Alternatives to Traditional Financing

If you are looking to raise capital to grow your business, it’s a good idea to explore all options before jumping into a business loan offered by a traditional bank.  This blog will discuss the alternatives to traditional financing but first let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of traditional bank financing.

Traditional bank financing typically offers lower interest rates than alternative financing options.  Banks offer full relationships with many additional services to cover all of your banking needs.  Traditional banks also allow you to keep full control of your company without giving up a percentage of ownership.  Small businesses may benefit from government backed financing through SBA loans offered at traditional banks. 

The disadvantages include eligibility criteria which is usually stringent.  As the saying goes, “The best time to ask for a bank loan is when you don’t need one!”  Banks offer lower rates because they are typically willing to accept less risk than other capital raising alternatives.  Traditional bank financing also comes with a long application process and a significant amount of documentation.  Please visit our Commercial Banking Documentation Checklist blog for more information about the documentation required. 

There are several alternatives to traditional bank loans.  Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages. 

  • Reputable Online Lenders
  • Crowdfunding
  • Merchant Cash Advances
  • Asset Based Lending
  • Invoice Factoring
  • Equipment Financing
  • Mezzanine Debt
  • Equity Financing
  • Issuing Bonds

Reputable Online Lenders typically offer fast, flexible and secure financing for small businesses.  These online vendors typically base credit decisions on your personal credit score and they require at least one year of business operating history and may require minimum revenue.  Decisions are quick and the funds are typically deposited same day.  They often come with no prepayment penalties and no collateral requirements.  Disadvantages include higher interest rates and the short term nature of the loans.

Crowdfunding offers equity and debt financing solutions.  Crowdfunding is a popular way for start-ups and small businesses to raise capital.   According to a Forbes article, the average crowdfunding campaign is $7,000. Given the small dollar amount, this type of capital may only be sufficient for small businesses and start-ups.  Equity crowdfunding is much like venture capital and angel investing only on a smaller scale.  A business owner gives up a portion of ownership in the business in exchange for capital.  Reward based crowdfunding allows you to offer incentives or rewards for their small donation. 

Merchant Cash Advances are a small business solution for those businesses that need cash quickly.  A merchant cash advance is not technically a loan but you are given a lump sum of money upfront in exchange for your future debit and credit card sales. Like many other cash advance alternatives, MCAs carry high fees and should be used in only the most problematic and dire situations.

Asset Based Lending (ABL) is essentially a business loan secured by the company’s assets.  This business loan typically comes in the form of a revolving line of credit.  If your business has AR, Inventory and Equipment, this might be the best solution for you.  While many traditional banks have ABL departments and specialists, a business can also source an ABL line of credit from private companies that work in specialized finance and factoring.  These private companies may be more costly but credit decisions and funding are typically faster.

Invoice Factoring is an alternative to a bank working capital line of credit.  Invoice Factoring is not a loan therefore collateral is not required.  It allows you to sell your invoices (accounts receivable) to a third party at a discount.  It provides immediate working capital rather than waiting for your customer to pay you.  This is best for B-to-B businesses.  Factoring fees can be expensive as they run from 1% to 5% of the invoice amount.  There may also be hidden fees.  Some of the same non-traditional finance companies that provide ABL lending may also provide factoring services.

Equipment Financing is much like ABL lending in that it is a business loan secured by the company’s assets.  In particular, equipment financing is secured by collateral such as equipment.  While traditional banks offer equipment financing in a streamlined fashion, there are alternatives to traditional banks.  Equipment Finance companies typically have less stringent requirements than traditional banks and funding is fast for both small and large companies. 

Mezzanine Debt is a hybrid between debt and capital.  It is the riskiest form of debt because it is unsecured and subordinated to senior debt.  Mezzanine debt does have priority over common and preferred stock.  This debt often includes warrant options which provide lenders with the right to convert the debt into an equity interest in the company.  Interest on mezzanine debt is tax-deductible. Mezzanine financing is used by PE firms and venture capital companies to help fund buyouts, mergers and acquisitions.  It’s also used by companies looking to fund large projects.  Given that mezzanine debt has the highest form of risk, it also provides opportunities for substantial returns.  Mezzanine debt is best suited for established companies. 

Equity Financing provides a great way to raise capital and fund the growth of your business.  Unlike debt, equity capital does not have to be repaid.  The owner of the business does have to give up a percentage of ownership in the company.  Equity financing can be achieved by taking the company public or via private investors.  Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Firms and Angel Investors are the most common type of equity investors of private companies.  While small businesses may raise capital via equity from friends and family, large established businesses should consider PE, venture capital or even the possibility of an IPO if the business is experiencing rapid growth.  Raising capital via equity can often take a lot of time, energy and requires a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

Issuing Corporate Bonds may provide a flexible way for a company to raise capital.  Corporate bonds are sold to investors; the original investment is returned to the lender/investor when the bond reaches maturity.  The company pays interest payments to the bondholders.  The interest rate is typically higher than debt financing because the bondholders/investors are taking on more risk.  Corporate bonds are a form of debt capital that must be repaid but does not dilute the value of existing shareholders.  Issuing bonds is also much cheaper than issuing equity shares.  There are also tax benefits to issuing bonds as the interest is an expense that reduces taxable income.

