Financing Questions: Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

• How can I raise money for my small business?
• What types of loans exist for business financing?
• What do banks look for when considering a loan request?
• How do I write a good loan proposal?

How can I raise money for my small business?

Even though, raising capital is the most basic of all business activities, it can be a complex and frustrating process. There are several sources to consider when looking for financing. The primary source of capital for most new businesses comes from savings and other forms of personal resources. While credit cards are often used to finance business needs, there may be better options available, even for very small loans.

Many entrepreneurs also look to private sources such as friends and family when starting out in a business venture. Often, money is loaned interest free or at a low interest rate, which can be beneficial when getting started.

Outside of personal resources, the most common source of funding are banks and credit unions, which provide a loan if you can show that your proposal is sound. Finally, venture capital firms help companies grow in exchange for equity or partial ownership.

What types of loans exist for business financing?

To be successful in obtaining a loan, you must know exactly how much money you need, why you need it, and how you will pay it back. Your written proposal must be able to convince your lender that you are a good credit risk.

Terms of loans may vary from lender to lender, but there are two basic types of loans:

Short-term and long-term. Generally, a short-term loan has a maturity of up one year. These include working-capital loans, accounts-receivable loans and lines of credit

Long-term loans have maturities greater than one year but usually less than seven years. Real estate and equipment loans may have maturities of up to 25 years. Long-term loans are used for major business expenses such as purchasing real estate and facilities, construction, durable equipment, furniture and fixtures, vehicles, etc.

What do banks look for when considering a loan request?

When reviewing a loan request, the bank official is primarily concerned about repayment. To help determine this ability, many loan officers will order a copy of your business credit report from a credit-reporting agency.

Using the credit report and the information you have provided, the lending officer will consider the following issues:

• Have you invested savings or personal equity in your business totaling at least 25 percent to 50 percent of the loan you are requesting? (Remember, a lender or investor will not finance 100 percent of your business.)

• Do you have a sound record of credit-worthiness as indicated by your credit report, work history and letters of recommendation? This is very important.

• Do you have sufficient experience and training to operate a successful business?

• Have you prepared a loan proposal and business plan that demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to the success of the business?

• Does the business have sufficient cash flow to make the monthly payments on the amount of the loan request?

How do I write a good loan proposal?

A good loan proposal will contain the following key elements:

General Information

• Business name and address, names of principals and their social security numbers.
• Purpose of the loan: exactly what the loan will be used for and why it is needed.
• Amount required: the exact amount you need to achieve your purpose.

Business Description

• Details of what kind of business it is, its age, number of employees and current business assets.
• Ownership structure: details on your company's legal structure.

Management Profile

Develop a short statement on each principal in your business; provide background, education, experience, skills and accomplishments.

Market Information

Clearly define your company's products as well as your markets. Identify your competition and explain how your business competes in the marketplace. Profile your customers and explain how your business can satisfy their needs.

Financial Information

• Financial statements: balance sheets and income statements for the past three years. If you are just starting out, provide a projected balance sheet and income statement.
• Personal financial statements on yourself and other principal owners of the business.
• Collateral you would be willing to pledge as security for the loan.