business financing, startup business loans, Small business credit cards
The lack of financial funding or start up capital is what prevents many aspiring entrepreneurs from executing their brilliant business ideas. Are you one those aspiring business owners who are hindered by finances? Would you like to learn more about the different business financing options that are available for you? Read on and find out.
The Importance of Sufficient Capital
True enough, one must not quickly jump in to a business without considering the consequences. Having sufficient funding or a reliable financial resource is crucial especially on the initial stages of the business. As your business tries to establish footing in the market, you will be confronted with different costs and expenses. Thus, without financial aid, you may find yourself soon stuck in debt or forced to give up the business you’ve started.
Business Financing Sources – Equity and Debt Financing
What are business financing sources? There are two basic types of business financing sources- the first one is equity financing and the second is debt financing. Examples of equity financing include angel investors and venture capitalists that are willing to provide funding assistance for new and established businesses.
Angel investors invest their money to smaller businesses with great potential and they become shareholders of the company’s profits. Similarly, venture capitalists invest money to help new entrepreneurs with promising business ideas. The difference with venture capitalists is that they can provide much higher investments and they are willing to take bigger risks.
Debt financing, as its name implies is a debt or loan borrowed by the owner of the business. Bank loans are the perfect example of this type of financing. When you obtain a bank business loan, you are expected to pay back the money you borrowed according to the bank’s terms. The repayment period may last from one year or more depending on the amount of money you borrowed.
Alternative Financing Options
Small business credit cards can also be considered as debt financing tools. With a business credit card, you can make purchases in advance even without cash. Business credit cards work pretty much the same as personal credit cards in a way that you can pay off your balances in installments. Nevertheless, business credit cards usually offer a higher credit limit.
Each time you carry over your balance for one month to the next, you automatically incur the additional interest on your debts. Thus, business owners must learn how to use their business credit cards wisely. To avoid getting stuck in debt, submitting credit card payments on time and staying within the given credit limit are two important actions that must never be neglected.
These are the business financing options that you can get if you plan on venturing into business. In most cases, debt financing is chosen because they are easier to obtain. Nevertheless, finding angel investors or venture capitalists is worth the try. Even if it may take a while to find potential investors and complete the process, equity financing frees you from the responsibility of making repayments.
Read more On Obtaining Small Business Financing
Resources for small business financing, startup business loans, Small business credit cards
If you’re an entrepreneur and you plan on getting funding assistance for your business, one option you may consider is a term loan. In this article, we’ll discuss the basic points about term loans for small businesses.
Business startup financing
What is a term loan? Term loans have a fixed length of repayment period, lasting from a year to 20 years or more, depending on the type of loan you obtained. The amortization or the amount of repayment that the borrower would need to submit includes both the principal and interest of the loan.
Short Term Business Loans
Short term loans mature within a year or less and are ideal for growing businesses that need additional funding in the middle of operations. There are a number of short term business loans offered by lenders. Examples are working capital loans, accounts receivable loans, equity, lines of credit, etc. For instance, if a business needs funds to launch new marketing campaigns, buy more stocks, or hire additional workers, short term business loans provide an easy solution.
Long Term Business Loans
What about long term business loans? Obviously, this type of term loan takes a longer time to mature and complete. Long term business loans can have a 10-year, 20-year, to 30-year repayment period depending on the amount of money borrowed. Long term loans can start from $25,000 to as much as $50,000 or more.
If you are in need of large money to start your business, obtaining a long term loan is the more practical choice. Usually, term loans require collateral as a guarantee for the loan. Nevertheless, because long term business loans involve big cash, lenders are more strict and cautious when giving their approval.
Applicants for long term loans should be prepared to submit all the necessary documentations that the lender requires. Aside from the collateral, a professional business plan, along with business licensing certificates and accounts spreadsheets are often required to be submitted.
