Category: Small Business Loans

Apr 10 2010

Bad Credit Small Business Startup Loans: A Perfect Helping Hand

Do you want to start a small business? Do not have enough cash for that? Do you need some monetary assistance? Do you have a bad credit score? All these requirements can be fulfilled, if you apply for bad credit small business startup loans. Yes, bad credit small business startup loans assist bad credit scorers to start their small enterprise.

With bad credit small business startup loans, a borrower with a bad credit score can fulfill various purposes. He can use money to set up a new office, buy materials or using of these loans as business capital is also possible.

Bad credit small business startup loans are available for all types of bad credit borrowers including those have CCJ, IVA, bankruptcy, arrears, default, late payment and so on.

Bad credit small business startup loans are of two types; secured and unsecured. The secured option is available against a security. There is no hard and fast rule of choosing a security. You can use your personal property as well as commercial property as security against the lending amount. Oppositely, there is no requirement of security in the unsecured option.

If you want to avail bad credit small business startup loans through the secured way, you can borrow the amount, ranging from ₤3000- ₤75000 for 3-25 years. On the other hand, unsecured option facilitates borrowers to borrow any sum in between ₤1000- ₤10000 for 1-10 years.

The interest rate of bad credit small business startup loans is relatively high, as these loans are offered to those borrowers who have a bad credit score. But some alternatives are there to make the interest rate pocket soothing. In case of the secured option, borrowers can avail these loans at a lower interest rate, as these loans are secured on borrowers’ property. On the other hand, making some research assures borrowers to avail the unsecured loan option at a better rate as well.

Apr 09 2010

Loans For Small Business – Tips on Where to Start



Starting your own small business can be a daunting task especially if you have inadequate funds. The financial aspect of starting a business is the most important even if you have the best idea, marketing strategy and a great team to back you. You need to research where you can get money at a reasonable repayment rate. When looking for a lender, you need to look for one who is willing to lend you the money at your convenience.

However, if you need a loan and are in small business you have to meet certain requirements. The lenders will take a look at your credit history to determine if they will extend you a loan. It is important to have a good and reliable credit history so that you can increase your chances of gaining access to funds. If your financial record is good, then you will get approval. In addition, you have to show that you are capable of repaying the money borrowed. The way to do this is to show the proof of income and customers. This should have adequate quantities that show that you can pay back what you borrow and at the same time you can continue to operate. With this information, the lending institution will make a decision.

One place to source for loans for your small business is the bank. This can work in your favor especially if you have an established relationship with them. However it can get tricky if your business has not been in operation for a long time. Since this may be a stumbling block, you can consider approaching a lender who specializes in unsecured loans.

These lenders normally look at your credit card transactions for the past three to six months. If they approve the loan, you will be required to repay the loan by turning over a percentage of your credit card sales to the lender, till the loan is cleared. Loans for small businesses are very supportive and keep the business going.

Apr 09 2010

Small Business Loan Proposal



Applying for a small business loan can be exciting and yet stressful at the same time. For the best results and to heighten your level of confidence, be prepared when you visit the lender you’ve chosen for your business loan interview. After you have your business plan prepared, start preparing for the loan by writing a loan proposal to present to the lender.

The loan proposal should state some crucial information, and many details, about both yourself and your business or business idea. It should state who you are, how much money you need and where the money will be spent, how you intend to repay the loan, and what you plan on doing in the even that you cannot repay the loan.

The following are key elements to include in your loan proposal.

1. Summary.

This should be listed first in your proposal, but will be written last. It should contain clear, concise, accurate, inviting information about your business or your business ideas. It should summarize how the proposed loan will be used, how it will be repaid, and how it will benefit your business. Remember your competition in the summary of your loan proposal, and point out features of your business that are different from your competitors.

2. Management Profiles.

The management profile section of the loan proposal should explain, most importantly, who you are. Be prepared to reveal everything about yourself and your experience. Have a current resumZ included as part of the loan proposal, as well as a summary of your skills, qualifications, and other credentials for yourself, as well as for all other owners and key members of your management team.

