9 Things Business Owners Must Know Before Seeking Capital

Business owners are always seeking ways to improve their business. These improvements can include updating equipment, hiring new staff, developing a better marketing strategy or figuring out how to improve cash flow. When cash is not flowing effectively, a business owner must take any and all necessary steps that can and will lead to financial growth.

When the business is in need of a cash infusion, oftentimes the business owner applies for a traditional bank loan. Sometimes, this is not the best solution to the financing problem. When a traditional bank loan is not be the answer, obtaining the necessary financing to improve your business can be a challenge.

Due to these challenges, there are a number of factors to consider. Since traditional financing is not always an option, non-traditional or alternative financing might be the key to solving your business monetary needs. Evaluating your options and being prepared is vital to your business successfully acquiring the much needed capital.

Here are some areas you should address prior to seeking any type of financing:

1. Know your business and be comfortable talking about it

Knowing your business and being able to talk about is very important. No lender will look on you as a viable candidate for their money if you don’t know what your business is about and you are not comfortable talking about it. If you can’t talk about it, who will? If you have trouble talking to others about your business, consider taking a public speaking class.

2. Complete your business plan and know what’s in it

You’ve heard this before “Having a completed business plan is your road map to success”. If you have not completed your business plan, you will not be able to borrow from traditional lenders and this is also the case with some alternative financing sources. Your business plan takes your ideas, concepts, goods and/or services out of your head and puts them into written form. If you allow someone else to write the plan, make sure to familiarize yourself with its contents. If you don’t you will not be able to effectively describe and explain the plan, financials, and other critical details.

3. Have your financial and other corporate documents ready

Your financial documents, and other business documents, must be in order. They must be current and applicable to your business today. Knowing where to find these items is vital to obtaining the loan or other type of financing that you might need.

4. Understand your financial statements

You must acquaint yourself with your personal financial statement, business balance sheet, cash flow profit and loss and other necessary financial documents. These documents must be current. You cannot just leave it to your CPA, CFO or business manager to know the importance of these documents nor what they represent.

5. Know your credit score and what’s on the credit report

Folks, this goes without saying “Know thy credit”. Your credit report is your report for life. Do not hide from it and think that you can borrow other people’s money. They will want to see the report and they are entitled to see it if you want to borrow their money.

6. Know why you need the financing and how you will spend it

We live in a society with the following mentality: “Must have it now”. When you seek to borrow other people’s money (OPM), you must prove why the amount you are seeking is important and what the funds will be used for. Do not ask for more than you need. Borrow in phases as this shows the lender that you are responsible. It also illustrates that you understand how the system works.

7. Have a repayment plan and additional exit strategies

You need to have an exit strategy or you may find lenders unwilling to finance you. Lenders want to lend, that’s why they are in business, so be sure you document how you will repay the loan. Having more than one exit strategy shows the lender that you have thought out the varied possibilities and that you have accounted for them.

8. What type of lender best fits your need?

When you decide to get a loan, be mindful of the lender you are planning to approach. Not all lenders have the same “sweet spot”. This term refers to the type of loans a lender likes to make. They have a good understanding of the specific types of loans and business backgrounds that they prefer.

9. Learn all you can about the lender/source prior to approaching them

Do your homework before approaching a lender for a loan. Whether the lender is a traditional banking institution or an alternative financing source, knowing as much as possible about them is vital to the success of your being approved for a loan or other type of financing. This will eliminate possible compatibility issues and help you from wasting time going after the wrong lender or source.

Financing your business does not have to be so difficult. Use the above items to help you simplify the process. They will make a difference.