Business Financing

Corporate Finance is a financing option for business owners to access business loans so they can pay for things like temporary cash shortages, expansion projects, inventory and equipment, as well as seasonal peak activities. There are several forms of business funding, but each may be more suitable for some purposes than others.

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Types of Business Financing

When considering financing options, many business owners consider traditional bank loans as their first financing option. This type of loan can be a slower and tougher option for business owners. The application process requires a credit check, a business/industry risk plan, and collateral. In addition, approval can take up to 30 days or more, even if the company has good credit and offers guarantees.

SBA Loans

Although small businesses play an important role in the economy, business owners tend to have difficulty approving bank loans. To encourage small business to grow, the Small Business Administration (SBA) works with lenders to secure a portion of small business loans. There are several types of SBA loans, including a 7(a) loan, which can be used for a variety of purposes, a CDC/504 loan for large purchases such as real estate, and a post-mortem recovery loan. disaster results.

Equity Financing

Unlike traditional lenders, one way to get funding for an existing business is to sell its shares to investors. This is called equity funding, which can come from an angel investor (a wealthy person who helps fund startups) or from an investment firm. When you choose equity financing, the people or companies that invest in your business become its co-owners.

Short-Term Loans

Many businesses need a little extra cash to meet temporary, short-term needs. In such situations, business owners are often reluctant to pay off a loan with high interest rates for many years after the initial need for the loan has been resolved. Short-term loans give small business owners a loan option with fewer monthly payments to get the financing they need while avoiding long-term loan applications and long repayment terms.

Equipment Loans

From desks and computers to specialized tools and machines, all types of businesses need equipment. While many types of business loans can generally be used to purchase equipment, some loans are specifically for the purchase of equipment. Since equipment loans can be secured by the equipment itself, there is no need for borrowers to provide additional collateral.

Unsecured Business Loans

Many lenders require a valuable property to be used as collateral to secure the loan during the application process. But many businesses lack the types of assets that lenders look for, and business owners may not be comfortable using personal assets like their home or car. Unsecured loans are a type of business loan that does not require the borrower to put up any assets to use as collateral.

Microloans

Not all business expenses require a large loan. Businesses looking for smaller loans are often turned down by banks because they are not looking for enough funds. To help fill the gap, many lenders have started offering microloans, which are much smaller than traditional bank loans and have shorter repayment terms. Small loans can be a good option for a new business or businesses with a low credit score, no credit history, or have never received a loan from a bank before.

Merchant Cash Advance

If a business that typically has a high volume of credit card transactions needs more money quickly, one way to get it is through a merchant cash advance. Technically, a cash advance is not a loan, but a purchase of future receivables from your credit card earnings. Since it is a transaction rather than a loan, they are an option for businesses that have difficulty obtaining traditional business loans due to poor credit.

Working Capital Loan

If your business needs flexible funding and shorter terms, a working capital loan may be the best option. This type of loan allows businesses to grow without the pressure of allocating too little capital. A working capital loan requires businesses to have a credit score of 500 or higher, be in business for more than 6 months, and an average monthly bank deposit of more than $15,000 to be considered for approval with Credibly.

Business Line of Credit

No matter how careful you are in managing your business finances, unexpected expenses can happen to anyone. To ensure they are prepared for any unforeseen expenses that may arise, many business owners want to have a line of credit available to them. Unlike a loan from a financial institution that can only be borrowed once, a line of credit can be borrowed many times and you only pay interest when you use it.

Real Estate Financing

The right location can make a huge difference in the success of your business, but most businesses can't afford to buy real estate all at once. Instead of a mortgage as a homebuyer, businesses have a variety of real estate financing options available to them. These options include term loans, commercial real estate loans, and SBA loans.

Inventory Financing

Do you have a warehouse or warehouse full of inventory? Inventory financing is an option that allows you to use your unsold inventory to obtain the capital needed to help your business manage temporary short-term cash shortages.

Franchise Financing

Just like starting any other type of business, becoming a franchisee costs money. You'll have to pay for things like equipment, location, marketing costs, and inventory, not to mention your franchise fees. A franchise loan can get you the money you need to get started.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing

Think about your personal finances for a minute. What if you applied for a new home loan and discovered how to form a legal entity that removes student loans, credit cards,and auto debt from your credit report? Companies can do it.
Off-balance sheet financing is not a loan. It is primarily a way to remove large purchases (debt) from a company’s balance sheet, making it stronger and less indebted. For example, if a company needs expensive equipment, it can either lease it instead of buy it, or create a specialized vehicle (SPV) – one of the “alternative lines” that will keep the purchase on the balance sheet. The sponsoring company often overinvests in the SPV to make the SPV attractive if the SPV needs a loan to repay the loan.
Off-balance sheet funding is strictly regulated and its use is governed by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).6 This type of funding is not suitable for most businesses, but it can become an option for small businesses that are transforming into much larger corporate structures. 

According to the Australian government's business.gov.au website, fluctuations in cash flow can seriously affect the viability of a business. Therefore, one of the most common reasons a business seeks financial assistance is cash flow. But there are many other reasons why business owners might apply for grants. You may need business finance:

  • to help you set up a new business
  • to purchase or lease assets such as a factory or shop
  • to expand your business or to start international trade
  • to purchase stock
  • to invest in vehicles, machinery or other tools and equipment
  • for research and development
  • during difficult times to help the company survive

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