3. Business Description.

It’s not necessary to state the same information mentioned in your business plan as in your loan proposal. However, you do need to present a solid description of the business. Include a brief history of the business in your loan proposal, and detail the current activities. If it’s a new business, explain the details of the business that will be developed. Your goal will to be to clearly demonstrate that you fully understand your markets, your competitors, and the industry, including current trends or risks and how you plan to overcome those potential dilemmas. If the loan is for an existing business, include literature that details your products or services, such as current sales sheets, brochures, or catalogs. Include attachments to your loan proposal for this section, such as letters from suppliers, customers, or other business references. Demonstrate through these letters that you provide excellent customer service, and that you pay back your creditors.

4. Business Projections.

Create at least two years’ worth of projected income statements and cash flow statements. Your projections should be clearly stated and, most importantly, realistic in nature. Generally, you probably won’t need to present the “worst case” or “best case” scenario unless the lender asks for you to write the projections that way. You should, however, be prepared to answer questions pertaining to what you’ll do if some of your projections don’t work out as planned. For example, if you anticipate obtaining a large, new contract or customer based on improvements made with the business loan, and that contract never goes through, it could change your loan proposal projections drastically.

5. Financial Statements.

Your loan proposal should include both business and personal financial statements. Be aware that the lender will fully analyze the history of your financial statements, calculating all ratios. Be prepared to point out any significant trends you’ve shown in an introductory paragraph.

6. Loan Purpose.

One of the most important parts of your loan proposal is a detailed description of how you will use the loan proceeds. Have a good understanding of the type of loan that you need, and remember to include the proceeds of the loan in your cash flow projections, as well as the interest in your projected income statement.

7. Repayment Plans.

Repayment plans should also be stated in your financial projections section of the loan proposal, but details of repayment plans should be detailed separately. Propose the terms you want, and prepare for negotiations with the financial institution. The lender will consider a number of factors as they review the overall risk of lending you the money. Understandably, this will impact the repayment terms that they are willing to offer for your business.

Especially if your credit is good, and even if your credit is not so good, remember that in your loan proposal, you are offering the bank a deal that will make them money. Don’t go in asking the lender for an “allowance.” Instead, enter the interview with your loan proposal objective in mind; namely, focusing on how much money you’ll need, and remove the idea of going into the meeting wondering how much they’re willing to lend. Never go into a meeting asking for a loan, wondering whether or not they’ll lend to you. If this first lender won’t approve your loan proposal, have confidence that a different will.

Apr 09 2010

The Small Business Interest Rate Trap



Many owners and managers struggle to get the small business financing necessary to operate and grow.

And while most people would universally agree that lower cost debt is better than higher cost debt, both end up having their place and purpose.

Low cost debt financing is reserved for low risk applications.

As the risk goes up, so does the cost of borrowing.

Pretty basic, right?

There is a twist however.

Most of the lower cost capital available for small business financing is based on personal net worth, personal credit, and income sources outside of the business.

So even though a business application of financing could be considered high risk, the business owner or manager may still be able to secure low interest rates based on their personal assets and income.

This creates the illusion that low interest rates are available for all small business applications, regardless of their size and relative risk.

Here’s where the trap comes in.

As the business grows, it will use up all the low cost financing leveraged from personal assets and will need to factor in higher cost small business financing sources to fund the capital requirements of the business.

At this point, the risk of the underlying business now starts to get reflected in the interest rates.

The problem is that hardly anyone ever plans for this to happen and the business leap frogs from low interest rate personal loans disguised as business loans into high interest rate personal credit cards.

If the business achieves short term profitability, there can still be low and medium range interest rate products available to fund growth.

But if the business startup period drags on, which is not at all uncommon, higher cost personal financing can quickly become the only capital available to cover short term losses and/or larger than expected start up costs.

To avoid falling into the low interest rate trap, consider the following steps when constructing your small business financing strategy.

>>> Be Ultra Conservative When Estimating Your Capital Requirements.

When you’re trying to start up a business, its all about being optimistic and getting things going so that you can make all kinds of money. Right?

In the excitement of planning a new venture its easy to delude yourself as to what the business start up is realistically going to cost to get going and become profitable.

A better approach is to be conservative with your small business financing requirements, factoring in all probable costs in more detail to increase accuracy.

