FEATURED : LOAN PROCESS
Q: How long will it take to receive my funds?
Technically factoring is not a loan; it is the purchase of future receivables. A third party, known as a factor, purchases a company’s invoice(s) or purchase order(s) at a discount giving a business owner access to a percentage of that invoice or purchase order upfront, instead of when the invoice is paid. The balance, minus the agreed upon fees or discount, is paid to the business owner once collected by the factor.For example, if you had an invoice for $10,000, using a factor (or factoring that invoice) would allow you to access a percentage now, and the balance, minus the factor’s fee when the invoice was paid. Every factor is a little different, but let’s say the factor paid you $8,000 now and the factor’s fee was 6%, the transaction would look like this:$8,000 today + $2,000 – $600 (factor fee) when the invoice was paidBasically, you sold the $10,000 invoice for $600 to access the capital now, instead of later.You can read more about factoring in our Business Owners’ Guide to Factoring.
A: A line of credit is a revolving form of credit that provides a predetermined capital limit and can be accessed as needed. Unlike a traditional term loan, all or part of the line can be accessed at any time up to the predetermined limit. Interest is only paid upon the amount actually used.You can read more about a business line of credit in our Business Owners’ Guide to a Business Line of Credit.
A: Technically factoring is not a loan; it is the purchase of future receivables. A third party, known as a factor, purchases a company’s invoice(s) or purchase order(s) at a discount giving a business owner access to a percentage of that invoice or purchase order upfront, instead of when the invoice is paid. The balance, minus the agreed upon fees or discount, is paid to the business owner once collected by the factor.For example, if you had an invoice for $10,000, using a factor (or factoring that invoice) would allow you to access a percentage now, and the balance, minus the factor’s fee when the invoice was paid. Every factor is a little different, but let’s say the factor paid you $8,000 now and the factor’s fee was 6%, the transaction would look like this:$8,000 today + $2,000 – $600 (factor fee) when the invoice was paidBasically, you sold the $10,000 invoice for $600 to access the capital now, instead of later.You can read more about factoring in our Business Owners’ Guide to Factoring.
A: It’s common practice for lenders to require a personal guarantee from the business owner(s) to protect the lender should the business default on the loan. Lenders do this to mitigate the risk of lending to small businesses, and the guarantee is often a requirement by the lender before offering a loan. In the event of a default, a personal guarantee gives the lender additional options to collect the debt.
A: That all depends upon the type of loan you’re looking for. To qualify for an SBA loan you’ll need a business plan. While other lenders might not require a formal business plan, they will ask questions about loan purpose, how this loan might positively impact profitability, etc. Whether or not a lender requires a business plan, it’s a good idea to go through the exercise so you can articulate why you are looking for a loan and the benefit you expect to gain from the capital.
A: A business loan is a type of loan designed for businesses to help them finance their operations, payroll, equipment and expansion opportunities.
A: To qualify for a business loan, lenders typically look at your credit score, time in business, and your business bank statements to evaluate cash flow. Depending on the lender, they may ask for additional information during the underwriting process.
View YourOptions