Increasing the odds of getting a business loan
How to get a business loan in today’s tight economy.
By William J. Lynott
Credit is the oil that lubricates the machinery of business. Whether it’s a loan to buy inventory or supplies, support renovation or expansion, a capital purchase, or just the need for a short-term boost to meet payroll or other operating expenses, most businesses need to depend on credit at some point. Unfortunately, the upheaval in today’s economy has resulted in a credit crunch that has made it tougher than ever for business owners to swing a loan.
Still, for those who keep informed, there are enough options available to make the task a little easier. If you’re looking for business financing, now or in the future, there are a number of techiques that can increase your odds when it comes to getting a business loan.
Form a relationship with your bank
The first place most owners turn to when they need a business loan is their local bank. That’s why it’s essential to build a solid business relationship with your bank well before you need to ask them for money. Allowing your bank to become familiar with your business sets the stage for the time when you need to ask for a loan.
“The news media tends to lump all banks together when it come to tight money,” says Bob White, president of Abington Bank, Jenkintown, Pa., “but there are big differences among banks. Like many other community banks, we have always followed conservative lending practices. As a result, our default rates haven’t suffered and we’re in the same healthy position for making loans now that we were two years ago.”
Even after establishing a relationship, some business owners meet with frustration when the bank turns down their loan application. Most bankers agree that this is often because the owner has failed to come prepared with the information a lender needs to make a positive decision.
“How to find the money to finance an expansion or acquisition is the last thing that many business owners think about when they plan a project,” says James G. Marshall, vice president of Fulton Bank, Lancaster, Pa. “It’s best to have a team lined up behind you when you plan a major financial move—and your bank should be a member of that team.”
How should you prepare for a meeting with a bank loan officer? Marshall suggests that you come armed with:
- Financial statements for your existing business
- Accountant-prepared financial projections and cash flow analysis
- Marketing feasibility study for the project
- Owner’s personal financial statements and tax returns
- Information on the background and experience of owner(s)
“With this information, the bank can give proper consideration to your loan application,” Marshall says.
Be careful to avoid the red flags that may raise concerns in the mind of a loan officer. “One of the things that would turn me off is an applicant who has over-leveraged himself or recently financed the purchase of an expensive asset,” says White. “And, of course, it’s absolutely essential that the applicant be honest and up-front with all pertinent information.”
When the bank says no
When your best efforts fall on deaf ears at your local banks, there are other options.
State government programs.Most states have loan programs designed to provide small business financing. Some of these programs provide loans at lower-than-market interest rates, provided the business will create jobs in the state. For information on small business financing programs in your state, contact the office of your state representative or state senator.
Federal government programs.The federal government also has loan programs available to assist small business owners. The most popular of these is the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) guaranteed loan program that guarantees as much as 80 percent of the loan principal. This program gives your bank an incentive to lend to a borrower who does not otherwise meet the bank’s lending guidelines.
Among other SBA loan programs available to small business owners is the 504 loan. Established in 1980, the 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as real estate, facilities construction or expansion, or other fixed-asset needs.
If you decide to seek an SBA loan, your best bet is to work through a certified or preferred lender. The SBA’s guaranteed loan process is complex, so it’s best to choose a lender who has experience working with them. To find certified or preferred lenders, visit the SBA Web site or call your local SBA office for guidance.
The SBA has local and regional offices in every state. You’ll find the phone number in the federal government section of your local phone directory. Or, for detailed information on all SBA programs, visit www.sba.gov.
Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).SBICs are private investment firms licensed by the SBA to provide investment financing and long-term loans to small businesses. Some SBICs make only equity loans, others provide debt loans, and some provide both. As a rule, SBICs will require the same level of collateral and credit ratings as banks. For information on how to contact an SBIC, check with your local SBA office or visit www.sba.gov/inv.
Local economic development organizations.Your local chamber of commerce or other business group may have some revolving loan funds available to businesses specific to your community. Generally, these funds come from local resources and have specific guidelines for their use. Begin by contacting the director of your local chamber of commerce to see what help might be available for the specific purpose you have in mind. As in all cases, have your plans and documentation up to date.
Angel investors.When conventional financing options seem out of reach, many business owners have had success seeking out individuals or commercial lenders willing to invest in a business expansion, either with debt financing or by taking an equity position in the business. When you find an “angel” investor, you’ll probably find that this option is more flexible than a bank loan or government program—but you may also lose a certain amount of control over your business operations.
If you don’t know anyone with the economic firepower to fund your expansion, don’t give up. There is an entire industry of professional investors looking for opportunities to invest in growing businesses. For more information on how to match up with an investor who might be interested in your situation, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/money/howtoguide/article52742.html.
Keep in mind, though, that unless you’re willing to give up an equity position in your business, working with a professional investor may not be for you.
When all else fails
Depending upon the size and economic health of your business, the only source of expansion money available to you may be what you can dig up on your own. Be advised, however, that each of these money sources carries special risks.
Friends and family members.If you have a friend or family member able to help finance your growth, you may find this to be the easiest type of loan to obtain. But use caution: Most financial experts agree that mixing business and personal relationships can lead to destructive problems in both your business and personal life. If you do take a loan from a friend or family member, make sure that all details are carefully spelled out in a written contract.
Credit card financing.If your needs are modest, you may have credit cards with lines of credit substantial enough to fund all or part of your expansion plans. While it can be tempting to simply charge everything, this is arguably the riskiest and least desirable of all financing methods. The steep interest rates charged by credit card issuers can become impossible to meet if your business hits even a minor bump in the road. The result could be a severely damaged credit rating—or even the loss of your business.
When you need to raise money, advise most experts, a thorough and detailed business plan is the key to the safest and most desirable types of financing. While less conventional sources of money may seem the easiest to find in some circumstances, they are seldom the wisest choice.
