Having a business with a unique model and an unusual structure isn’t something unheard of. In fact, all models and types of businesses would have had a first! But what if your business is currently unique? Does it impact the chances of getting funded? Debt is often considered an invaluable tool in business, but what if the doors to debt seem closed? Are there alternative options to the traditional business loan?
While the answers to these questions can vary with the frames of reference in certain cases, in most general terms, what we discuss ahead can be of use to owners and other stakeholders of various businesses that have unusual business models including entrepreneurial ventures of various kinds.
Today’s debt market can serve all viable businesses that are setup and meet various other requirements that the lenders maintain as their eligibility terms, regardless of the business model or structure. Read on, and you could find a solution that fits your business.
Challenges with Traditional Loan Options
Traditional loans for businesses such as bank loans and SBA loans play a great role in the economy. While some businesses find such loans to be affordable and easy to get, many people do not discuss that traditional loans often suit only traditional businesses. For an unusual business model or an entrepreneurship, it often happens that a traditional loan is not an option. Traditional lenders often reject loans when one or more of these factors are present:
- People consider the industry risky.
- We cannot provide enough collateral.
- The type of business isn’t one that’s accepted by the lender
- The debt use of the business is either too high or too low
- There isn’t enough paperwork available to evidence all the loan’s requirements.
- The business hasn’t been operational long enough
- The business model doesn’t seem acceptable
Some of these factors are normal for businesses that aren’t traditional and hence traditional loans are often a challenge or out of reach of such businesses.
Startups Face Different Challenges
If your unusual business is also a startup business, you’re likely to face even more challenges as you look for a suitable financing option.
Startups have very few SBA and bank loan options available. Any option available is likely to have stringent requirements and qualification terms.
If your startup is one of the few that passes those requirements, there may be chances for you to secure a traditional loan, but the usual challenges that come with traditional loans as discussed before, will also apply to your business.
And for a younger business, some of those challenges are difficult to overcome. But, there are business loan options today that could serve you despite these hurdles.
How Unsecured Business Loans Can be Easier
One of the biggest challenges faced by many borrowing businesses today, is the need for collateral to secure business loans. The value of the collateral needed for a business loan tends to be 20-60% higher than the value of the loan, which helps the lender cover expenses related to the loan plus an estimate of the potential expenses related to converting the collateral into money. This is, because the collateral is after all there only to cover for the loan, in the event of a non-payment thereof.
Unsecured business loans are those that need no such collateral and these loans are offered based upon a personal guarantee. In the case of unique business models and entrepreneurship loans, it is often easier for owners of such businesses to choose loans from alternative lenders. These loans often come with easy qualification terms and broader acceptability.
Alternative Loans for Entrepreneurs and Unusual Businesses
Alternative lending is one of the go-to solutions for most businesses that are unique in various ways that makes it hard for them to secure traditional loans. Loans have been crucial for sustaining, growing, and developing businesses. They have played these roles as long as they have existed. Those businesses that need it can access alternative lending to have less stringency. Yes, costs associated with the loans tend to be higher, but many find value in the services that’s beyond the cost of the loan.
The Debt Advantage in Business
Loans, financing for various purposes and business funding are considered irreplaceable tools. Many small businesses, large firms and even whole economies – including the entire US economy – often credit much of their growth to the debt industry. Used debt has been seen to help businesses reach unseen heights.
Amongst many other uses, loans can help businesses:
- Keep a healthy cash capital
- Afford the right infrastructure
- Sustain during times of struggle
- Get stake in other businesses
- Invest in expansion plans and projects
- Buy inventory
- Hire and train employees
- Spend on marketing
- Buy property
Get a Loan for Your Business, No Matter What the Model
If your business model makes it hard to get a traditional loan, you’re in the right place. If your venture can’t get other funding for the same reason, you’re also in the right place. At Business Advance Funding, we are an alternative lender and our loans are available with enhanced flexibility. As long as our simple eligibility requirements are being met, we welcome you to apply for the loan that you seek for your business. Our team is here to work with you on a suitable loan offer.