5 Steps to Securing a Small Business Loan

It’s tough out there in the business sector; especially when you’re just starting out. To this end, a small business loan can be a great relief — but only if you have a meticulous plan for securing the best one for your fledgling company. You can get one even if your business is already up-and-running, in fact; it isn’t only meant for those who are just starting out.

To facilitate your search, take advantage of the Internet. One site, businessloans.co, has an easy-to-use interface that can get you in touch right away with attractive business loan options. In preparation for your search, we present the informational phase that places you in the best position to secure a suitable loan for your business.

Find the Different Types of Loans Available

If you possess several credit cards or have opened an inquiry lately, then chances are, you’ve also received an invitation for a personal or business loan from several different companies. With these, you can open up a small business line of credit in the upper tens-of-thousands of dollars — often even more than that — and pay just the interest on it for years at a time, pending renewal of the loan.

Alternatively, the Small Business Administration of the Federal Government also offers loans through certain banks; these have especially low interest rates for people who qualify. It’s best to visit the website to learn more about the requirements — the amounts available range from $5000 to a whopping $5 million for small businesses only.

Decide on a Lending Institution

You can, of course, use the online space to find one with acceptable terms. Commercial banks are another option, as are local banks exclusive to your city. Some direct online lenders can open up working capital loans in hundreds-of-thousands of dollars; these are worth checking out in your search for the best fit.

You can also consider peer-to-peer lending during your search for direct online lenders; sometimes, their terms are more favorable than the large commercial outfits. The primary benefit, however, is the relative speed with which they make their approvals and denials.

Assess Your Credit and Likely Range of Interest Rates

It’s helpful to see the credit criteria that your prospective lenders will use to judge the terms of the loan they give you; or whether they give you one at all. There are so many options these days that it’s quite likely you get something; but you of course want the loan with the lowest interest rate you can get.

Order your credit history from the reporting bureaus and peruse every line. In addition to your FICO score, lenders will look at your history of payments, past lenders, bankruptcies — everything is fair game for their assessment.

If you have good cash flow and business assets already, these are points heavily in your favor. Having existing investors is also a great sign; but if you’re just starting out, this is unlikely and you shouldn’t worry about it. Get your financial statements in order and start mounting your petition for the business loan.

Gather All Financial Documents

You’ll need business bank statements, projected loan amount, credit reports for yourself and for the business, financial projections, state filings, business plan or model, insurance policies, tax returns and others – you’re aware of the general range of items necessary from when you first incorporated. Be sure to include potential collateral too, in case you’re eligible for a secured loan or the unsecured variety.

Have a plan outlined regarding what the loan will go towards. Do you need it to expand your business? Add to your inventory of products? Research and development? Have this all worked out and expect an involved loan process — especially if your credit reports are below average.

Consider Business Assets Only

This final piece of advice involves your commitment to your business: you must separate it from your personal life, so that none of your personal assets are at stake — especially if you have a family — if you go with a direct lender. Avoid providing personal guarantees of repaying the loan; only offer business-related collateral if necessary. This could be company property, equipment, accounts receivable … you get the picture. The bottom line is there are enough lending options online to simply go with a different option if one lender insists on a personal guarantee of the business loan.

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