The right business loan can help you start a new venture, expand your current business, and gain access to working capital. But not all loans are created equal, so it’s important to understand how they work before applying for one.
Bank loans are a common source of funding for small businesses. They offer fast, affordable capital that doesn’t require you to give up a stake in your business or a piece of its profits.
Revolving Payments
Revolving payments for businesses are a great way to get access to funding whenever you need it. Whether you’re paying for inventory, making payroll or covering other expenses during slow business periods, revolving credit can help keep your business moving forward.
Revolving credit works much like a business credit card, but your limit is set by the lender. You can borrow and repay any amount within your limit as long as your account balance remains below that number.
A draw on your line of credit may increase your interest rate, so it’s important to monitor your spending and manage how much you take out. It’s also a good idea to avoid maxing out your line of credit or drawing on it too often, as that could negatively impact your score.
In order to get approved for revolving credit, your personal credit history must be strong. Consistently making your required loan payments on time is a big factor in boosting your credit score and helping you get the best financing deals.
Installment Payments
If you’re looking to purchase a big-ticket item for your business, installment payments can help break the purchase down into manageable pieces. It’s also a great way to show your customers that you’re willing to work with them.
Businesses that offer this service can see a higher rate of repeat and referral business. This is because consumers like to spread out their purchases over a longer period of time.
Installment loans for businesses can be used for anything from purchasing a vehicle or piece of equipment to financing expansions or paying off expensive debts. They come in different terms, depending on your business’s needs.
They can also be a good choice for small business owners who need short-term funding to pay off payroll taxes or bridge cash flow gaps. These types of loans can have terms as short as six months.
Line of Credit
Lines of credit can be a quick, simple way to cover unexpected expenses or cash flow gaps. They can also be used as a rainy day fund or for major purchases, such as new equipment or machinery.
You can apply for a business line of credit through banks or online lenders. Banks typically have a more strict application process and often require a longer time frame for funding than online lenders, but they can offer lower interest rates.
There are a variety of business lines of credit, including secured and unsecured options. Secured lines typically require collateral, such as inventory or receivables. Unsecured lines of credit don’t usually require collateral but are often more difficult to qualify for because they require a higher business and personal credit score.
Getting a business line of credit and using it carefully can help you build your company’s credit history, which can benefit you in the future when you need more financing. To make the most of your line of credit, pay it off on time and keep your lender informed of any payments you’re making.
Cash Flow
Business cash flow is a key factor for most lenders in deciding whether or not to offer you a loan. It’s not just a way to gauge your company’s financial health, it also helps them determine if you’re able to repay your debts and finance future growth.
If your business is in a cash flow crunch, there are a number of financing options to help you get the money you need when you need it. These include term loans, short-term cash flow loans, and line of credit.
Often, business cash flow lenders look at your income first, rather than your credit score. This means that you need to demonstrate strong revenues as proof that your business will be able to repay its debts and keep your business afloat.