Monday, February 26, 2007

Business Loans from Family - A Good Idea?

Can I Ask my Family for a Loan to Pay Off my Debts?
Debt have always had a grade of shame attached to it and admitting to having problems with debt is like saying you don't cognize how to manage your ain affairs. Some people may get into a state of affairs where unless they get contiguous financial aid there is a possibility of losing their household home, or their business.

One option is to inquire your household for help. Asking for financial aid is always a tough decision, but sometimes it is the best option. In most cases a loan from the household would be interest free, but it is a good thought to add on interest or include something extra when the loan is repaid.

Remember, that any money loaned to you from a household member would have got earned interest for that person, so it is a good thought to recompense in some manner equal to the interest lost.

The of import thing is that if you borrow from your household they must be repaid. Put in topographic point a program that volition enable repayment of that debt, plus interest if necessary, within a peculiar time.

Don't take the loan for given and don't at any clip "use" your family. Any losings you cause to your household will convey about irreparable damage to the relationships, as well as financial losings to the members concerned.

Loans among Family Members
If you borrow money from a household member, one of the stairway you should take to avoid problem is to clearly document that the money have been received as a loan. You should also document that it is received with or without interest payable.

It is a good thought to document things because that household member or you could decease and the inside information of the loan would be hard to set together. It doesn't have got to be a legal document, but it should clearly sketch who is the lender and who is the borrower and the amounts concerned. It should also sketch the interest collectible and the repayments that have got to be made, either monthly or quarterly.

The concluding thing it should incorporate is the day of the month the loan should be repaid by. Brand certain the written document clearly set ups that it is not a gift, but that it is a loan. There are a few things that make problems within households and destruct human relationships more than loans that are made and not repaid. Set out a program for repayment and maintain to it.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

What is a Business Loan?

A business loan is designed for a wide range of small, medium and start-up business needs including the purchase, refinance and expansion of a business. If you run your own business, it is likely that you will need funds at different points of time for various needs. Whether it is starting or expanding business, purchasing or leasing office space, refinancing equipment or restructuring your balance sheet.

A business loan is an option that provides the most flexible solution to meet your financial needs. Finance is the lifeblood of a business. Without it you cannot grow.

Business loans are generally available from £25,000 to £1,000,000 at highly competitive interest rates from leading commercial loan lenders. A business loan generally has low up front payments.

Applying for business loans is a more involved process than applying for a personal loan. The requirements for a business loan are evaluated differently and the standards to be met are stricter.

Your options will also depend on the bank you are dealing with; banks offer different loan packages, each with its own particular set of terms and conditions. While you can check out what your own bank has to offer, it is worth investigating the business loans being offered by other banks as well.

One of the many advantages of taking a business loan is that it allows you to retain full ownership of the company whereas if you were to raise funds through investors, you would have to share the profits with them. In case of a business loan, you have to only the interest to pay back.

Another advantage is that you can use the loan for any business related purpose, such as buying machinery, office equipment or paying off a pressing debt without using the cash and working capital for these purposes.

A business loan can be secured by all types of business property, commercial and residential properties. Business loans are normally offered on Freehold and long Leasehold properties with Bricks and Mortar valuations required.

Business Loan rates are variable, depending on status. Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.

To get approval for your loan application, you must be able to meet the lending criteria set down. Some organisations are more risk averse than others, and will therefore have more stringent criteria.

To vastly increase your chances of a successful business loan application, you will need to present the following information:

The reason for the loan

The amount required

Details of how you will repay the amount borrowed.

Details of security you will be able to offer to the lender.

Business Plan

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Monday, February 19, 2007

How To Apply For a Business Loan

Worried about how to apply for a business loan? Although it may look like a intimidating undertaking at first, it can be made less so by careful preparation. When applying for a business loan, you must set up a written loan proposal. Brand your best presentation in the initial business loan proposal and application; you may not get a second opportunity.

