Business Loans - how to get them?

Finding a loan for your small business can be simple if you do your due diligence. Your chances of approval can be enhanced by understanding your business and finding the best loan option tailored towards it.

You can quickly and easily obtain a loan for your business in six easy steps.

1. Determine the type of loan you need to finance your business venture.

Your goals will determine the type of loan that best meets your needs. In general:

Traditional term loans can be used to fund large purchases and business expansions. These lump sums of money can be repaid over time with interest, with SBA loans granting up to $5 million in borrowing capacity. Many lenders provide customized products tailored towards growing businesses such as vehicle purchases or equipment loans.

Funding is necessary for daily expenses. Flexible business credit lines offer you access to capital whenever you need it most.

Are you searching for financing your startup business venture? Entrepreneurs may face difficulty securing traditional loans. If your business is too young to qualify for a loan or line credit, personal loans and business credit cards could provide an alternative source of funding.

2. Determine if your business is eligible for a loan.

If your company needs a loan, there are plenty of options - banks, microlenders and online lenders. Asking yourself these questions will help determine the most suitable lender for your particular requirements.

How high is your credit score?

Equifax, TransUnion and Experian are the three major credit bureaus that offer free reports. Many credit card companies and websites that deal with personal finance can also provide your credit score at no cost.

Banks typically lend low rate business loans to borrowers with good credit scores of 690 or above.

If your credit score falls below the threshold, nonbank lenders may be an alternative. Online business loans are easier to secure and may even be suitable for those with bad credit; consider microloans or small-business loans for assistance.

How long have you been in business?

Online small-business loans are generally only available to those who have been in operation for at least one year, while bank loans usually require you to have been in operation for two or more years.

Are You Making Enough Money?
Many lenders require an annual income of at least $50,000 in order to be eligible for credit lines and business loans.

If your income is insufficient to qualify for these loans, SBA microloans and business credit cards could be viable options.

3. Calculate Your Budget
Take into account your company's financials, including cash flow. Then, determine how much you can afford each month in loan repayments.

Suzanne Darden, a finance specialist from Alabama Small Business Development Center, recommends that your income should equal at least 1.25 times your expenses - including any new amounts you plan to repay.

Let's assume your company makes $10,000 each month, which equates to 1.25 times $8,000 worth of expenses. With $7,000 in rent or payroll and other costs included, a $1,000 monthly loan payment could be possible.

Online lenders may require monthly or weekly repayments. To meet the due date, you will need enough funds in your bank account.

4. Deciding if you would like to collateralize the loan

Business loans come in two varieties: secured and unsecured. Secured loans require collateral from your business, such as equipment or real property; these assets could be taken if you fail to repay the loan. While collateral may increase risk, it can help you obtain a lower interest rate and larger loan amount.

Lenders may request personal guarantees even for unsecured loans. Personal guarantees are necessary if your company fails to make payments on the loan. In certain instances, lenders may require a personal guarantee as collateral.

5. Evaluate Small-Business Lenders
Compare lenders for small businesses.

It's essential to secure the best terms for your business loan. Your company may need to take into account factors like funding speed; in certain instances, more rapid funding may be more advantageous than in others.

How to obtain a loan from an online lender for your business:

Do not neglect time as a valuable commodity in business. With time, you can build valuable assets.

Funding is urgently required.

Online lenders provide small business loans and credit lines up to $500,000. The annual percentage rate for these loans ranges from 6% to 99 percent depending on the lender, loan type, collateral, and repayment terms.

These lenders may not offer as low an APR as banks, but they do provide faster approval rates and funding times. In some cases, the loan can even be approved within one day!

How to obtain a loan from the bank for your business:

Minimum two years' experience in the business.

You don't need cash to make a quick decision.

Traditional bank options, such as commercial real estate loans and lines of credit, remain viable choices for property acquisition or refinancing.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides general loans to small businesses through their banks, including microloans, disaster loans and 7(a) loan programs. Furthermore, SBA provides the 504 Loan Program which lets businesses finance the purchase or renovation of land or buildings with fixed-rate, long term financing.

It can be challenging to secure a small-business loan if you haven't been in the industry for two years or haven't generated consistent income. Many entrepreneurs with no collateral and poor credit histories end up with low credit scores.

Banks offer lower APRs than online lenders, though getting funded may take more time.

How to secure a microlenders loan for your business:

No credit history or poor credit history

Are you a startup? Traditional loans may not be available to you.

Microlenders are non-profit organizations that offer short-term loans of less than $50,000. Unfortunately, the application process can take a considerable amount of time.

Micro loans are relatively small in amount, making them "micro" by definition. These loans may be beneficial to small businesses and startups who lack collateral or poor credit histories that would qualify for traditional bank loans.

Kiva and Accion Opportunity Fund are two such nonprofit microlenders. Accompany Capital is another non-profit alternative.

6. Secure a loan to finance your business venture.

Congratulations! Now it's time to apply for small business loans.

Compare the terms and APRs of at least three loan options. This is the best way for businesses to calculate the total cost of a loan since it includes all fees.

>> Find Small Business Lenders
Find small business lenders today by exploring your options.

Loans that you may qualify for depend on your income stability. In order to apply for a business loan, gather all relevant documentation. These materials could include:

Name and address of your company.

Your business tax ID number.

Your business plan.
Your proposal for a loan to a business.

Financial statements provide insight into the operating position of businesses.

Information regarding Your Company's Owners
Do you know who owns your business? If so, who are they?

Credit bureaus do not differentiate between business and personal inquiries. Therefore, if you apply for small-business loans using personal credit history, your score could be negatively affected. It is therefore essential to select the most advantageous option when seeking financing.