Saturday, December 31, 2016

Points To Consider Before Applying For Bank Business Loans

By Larry Sanders


Running a private enterprise has its fair share of challenges. The primary challenge is the capital. For some, the starting capital may be hard to gather. Others may have a problem consolidating capital for expansion into the next level. Banks and other private and governmental institutions provide finances for such businesses. In such cases, it is imperative that entrepreneurs make some considerations before seeking business loans.

Draft a professional business plan for your enterprise. The document articulates the nature, scope, objectives and goals of your business. It has a historical record of the enterprise where applicable. It also includes future projections of your operations. Small and medium enterprises have the misconception that a written plan is only for large organizations. It eases communication with potential financiers.

Identify the best banks to apply for a loan. Identification required that one runs a thorough research on the banking institutions where one is eligible. Look into their service packages and how they relate to your enterprise. Make comparisons between several banks. Also contact a non-partisan expert to help you understand some of the implications of certain terms and conditions. The idea is to have an objective insight into the viability of your loan.

Look into the feasibility of your enterprise. A feasibility study must be carried out by a professional. Start-ups may find it challenging to consult a professional in this. In this case, find a friend in the financial sector, a mentor or other individuals in the trade. Networking goes a long way in ensuring that one comes into contact with advice from the experts.

At the same time, consider that financial institutions face issues such as fluctuating interest rates. Changes in politics and regimes may also affect the value of loans. Look into this factor carefully. Consider that an institution must have a good reputation with loans. Changing rates and conditions may result in losses. Ensure that the return on investment is achievable. Look at the loan prospects and its current and future value.

The question of the exact amount you need in financing is also important to consider. It is common practice for individuals to get financing of up to a certain percentage of their business. A smaller loan may end up becoming a loss if it does not deliver. On the other hand, over borrowing may result in wastage and inevitably, losses.

Consider other alternatives to banks. Only ensure that the alternatives are legal. Cooperatives may have a lower limit on the amounts, more restriction and monitoring but they are easier to service. Also consider saving up to start in future. Other alternatives include soft loans from friends and family.

Come up with a good business plan to ease communication with potential financiers. Objective analysis of your enterprise is a must. This way, you will be able to understand other intricacies of the trade better. Choose a banking institution with a reputation for stability in the face of changing economic and political dynamics. Moreover, look for better alternatives depending on the scope and nature of the trade your enterprise runs.




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