Your Business Credit History
Whether you’re applying for a short term or long term business loan, the status of your credit plays an important role in getting approved for the loan. Thus, it is advised to check on your business credit report before submitting your loan application. Although, there are lenders who grant loans despite bad credit, these loans usually have higher interest rates and fees. On the opposite, an excellent business credit gives you the advantage of getting lower interest rates and faster approval from lenders.
But what if you haven’t yet established your business credit history? In this case, your personal credit history would be used by your lender. Obtain a copy of your credit report to check on your credit score. Of course, a higher credit score makes you a more qualified candidate for a business loan while a low credit score puts you at a bad light. If you have a very low credit rating, it is best to work on your credit first before trying to apply for a business loan.
Read more Term Loans for Small Businesses
Resources for Small Business Loans, Start up Business Financing and Startup Business Loans
Managing a business is certainly not easy, particularly during times when the economy is in a slump. Some small businesses have been forced to shut down operations due to the lack of funds. Aside from day to day expenses, the company may have other obligations to creditors such as loans, leases, etc. Sometimes, mismanagement can be a cause of turmoil for a company. But instead of giving up the business, do you still have other options?
In this article, let’s talk about a business financing option known as CVA or Company Voluntary Arrangement. What is it and how can it help business owners solve their financial problem?
The Basics of CVA
A Company Voluntary Arrangement is an agreement between administrators of a company and creditors. Under the CVA, creditors agree to get paid at a later time, giving the business a chance to recover. Payments to creditors will be taken from the future profits that the business will gain. In the meantime, the business can use its existing funds for more important costs to save the company from closing down.
In order for a CVA arrangement to be successful, an entrepreneur must be sure that he/she can still keep the business profitable when financial help has become available. Otherwise, repayment can become a problem. If you see that all you need is additional funding to keep the business from going bust, then get in touch with a professional CVA personnel.
When applying for a CVA arrangement, a team of business professionals will evaluate the status of your business, paying special attention to its finances. Once approved, the application process can be started.
First, a proposal must be submitted to the State Court to prevent any creditor or lessor from taking action against the company or its property for up to 28 days. Afterwards, the proposal be sent to the appropriate creditors. You need to get at least 75% affirmative votes from the group of creditors.
Once the Company Voluntary Arrangement votes have been casted, the business’s liability to its creditors is temporarily cleared. Next, the repayment terms will be set. As The business or company who applied for CVA is expected to pay the creditors at a designated date within the agreed time period.
Company Voluntary Arrangement and Your Business
Banks, creditors and the government is inclined to give financial support for businesses that need to be rescued from the risk of failure. If you want to avoid insolvency or liquidation, it is an option that can save you time and money. It is also a confidential arrangement so there is no need to worry about damaging the reputation of your business or getting negative publicity.
Bear in mind that in order to work, the administrators or directors of the company must be willing to work hard for the recovery of the business. The management of the business has to be evaluated to know if a restructuring or changes in strategy must be done. To fully understand the terms of a Company Voluntary Arrangement, it is best to seek assistance from an attorney specializing in business.
Read more Company Voluntary Arrangement - The Answer To Business Financing?
Resources for New Business Financing and Start up Business Financing
When starting with a new endeavor, ample planning and preparation are two crucial steps that must never be neglected. The same principle applies in business. If you have a plan of venturing into business, you should make sure that you are ready- physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.
In this article, let’s focus on the financial aspect of the business. Are you financially prepared to take on the financial responsibilities of a business owner? Do you have sufficient budget or start up capital? Do you need additional funding assistance? If so, where can you get the financial help that you need to start your business?
Acquiring Business Start Up Financing
Banks and financial institutions provide a number of financial aids that are especially created for new businesses. Business credit cards can be used to purchase equipment and machinery in advance without the need to pay for cash. However, business credit cards usually comes with high rates of interest so you run the risk of getting stuck in debt if you fail to keep up with your monthly credit card payments.
