Lack of funding is one of the biggest reasons businesses fail. Without enough capital, a company will struggle to maintain operations and cash flow. As a result, many businesses seek out financing to meet their capital needs. In fact, an estimated 56% of small businesses seek business funding at some point in time.
Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons businesses need financing and strategies you can use to acquire the capital you need.
Top Reasons to Seek Business Finance
Companies may seek business funding for a variety of reasons, including:
Debt Restructuring
Some companies seek business capital for the purpose of debt restructuring. Debt consolidation can help a business reduce its costs and make its payments more manageable.
Obtaining a debt restructuring loan can also make financial planning easier, as you have fewer monthly payments to keep track of. Lower monthly payments and/or interest rates can free up valuable cash that the business can invest in growth or use as working capital.
Working Capital
One of the primary reasons businesses seek financing is for working capital purposes. A business must have sufficient working capital to maintain operations and reach its goals.
A loan can provide the funds needed in the short-term for operations and growth. These funds can also be used to bridge the gap between supplier payments and customer orders.
Working capital is one of the most common reasons businesses apply for financing because it provides more freedom and flexibility to invest in growth opportunities or to stay afloat during slow periods.
For example, if you run a seasonal business, seeking a loan for working capital can help your business maintain positive cash flow and keep your doors open during slow periods.
Asset Purchase
Companies may also seek financing for funding business asset purchases. To make money, you have to spend money. Growth often requires an investment in new equipment, machinery, technology or vehicles.
Seeking financing for asset purchases can be a smart decision because it allows you to obtain the assets you need without compromising your working capital. Often, loans used for this purpose have terms ranging from 6 months to 5 years, so businesses can plan their cash flow in advance and maximize their growth opportunities.
Not having to make a large upfront investment in new assets allows businesses to maintain cash flow and continue with operations as usual.
Growth Funding
Companies will also get funding for business growth. Every business has goals and plans for the future. Financing can help them reach those growth goals, which may be:
- Increasing sales
- Expanding into international markets
- Opening new locations
- Hiring more staff
- Moving to a bigger building
- Expanding their product or service line
If your business has positive cash flow, seeking external funding may allow you to expand and grow without a hefty upfront cost.
Often, loans used to fund growth plans will have terms of 1-5 years or more, which allows businesses to plan for the future carefully.
Starting A Business
One of the top reasons businesses seek financing is to get their operations up and running. Depending on the industry, a business may cost tens of thousands of dollars to launch.
Founders may have some cash to invest, but often need additional funding. They may also seek external funding to reduce their own personal risk.
Businesses can seek capital for their new business from a variety of sources, including:
- Traditional bank loans
- Family and friends
- Crowdfunding
- Grants
- Angel investors
Startup funding is notoriously challenging to secure due to the high risk. Businesses must have a detailed and convincing business plan if they hope to secure the funding they need.
Securing Business Funding: Unlocking the Potential of Your Company
Seeking information capital can help you acquire the knowledge you need to unlock your business’s potential. So, how can you secure business funding?
Have a Solid Business Plan
The first and most important thing is to make sure that you have a solid business plan, especially if you’re a startup. Lending to a business is risky. Lenders or investors will want to know that you have a solid plan and that your business idea is viable.
A detailed and convincing business plan will help you secure funding so that you can unlock your company's potential.
Work on Your Credit
Maintaining a good credit score can help you secure better rates when seeking financing. The higher your credit score, the more favorable the rate and the higher the chances of approval.
If you are a new business, lenders may look at your personal credit score. If you are seeking funding for an established business, lenders will look at the business’s credit score.
Taking the time to improve your score will go a long way in helping you acquire the funds you need with favorable terms.
Seeking Business Capital: Strategies for Acquiring the Funds Your Company Needs to Grow
In this guide for “how to funding for business,” we also want to briefly cover the strategies businesses can use to acquire the funds they need.
Finding the right source of funds for business growth or operations can be challenging. Businesses have several options, but not all of these options are right for every business.
Some of the most common sources of business funding include:
Traditional Banks
Many businesses seek financing through traditional banks. While it takes longer to get approved for a bank loan compared to other funding options, these loans offer lower interest rates and longer payment terms.
Banks will want to see:
- A detailed business plan
- A history of making on-time loan payments
- A good credit score
Banks want some kind of surety that the loan will be repaid, so they often require collateral. There are many financial organizations that fund small businesses, and they usually offer favorable terms.
Crowdfunding
Another popular way to fund a business, particularly a startup or new product launch, is with crowdfunding.
With crowdfunding, everyday people contribute money to a business idea. In exchange, they may receive some perk, like being the first person to receive the product or exclusive merchandise.
To succeed with crowdfunding, businesses must create compelling landing pages with detailed photos and videos of their product. Some crowdfunding platforms also take a percentage of earnings or require businesses to meet fundraising goals in order to access their cash.
Angel Investors
An angel investor is a high-net-worth individual looking to make an investment in a great business idea. In exchange for their financing, angel investors receive an equity stake in the company.
These investors will expect a profit from the company. Often, they are experienced entrepreneurs who can offer advice and constructive criticism.
Credit Cards
The simplest and quickest way to get the funding you need is with a credit card. Credit cards provide fast access to cash, but there are some drawbacks to consider.
- Credit cards have high interest rates compared to other funding options, so it's one of the most expensive forms of financing.
- Credit cards have limits, and that limit may not be high enough to cover your funding needs.
That said, credit cards can be a practical option if you have small-scale needs or just need a little capital to keep your business afloat during a slow period.
Final Thoughts
Businesses may need funding for a variety of reasons, from growth to asset acquisition and more. Having a solid business plan and good credit will make it easier to acquire the funding you need, whether you apply for a loan, use credit cards or seek out investors.
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