Creative Strategies For Getting Small Business Loans

By Author: Stam Bett
Total Articles: 452
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These days, banks are very stringent in who they lend money to, and small businesses without collateral or good credit are simply not going to get funded. This doesn't mean you have no options when you want to grow your business or increase working capital, though, but you'll need to get creative if you want to get small business loans today, particularly start up business loans or those for bad credit. Here are some creative strategies that may work or you.

1. Factoring
Factoring is an ancient form of lending that involves selling your accounts receivable to a third party to get immediate payment. While you'll receive money instantly, rather than waiting up to 3 months (or never) to get paid from your customers, it can be expensive. These forms of small business loans are best for businesses that are growing, not those shrinking in size.

2. Turning to Retirement Funds
You might be tempted to borrow money from your 401(k) or IRA to fund your business. Think about a 60-day interest free loan first, because you won't have to pay fees if you pay back the balance before then. Keep in mind this strategy ...
... is very risky and you could be destroying your financial security if you lose the business.

3. Government Grant Options
Depending on where you live and your business type, you may have luck by searching for local, state or federal government grants, such as those through the Department of Commerce or the USDA. Don't forget, though, that these business loans typically have very strict requirements and most have strings attached.

4. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer lending websites like Lending Club allow you to get funding from people you don't even know. The amount you will pay depends on many factors, including the length of the loan, your credit, your reasons for getting the loan and even the economy as a whole. Despite what you may think, peer-to-peer loans are not necessarily easy to get and the interest rate may be very high.

5. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is similar to peer-to-peer lending, although it allows strangers to invest in your business or your idea in exchange for something that isn't money. You don't have to repay this funding, and you may offer your donors something unique like some of your first products if you're after an alternative to start up business loans, or even naming a product after them. Kickstarter is one of the most popular websites that enable crowdfunding, and your ability to take advantage of this option depends on how appealing your idea is.

6. Microfinancing
These bad credit business loans allow you to borrow up to $10,000 and there's many ways to obtain them. Microlenders often provide Small Business Administration loans and many will lend you money even if you have bad credit. Loans will usually be based on your business experience, market opportunities and sales, and this is the best solution if you need to improve cash flow but don't qualify for a bank loan.

7. Supplier Financing
This option allows you to get financing from your supply chain and t works best if you have a smaller supplier who wants your business and is willing to help you out. Just remember not to personally guarantee the loan.

8. Contests
If you're in need of money, why not try winning it? You'll find plenty of regional or national competitions that give away a great deal of mone, such as the MIT $100K Entrepreneur Challenge or the Amazon Web Services Start Up Challenge. To win, you'll need to really put on a show and have an idea that everyone will love.

9. Business incubators
This option is designed for new businesses who want to get seed money or mentorship to get going. Many organizations can help you out, such as Excelerate Labs, but there is a great deal of competition to get into one of these programs.

10. Barter for Services or Products
Finally, consider bartering as an alternative to small business loans. Bartering is how 25% of the trade in the entire world is done, and you can use this to save money, move your unused inventory and find new customers for your business. Just remember to barter selectively, and remember that you can't usually pay your employees or your lease without money.

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