subject: Funding for start-ups and established companies: getting the best business loan rates [print this page] Funding for start-ups and established companies: getting the best business loan rates
For small business owners and entrepreneurs, extensive preparation is the key to getting the best possible business loan rates from major lending institutions. Obtaining funding for ongoing operations and special projects is essential in order to compete effectively in the modern marketplace;business loansand lines of credit ensure that money is available when your small business needs it most. This ready access to funding can allow your company to take advantage of short-term opportunities easily and reap the profits without excessive delay. Initial funding loans can be vital whenstarting your own businessas a back-up source of funds; combined with your own investment, the additional cash flow flexibility can make the difference between success and failure in the critical first years of operation.
Start out right
Securing the right funding at the right rates is especially important whenstarting your own business; excessively highbusiness loan ratescan cripple your business and create significant cash flow problems both immediately and over the course of the loan. It is essential to provide lending institutions with solid financial reasons to invest in your company. A comprehensive, professionally constructed business plan can inspire confidence in lenders and ensure that your company gets thebusiness loansit needs to survive and thrive in the marketplace.
Setting up for success
One of the most important factors in the success or failure of a small business is the overall image that it projects to vendors, customers and lenders. Separating your smallbusiness bank accounts from any personal accounts creates a more professional image for your company and can simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation. Separate smallbusiness bank accountsallow you to track and control your company's spending with increased accuracy; this, in turn, can allow you to plan more efficiently for upcoming expenses and gauge the profitability of your company effectively.
Ongoing funding needs
Even companies that have been in business for years require ongoing funding for their operations and special projects; your company will be no exception. The business loan application process for established owners is similar to that required for obtaining initial funding. However, because your company has already been in operation for some time, you must provide a number of materials to the lender that are not usually available at start-up. These include financial statements for the last three years, personal credit information, and an updated and current business plan.
Typical lending requirements
In general, lenders will want to see two or three vendor lines of credit, one or two corporate credit card accounts, and at least one other business loan in order to offer the best possiblebusiness loan rates. Because start-ups typically have not established these lines of credit, it is sometimes useful to enlist the help of the Small Business Administration in finding lending institutions willing to take a chance on your fledgling company; they can also provide assistance to established companies.
By creating a solid business plan and researching the lending institutions before you apply, you may be able to obtain the funding you need whenstarting your own business or funding continuing operations over time.
