When an idea strikes for a new business venture, there’s a frenzied excitement to answer unknowns. What will it look like? What will it be called? How will it fill a gap in the market? Does it solve a problem?
One of the last questions to answer is: How will you fund it? Start-up capital is essential for initial operational costs such as rent, equipment, inventory, and labor—all things your business will need to build steady revenue streams. It establishes a foundation for sustained growth and expansion, but few entrepreneurs have this capital readily available.
Business start-up loans provide the necessary capital to finance new ventures of all kinds, and understanding the options available means one less hurdle on the path to launch your dream.
Evaluating Business Start-Up Loans
Start-up financing comes in a variety of loan types for different business needs. Some provide capital on demand, whereas others provide a lump sum, each with different thresholds of maximum funding and term lengths.
Qualifications with lenders will vary, and this can make financing especially difficult for true start-ups that may not have an established history, assets, or credit. Choosing a business start-up loan that suits your unique situation will lead to more success in funding and repayment.
Term Loans
Available through online and private lenders, these provide businesses with a lump sum and are repaid with interest over the scheduled term length. They’re best for businesses that need funding quickly and up-front to establish and expand.
Considerations:
They allow you to borrow significant capital.
Funding is much faster than traditional lenders (i.e., days or weeks versus months).
Costs and terms vary widely.
They may require collateral or other personal guarantees.
Business Lines of Credit
Like personal credit, a business line of credit provides access to capital as needed, and interest is only accrued on funds drawn. It can be repaid and funds redrawn, making it best for ongoing or short-term business needs, such as managing cash flow.
Considerations:
It comes with flexible financing.
There is no collateral required.
It may carry additional costs, such as maintenance fees and draw fees.
Strong revenue and credit are required.
SBA Loans
Multiple government-backed loan programs are available from the Small Business Administration (SBA), financed by private lenders and banks. SBA loans have some of the lowest rates available because they are secured with a government guarantee if a business defaults on payment, reducing risk for the lender. However, the application process is lengthy and requirements are strict, with stipulations for business size, character, location, industry, and plans to use funds.
SBA 7(a) Loans
These loans finance a broad range of needs, including working capital, fixture or equipment purchases, ownership changes, expansion expenses, debt refinancing, and real estate acquisition, with a distribution of funds up-front. They’re best for established businesses that do not require immediate funding and are looking to expand or refinance debts.
Considerations:
There is a funding limit of $5 million.
Terms range from 10-25 years.
Interest rates will be set by the lender, but will not exceed the SBA maximum.
Fees, including prepayment penalties, may apply.
Each lender may set additional eligibility criteria.
SBA 504 Loans
For businesses that need to finance assets, SBA 504 loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase real estate and machinery. There are limited approved uses for funding, making them best for more established businesses in a position to expand or modernize.
Considerations:
Terms range from 10-25 years.
They require a 10 percent down payment.
There are limited approved uses for funding.
They are financed by two lenders.
Each lender may set additional eligibility criteria.
The intended use of funds must demonstrate the potential to support job creation and community development.
SBA Microloans
These loans provide a lifeline to more vulnerable businesses with capital needs under $50k. SBA microloans are best for newly established small businesses, nonprofits, and those in underserved areas with low-to-moderate expenses.
Considerations:
There is a funding limit of $50k.
They may require collateral.
They cannot be used to pay for existing debt or real estate.
Unlike other SBA programs, eligibility requirements, terms, and interest rates will vary by intermediary lender.
Asset-Based Financing
To facilitate large capital needs (without large interest rates to match), these loans are borrowed against the value of a business asset. They can be secured with various forms of collateral, such as machinery, real estate, or accounts receivable. Asset-based loans are best for more established businesses with consistent revenue to support repayment with reduced risk of default.
Considerations:
Collateral improves the borrower’s credit risk profile.
Funding is determined by the value of collateral.
More favorable terms as the loan is secured.
There is a risk that the asset can be repossessed by the lender.
Traditional Lenders vs. Alternative Financing
When comparing business start-up loans from traditional and alternative lenders, review annual percentage rates (APRs), eligibility requirements, repayment terms, fees, and how quickly the loan can be funded. Although determining which lender is best will be highly personal, we outlined additional considerations for perspective.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Traditional Lenders
They have a long, established history of reliable financing and lower APRs overall.
Additional services, like merchant bank accounts, offer convenience and potential incentives.
They have strict requirements, tight lending policies, and slower funding and underwriting.
Key Features of Alternative Financing
This option provides simple online applications with faster funding and underwriting.
They have more flexible eligibility requirements. Alternative lenders may waive down payment, credit score, or tax history requirements, valuing the outcome over individual financial standing.
They have higher APRs, although competitive introductory rates are available.
How to Get Your Start-Up Loan Approved
Once you’ve identified lenders you feel will be reliable financial partners, it’s time to submit applications. For better chances of funding approval:
Research business loan requirements in advance to avoid surprises. Many lenders have standard minimums for time in business or annual revenue.
Craft a solid business plan to make a strong case for your funding needs.
Identify assets you may use as collateral if required to secure a loan.
Identify a business partner or cosigner to strengthen the financial standing behind your application.
- Dream Bigger with Diamond Business Loans
Choosing the right business start-up loan will not only help launch your dream, but also ensure you can manage repayment. Your business is just beginning and deserves the best future you can finance. Contact Diamond Business Loans to learn more about your options from our experienced financial professionals.
