It is always advisable to have a detailed understanding of what can go wrong with commercial loans and working capital financing. The five factors described can have negative and long-lasting financial results for small business loans and commercial real estate loans. Business owners should be prepared for these real possibilities.
Most commercial borrowers do not want to experience a worst case for commercial real estate loans and small business loans. There are several elements that we believe will almost always produce this serious but avoidable result when they are all present simultaneously. Understanding each of the issues should enable borrowers to avoid a potentially devastating working capital financing outcome.
Here are the issues which we believe will usually result in a worst case scenario for commercial loans if all five are present: (1) Dealing with an inexperienced commercial finance advisor; (2) Using a lender which historically has an unacceptable track record for successfully completing commercial loans; (3) Obtaining business financing that includes a recall option for the lender; (4) Inappropriate and non-competitive business loan terms; and (5) Short-term financing in which a borrower is not also offered the opportunity to lengthen to a longer-term period.
Our primary advice is to totally avoid circumstances where all five factors exist at the same time. A secondary recommendation is to also seek alternative financing for commercial loans when either of the first two elements are present. There are likely to be many working capital management scenarios where it will be impractical to avoid all of the issues described in the preceding paragraph.
Business owners should make every possible effort to obtain commercial financing in which the worst case situation is not present. Business owners will subject themselves to inappropriate business financing terms for a very long time if they do not take appropriate action before they finalize commercial loans. There are two points which should be emphasized.
First, small business loans are more complex than most borrowers realize. There are a number of additional serious commercial funding obstacles beyond those noted in this brief article. Because of this, it is important for commercial borrowers not to narrowly focus on the factors included in the worst case scenario discussed here and simply avoid these specific issues.
A comprehensive approach to working capital management should incorporate a balanced analysis of both the worst case aspects and other critical business finance terms. The importance of this overall perspective is why we emphasized the critical nature of avoiding both inexperienced brokers and lenders.
Second, the worst case scenario for business loans described above is totally avoidable. But to avoid an obstacle, it is critical that you have a working understanding of what you are avoiding, what it looks like and any special techniques required to evade it. For example, if you are driving a car, it is common sense that you will not intentionally drive your vehicle over sharp pointed objects that are likely to puncture your tires.
With commercial loans and commercial real estate loans, the combination of the five factors noted previously in this article will typically produce an impact for small business funding that is equivalent to much worse than simply puncturing a tire. Unfortunately, without proper advice and knowledge, most business owners will not be prepared to recognize the appropriate warning signs for avoiding business financing hazards.
In this article we focused on problems with small business financing that will almost always have long-lasting and immediate negative results for business owners. Commercial borrowers should not overlook the multitude of other serious problems with commercial loans beyond those described. As with the circumstances noted above, most of the other potential difficulties with business loans can also be avoided.
Posted on December 29th, 2009 in Capital finance | Comments Off
The value of having a Plan B should be familiar to most small business owners. However it seems that the concept of contingency planning is overlooked all too often with regard to commercial loans and working capital strategies.
One of the most entertaining and effective depictions of contingency planning can be witnessed in a movie called “Rare Birds”. This movie stars William Hurt and includes a particularly relevant line, “Always have a Plan B”, that is repeated several times. The movie should be seen by any business owner who doubts the importance of contingency plans.
The usefulness of a Plan B mentality is likely to be beneficial to many aspects of running a successful business. For various reasons, however, contingency planning appears to be under-utilized when business owners are seeking new working capital via business financing strategies such as commercial mortgages and business cash advances.
Contingency planning might be under-utilized when business owners are seeking commercial financing simply because business borrowers assume that there are not effective alternatives to the working capital financing they are seeking. As a result, many business owners might believe that it would not make sense to explore a contingency financing plan. A practical benefit of viewing the recommended movie is that it will become second nature to realize at times like this that businesses should “Always have a Plan B”.
Plan B contingency business financing can be viewed as insurance to protect a business owner in the event that something goes wrong with their working capital management. A few examples are provided below.
First, many small businesses have commercial loans that contain recall provisions that permit the lender to review the financing each year. With such terms, the lender can continue a business financing role for some borrowers and selectively eliminate what they consider to be marginal loans by exercising the recall clause. If they do, the borrower will need to pay off the entire loan or refinance within a limited period of time. The best solution for avoiding this possibility is to review current business loans and explore Plan B refinancing options if recall terms are included.
Second, a number of local banks throughout the United States have recently decided to pull the plug on future business financing. When they do so, very little advance notice has been provided in most instances. If a business has commercial loans or commercial mortgages with a regional or local lender, a Plan B should be developed for the contingency that alternative business loan arrangements could be needed in the near future.
Third, many providers for business cash advances are notorious for making unrealistic promises regarding the timing and terms for their financing. To prepare for this increasingly-common possibility, business owners should engage in thorough discussions with a working capital advance advisor before proceeding. Unlike the first two examples, in this case the Plan B approach must occur before financial arrangements are completed.
Fourth, many lenders for SBA financing, commercial mortgages and business opportunity loans are equally guilty of over-promising and under-delivering. This seems to occur disproportionately with local banks. Similar to the recommended business cash advance approach, commercial borrowers should pursue Plan B contingency financing. The ideal timing for discussing alternative commercial financing options is before committing to a specific lender.
“Always have a Plan B” is the connecting theme for the examples described above as well as other circumstances in which contingency planning is appropriate for business financing. The presence of a Plan B mentality is likely to contribute to many aspects of running a successful small business in addition to improving commercial loans.
Business Finance Basics
Business Finance Basics
Businesses need a constant flow of money to manage operations. This money can be used to pay employees, invest in inventory, retire high-interest debt obligations, or even to avoid insolvency. The financing of a business is a critical component to its success and longevity. Without it, a business may not be able compete aggressively in its market. There are several options for companies which need financing. These include business credit lines, grants, angel funding and even credit cards. Below, we’ll explain how business finance is important to cash flow management and a company’s growth.Visit to : http://available-grant-money.blogspot.com
Managing Daily Cash Flow
The daily operations of a business can have an unpredictable and precarious effect on cash flow. Sales may generate revenue, but that revenue may be delayed in receivables or it may be earmarked for inventory purchases. Meanwhile, employees and monthly bills must be paid. You should talk with your bank manager to arrange a business credit line to help manage your company’s daily cash flow. This credit line provides financing for your business when your checking account lacks funds.
You should also have a few business credit cards. These are helpful in the event that you’ve used your credit line and need additional financing. They’re also useful for small, necessary purchases (for example, office supplies). Because business credit cards will usually carry less-favorable terms than a bank credit line, they should only be used when necessary.
business Loans And Raising Money
Often, a business will need to find a large source of money. They may want to buy another business, invest in larger facilities, or launch a second line of products. These things require a sizable investment; credit lines and credit cards may not offer a sufficient source of funding. But, you can apply for small business loans and grants. To qualify for a loan or grant, you’ll likely need to create a marketing plan that describes your company’s intent.
You can also look to angel investors to raise money. Similar to applying for a loan or grant, you’ll need a plan. Angels invest their own funds into a business with the hopes of enjoying a high rate of return. Your plan should detail how you intend to accomplish that.
Business Finance For The Growing Company
Your business has several financing options for managing daily cash flow and raising money for larger expenditures. Ideally, you should consider pursuing a few different sources of funding. Begin with arranging a business credit line and credit card with your local bank. While you build that relationship, start looking into small business loans and grants. Finally, for a major influx of needed funds, begin approaching potential angel investors. Eventually, you’ll be able to take advantage of better sources of financing as your business grows. http://available-grant-money.blogspot.com