Always get your proposal with a natural covering letter. Clearly and briefly explicate who you are, your business background, nature of your business, the amount and intent of your loan request, your requested terms of repayment, how the finances will profit your business, and how you will refund the business loan. Keep this screen page simple and direct.

When authorship your proposal, don't presume the reader is familiar with your industry or your individual business. Always include industry-specific details so your reader can understand how your peculiar business is run and what industry tendencies impact it.

Provide a written verbal description of your business, including the following information:

Type of organization, Date of information, Location, Merchandise or service, Brief history, Proposed Future Operation, Competition, customers, Suppliers

Management Experience: Resumes of each proprietor and cardinal management members.

Loan Repayment: Supply a little written statement indicating how the loan will be repaid, including repayment beginnings and clip requirements. Cash-flow schedules, budgets, and other appropriate information should back up this statement.

Existing Business: Supply financial statements for at least the last three years, plus a current dated statement (no aged than 90 days) including balance sheets, nett income & loss statements, and a rapprochement of net worth. Aging of accounts collectible and accounts receivables should be included.

Proposed Business: Supply a pro-forma balance sheet reflecting beginnings and usages of both equity and borrowed funds.

Projections: Supply a projection of future trading operations for at least one twelvemonth or until positive cash flow can be shown. Include earnings, expenses, and logical thinking for these estimates. The projections should be in net income & loss format. Explain premises used if different from tendency or industry criteria and support your proposed figs with clear, documented explanations.

Collateral: Supply a listing assets to be held as collateral. Few financial establishments will supply non-collateral based business loans. All business loans should have got at least two identifiable beginnings of repayment. The first beginning is ordinarily cash flow generated from profitable trading operations of the business. The second beginning is usually collateral pledged to secure the business loan.

Depending on your peculiar circumstance you may need to supply one or more than of the following documents:

Lease, Franchise Agreement, Purchase Agreement, Letters of Intent, Articles of Incorporation, Plans, Copies of Licenses, Letters of Reference, Contracts or Partnership Agreement.

You may freely reissue this article provided the author's life stays intact:

Friday, February 16, 2007

Is a Microloan Right for You?

If you’ve been tossing around an idea for a small business, but wondering where you’ll find the money you need to get started, perhaps you should consider a microloan. Microloans are ideal for getting a new business off the ground. A microloan can also provide an infusion of cash to help an existing small business grow.

The term “microloan” refers to a business loan smaller than most banks care to process, often to a borrower no bank would consider. The term came into vogue during the 1980’s, as funders began to realize that $200 loaned to a cooperative of women in a third world country could empower those women to start a business capable of supporting their families.

In the United States, a microloan is usually between $2,000 and $35,000. Most microloans in this country are made by non-profit organizations funded by the Small Business Administration, a government agency. The SBA established a pilot program for microloans in 1992, and the program was made permanent in 1997. To date, more than $112 million has been made available to small businesses under the microloan program.

Virtually any kind of small business can apply for a microloan. The form of the business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation, is not a determining factor. Non-profit daycare centers are also eligible to apply.

Loan funds can be allocated as working capital. The funds can also be used to purchase inventory, supplies, furnishings, fixtures, machinery or equipment. The one restriction is that the funds may not be used to purchase or make a down payment on real estate.

Perfect credit is not necessary, although the credit requirements vary according to the requirements of the lender. Often lenders require collateral, but may be very flexible in terms of what they accept as collateral. For example, a lender may accept jewelry, office equipment, or used cars to collateralize the loan.

Interest rates vary, but they are usually slightly higher than rates for conventional bank loans. Terms vary according to the size of the loan, the planned use of the funds, the requirement of the intermediary lender, and the needs of the borrower. The maximum term for repayment is six years.

One of the real benefits of securing a microloan has nothing to do with the money. The non-profits that serve as intermediary lenders also provide a significant level of management training and coaching. For example, a lender may require a prospective borrower to participate in a class and receive assistance in writing a business plan.

