How to Get a Small Business Loan in 2021
Knowing these 5 steps to getting a small business loan can minimize frustration and increase your chances of approval.
Find Out If You’re Eligible for a Business Loan
To see if you qualify for a small business loan, answer the following questions:
How is your FICO score?
Each of the three major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, will provide you with your credit report for free. Several credit card providers and personal finance websites will also give you your credit score free of charge.
Banks prefer to offer low-rate business loans to clients with credit scores of at least 680. Consider small-business loans for borrowers with lower credit or loans from a nonprofit, microlender if your credit score falls below that score.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Most online small business loans require at least one year of business experience, whereas most bank loans require at least two years.
Do you have a sufficient income?
Many lenders require a minimum amount of annual income, which might range from $10,000 to $250,000. Before you apply, calculate your income and learn out what the minimal requirements are for each lender.
Are you able to make the payments?
Examine your company’s financials, particularly cash flow, and determine how much you can afford to put into loan repayments each month.
Do you have collateral?
Many lenders offer both secured and unsecured business loans. A secured loan necessitates the use of collateral, such as property or equipment, which the lender can seize if you default on the loan.
Putting up collateral is hazardous, but it can increase the amount you can borrow from lenders and help you receive a better interest rate.
Even for unsecured loans, lenders may require a personal guarantee. This implies you’ll personally repay the loan if your company can’t, and you may allow a lender to seize your home or car if you don’t pay.
Determine The Type of Loan You Require
Lenders will inquire as to why you require a small-business loan. Your response will most likely fall into one of three categories, which will help you decide which sort of business loan is best for you:
- You want to start a business: Many lenders want to see cash-flow to support loan repayment, thus businesses in their first year are unlikely to be approved for a loan. You’ll sometimes have to rely on alternative sources of beginning funding, such as business credit cards and personal loans.
- You want to keep track of your day-to-day spending:Â A business line of credit can be a good idea. This type of flexible financing allows you to access funds as needed to cover obligations such as payroll or unexpected costs such as repairs, providing a handy safety net when needed.
- You wish to grow your business: Consider a government-backed SBA loan or a regular term loan, both of which often have larger borrowing limits – SBA loans, for example, can reach $5.5 million. Many lenders also have solutions tailored to the demands of a developing business, such as loans for equipment or vehicle purchases.
Shop Around for Small-Business Lenders
Small-business loans can be obtained from three different sources: banks, online lenders, and nonprofit microlenders. Each usually has several good options, but one may be superior to the others under particular situations.
When to use internet lenders for a business loan:
- You’re short on cash
- You’re short on time
- You have an opportunity too good to resist
Small-business loans and lines of credit ranging from $1,000 to $5 million are available from online lenders. Depending on the lender, the kind and size of the loan, the length of the repayment term, the borrower’s credit history, and if collateral is necessary, the average annual percentage rate on these loans ranges from 6% to 99 percent.
These lenders’ APRs are rarely as low as those offered by traditional banks, but approval rates are higher and funding is faster— as fast as 12 hours— than with banks.
When to seek a bank loan for a business:
- You’ve had your company for at least two years
- You have excellent credit
- You don’t require immediate cash
Term loans, lines of credit, and business mortgages are all traditional bank choices for purchasing or refinancing properties.
The United States of America operates through banks. The Small Business Administration’s 7(a) lending program offers standard small-business loans, as well as short-term microloans and disaster loans. According to the Congressional Research Service, the SBA offers loans up to $5.5 million, with 7(a) loans averaging $533,075 in fiscal year 2020.Â
Due to considerations such as reduced sales volume and cash reserves, obtaining a small-business loan from a bank might be difficult. When you add in low personal credit or a lack of collateral, many small-business owners are left holding the bag. Although being funded takes longer than alternative choices, banks normally provide the lowest APR.
When to approach microlenders for a business loan:
- You have a poor credit history or none at all
- You’re a brand-new company
- You won’t be able to obtain a typical loan
Microlenders are non-profit organizations that specialize in making small loans of less than $50,000. The APR on these loans is usually greater than on bank loans. The application process can be lengthy if it requires a detailed business plan, financial statements, and a description of how the loan will be used.
Also, because the loans are defined as “micro,” they may be suitable for smaller businesses or startups that are unable to obtain typical bank loans due to a lack of collateral, a lack of operating history, or a lack of personal credit.
Microlenders include Accion, Opportunity Fund, Kiva, and Accompany Capital, to name a few.
Get Your Documents Together
Make sure you have all of the necessary documents before applying. The process of obtaining a small-business loan will be streamlined if these files can be located and made easily accessible now.
You’ll need to provide a combination of the following, depending on the lender:
- Tax returns for both businesses and individuals
- Bank statements for both your business and personal accounts
- Financial statements for a business
- Legal documents for your business (e.g., franchise agreement, articles of incorporation, commercial lease)
- Your business plan
Apply!
You’ve done it! Now that you’ve decided which type of loan and lender are best for you, it’s time to apply.Â
Begin by comparing two or three comparable loan possibilities based on loan conditions and annual percentage rate, or APR. APR is the easiest way to comprehend the overall cost of a company loan for the year because it includes all loan expenses in addition to the interest rate.
Choose the loan with the lowest APR among those you qualify for (as long as you can afford the loan’s regular payments) and apply with the documentation you’ve acquired.
It’s worth noting that credit bureaus make no distinction between business and personal inquiries. When applying for a small business loan, your credit score may be damaged if you utilize your personal credit history, which is why it’s crucial to go with your best option.
Apply today with G-Force Funding for business loans from $10,000 – $500,000.
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