Four Financing Options You Should Be Aware of When Launching A Start-up

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Starting a new business can be a daunting and challenging task. From conceptualizing an idea to bringing it to fruition, new business owners often face a plethora of concerns and questions. One of the most crucial elements in keeping a small business alive is funding. Whether a business is small or large, it requires a certain amount of financial resources to operate and grow.

Obtaining loans may be the best option for small businesses looking to expand as they may not always have the required funds readily available. In the past, seeking a loan was viewed as a sign of financial instability and weakness. However, in today’s start-up era, loans are an effective way to help businesses launch and thrive. In some cases, obtaining capital for a start-up or small firm may even be preferable as it allows for more flexibility and opportunities for growth.

It is important to remember that starting a business is a multi-faceted process that requires careful planning and execution. Along with funding, other factors such as market research, a solid business plan, and a clear understanding of the target audience are essential for the success of a new business.

With that in mind, let’s look at four financing options available to new businesses.

Term Loans

A term loan is a type of loan that is provided to a company for a specific purpose and must be repaid with interest over a pre-determined period. This type of loan is considered one of the most straightforward options for businesses, as it allows the company to use the funds in any way they see fit. This flexibility makes term loans an ideal option for businesses that need to make large purchases or investments, or for those that need to cover operating expenses.

Term loans are typically provided by banks or other institutional lenders, such as credit unions or other financial institutions. To qualify for a term loan, a business must generally demonstrate financial stability and creditworthiness. This may include providing financial statements, tax returns, and other documentation.

Additionally, many term loans require additional security, such as a charge over a director’s home. This means that the lender may have a claim on the director’s personal property, such as a home or car, if the business is unable to repay the loan. This provides the lender with added security and reassurance that the loan will be repaid.

Overall, term loans are a popular option for businesses that need to access capital quickly and easily, as they are relatively easy to obtain and offer a lot of flexibility in terms of the use of funds. However, it is important for business owners to carefully consider the terms of the loan and to be prepared to provide the required documentation and collateral.

Lines of Credit

A line of credit is a type of loan that provides a company with access to cash up to a certain amount, in exchange for interest payments on the funds borrowed. This type of loan is suitable for companies that require financial flexibility and might have sporadic cash flow needs.

Unlike term loans, lines of credit work as revolving credit, which means that once the borrowed amount is repaid, the business can borrow again up to the credit limit. This allows companies to borrow funds as they need them, rather than having to take out a lump sum all at once.

The amount of money a company may borrow through a line of credit may be limited by the fact that lines of credit may be either unsecured or secured by assets. Unsecured lines of credit do not require collateral, but the credit limit may be lower and the interest rates may be higher. Secured lines of credit, on the other hand, require the business to pledge assets, such as inventory or equipment, as collateral for the loan. This can increase the credit limit and lower the interest rate.

However, one of the disadvantages of a line of credit is that lenders often require that the business has been in operation for at least two to three years, making it less suitable for start-up companies. Additionally, like term loans, lines of credit also require the additional security of a charge, which can be a personal guarantee or a security over assets.

Overall, a line of credit can be a useful financing option for businesses that require financial flexibility and have sporadic cash flow needs. It’s important for business owners to carefully consider the terms of the loan and to be prepared to provide the required documentation and collateral.

Equipment Leasing

Equipment leasing is a financing option that allows businesses to purchase new or used equipment they need to operate. This type of financing is available for a wide range of equipment, including everything from office computers and copiers to large industrial machines.

One of the benefits of equipment leasing is that it allows businesses to acquire the equipment they need without having to make a large upfront investment. Instead, the business pays a fixed lease payment over a period of time. This can help to preserve working capital, and allow businesses to use that capital for other purposes.

Another benefit of equipment leasing is that the government offers tax breaks for leasing equipment. This can help to reduce the overall cost of the equipment, and make it more affordable for businesses.

However, one of the downsides of equipment leasing is that there are no early prepayments allowed. The business is required to pay for the entire lease term, regardless of whether they want to keep the equipment or not. This means that businesses cannot take advantage of early repayment benefits.

In addition, equipment leasing requires a security, which is normally a charge over the machinery supported by a director guarantee. This means that the lender has a claim on the equipment in case of default and the director gives a personal guarantee.

Overall, equipment leasing can be a great option for businesses that need to acquire equipment to operate, but do not want to make a large upfront investment. However, it is important for businesses to understand the terms and conditions of equipment leasing, including the requirement for security and the inability to make early prepayments.

Invoice Factoring

Invoice factoring is a type of financing that is particularly well-suited for companies that are awaiting payment on invoices. This is because it can often take up to 90 days for payments to be made, which can result in significant financial constraints for the business. Invoice factoring allows companies to receive an advance on their invoices, so they can access cash more quickly and avoid these constraints.

With invoice factoring, a lender will provide a business with between 80% and 90% of the invoice’s value. The remaining 10% is paid to the business when the invoice is paid in full, minus interest. Security for invoice factoring is usually a debenture over the invoicing of the business, plus a director’s guarantee.

Invoice factoring is particularly well-suited for companies that need cash on hand to cover operating costs, salaries, rent, etc. Businesses in transportation, recruiting, or providing a service would benefit greatly from invoice factoring, since cash may be made available as soon as an invoice is issued.

It is important to note that there are many funding options available for businesses, and the type of financing that is best suited for your business will depend on a variety of factors such as the industry you’re in and the stage of growth your business is in.

It is also worth mentioning that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing a funding crisis, and many high-street banks are not funding businesses that need it the most. Some organizations like Apollo are happy to fund any business regardless of size, poor credit, or CCJs, and believe that every business deserves a chance to thrive.

About Us

Apollo Business Finance is the UK’s fastest-growing independent invoice finance lender. We provide businesses of all shapes and sizes with the cash flow support they need to grow, regardless of credit history or past hurdles.

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