Financing Options For a Small Business
Different circumstances require different financing options. Having spent 10 years as a financial adviser, I realized that each business is worthy of individual attention. There are several financing options available
that can make a business competitive, provided they suit its needs and match its profile.
Here are the options to consider:
1. Debt Financing
Raising working capital through debt financing implies borrowing money from retail or institutional investors, who, in return, expect you to repay the principal and the interest on your debt within the repayment schedule. To receive this line of credit, you have to show strong cash flows, high liquidity and a coherent business plan to explain why debt refinancing may be an option for your business.
Pros – No need to relinquish equity.
Cons – High interests involved. Need to put personal assets as collateral. If you go bankrupt, the debt has to be repaid by your personal funds.
2. Equity Financing
Funding your business through equity financing implies selling your business’s stocks to retail or institutional investors and offering them ownership stake. You can borrow money through friends and family, angel investors or venture capitalists.
87% of equity financing is from friends and family. However, you have to protect your business by actually asking for a business loan. Draft a loan agreement and construct a repayment plan.
Pros – Equity is immediately available. No need to pay back the money. No collateral required.
Cons – You give ownership stake.
Angel investors are individual investors, willing to undertake the risks of your business provided it has high growth potential and sustains a competitive advantage. Alternatively, they can assist with early-stage financing. Their investment horizon is typically 5 years, and the funds supplied range from 0,000 to million.
Pros – Interested in adding value to your business.
Cons – May be hard to find.
Venture capitalists usually have a 3-year investment horizon and expect 25% ROI. They specialize in high-growth industries, invest more than million and are mostly interested in the potential rate of
return your business can provide.
Pros – Savvy and wealthy investors.
Cons – Your business must be fast growing. Need to share control and consider the option of selling your business or going public in 3 years.
3. SBA Loans
SBA guaranteed loans are government-sponsored loans for financing your business. Funds supplied range from 0,000 (SBA Express) to million (7(a) Loan Guarantee Program or Preferred Lender Program).
Pros – Quick process. Money is guaranteed. Longer repayment schedule.
Cons – Need to put collateral, typically your property. High fees. Your business should not have credit history.
Options to Avoid
Cash advances – Credit card cash advances are convenient to obtain and immediately available. However, they incur high interest rates and typically charge more than 3% over premium that a bank loan would charge you.
Home Equity Loans- Home equity loans are cost-effective because they incur lower interest rates than other types of loans currently offered in the market. However, putting your property as collateral makes home equity loans a high risk financing option.