Another benefit is speed. The process of applying, qualifying for, and obtaining a microloan usually ranges between a few days and three weeks, depending upon the amount of funds needed, the procedures employed by the lender, and the degree of preparation on the part of the borrower. To speed the process along, it’s a good idea to assemble as much paperwork as possible in advance. Borrowers should be prepared to provide tax returns, financial statements for existing businesses, bank account records, and proof of collateral.

To find out about lenders in your area, you can phone 1-800-U ASK SBA. Or use the following link to get a list of lenders nationwide: http://www.sba.gov/gopher/Local-Information/Microloan-Lender-Participants

2003 – 2005 © Jillian Coleman Wheeler

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Who Gives Business Loans?

The most common type of lender is the commercial bank, credit union, nest egg and loan companies, or investing companies. These lenders offer business loans, however, often modern times these loans must be secured. This could intend offering up your personal assets as collateral. Although, the business is yours to make with what you want, these loans are very risky to any un-established business. And that’s assuming you qualify. Unsecured loans, usually less than $100,000, are available to business proprietors based upon his or her personal credit history. Commercial banks may also petition that a business have got a co-signer Oregon guarantor. This may intend determination a financial spouse or checking into the assorted types of small business loans available through the federal government. Women and minorities have got an even wider choice of physical things willing to loan them business capital. Organizations such as as the Women’s Business Ownership, Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century, and respective others provide to lending money to women that wishing to start-up somes business, still others actually vouch them business loans. Minority business loan programs are also available. Many businesses and authorities agencies or organisations apportion particular finances to impart to minority business owners. The MBDA or Minority Business Development Agency is a federally funded agency that specialises in fostering minority-owned businesses. This agency tin assist minorities with personalized aid and financial planning to secure adequate funding for business ventures.

One type of investor that can loan a business money is called an “Angel Investor.” These are professional investors who put solely in companies. Angel investors are an first-class beginning of early stage financing. Often times, angel investors will finance a business loan that may look a hazard to commercial banks, or may look too small to venture capitalists. One ruin to angel investors, they are often highly involved in the business itself. Many business proprietors make not desire person else running the show, so to speak, and choose to remain away from angel investors for business loans.

Venture Capitalists are in the business of loaning money to businesses that offer hard-and-fast investing criteria and specialise in very specific high-growth industries. In tax return for capital, venture capitalists will get stock in the company. Venture capitalists generally look for businesses that tin show net income within three to five years, and then they travel on. However, during those three to five years, venture capitalists play a very active function in shaping the business. This often leads to a deficiency of control by the business owner.

Both angel investors and venture capitalists can be establish by asking your business lawyer or accountant. Or you can carry on your ain search via the Internet.

Many people turn to household and friends to get a business loan. Others may seek financial aid through business spouses or possible customers. No matter whom you inquire to impart you the money you need for your business, having a good business program or design is the key. No investor, large or small, desires to put in a business that doesn’t have got a good foundation, and that always begins with an first-class blueprint.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Typical Rates & Fees Associated with Business Loans

When acquiring a business loan, one can anticipate to pay different rates and fees based upon the old age the business have been in operation, the owner’s personal credit history, the business’s credit history, and whether or not the loan is secured or unsecured. If the loans are guaranteed, whether or not they are by the authorities or some other agency can impact the rates as well.

Interest Rates are controlled by vigorish laws. A lender can safely charge a business up to 10% interest per twelvemonth and not go against any vigorish laws. Depending on the type of lender you seek, personal or commercial, this may not always throw true. There are different vigorish laws governing personal lenders and those that are protected by the Federal Soldier Government (commercial banks, credit unions, nest egg and loans). Typical lenders charge between 6-7%, however, as declared earlier; financial security in the business and the proprietor drama an of import function in establishing interest rates. Often modern times commercial banks offer fixed interest rates, but more than often than not, the rates are flexible after a given number of years. Government loans are offered to small businesses that ran into certain criteria. These loans are offered at the approximative United States Treasury short letter rate of + 1.7% (fixed rate). Other agencies and specially funded business loans offer rates that are decided by particular committees. Usually they are lower because these loans are only available to certain business owners.

