Business dreams are pure fantasy until you turn them into reality. Is capital preventing you from realizing your business potential?
You’re not alone in your struggle for cash. Nearly 70% of small businesses in the U.S. applied for loans in 2020. Regardless of where your credit stands, you can still get loans for business ventures.
It’s tempting to apply for loans right away, but research is key. Here are four factors to consider.
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Can You Pay Back a Loan?
Receiving a loan is one thing, but paying it back can be more trouble than it’s worth.
Life is unpredictable, and you never know when your financial situation will change. Do you have enough money to pay back your loans if something goes awry? Always have a plan B ready when plan A falls through.
High-interest rates also prevent borrowers from paying back loans on time, but this doesn’t mean that high-interest loans are off the table. Meticulous budgeting is the secret to paying back payday and high-interest loans.
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Are You High-Risk?
Entrepreneurs with bad credit are typically limited to high-interest loans because they’re considered “high risk.” Lenders use credit scores to determine risk. Paying high-risk loans on time improves credit scores, and higher credit scores mean lower interest rates.
You may not have to endure a credit check to get a loan, either. This page explains how applicants can bypass credit checks and receive cash quickly.
To find out if you’re a high-risk applicant, run a credit check. You’ll see your overall credit score, along with current debts in collection.
These types of loans are best for short-term use. Once you get your credit up, apply for lower-interest loans. Long-term high-interest rates will burn right through your budget if you’re not careful.
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Do You Have a Plan for Your Loan?
Not so fast! Before you apply, you need a plan.
Calculate the potential ROI for the loan. Will you generate enough profit to cover the loan and increase sales from the investment? Every penny counts when you’re starting a business.
Write a business plan first. Most bank loans require applicants to show a business plan anyway. Your plan should breakdown budgets, sales projections, operations costs, overhead, and any other expenses. You’ll also need an executive summary.
If possible, see if you can set up automatic payments; this trick will keep you on track and help you avoid late payment penalties.
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Have You Exhausted All Your Options?
There are so many loans for business startups. Have you explored all of your options?
Don’t settle on a loan until you’ve researched every qualifying loan. If you’re high-risk, your options are limited, but high-interest rates do vary among lenders. Carefully compare rates and loans to identify the best opportunities.
Have you applied for small business grants? Grants are an excellent alternative to loans, and you don’t have to pay them back.
Look for any eligible business grants. The Small Business Association (SBA) and private institutions provide business grants. There are also specific business grants for inclusion efforts, women, minorities, and veterans.
Discover the Right Loans for Business Ventures
Just one loan could take your business to the next level. Take your time to find the perfect match. Remember these tips as you discover a reliable funding source.
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