This blog was written to inform business owners and executives of the options available to raise business capital.  As you can see, there are several alternatives to traditional financing.  If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to us today. 

To learn more about LonaRock, LLC and our business finance consulting services, please visit our website at www.lonarock.com or contact us directly at 234-217-9033.  We look forward to helping you become an ideal business client and helping you obtain the best possible financing for your company! 

SBA vs Conventional Business Financing

While conventional business financing typically offers the lowest interest rates, there are times when an SBA loan is the best option or maybe the only option for a small business.  Conventional loans typically require a down payment of at least 20%.  Traditional loans are often the best financing option for established businesses as they are cost effective. 

SBA loans are business loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.  The Small Business Administration partners with several banks and lending institutions across the country.  The SBA makes it easier for small businesses and start-ups to get loans through the bank because they help reduce the bank’s risk.  The SBA uses money provided by the government to guarantee up to 85% of the loan amount. 

The two most common types of SBA loans are 7(a) loans and 504 loans.  In this blog, we will explain the two main SBA loan programs as well as the advantages and disadvantages of funding your business via an SBA loan. 

The advantages of SBA loans include lower down payments, extended repayment terms, and competitive interest rates.  SBA loans allow for underwriting based on financial projections which may benefit individuals that are looking to fund a franchise purchase.  SBA lenders allow you to put a minimum of 10% down and loan proceeds can be used for a variety of costs including soft costs, operating cash, franchise fees, etc.  For more information regarding the terms, conditions and benefits of SBA lending, please visit the SBA.gov website.  It is a great resource to find out how an SBA loan can help you fund your growing business. 

The disadvantages of SBA loans include higher costs and a longer application process.  Interest rates are often higher than rates offered in traditional financing.  SBA and closing fees can add up although SBA fees may be rolled into the loan.  The loan application process typically takes longer than a traditional bank loan application.  The SBA will require personal guarantees of the owners with 20% or more ownership in the business.  Although a fully collateralized loan isn’t always required, SBA loans often require that collateral shortfalls be covered by a lien on personal assets.  For loans in excess of $350,000, the lender may take enough collateral to fully secure the loan such as a mortgage on the available equity in your personal real estate.  If your business fails and you are unable to pay back your SBA loan, they have the right to take personal assets such as your home.  The benefits of an SBA loan often outweigh the disadvantages and costs.

The SBA 7(a) loan is the most common loan.  According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. Small Business Association backed over $22 billion in SBA 7a loans in 2020.   7(a) loans can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate and other asset purchases.  They are also used for the establishment of a new business.  7(a) loans are great for franchise owners.  The maximum amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million.  Eligibility requirements include gross annual revenue of at least $100,000 and a credit score of at least 650.  Businesses with tax liens, foreclosures or recent bankruptcies will likely be denied.  A 10% down payment is typically required.  If your real estate purchase represents more than 50% of the debt, then you can finance all of the debt over longer repayment periods. 

SBA 504 loans are a great option for a business that is looking to finance the purchase of fixed assets.  Fixed assets include equipment, buildings and land as well as improvements to an existing building or the funding of construction of a new building.  504 loans cannot be used for working capital, rental real estate or to refinance existing debt.  504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) like Growth Capital in Cleveland Ohio.  The major benefits of 504 loans include lower down payments with a minimum of 10% down, longer amortization periods, no balloon payments, and a fixed rate for the life of the portion of the loan with CDC/SBA.  The CDC in your area works with a bank loan officer to fund your loan using a 50/40/10 split.  The bank covers 50% of the loan, the CDC covers 40%, and the owner covers 10%.

The sba.gov website has several resources and guides for small businesses.  They cover topics such as planning your business, launching your business, managing your business and growing your business.  They also have a Learning Center on their website that is worth a look.  When a small business doesn’t meet the minimum requirements such as minimum debt service coverage of 1.15x, the SBA team will gladly coach you.

We hope that you have found this information helpful.  We recognize that there are many ways for a business to raise capital.  SBA loans are great for small businesses as they allow for minimal down payments and extended terms.  If you are looking to purchase a franchise, SBA financing may be the best alternative for you. 

Now that you have a better understanding of SBA loans, you are probably wondering how to find an SBA lender.  Some banks are more SBA friendly than others.  The most active SBA Lenders include: Live Oak Banking Company, Huntington National Bank, Newtek Small Business Finance, Celtic Bank, Byline Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.  There are also smaller banks throughout the country that are SBA friendly.  Feel free to reach out to us for more guidance. 

To learn more about LonaRock, LLC and our business finance consulting services, please visit our website at www.lonarock.com or contact us directly at 234-217-9033.  We look forward to helping you become an ideal business client and helping you obtain the best possible financing for your company!