How Small Business Start-Up Loans Work

The number one question for new entrepreneurs is how to get early funding for their business. For startup owners, one option to consider is new business loans for startup financing. Small startup loans of up to $150,000 in quick cash or credit could be the answer for many looking to get their business off the ground. Fortunately, there are a number of private lenders for business startup loans, and some of them may offer loans even with poor credit. Starting A Business Loans.

Do Startup Loans Require Collateral?

Business relationships require some form of trust, and collateral is just a way of assuring lenders that their investment can be recouped if your entrepreneurial effort doesn’t go according to plan. Notice that when you finance a car, you don’t actually get the title to the vehicle until you’ve paid off your loan. This is so that your car can be repossessed if you stop making payments. Having said all that, because small business startup business loans are typically dealing with small funds and capital, collateral is often not required in order to secure the funding. This type of unsecured business loan for startup companies can be a very valuable resource. However, with startup equipment financing, the equipment being financed automatically becomes collateral. Business credit cards and credit line builders often do not require any collateral. Starting A Business Loans.

Do Startup Business Loans Require Personal Guarantees?

For Small Business Administration loans, personal guarantees are demanded of every entity that owns 20% or more of a business to the loan is being applied.

In some cases, this applies to people who hold “key management positions,” whether they are owners or not. In short, if you own a sole proprietorship, then by default you will have to personally guarantee any small business start-up loans you secure for your company. Fortunately, this doesn’t always mean your own personal assets will be on the line. Starting A Business Loans.

Personal guarantees are not as scary as they sound.

One thing that’s typically hard to understand is the marketplace for business start-up loans. A life of entrepreneurship comes with inherent risks, but there are more options for startup business funding than ever before. Starting A Business Loans.

Best Business Loans for Startup Funding

There are a few different loan products that make sense for startups.

Let’s explore small business loans for first-time entrepreneurs and other business financing options for startups:

Startup Equipment Financing

Whatever business you’re in, you’re going to need equipment to run it. From universal office equipment like computers and phones to industry-specific tools like shovels and tractors, equipment financing (also known as capital equipment loans or asset-based lending) is a business loan that lets you use the equipment you’re buying as collateral to secure the loan. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use Equipment Financing?

The most attractive feature of equipment financing is that your lenders can provide a competitive interest rate because the collateral offsets their liability for investing in an untested business owner. The length of this arrangement can vary from short-term loan to long-term loan, and largely depends on the amount of the loan you’re requesting and how much you can pay upfront. Fortunately, capital equipment loans let you pay off the cost of each piece of equipment while using that equipment to build work capital. Starting A Business Loans.

In addition to typically lower interest rates on this kind of loan, startup equipment financing also offers one added bonus:

You can use the depreciation of the equipment as a tax benefit for several years!

Thinking about applying for a startup equipment loan? Here’s what you might need:

Great Personal Credit – Even though you’re providing collateral, you’ll need a detailed credit report that boasts a credit score of 680 or higher to obtain startup equipment financing.

Vendor Quote – This is a statement from the equipment vendor about the cost for each piece you intend to purchase and it will help determine how much you’ll need to borrow. Starting A Business Loans.

Statement of Use – A document, written by you, that stipulates how each piece of equipment is integral to your business.

How Much Does Startup Equipment Financing Cost?

The average interest rate for equipment financing is 20%, but a great credit score may get you something lower.

This can be costly, but equipment financing is one of the most readily available funding for start-ups.

If the equipment you need to purchase costs $15,000, and you’re financing the entire purchase at 20% interest, you’ll be paying back a total of $18,000.

Loan terms are usually based on the expected life of the collateral, but you can reduce the amount borrowed by putting a down payment on the equipment you need. Starting A Business Loans.

Business Credit Cards for Startups

Similar to consumer credit cards, a small business credit card allows you to access revolving credit for day-to-day operations.

Why Use a Business Credit Card?

Business credit cards come with plenty of modern advantages for small business owners.

For one thing, business credit cards add extra value with rewards programs that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses related to office supplies, travel, gas, restaurants, and other business expenses. Starting A Business Loans.

Another benefit of going the plastic route?

Business transactions are automatically detailed and kept separate on your business credit card statement.

Keeping your business expenses separate from your personal expenses is a good business practice that will give you an organizational advantage, all the while building your business credit history.

Need we even point out how luxurious it would feel to have a cash flow cushion in case of emergencies?

Depending on your credit limit, you could have tens of thousands of dollars in available credit to keep you cool when money is tight. Starting A Business Loans.

