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How to Get a Business Loan in 8 Steps

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Man standing in front of chalkboard with drawings of money bags and question marksMany businesses and entrepreneurs borrow money at some point to cover various costs. While going into debt has a bad reputation in some circles, business loans are time-tested tools for achieving business success. If the borrower can generate a greater return on the money than the lender is charging to lend it then a loan can be an appropriate financial move. Here’s what you need to know about getting a business loan.

Consider working with a financial advisor as you apply for a business loan.

Before Applying for a Business Loan

The business lending landscape is large and complex, with many players and unfamiliar jargon. For a first-time business borrower the process can seem confusing and intimidating and a great deal of work. There are key steps to take before you actually apply for a loan. There also are several things to be mindful of when you apply and then accept a loan offer. Here is a description of how to go through the entire process. Following these can help you be successful and – if you don’t genuinely need to borrow – keep you from going into debt in the first place.

Have a purpose

Before applying, be able to explain why the money is needed and how, specifically, it will be used to improve profits and provide enough cash flow to repay the loan. Common uses for proceeds of business loans include:

  • Working capital
  • Purchasing inventory
  • Buying equipment
  • Acquiring real estate
  • Financing expansion into new markets
  • Acquiring another company

Knowing the purpose of the borrowed money will help suggest where to apply. For instance, banks and credit unions frequently make working capital loans. Part of this process is coming up with a specific dollar amount for the loan request. Ideally, the business plan will then detail how every one of those dollars will support business purposes that improve the firm’s financial strength and profitability.

Evaluate yourself

Before applying for a loan, borrowers should take a look at themselves to see how attractive they are likely to be to a lender. This involves looking at the company’s business credit score and also the owner’s personal credit score. Small business lenders often consider the owner’s credit history as carefully as the business’s credit history.

Also evaluate your ability to offer collateral. A borrower with real estate, inventory, equipment, accounts receivable or personal property such as a car or jewelry is more likely to get a loan than one without collateral. Finally, assess the business’s future ability to repay the loan. Be ready to show how you’ll generate sufficient cash to cover interest and principal. It’s hard to overstate how important this factor is to a lender.

Choose a loan type

Business owner gauges his need for a loanThere are many different types. Installment loans are for fixed amounts and have regular monthly payments of equal amounts for a predetermined length of time. Revolving loans are not for fixed amounts and payment amounts may vary depending on loan balance and interest rates. Loans may also be either secured or unsecured. A first-time business borrower will usually be asked for collateral as security in case the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Unsecured loans don’t involve collateral, but may carry higher interest and fees.

Other types of business loans include:

  • Term loans – These loans for lump sums require fixed monthly payment for a set number of months.
  • Small Business Administration loans – These loans are guaranteed by the SBA and made through banks and similar financial affiliates. SBA loans cost less and have looser credit requirements than non-guaranteed loans.
  • Business lines of credit – These revolving lines of credit can be used for working capital, inventory and other purposes.
  • Real estate loan – Mortgages for real estate purchase can come from banks and credit unions as well as through mortgage lenders and mortgage loan brokers.
  • Factoring – Factors lend money against uncollected invoices owned by businesses that need the money they are owed sooner than their customers are likely to pay them. Factoring is a vital source of working capital for many businesses.
  • Merchant cash advance – Businesses that do a lot of credit card sales can get a lump sum advance on future sales. Lenders usually withhold part of future credit card transactions to get repaid.
  • Microfinancing – These loans can be as small as a few thousand or even a few hundred dollars for micro-entrepreneurs who can’t get bank loans or other conventional financing.

Select a lender or lenders

Start with financial institutions that already know your business. The bank where your business checking account is located is a good choice. However, also shop around with several other lenders to increase chances of success and of getting the most favorable terms.

  • Banks and credit unions make most business loans. Bank loan officers deal with a wide variety of business financing needs and can tailor loan terms to suit many borrowers.
  • Online lenders tend to have looser credit requirements than banks and can fund loans more quickly. However, they also may be or expensive.
  • Person-to-person lenders. Online marketplaces that match individuals with money to lend to businesses looking to borrow can provide options for companies that don’t fit bank borrower profiles.

Prepare your paperwork

Here are documents borrowers will typically need for an application:

  • Identification such as a driver’s license
  • Articles of incorporation or equivalent
  • Description of the business and industry
  • Business licenses and permits
  • Personal and business bank statements
  • Personal and business income tax returns
  • Financial statements including balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement and future projections

These five steps are crucial as you contemplate and prepare an application for a business loan. The next three steps are also key, not only for the immediate process but also for future financing ventures.

Applying for a Business Loan and Afterwards

Woman holding a mobile phoneThere are three more things to be mindful of as you make your application and afterwards. Firstly, as you complete the application make sure to keep a record of all application documents. Secondly, assess your offers. Key elements include the amount, term, interest rate, fees, penalty, security and collateral requirements. Be ready to walk away from a deal that may do more harm than good. Thirdly, diligently fulfill all terms in the loan documents. A strong history of repaying money makes a business more attractive to future lenders.

The Bottom Line

A business loan can help companies expand, survive downturns and build greater financial strength for the future. Preparing in advance by planning how the money will be used, what sort of loan to go after, which lenders are most likely to fund the request and what documents will be needed can increases chances of a successful financing request. Faithfully discharging the terms of whatever loan you accept will make subsequent applications more likely to succeed.

Tips for Small Business Financing

  • Consider working with an experienced financial advisor if you are thinking of applying for a business loan. If you don’t have a financial advisor yet, finding one doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
  • If your small business should ever default on a loan, it is important to understand your options. One of them may be bankruptcy, though it is essential that you are fully aware of which type of bankruptcy might be appropriate as well as the opportunity costs of going down that road.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/kate_sept2004, ©iStock.com/anyaberkut, ©iStock.com/courtneyk

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