Starting a small business is a thrilling endeavor, but it often requires a significant financial investment. Securing start-up loans can be a crucial step in turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
This guide on how to get small business start up loans will provide you with valuable insights into the different types of small business loans available, the application process, and essential tips for increasing your chances of approval.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding the world of small business financing can help you lay a solid foundation for your new venture.
What is a start up business loan?
A startup business loan is financing designed to cover the initial costs of a new business. This can include anything from opening a retail location or purchasing inventory to launching an ad campaign or designing a website.
A startup loan is designed to help you finance whatever you’d need to launch your business. Also, a startup loan is different from a regular business loan, because it’s issued to a new company without a proven track record.
Since your business won’t have an extensive history, profit statements, or even a credit score, you may find it more difficult to obtain a startup loan for a small business. Fortunately, it’s not impossible.
Requirements for small business loans
You’ll find different requirements at different lenders. However, in general, you should expect to prepare the following if you’re hoping to secure a small business loan for a startup.
Credit Score: A high personal or business credit score often indicates a lower risk to the lender.
Financial Statements: Income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements demonstrate the financial health of your business.
Business Plan: A well-defined business plan outlines your company’s goals, strategies, and market analysis.
Collateral: Some loans require collateral, such as property or equipment, to secure the loan.
Management Team: Lenders may evaluate the experience and qualifications of your management team.
Time in Business: Established businesses often have a stronger track record of success.
Loan Purpose: The reason for the loan (e.g., equipment purchase, expansion) influences eligibility.
Industry: Some industries may have specific requirements or face additional risks.
Location: Geographic location can impact loan availability and terms.
Personal Guarantee: In many cases, business owners may be required to personally guarantee the loan, making them liable for repayment if the business defaults.
10 options for small business start up loans
Small business startup loans can be difficult to acquire, especially for businesses without a proven track record. The good news is that it’s not impossible! Here are the most common options for people who are hoping to get their hands on a startup business loan.
SBA loans
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are government-backed loans featuring low-interest rates, high funding amounts, favorable terms, and inherent flexibility. Most SBA loans are intended for established businesses, but you can find many options for small business startup loans as well.
Despite their benefits, SBA loans can sometimes be difficult to qualify for. You can apply for SBA loans through participating lenders.
Personal business loans
Many entrepreneurs turn to personal loans when they can’t get approved for a business loan. Personal loans can be more accessible, especially if you have a steady income stream and good credit.
The downside to personal loans is that you’ll be assuming all the risk. If your business plans turn sour, you’ll be personally responsible to repay the funds to the lender.
Invoice financing
Invoice financing is a way to exchange your unpaid invoices for cash. It’s also fairly accessible to startups and new businesses.
Invoice financing allows businesses to convert unpaid invoices into immediate cash, providing much-needed liquidity to fund operations and seize growth opportunities. By accelerating the collection of receivables, startups can avoid delays in paying suppliers and employees, maintain positive cash flow, and improve their overall financial health.
Microloans
Microloans can be a great option as a startup loan for a small business, especially because they’re more accessible than traditional loans. The downside is that funding amounts with these loans typically do not exceed $50,000. This may or may not be enough capital for your new business, depending on what your plans are.
Bank loans
Banks are notoriously hesitant to approve younger businesses without a proven track record. If you are able to secure a bank loan, you’ll likely have to back it up with a personal guarantee or some type of collateral. Nevertheless, bank loans are highly coveted, especially because they have low interest rates and favorable terms.
Equipment financing
Equipment financing is designed to help you cover the costs of various types of equipment you need to conduct your business operations. This can include vehicles, machinery, hardware, software, manufacturing tools, and more.
The great thing about equipment financing is that it’s typically secured by the underlying equipment you are buying. This can help lower interest rates and make funding more accessible, especially to startups. Just keep in mind that if you don’t make your payments, your lender will be able to seize the equipment.
Grants
Grants can be a great starting point for new businesses, especially because they’re essentially free money that doesn’t need to be paid back. You can find grants available through various institutions.
From entrepreneurial competitions and government agencies to business development organizations, and more, grants can be accessed in a myriad of ways. The downside to grants is that they’re typically low in funding amounts and hard to qualify for.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a fairly new, legal way for businesses to raise much-needed capital from a wide range of people. Kickstarter and SeedInvest are top crowdfunding sites where startups and young businesses can raise capital fairly quickly.
Investors are typically willing to purchase shares based on an idea or proof of concept alone. While crowdfunding can be an accessible way to access capital, it does require you to relinquish shares in your company, which can create ownership issues down the line.
Personal financing
Many entrepreneurs rely on their personal finances to power through the early stages of their new business. This can include your savings, home equity, personal credit cards, or even help from family. While using your own finances can be a fast option that won’t result in interest rates or fees, you could risk your personal savings or even retirement down the line.
Business credit cards
Business credit cards aren’t technically a loan, but they can help you with start-up costs nonetheless. Business credit cards are more accessible than startup loans and can be an easy way to cover your initial expenses. Unfortunately, business credit cards tend to have high interest rates and can rack up debt levels quickly if you’re not careful.
Tips for choosing the best loan for your start up
Still don’t know which type of startup business loan is best for your needs? Here’s how to narrow down to a decision.
Determine how much financing you need
List the various expenses you will need to meet in order to get your new business up and running. You may be surprised that you can start conducting operations with much less than you initially thought. This can be helpful because in general, it’s easier to secure small business startup loans with lower funding amounts.
Research lenders
Some lenders may be unwilling to work with you if you have no business credit history. Unfortunately, there are other lenders that can take advantage of this situation.
Stay away from lenders who offer no credit check or guaranteed approval options. You may be better off using your own savings or a credit card.
Compare loan options
Taking the time to get multiple loan offers from different lenders is critical to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You can use an online financing marketplace or work with several lenders at once to explore different loan options and compare to find the best fit.
Pay attention to loan terms
Remember to pay close attention to loan terms and conditions, fees, etc. You never want to sign anything unless you’ve read through all the fine print and thoroughly understand what you’re agreeing to. When in doubt, ask your lender about anything you’re unsure of.
Where to find small business startup loans
Small business startup loans aren’t always the easiest to obtain. Many lenders are hesitant to work with newer businesses.
They’ll want to make sure your business is stable enough with a solid proof of concept before agreeing to finance. Many entrepreneurs end up pulling together multiple different kinds of financing solutions in order to cover their initial costs.
For example, even if you are able to obtain a small business startup loan, you may also have to dip into your personal savings or apply for a grant before you really get the amount you need. After all, becoming an entrepreneur requires a level of resourcefulness.
FAQ
Can you get a loan to start a business with no money?
You can get a loan to start a business without any money, but it is difficult. You may be able to get a certain type of SBA loan, equipment loan, personal loan, or another funding solution.
How can I get a loan for a business I just started?
Consult with banks, online lenders, or local lenders. Online financing marketplaces can also be a useful resource for finding startup loans.
Can SBA loans be used for startups?
SBA loans can be used for startups! Although there’s no guarantee you’ll qualify for SBA financing as a startup, SBA loans can be used to cover the majority of startup costs required to launch your business.
