Get All of the Secrets to SBA Loans
When it comes to getting SBA loans for your small business, having the secrets from the source can make all of the difference. This means finding information from lenders and using that to improve the standing of your company with lending institutions and the Small Business Administration alike. There are two main areas of concerns that you will need to look at when thinking about a loan, the financial ones and the idea ones.
The Financial Concerns
SBA loans are partially backed by the Small Business Association and secured through an approved lender. This means that you will still need to be approved by a bank. This can be intimidating because a lender will look at your business credit as well as factors such as down payment. Your business credit score has to do with how long you have been in business, how many successful loans you have and the type of loans or lines of credit you have. The better your business credit, the easier it is for a lender to justify taking a risk on you.
One thing that lenders look at that most small businesses do not realize is the amount of money your company has in the bank. It can be tempting to keep a minimum of cash reserves and keep pumping the excess back into your company but having a positive bank balance can show lenders that you are making enough money to cover your expenses and earn interest. This can also help you avoid emergency lending and have a balance for a down payment for the property or equipment you are taking out the loan to get.
The Idea Concerns
How you are going to use the money can be as important to lenders, and the SBA, as how you are going to pay the loan back. This means having a concrete business pitch with a projected budget. This budget needs to include your current and projected bills as well as your current and projected income so that you are not borrowing outside of your means to pay back. It is important to remember, for instance, that opening a second location means that you will be paying two utility bills, two sets of staff and two batches of supplies as well as the loan.
SBA loans can help small businesses develop into larger ones, if you can get approved. There are some tips and tricks, usually from lenders, available to help you be a more appealing investment for the underwriters. For instance, many lenders will look at both your finances and your plans.