It’s no secret that moving your business in the right direction requires cash—whether you’re capitalizing on a new opportunity, or resolving an issue. Getting a small business loan is generally the first step that you should take in order to implement a positive change in your company.
But, banks require you to complete a pile of paperwork in order to get a small business loan. Direct lenders aren’t much better, but alternative lenders provide a fast, streamlined process for any business owners to receive substantial financing. So where should you start once you decide to get a small business loan?
And more importantly, how do you proceed after you’ve identified your options?
We’re here to explain everything you should do from the outset, and help you get the most out of your business loan.
As we mentioned before, getting a small business loan generally means you’re looking to accomplish one of two things. Either you’re planning to use the funds to overcome a challenge, or you’re looking to invest in growing your business.
In either scenario, funding can help you jump these hurdles gracefully, and land on your feet.
But when it comes to finding the best business loan, you’ll need to think beyond the basics. Instead, consider the specifics: what will you put this money toward in order to make a difference?
For example, if you’re looking to refinish your building to make customers feel more welcome, then flesh out the steps involved from start to finish. Or, if your business is short-handed and needs more staff to meet day-to-day demands, then specify that.
Every day, opportunistic business owners like you are getting a small business loan to do things like:
However, the potential for growth is endless. As you continue building your business, you’ll always find new challenges to overcome—and the rewards make everything worthwhile.
You know that you need to get a small business loan to move things forward. But how much do you need in order to get from point A to point B?
Completing this crucial step correctly is imperative when you’re applying. Overshooting your loan amount to leave a blanket of safety can limit your chances of being approved, or increase your interest payments. Playing it safe with a low amount may prevent you from fully accomplishing the task at hand, too. According to Value Penguin, the average small business loan through an alternative lender is between 50,000 and 80,000.
Ultimately, it’s best to leave yourself some wiggle room and apply for slightly more than you need. But, National’s small business loan calculator can help you determine the amount you need. You can even see how the interest payments fluctuate as you increase the amount and payment terms!
Once you have an amount in mind, check your financials to see if it covers the expenses. Be sure to figure in the additional income from new profit centers, product lines or other streams of revenue!
Even if you know the amount that you need, you still need to decide on a program to get a small business loan. The way that loan products are structured can vary significantly. Depending on your unique business needs, you may select one of several options.
A business financing advisor can help you narrow down these choices when you’re getting a small business loan. Depending on your business, one (or more) of these loan programs may work for your industry and your goals.
You’ve made it past the initial hurdles, and learned about the process of getting a small business loan, and what you need. The next step in getting your small business loan is submitting your application, which will help you learn what you’re eligible for.
Loan requirements can certainly vary based on the amount, but the lender can play a huge role as well.
Banks and direct lenders tend to have more detailed and involved loan applications, occasionally requiring several years worth of bank statements and tax returns.
Getting a small business loan is easier through an alternative lender, or other online marketplaces. A lightning-fast application streamlines the otherwise difficult process, with only a few required steps. Once you’ve entered your information, you’ll be asked to forward over a few documents, and that’s it. Additionally, many alternative lenders perform a soft credit pull, rather than the hard inquiry that banks use.
The wait is over, and you’ve finally learned what your options are for getting a small business loan. Now, it’s time to dot your i’s, cross your t’s, and act!
The wait can last for weeks or months at banks, but don’t let that discourage you. Alternative lenders move quite fast, and can get you the cash you need to grow in as little as 24 hours.
At National, we work with a marketplace of over 75 lenders to make sure that you receive loan terms that are well-suited for your business. We’ll communicate with our lenders to learn about the available options, and touch base to help you choose an option that will make a difference.
Get started by filling out an application form today!
National Business Capital & Services is the #1 FinTech marketplace offering small business loans and services. Harnessing the power of smart technology and even smarter people, we’ve streamlined the approval process to secure over $1 billion in financing for small business owners to date.
Our expert Business Financing Advisors work within our 75+ Lender Marketplace in real time to give you easy access to the best low-interest SBA loans, short and long-term loans and business lines of credit, as well as a full suite of revenue-driving business services.
We strengthen local communities one small business loan at a time. For every deal we fund, we donate 10 meals to Feeding America!
Matt Carrigan is the Content Writer at National Business Capital & Services. He loves spending every day creating content to educate business owners across every industry about business growth strategies, and how they can access the funding they need!
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National Business Capital & Services has secured over $1 billion in business loans & financing.