If you think a business credit card may be right for you, these points can help guide you in choosing the right one:

• Evaluate your business’s spending and purchase habits, then explore different rewards programs to find a business credit card that makes sense for you. If you’re paying an annual fee to access a rewards program that isn’t paying off, you may want to switch to a card with no annual fee instead. Starting A Business Loans.
• Pay attention to sign-up bonuses: If your business can easily meet the requirements to earn the bonus and the bonus is something you can use, why not cash in?
• Do you plan to carry a balance? If so, focus on finding a card with a 0% introductory interest rate to save big.

How Much Does A Business Credit Card Cost?

APRs for business credit cards are usually between 13 – 20% but pay close attention to additional fees such as annual renewals, late fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees.

Keep in mind your business credit card rewards programs may offset some of these additional costs.

It’s also possible to get a zero-interest business loan through this useful hack:

Many business credit cards come with 0% introductory APRs for periods ranging from 9 months to a year, essentially letting you take out interest-free loans. Starting A Business Loans.

You should take advantage of these grace periods to make smart purchases for your business.

Credit Line Builders

Built for new business owners with excellent personal credit and methodical spending habits, credit line builders are among the less traditional types of startup loans available.

For a credit line builder, you’ll partner with a financing company to get qualified for as many business credit cards as possible in one convenient motion. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use a Credit Line Builder?

Once approved, your available credit amount will be derived from combining the credit limits of all the credit cards you qualify for.

With a credit line builder program, you’ll get access to a set of credit cards you can use to make purchases and rapidly establish business credit.

But be warned: You’ll need to be extra cautious when it comes to credit limits and repayments.

Even one late payment with a single business credit card could lower your credit score.

Habitually making late payments across several cards could have a seriously detrimental effect on your business’s credit health. It’s generally harder to get financing if your business has bad credit. Starting A Business Loans.

This could make it even more difficult to get loans when you need them in the future.

There are a few caveats to be aware of when thinking about using a credit line builder:

• Don’t treat a credit line builder like a business line of credit.
• Don’t overspend with your business credit cards. Late payments and a high credit utilization across multiple cards will be detrimental to your credit score.
• Focus on sensible, sustainable spending. Never use the credit line builder as a crutch for your company’s operations. Use the product only as intended: as a way to build your business credit line.
• Note that you’ll need a credit score of 700 or more to qualify.

How Much Does A Credit Line Builder Cost?

The costs for the credit line builder are similar to those for business credit cards, but with one major difference.

In return for the business credit cards, you pay the financing company a one-time origination fee calculated as a percentage of your approved amount.

Invoice Financing

If you already have a business that is up and running, and you would like to expand further,

Invoice financing is a great option to consider. Invoice Financing allows businesses to borrow money against any amounts customers might owe them. Lenders usually utilize these invoices as collateral, should you fail to comply with payments. Starting A Business Loans.

This type of loan can help with anything from cash flow, and payroll, to reinvesting it back into the company for it to grow.

It’s also known as “accounts receivable financing” or “receivables financing.”

Once you have received the funds, you will pay a percentage of your invoice amount to your lender. This is a fee for borrowing the money.

This particular type of business loan is best suited when your customers take a long time to pay back. It also can help if you have difficulties getting approved for other types of business credit. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use Invoice Financing?

As previously stated, when your customers take a longer time to pay, it can present some huge cash-flow problems.

This is especially true if you sell goods and services to more prominent clients, like wholesale businesses and large retailers.

Most of these transactions are done through credit. While larger companies can usually sustain themselves, it can be much harder if you’re starting out. If you would like to expand your warehouses, improve your supply chain, or otherwise grow your business, using Invoice financing can help you. Starting A Business Loans.

Taking care of those slower-paying accounts receivable can free up the funds you need to continue to grow and expand.

How Much Does Startup Invoice Financing Cost?

While no two Invoice Financing Loans are the same, they mostly follow the same type of structure:

• 1The company sells its outstanding invoices to a lender, who pays around 70 to 85 percent of the value of those invoices upfront.
• The company pays the amount back to the lender, after which they will pay the remaining 15 to 30 percent left.
• The company will then have to pay any fees and interest to the lender.

However, if you do decide to utilize this type of funding, it should be noted that your customers will be made aware of this. Since the lender will be the one to collect their payments, it could potentially reflect poorly on your company. Starting A Business Loans.

SBA Loans and Nonprofit Microlenders

For small business owners seeking under $50,000 in funds, a government-backed SBA loan is an option.

Furthermore, microlenders and nonprofit lenders have a tendency to favor minorities and entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use SBA Loans and Microloans from Nonprofits?

The sole purpose of the Small Business Administration is to protect the interests of small businesses.

SBA loans are reserved for small business owners that have had trouble qualifying for business loans at traditional financial institutions. Starting A Business Loans.

