Startup business funding can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t have experience and knowledge on how to operate a business. Meanwhile, before we proceed to the ways of getting a business loan, let us first know what a startup business loan is.
Startup Business Loan Defined
The startup business loan is financing to support your startup business. You can use it for the financial needs of your business. These include purchasing equipment, working capital, supplies, machinery, furniture, inventory, and purchase of real estate or construction equipment.
If you have a source for your financial needs, you can start running your business. You can develop effective strategies to get more customers. Then, you can have opportunities to achieve the missions and goals of your small business.
We understand that your small business is a valuable and huge investment in your life. That’s why we want to help you jump-start your business in the best possible way. The following are essential tips on how to get a business loan for your startup.
Getting a Business Loan for your Startup
SBA startup loans
One way to get a business loan for your startup is through SBA startup loans. SBA or Small Business Administration partners with lending companies that agree to their guidelines. With SBA loans, the risks for lenders can be reduced. In addition, it is also easier for aspiring business owners to qualify for a startup loan.
The good thing about SBA is that they can offer you educational and counseling information that can help to make your business successful.
Equity crowdfunding
Another way to begin your business is with equity crowdfunding. It is designed to assist startups as well as businesses in their early stages of development. In this funding source, you offer investors the shares of your company in return for the funds.
In this type of loan, investors take higher risks. Thus, they’re not sure whether your business will be successful or not.
Nonprofit microloans
You can also fund your startup with nonprofit microloans. These loans are available as short-term loans, so you can expect lower interest rates. You can also get extra support aside from funding based on the company you use in your micro-loan. For example, some provide business training and financial literacy program with loans.
Business credit cards
You can also apply for credit cards for your startup business. It is also an attainable and efficient resource to begin your small business. You can use the credit card to request a cash advance. Additionally, you can use business credit cards in purchasing equipment and advertising and inventory expenses.
We recommend that you must choose a card that has a low to 0 percent introductory APR. You can also prefer those which offer a rewards program.
Personal loans
You may not know it; personal loans can also be an option for startups. If you have a 580 or higher credit score, you can qualify for personal loans. It can fund your small business, and you can also use it for purchasing equipment or securing an office building.
Home equity loan
In case you don’t have a credit score or business history, you can still qualify for a home equity loan. Take note that there is a risk of losing your home if your business doesn’t become successful. However, it is still beneficial since it has lower interest rates. If you want a fast approval procedure for your small business loan, home equity is the best choice.
Grants
Another way to fund your startup grants. It is a good funding source since you don’t need to pay back. Meanwhile, expect that there are stipulations that you need to follow with grants.
Grants are designed to offer businesses with technology for better organization or funds to stocking the shelves of your business.
Family and friends
Don’t forget your family and friends as a source of your startup business loan. With your supportive loved ones, you can get a generous repayment plan and interest rate. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about the down collateral and credit scores. You can place the terms through writing, so the loan will be bound legally if legal mediation is necessary.
Equipment financing
If you wish to make smooth business operations, equipment financing is a good option. It can help you to purchase the needed equipment for your small business.
Tips in Securing your Startup Loans
If you want to secure your startup loans, consider the following tips:
Make a business plan
The first step in applying for a loan for your startup is to make a well-laid out business plan. It must include all details about the expenses and potential income of your business. It must also have your service or product to make sure that you will create a profit. You can also include your repayment plan according to your expected growth.
Prepare some funds
It is also an advantage if you prepare some funds to qualify for a business loan. You may need a fund for paying the startup costs of your loan.
Establish a good credit score
If you have a good credit score, you have a higher chance of acquiring a business loan. It is also helpful to get a lower interest rate. You may check your credit report to ensure that there are no inaccuracies. It can also reduce your outstanding debt.
Review your startup expenses
As you plan to run your startup business, you can encounter different expenses. With this, you must review your startup costs before finding a loan resource. The following are the common expenses for starting your business:
- Inventory purchases
- Equipment costs like machinery, cash registers, and vehicles
- Technology expenses such as tablets, computers, and printers
- Initial office supplies
- Furniture
In addition to the startup expenses, you must be ready for ongoing expenses like rent, taxes, employee payroll, mortgage payments, and more. If you understand your expenses, you can choose the best options for your startup funding.
