For small to medium-sized businesses to ensure the business is fully operational, a proper amount of capital is absolutely important. All business owners are aware of the fact that money is the bloodline of a business and if you’re aiming to start a business, then financing and funding should be your primary focus.
Although there are many different ways through which business owners can finance their businesses and stay afloat, the debt financing option seems to be the most popular one amongst all. Business owners also have the option to apply to financial institutions, or banks for the funding purposes as well.
However, banks are less likely to offer loan or financing options to businesses that are in their startup stages, but they are willing to providing finance and funding options for established businesses. Nonetheless, if you want to ensure that you are able to provide funding for your small or medium-sized business, then here is how you should apply for it:
How Much Do You Need & When?
The first step to applying for a loan is to list how much you will need for your business, and when. It might seem obvious that anyone asking for a loan would know what they need it for, but many startup owners are actually unaware of how the capital will be used. It is important to lenders that borrowers have clarity and know exactly how the money will be used.
Find a Loan Marketplace or a Bank
A loan marketplace is an excellent option for various reasons. Affinity Beyond Capital is a US-based small business loan marketplace. It offers alternative financing for small to mid-sized businesses, with the option of same day approvals and funding. They offer a variety of different funding options and make obtaining finance and funding easy. Here are some funding options:
- Merchant cash advance
- Short term loan
- Asset based lending
- SBA express loan
- SBA 7(a) Loan
- Commercial Real Estate
- Equipment Financing
- Business Line of Credit
- Merchant Processing
To apply for a loan from a marketplace, such as Affinity Beyond Capital, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Gather Required Information
The information required for a loan will vary between lenders to some degree but most of it is the same. You can expect to have to submit a financial profile and possibly the credit history of the owners and/or business partners.
- Submit the application for a Small Business Loan
Most lenders offer an online application process, and each will have different guidelines and information requirements. Lenders may ask for the reasoning as to why you are applying for a loan. It should also help to mention your future plans for the business and why you think it will not fail in the long run.
- Application Reviewing Process and Loan Approval
Once you have submitted your application, along with any supporting documents that are asked of you, there will be a short wait period. However established lenders often offer a quick turnaround.
Moreover, many lenders will offer loans to small business and startups, but there has to be a strong business plan supporting the business. If you do not have a solid business plan, your business might seem like it is not exactly prepared for the competitive race between entrepreneurs. Thus, take your time to become organized with your business plan.
