Preparing to Borrow Guideline | ALMA Business Blog
8/7/2020 3:10 PM - ALMA Business Blog
Whether it is for the start-up or growth phase, most businesses ultimately need to borrow money. Here are some issues to consider as you approach the borrowing process. Addressing them as you start the borrowing process can increase the chances of getting the loan and make the process much easier.
1. Reasons for Borrowing
2. Borrowing From the Right Source
Be sure you have considered all of your alternative sources of capital before you go to a financial institution. While running up your credit card balances can be expensive and asking relatives for funds can be difficult, those alternatives may be preferable especially if the loan is for a small amount or for a short period of time.
Alma Bank has you covered:
Are you approaching lenders that are accustomed to making loans to businesses of your size, in your industry or in a specific geographic area? If the institution already knows you, your business, your industry and potentially your customers, they may already have a great deal of the information they need to make an informed lending decision.
If you expect to use the funds to purchase a piece of equipment, you may want to discuss equipment leasing options with the equipment seller. Many manufacturers of machines (from office equipment to large industrial equipment) have leasing arrangements with lenders that may be familiar with your type of business.
You also need to consider whether your primary financial institution is the right lender to approach.
3. Type of Loan Sought
Be prepared to offer collateral that is tied to the purpose of the loan. Getting a loan to purchase a large new machine may require you to offer a security lien on the machine as collateral. Try to avoid pledging large amounts of collateral for relatively small loans.
Depending on the size of your business, you may want to investigate a Small Business Administration loan. The SBA encourages lending to small businesses by guaranteeing parts of loans made to businesses of certain sizes where the proceeds are being used for certain purposes. You can talk to an institution offering SBA loans to learn more. While the paperwork and time frames may be onerous, this may be an option to consider.
Your business plan should play a major role in your decision to borrow and may play a major role in a lender's evaluation of your loan request. The major components of the plan should include:
Be sure your plan is up to date and provides all the information the lender will need to understand your business and make a fully informed lending decision.
Any lender will want to evaluate how you run your business and you should be prepared to answer these questions:
Borrowing money for your business is a serious step. Use the process of getting ready to borrow as a tool to evaluate your business and plan for its success. The proper preparations can strengthen your business and strengthen your case for borrowing.
Reach out to your local branch at https://www.almabank.com/Locations
TAGS: getting started, loan process, financial planning
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