Check if you’re qualified for a startup loan
It is important to monitor your qualifications for a startup loan. You can check categories, including your business time, credit score, cash flow, and yearly revenue.
Prepare your registrations and documents
It is a fact that attaining a business loan is challenging. Some lenders will not finance startups if they don’t have proven revenue and business history. With this, make sure to prepare your registrations and documents. You will need a business plan, registration for your startup, and other important documentation.
Choose the best startup loan
With lots of loan options, make sure that you choose the right type of startup loan. Choose one that suits your specific needs.
Start-up Business Loans with No Money Down
Are you curious whether you can get startup business loans with no money down? Well, the answer is yes. It is possible to get a loan for your small business without money down. The following are some startup business loans with no money down.
Business Line of Credit
A line of credit is a flexible way to fund your startup. You can withdraw the amount you need and pay interest with that amount. You can pay the line monthly or weekly.
Invoice Financing
In this method, you can sell your unpaid invoices to a company that can forward you about 85% of the value of those invoices. They will take the risk since they’re banking to get the money from your clients to recover the loan. As you sell the invoices, you’re not required for money down.
Term Loans
A term loan is among the common loan types. With this loan, you don’t need money down. You can also expect lower interest rates.
Equipment Financing
Just like what we mentioned earlier, equipment financing is also an option for your startup business loan. It doesn’t need money down.
Meanwhile, why do lenders require down payments? Well, loan providers may require down payments to reduce the risks of lending their money to small businesses. It will also prove to them that you’re worthy of the loan.
Get a business loan with no credit
Do you want to get a business loan with no credit? Read more. With no credit, it can be hard for you to get a loan for your startup. The following are ways to get a business loan with no credit.
Get a Business Credit Card
With a business credit card, you can establish credit. It can give you eligibility to get loans in the future.
Request a Loan SBA Loan
You may also request a loan from your bank. You can prefer those backed by the Small Business Administration to reduce potential risks. You can show the bank how you can repay the loan.
Open your Business Bank Account
Another way to get a loan if you don’t have credit is to open your business bank account.
Find a Co-Signer
You can also find a co-signer in case you don’t have credit. It can be a family member or a friend who has strong credit and is willing to co-sign a business loan with you.
Provide Collateral to Lenders
If you wish to secure a loan, you can offer collateral to lenders. It is quite challenging if you don’t have credit since lenders will not give you a loan since they don’t know if you can repay them. Well, you can offer collateral like the equipment you can purchase with your loan.
In case you have bad credit, you can still get a startup loan to fund your small business. You can also use the above types of loans if you need a startup loan with bad credit.
Choosing the Startup Loan Provider
Your small business is a valuable investment for you. With this, you must only choose the right and reliable startup loan provider. You can consider the following tips to get the best lender to fund your small business.
A licensed and authorized loan provider
Make sure to choose a loan provider that is authorized and licensed. So, you have the assurance that you’re only dealing with a reliable lender. You will not experience scams and forgeries.
Offers reasonable and low-interest rates
If you don’t want to have a huge debt in the future with your small business, prefer providers that offer reasonable and low-interest rates.
Great customer support
In finding a provider of a startup loan, choose the one that can provide you with great customer support. So, you can get an immediate response whenever you encounter some problems with your loan needs.
Importance of Startup Business Funding
Startup business funding is the key to run your business smoothly. With small business loans, you can grow your business quicker and in a more practical way. You can also use it to purchase equipment, retail or warehouse locations, inventory, and other initial costs to start your business. Business loans are important for capital-intensive businesses.
On the other hand, small business loans also have some drawbacks. It can be costly, and you may be liable for the loan, especially if your business is not successful. With this, you need to develop effective strategies to make your business more profitable. So, you can avoid possible loan problems in the future as well as other disappointments.
Conclusion
There we go; with the help of this post, we hope that you learned the best methods on how to get a small business loan for your startup. You can choose the options mentioned above to begin your small business.
Do you want to establish your own business now? What are you waiting for? Get the best startup loans today to make a profit.