Business Loan: How to Take Full Advantage of Business Loans
Before applying for a business loan, prudent business people look into the various aspects of borrowing, ensuring cash flow and business success in the long term. Careful planning is the first step in applying for a business loan. Business financing available from lenders can be long term, 30 years or more, or short term, less than five years. The key point in planning a business loan or securing business financing is the projected cash flow. An even better option is to get your written business plan analyzed by knowledgeable professional investors or business professionals. There is a charge for this, but paying the consultancy charges is much less expensive than future business loss and going bankrupt.
Business loans are not easily given out to start ups. This is because banks and lenders worry about their money. Without showing any operating history, it is extremely difficult to get any business financing at all.
Thus the very first step, even before thinking about a business loan, is to look at the frugal route. It is pretty tempting to pour all of the initial capital into any project that comes your way. Don't fall victim. The best way is to test the waters with minimal spending. It is not absolutely necessary to spend big dollars on cosy furniture, flashy cars, and the highest performing computers and printers. Cut out as much as you can. Used furniture is not bad to start out with as well as used vehicles. Instead of costly computers, you can look for cheaper alternatives. Start small, but firm. Spending your initial borrowed money on depreciating assets is in itself not a good business decision.
Great stories of successful businesses start with a business loan secured from friends and relatives. Your own savings account is another source of the initial capital investment. Don't discount any source of money for the sake of a business loan. Only after completing an operating history of more than six months can you go to a bank and demand business financing.
If you can convince your business loan lender even before starting your venture, you will have a pretty tedious task of submitting a business plan, complete with market overview, and customer behaviour and trends. You will also need to submit personal financial statements. Your personal property will be asked for as collateral for releasing the loan.
It can be a bit confusing to pick the right business loan. There are specific niche business loan programs. Finding the perfect lending program enables you to quickly secure the loan. Thus, just as you did your market research, you also should conduct business loan research. What types of loans are available to you and what amount you can request for your project are the things you must have a clear idea about before applying for the loan.
Who said getting a business loan is an easy task? It is not. You will not think about the easy routes if you have the real entrepreneur spirit in you.
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
2 comments:
I'll have to keep this post in mind because I plan on running a business soon. I've been thinking about it for a long time now, and I can use all the help and advice I can get. Also, lately I've been thinking about buying a business instead of starting one from scratch. Any suggestions? Advice? Thanks a lot.
@S. Mae -- There are a lot of other online resources you can use. This site called BizTrader.com is an online global marketplace where you can buy or sell a business. It also has advice, and you can use it to find a lender, broker, accountant, etc. It's a good place to check out if you're interested in buying a business.
You can also check out local small business groups, like perhaps your local Chamber of Commerce, for more help. It also doesn't hurt to network in your area.
Good luck!
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