A current or approaching circumstance could have you thinking about taking out a loan for your business. Because you, understandably, do not want to make your financial situation worse, you should give careful consideration about applying for and accepting a loan. This can be true no matter what type of business you run, whether it’s a local small business, a regional powerhouse like Stew Leonard’s supermarket, or even some of the non-profit’s supported by Mark Stevens Charity. That might surprise some since many non-profit’s get their funding from government grants, but non-profit’s are just like other businesses in many aspects including the need for additional capital. Here are several good reasons for you to think seriously about commercial financing.
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Expanding Physical Location
While business growth is a good thing, one problem you may run into is a lack of space for your growing workforce to accomplish their job duties. If you have your eyes on a potential new business base, you may need a bit of financial help to seal the deal and get all moved into your new space. Even if you can afford to rent or buy the new digs, you may not have enough money left over to hire a company to help you pack up your office, move everything over to your new spot, and set everything up. There could also be overhead charges that you didn’t factor into your moving budget. Either way, a small commercial loan could be all that you need.
Increasing Your Working Capital
It could be that the cost of your day-to-day business operations has increased and may soon be out of your financial reach. Recent circumstances beyond your control may have resulted in you having to decrease your hours of operation or either layoff or furlough employees. No matter what it is, your current business earnings could leave a bit to be desired. Before applying for a business loan for this specific reason, know that you’ll likely need a well-thought-out business plan to show lenders to better your chances of being approved for your loan. One thing to bear in mind with working capital business loans is that they often come with higher interest rates, something you most certainly want to factor into your business plan and future business operations.
Creating Future Credit
Rather than wait until hard times show up at your door, you may instead prefer to get well ahead of a potential financial disaster by setting up a safety net now. That could mean applying for a small short-term business loan now if you anticipate needing to take out more financing in the future. By taking out a smaller loan before you actually need one, you give yourself the opportunity to build your business credit score (yes, there is such a thing) and show yourself to be a responsible lender who makes on-time payments. On the other hand, there may be a specific lender you wish to build a rapport with. Taking out a smaller loan from that lender is a solid way to make a positive first impression.
Buying Equipment or Inventory
The type of equipment you have can either help or hinder your business. The latest or most reputable equipment in your specific business sector could be too expensive for you to afford on your own, and your customers or employees may suffer without quality business equipment. Financial professionals like Mark Stevens are sure to inform you that taking the necessary steps to secure quality equipment for your organization is essential for meeting and exceeding your business potential.
On the other hand, your equipment may be fine, but your inventory could use a boost either now or in the future. For instance, seasonal operations like retail and hospitality have specific times of the year where they experience the most business. Rather than risk missing out on having that vital inventory, you can take out a commercial loan to go ahead and stock up now.
Taking Advantage of a Business Opportunity
A legitimate business opportunity may have recently fallen into your lap. Unfortunately, you may not have the funds necessary to take advantage of that opportunity. Rather than let it pass you by, consider applying for a business loan, especially if you feel the venture is worth taking on short-term debt. While determining the true value of the opportunity, be careful that you do not underestimate the total cost, nor should you overestimate your total profits. A slight miscalculation could turn your good fortune into a burdensome nightmare.
Hiring New People
The right employees can take you and your business to the next level. That said, bringing on the right talent could require you to offer a salary higher than you’re currently capable of providing. If you make the right decision, your new hire could essentially repay the loan you took out to bring her or him on. Better yet, the individual could boost your profits and business reach long after you pay the loan back.
A lot of thought goes into deciding whether to apply for and accept commercial financing. Use the above insights to feel better about your final decision and reap the full benefits of financing done right.
