Small business loans are available through many financial institutions, but the process isn’t always smooth. Some lenders have many questions about small businesses, which can be pretty intimidating at first.
Consider these questions common to all lenders when applying for that much-needed small business loan.
What Is the Credit Rating?
Lenders will want to know the company’s credit rating to determine what risks it might pose. Of course, if it has a perfect rating, lenders may be more likely to give them access to capital. If the company or personal credit is not so good, it may need to explain how the small business proposes to pay back the money lent when required.
What Is the Company’s Workforce?
A lender will want to know, first and foremost, how many people work for a company. Some companies have the exact number of employees required by the bank or credit union. Others have fewer. Lenders have to be careful with those companies as they may feel they aren’t being given information. In this situation, a businessperson may need to work with an accountant or lawyer to identify the company’s risks and benefits.
Where Is the Business Market?
Lenders and small businesses don’t always share the same vision, which may be most accurate in the market. Small companies are just starting to expect to grow with time, but lenders tend to emphasize immediate cash flow. A business person may need to consider what the lender wants to make it work.
Are There Any Tax Liens?
According to Lantern by SoFi, small business loan lenders want to know if there are any tax liens against the small business. They indicate that the company will have difficulty paying back its loan, which can be problematic for everyone involved. If there are tax liens, they may ask for more collateral or otherwise up the cost of borrowing money.
Is the Business in Debt?
Sometimes a business may use its credit to repay debts, but lenders will want to see evidence of this. It may be the only way that a small business can get capital for expansion and ongoing operations. If there are any signs of high debt or loan defaults, the lender may not want to give the company additional access to capital.
What are the Company’s Products or Services?
Lenders want to know if the small business makes products or services. If the business only has something special to offer, it may not compete with larger companies with vast resources. It is one of the reasons that many small businesses have a different organizational structure. It can help them get financing more easily.
Are There Any Additional Financing Options?
If the lender is not offering enough money to get the business through the next year or two, it might be time to consider other options. A small business may need to obtain an unsecured loan or obtain credit through another method. Many people get credit cards to get what they need until the time comes for more capital.
How Much Capital is Needed?
The lender will want to know how much the business needs. They want to determine how much risk it has based on those needs. If the company doesn’t need as much money as it initially thought, it can take a bit of pressure off of everyone involved and perhaps even negotiate a better interest rate and other terms.
Lenders are widespread in the world of small businesses. They’re responsible for making sure that any loans given out are safe. If they don’t get the information they need, they likely won’t stand by the deal. It means that it may take some extra effort to get what you need, but it can be worth it in the end.