Similarly, nonprofit lenders exist to spur economic growth in otherwise under-developed neighborhoods.

If you or your business fits with their mission, you could qualify for a microloan with a low APR plus added benefits like free training and consulting programs.

Thinking you might qualify for nonprofit financing or an SBA loan?

Keep the following in mind:

• Microloans are called such for a reason: Don’t expect to get more than $50,000 from microlenders, especially if it’s your first year in business.
• Many nonprofits rely on donations and grants and such funding limitations can lead to strict borrower requirements.
• While loan amounts vary, the average SBA microloan is only about $13,000.

How Much Does An SBA Loan Cost?

SBA 7(a) loans come with fees ranging from 0% for loans under $150,000 to 3.5% for loans over $700,000.

If your loan is especially large, you can expect additional fees on any amount over $1,000,000.

Meanwhile, interest rates are capped for 7(a) loans and may be lower than traditional financing options.

How Much Does Nonprofit Financing Cost?

If you can qualify, microloans from nonprofit lenders can be very affordable.

Nonprofit microlenders aren’t in it for the money:

Their mission is typically geared towards helping economically disadvantaged communities.

Personal Loans for Business

Risky as it may be, cash-strapped new business owners can access financing by leveraging their personal credit to qualify for a personal loan. It’s an option that many people don’t consider when thinking about startup financing, but in many situations, it’s worth considering. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use a Personal Loan for Startup Funding?

Under the right circumstances, the dangers associated with personal loans for business may be outweighed by the benefits.

Above all, start-ups tend to have trouble qualifying for financing without first establishing a credit history.

This is a valid reason for a new business owner to finance their business through a personal loan.

Moreover, the whole process of qualifying for a personal loan can be much quicker than qualifying for its business loan equivalent.

You can get approved for a personal loan largely based on a strong personal credit score and low credit utilization.

Applying for a business loan will prompt a review of your personal creditworthiness plus a number of other qualifying criteria, and it takes lenders longer to verify all the extra data. Starting A Business Loans.

Still, taking out personal loans to finance a new business venture may be unwise for the following reasons:

• Even the largest unsecured personal loan amount you can qualify for could be insufficient for your needs.
• If you do decide to go the route of securing your loan with collateral, you increase your personal liability.
• Personal loans often come with high APRs comparable to credit cards, especially if you have poor personal credit.

How Much Does A Personal Loan For Business Cost?

Highly dependent on your personal credit history, a strong credit score can get you a personal loan with an APR as low as 4%.

Don’t forget about loan origination fees and late payment fees though!

Non-Loan Alternatives: Fundraising Your Start-Up

Don’t forget to think about viable non-loan options like crowdfunding, grants, and borrowing money from friends and family. For business owners with bad credit or poor credit, this is one option to definitely consider. And even if you have good credit, don’t overlook this potential source of startup money for new business owners. Starting A Business Loans.

Why Use Fundraising?

Fundraising in the digital age is easier than ever.

Crowdfunding is a popular option for an entrepreneur that wants to validate their target market without much commitment. Sites like Indiegogo and Kickstarter allow you to solicit donations in exchange for tangible or intangible gifts. You can be creative with your tiered offerings to deliver value to donors without eating into profits. Starting A Business Loans.

If you went to college, you may have fond memories of grants and scholarships. Application essays, forms, and other minimum requirements aside, getting grants is one of the easiest ways to pay for school. Grants for small-business owners are similar, except they are even more competitive. Still, if you put in time completing grant applications, you could end up with some walking-around money— Starting A Business Loan.

Free of charge.

Where crowdfunding and grants fail, there may be hidden opportunities in your personal network…

Many successful businesses have started with a small loan from a parent or family friend. Convincing your friends and family members to loan you a couple of thousand dollars here and there could really add up. Starting A Business Loans.

Fundraising can be a great way to finance your new business without taking on debt, but there are drawbacks:

• Unless you get some publicity or your concept goes viral, crowdfunding probably won’t get you very much start-up capital. And if you don’t raise a certain dollar amount by a certain date, the funds won’t disperse at all.
• As we mentioned before, small business grants are highly competitive. Applying for grants can take up a lot of time and effort with no real promise of a payoff. Starting A Business Loans.
• Borrowing from friends and family could affect your personal relationships; this is especially dangerous if you haven’t figured out how to generate revenue yet.

How Much Does Fundraising Cost?

Going the fundraising route may be the most cost-effective option if you are able to generate enough capital.

You don’t need to pay the money back at all with grants and crowdfunding!

And obviously, when borrowing from friends/family you have a lot more flexibility with loan terms.