Fees come up in different increases based upon the establishment you take to borrow money from. Typical fees include application fees that tin tally up to $500, although, some establishments and loan companies make not charge any application fee. Shutting Costs which usually run within 1-2% of the original amount borrowed. Park commercial loans that are under $500,000 are usually at least 2%. Loans above $500,000 usually have got fees ranging from 1.5-1.75%. Other fees that one mightiness brush when borrowing money for his or her business are: assessment fees, attorney fees, and environmental assessments. These fees may or may not be included in the shutting costs. If not included, these fees may mount up to respective thousand dollars. It’s of import to inquire your financial establishment which fees are included in the concluding shutting costs. Government loans and loans that are offered through agencies that provide to certain small business proprietors offer fees that are based upon the undertaking size. Most are usually at least 3%, some agencies charge the exact amount of all filing fees and an further 1-2% of the original loan amount.

Many people take to refinance their abode as agency for a business loan. Often modern times these loans can be acquired much easier than a business only loan. Interest rates are often lower and fixed for longer amounts of time, as well. Fees usually range below 2% and can be included in the loan. Having equity in your home may enable business proprietors to borrow money with lesser interest rates and fees. However, it is a risky plan. If your payments are not made on-time and in full each month, your home may be sold to cover the loan.

Friday, February 9, 2007

Surviving a College Loan

It’s easy to assume that everything is going to be alright once your college loan application goes through. High school days can be spent blowing cash on anything in between assignments because the real world hasn’t hit you yet. Then graduation nears and you choose a path for your next few years and one big shocker comes. When you find out just how much your post secondary life is going to cost, all hell breaks loose in your belly.

Run with that. Do not ignore it. Feel the pain and let it help you. Too many people, often in spite of their parents’ nagging, think they can fall back on a college loan and have their futures secured. For far too many people this is certainly not the case. A college loan can rarely do much more then hold your head above water for a few years. That is rarely enough.

Sure, if you choose to live at home then there is a lot less expense to worry about but many students don’t have that choice. When there is a choice, the stay at home option is often not appealing for more then the usual reason. After all, the school that offers the things you’re looking for is rarely the one next door. The college loan you so desperately relied on will hardly pay for the whole next three (or four or five…) years of your life. Most experiences you may hear about won’t even tell you the college loan barely got them by.

A college loan generally falls under the category of necessary loans. This means the borrower gets special privileges like low interests rates, grace periods and the like. It’s the government and schools themselves that most often offer these student loans and therefore the numbers can be quite predictable. Though the college in question, types of classes and predicted expenses play a huge role in determining what the borrower gets, it doesn’t mean the borrow will get enough.

For instance, when a college loan is calculated it is broken down into categories. Actual tuition, supply expenses, cost of living, etc. The chunk of money set aside for school supplies tends to max out around a thousand dollars. This part of your college loan is supposed to cover text books, computer equipment, pens, pencils and anything else your classes might call for. Forget about the extra hundreds of dollars a class in the fine arts would cost. Text books alone can cost over three hundred bucks a course.

The point is that part of every college plan should be an immediate part time job. Primarily this is necessary to make up the slack that the college loan is leaving out there. This is not only for school supplies and other basic expenses but, let’s fact it, even the most focused student is going to want a night out for fun once in a while. On top of this there is the ever forgotten fact that the college loan has to be paid back. Assuming you fall into a good career right after graduation this won’t be a problem at all. If you wind up like a growing percentage of students, though, this isn’t going to happen. The college loan payments won’t wait. Having that part time income going in the back during your studies and interest free loan period will then become a blessing.

So if you’re going to ignore all of this until the last minute that’s okay. Just make sure when you do start to think about it you do all the math and cover all the bases.