Business loans or new business loans are an ideal resource for your business start up needs such as buying office equipment, machinery, office space, etc. Depending on your credit status, you can choose to get a secured business loan or an unsecured business loan.
Secured new business loans are obtained by submitting a collateral. If you have a property that you can use as security, you can apply for a secured business loan and get approved right away. Even if you don’t have an excellent credit, you can still qualify for a secured new business loan. Furthermore, an unsecured loan generally offers lower interest rates than an unsecured loan because it comes with a collateral.
Aside from the collateral, your lending company would also require you to submit your business plan to determine your business’s potential and financial capability. If you’ve already established the business, you would also need to submit other documents such as your financial statements and tax returns.
Acquiring a new business loan is fairly easy but you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be borrowing money from a legitimate and reputable lending company. Take the time to research about the lending company’s background and reputation. More importantly, carefully examine the terms and conditions of your loan before signing up your contract.
Remember that a secured business loan is supported by the property you’ve submitted. Failing to keep up with your loan payments or defaulting on your loan will cause you to lose your property to your lender. Avoid the risk of repossession by submitting your payments on time all through out your loan’s term. In case you encounter problems and you wouldn’t be able to submit your payment on time, get in touch with your lender right away. Explain your current situation and ask for your payment due date to be extended. By giving an advance notice, most lenders would be willing to give you a 30-day extension to submit your payment for the month without reporting it as a late payment.
Read more Get Into Business With a New Business Loan
Resources for New Business Loan, startup business loan and small business loan
Time and again, we all experience the need for financial assistance either from a relative, a friend or a lender. You may need the money to send your kids to college, renovate your home, or to help you start a business. Regardless of what your purpose is, there is a loan that suits your exact needs.
In this article, we’ll be discussing about a particular type of loan that is especially suited for business owners and new entrepreneurs- the finance loan. What is loan financing and how does it work? Why should you be interested to know about it? If you’re planning on starting your own business, how can a finance loan help you?
Secured Finance Small Business Loans
Finance loans are actually secured loans that are ideal for small businesses. Why? With this type of loan, the collateral used is actually the item that you’ve purchased using the same loan. For example, if you’ve bought a new equipment with your loan, this equipment will be used as a guarantee for your loan at the same time. This means, you failed to keep up with your payments, your lender has the right to take the equipment, resell it and use the money as payment for your debts. This way, your lender is protected against defaults of payment. After you’ve completed your payments throughout your loan’s term, then you’ll get the full ownership of the equipment.
Do you need to submit other collateral aside from the item you’ve purchased? The answer is no. The item you’ve purchased with the loan itself is used as the guarantee for your debts. This means, you don’t have to put your home property on the line or use your own existing property just to get a finance loan.
Comparing Loan Rates and Fees
Generally, small business finance loans are used to cover for large or expensive purchases such as special business equipment, machineries, or vehicles. Take note that within your loan’s term, you would also pay the interest of the amount you’ve borrowed. Thus, it is wise to compare different finance loan companies first before submitting your application. Make sure that you clearly understand the rates, costs and terms of the lender.
Another important advice is not to focus on the interest rates alone, when comparing possible lenders. Some lending companies may offer attractively low rates, but what about the rest of fees and charges? Would you have to pay for unreasonable processing fees and miscellaneous costs on your loan? To compare lenders efficiently, you need to weigh all the factors that are involved in your loan.
After doing your research, you may be ready to apply for a finance loan. Application is typically done online so it’s really convenient. You can often expect a response from the lending company within the same day of submitting your application. It is wise therefore to take your time in studying what each finance loan lender has to offer. Also, make sure that a finance loan is really the best option for your current financial need.
Read more Applying for The Right Small Business Loan
Resources for startup business loans and start up business financing
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?
Resources for start up financing, startup business loan and equipment lease startup business
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?
Resources for Business Equipment Lease and Startup Financing
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
Resources for Business Equipment Lease and Startup Financing
