As a child, I was constantly told that I had to pay cash for everything, and that if I didn’t have enough cash, I couldn’t afford or purchase anything. Many years later, those words are still ringing in my ear, but they are like the classic angel and devil sitting on each shoulder. In my other ear, I’m hearing contradicting advice: “You have to spend money to earn money.”
While debating whether or not to apply for a small business loan, I discovered some fascinating statistics that I hope can assist you as well. Actually, the majority of this advice also applies to auto loans, house loans, and other areas where you are thinking about borrowing money.
Organize your books. – Do you want to be in the red or the black? If you’re making a good profit and have the figures to back it up, it could be time to expand and acquire additional funding to boost your production. Borrowing money, on the other hand, may not be the ideal option if you are in debt and need money to get out of it. Furthermore, if you do take out a loan, would you be able to make the monthly payments on what you are now bringing in? While you may look on more revenue in the future as a result of your growth, it may not occur immediately.
Will the funds increase profits and enhance the customer experience? – If this is the case, a loan may be quite beneficial. “If you want to borrow money to purchase a new lawn mower for your landscaping firm, there’s little likelihood that the new equipment will be the thing that converts your business into a success, However, if borrowing the money would provide you with the finances you need to offer an additional service or improve your present product line, taking out a small-business loan may be a smart choice since it will ultimately lead to a higher profit.”
Learn about the many types of loans available. Most businesses get one of five primary kinds of loans:
a. The government offers SBA loans, which may be used to purchase equipment, inventory, furnishings, and supplies, among other things. You can learn more about the numerous kinds of loans available and how to apply at sba.gov.
b. Lines of credit are short-term loans that allow you to access a restricted amount of money that is placed into your company checking account on an as-needed basis. Credit cards, for example, are this form of loan; you may access more cash and then pay interest on the money that is given to you. Lines of credit are often confined to the purchase of merchandise and the payment of operational expenses for working capital, and are not accessible for the purchase of real estate or equipment.
c. Revolving lines of credit arise when a lender provides a borrower with a specified amount of financing and enables the borrower to borrow the same amount again after repayment.
d. Loans from family and friends are just that. While it may be alluring because to the lack of desire, it may also lead a relationship to fall apart. Before approaching a friend for money, acquire all of the details in writing, including the interest rate, monthly payment arrangements, and possible collateral.
e. Angel investors are an entrepreneur’s best buddy. They often collaborate with companies during the first and second years of their existence. Angel investors, on the other hand, aren’t simply doing you a favour out of the goodness of their hearts. In exchange, they often want ownership, a strong return on investment, and a well-defined five-year strategy.
4. Read the small print once you’ve settled on a loan. Learn about the loan’s precise conditions, such as how much money will be loaned, how long you have to return the loan, how much you pay monthly, the monthly due date, and the interest rate. The delivery address for payments is also important, as is the ability to set up automated payments from the company’s business account. In addition, enquire about the consequences if you fail to make your payment on time. While you may not expect this to happen, life occurs, and it’s preferable to be aware of all the hazards before signing on the dotted line. Finally, inquire about any penalties for early payback. Banks earn money by charging interest, and if you pay off your loan early, they lose a portion of their revenues.
But hold on! You’re not finished yet! Consult your CPA, a business counsellor, a mentor, or a business lawyer for guidance on what is best for your specific scenario. Do the benefits outweigh the risks, are there better options available, and are your assets protected in the worst-case scenario? Before you dive in, make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into.