Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Factors To Consider Before Applying For Bank Business Loans

By Larry Sanders


Private businesses face a myriad of challenges from the onset. The primary challenge for many enterprises is financing. Start-ups face the challenge of initial capital. Other enterprises may be looking to expand or make changes to ease operations and increase productivity. Financing source and implications have a significant impact on the perpetuity of the enterprise. This article looks at critical factors entrepreneurs must consider before making applications for business loans from banks.

Draft a professional business plan for your enterprise. The document articulates the nature, scope, objectives and goals of your business. It has a historical record of the enterprise where applicable. It also includes future projections of your operations. Small and medium enterprises have the misconception that a written plan is only for large organizations. It eases communication with potential financiers.

Run a research on the different banking financiers available for the enterprise. Some banks may have policies friendly to small and medium enterprises while others may not. Look into the different packages available for small enterprises and other big companies. Make a comparison to select one that best suits your trade. Also contact other previous clients of the bank loans for testimonials. Some banks provide seemingly good packages which end up becoming a burden in the long term. Consult an expert independent financial advisor on the pros and cons of different banking institution packages.

Ensure that you run a good feasibility study of your operations. Hire a professional to run your feasibility study. In the case of small start-ups, consult experts in start-ups and other mentors. Networking events and other forums will also help you garner the right mind to make your business feasible.

Remember to make financial projections on the value of the loan currently and in future. The banking sector and other financial institutions can be erratic. The interest rate on loans may fluctuate over time. They are influenced by a change in governments, economic factors and other global issues. Ensure that the return on investments will be worth the loan obtained initially. Also sign up for financing with a bank reputable for its stability, consistency and customer service delivery processes.

It is also important to carefully consider the amount to borrow. One can choose to have part financing or full financing from a banking institution. One must be able to decide on the amount to borrow objectively. Borrowing too little may sabotage the enterprise. Also excess amounts may be squandered.

The possibility of another alternative must also be considered. There are other financing institutions outside the bank. However, be careful enough to operate within legal parameters. That will keep you away from fines and lawsuits. One can choose government institutions, friends or family for soft loans, where applicable.

Come up with a good business plan to ease communication with potential financiers. Objective analysis of your enterprise is a must. This way, you will be able to understand other intricacies of the trade better. Choose a banking institution with a reputation for stability in the face of changing economic and political dynamics. Moreover, look for better alternatives depending on the scope and nature of the trade your enterprise runs.




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