Borrowing money is frequently necessary over the course of owning a business. It is almost always required at the ouset, in order to fund startup business costs. But it will frequently be useful over the lifespan of a business, to purchase equipment, fund an expansion or renovation, hire additional staff, or to cover other costs. Knowing how to apply for and access a business loan is thus essential for entrepreneurs. Here are three tips that can be useful in the process of borrowing money.
- Design an Excellent Business Plan
Creating a comprehensive business plan is one of the first steps towards building a business. A business plan serves as a blueprint for your company, laying out what you’ll offer, how you’ll operate, and presenting statistics to back everything up.
There is no one standard form for a business plan, but all plans typically contain an executive summary, presenting an overview of the business; a thorough description of the product or service you will offer; industry and market analysis; financial data, including projections into the future; and a request for funding.
The better the business plan, the more likely you are to access a business loan. A well-written and well-sourced plan will help demonstrate to lenders that you’re prepared for the obligations of business ownership (not to mention repaying a loan) and will ultimately make you a stronger candidate for borrowing.
- Be Realistic in Your Request
A lender will want to see that the funding you request is backed up by a sound, data-driven need. Asking for an exorbitant sum may make a lender uncomfortable, or feel you’re not up to the burdens of borrowing. Likewise, asking for too little may be insufficient for your needs, requiring you to retun for a second loan, which is never ideal.
Comprehensively assessing your funding needs and seeking a required amount at the outset will make the overall borrowing process smoother.
- Compare Multiple Lending Options
There are countless options for sourcing a business loan: a bank, a credit union, a private investor, a B2B lender, or another source. Comparing multiple options will ensure you get the best deal, as well as the one most adequate to your needs.
When in doubt, it can be helpful to consult with a financial professional to assess what makes the most sense for your business.
The three tips above are not comprehensive, but can be helpful in working to access a loan for your business. Take the necessary time, and do sufficient research, to ensure you acquire a loan that works for you.