Even if you think you’re being ultra conservative with your capital estimates, add another 20% to whatever number you come up with as a contingency fund.

Things can and will go wrong.

The perfect startup scenario is about the same odds as winning a lottery ticket, so you might as well go play your lucky numbers instead of banking on an overly aggressive small business financing plan.

>>> Understand The Limits and Criteria For Low Interest Rate Financing.

For startups, low interest rate financing comes from personal credit and government sponsored programs.

In either case, there are limits as to how much capital you can acquire.

The limits for government programs are normally well defined. Just don’t automatically assume that you qualify for the maximum amount.

Personal limits are going to be based on a combination of your credit score, your liquidat-ible personal assets, and the cash flow available to service the debt.

Short term profitability in the business will provide you with greater access to small business financing, but at a slightly higher interest rate compared to low cost personal financing.

The interest cost of incremental capital will continue to rise if the additional debt is not matched by corresponding amount of personal or business equity.

>>> Factor In The True Cost Of Borrowing

When creating your small business financing projections, make sure that you accurately estimate your cost of borrowed capital.

If your low cost money sources are not sufficient to cover off your capital requirements, then factor in higher cost sources available to you and see if the cash flow projections still work.

There is no value in creating an unrealistic cash flow projection.

It can only lead to poor business decisions which will not keep you in business very long.

If the cash flow numbers don’t add up, avoid the temptation to reduce your capital requirements or lower the average cost of capital just to make the numbers work.

The reality of good numbers may tell you not to proceed with your plans, which could very well be the best business decision you ever make.

Apr 04 2010

VA Home Loans and Guidelines For Bankruptcy and Foreclosures

I receive a lot of va loan questions in regards to bankruptcies (BK) and foreclosures. Most of the time the questions are determining how long a borrower has to wait after their bankruptcy before they become eligible for a VA loan? Or is there anything they can do while they wait to help their chances of getting approved for a VA loan once the waiting period is up. So let’s dig in because as of right now the VA underwriting guidelines are much more flexible than conventional or FHA loan guidelines.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

First, a chapter 7 bankruptcy involves a complete discharge of debtors. Once the petition is file and accepted by the court and the BK is finalized the borrower is released from liability from the creditors. Generally, with a chapter 7 bankruptcy the VA underwriting guidelines require a 2 years waiting period from the discharge date of the bankruptcy before financing becomes available. There are, however, certain uncontrollable circumstances such as medical conditions or job loss that allow for financing 1 year after the discharge date but these are very rare. To contrast this with conventional guidelines at the time of the article Fannie Mae is now requiring a 4 year waiting period after a chapter 7 BK.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A chapter 13 on the other hand is called a wage earners plan. A trustee is appointed from the court and a repayment plan is negotiated. A veteran may actually be eligible for a VA mortgage while in the chapter 13 bankruptcy; but will need to have at least made 12 on time payments and have approval for the loan by the court trustee. Also, after the chapter 13 is finished the veteran borrower is eligible immediately. Fannie Mae requires a 2 year waiting period after the discharge.

Foreclosure

The VA guidelines state the foreclosure period follow the same rules as the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Basically, the veteran borrower needs to wait 2 years. Fannie Mae requires a 5 year waiting period now after the completion of the foreclosure, ouch.

Tips for after a Bankruptcy

As a top VA lender that has dealt with their fair share of bankruptcies we’ve put together a few tips that borrower can put to go use.

I strongly recommend after the bankruptcy has been discharged that you mail in a full copy of your discharge paperwork with all of the appropriate schedules the three credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Often time some of the accounts included in the bankruptcy won’t reflect that accurately. I also suggest you start by pulling your credit at least once a year from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. Keep track of what’s gone on and make sure there are no inaccuracies by the time you are ready to apply for a VA loan. In addition, if you don’t have any remaining creditors after your bankruptcy we strongly recommend reestablishing your credit if you have not already done so. Sometimes a borrower with a lack of credit is just as hard as approving borrowers with poor credit. And of course always, always, make your payments on time!

Of course the VA loan bankruptcy guidelines could change or be amended in the future but so far most of the VA guidelines have stayed the same.