Monthly Archives: March 2010

Small Business Loan Update – Stimulus Bill Helps Bailout Businesses If They Cannot Pay Loans

Posted by on March 27, 2010 Comments Off

As we continue to sift dutifully through the over 1,000 pages of the stimulus bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), there is one provision that is not getting much attention, but could be very helpful to small businesses. If you are a small business and have received an SBA loan from your local banker, but are having trouble making payments, you can get a “stabilization loan”. That’s right; finally some bailout money goes into the hands of the small business owner, instead of going down the proverbial deep hole of the stock market or large banks. But don’t get too excited. It is limited to very specific instances and is not available for vast majority of business owners.

There are some news articles that boldly claim the SBA will now provide relief if you have an existing business loan and are having trouble making the payments. This is not a true statement and needs to be clarified. As seen in more detail in this article, this is wrong because it applies to troubled loans made in the future, not existing ones.

Here is how it works. Assume you were one of the lucky few that find a bank to make a SBA loan. You proceed on your merry way but run into tough economic times and find it hard to repay. Remember these are not conventional loans but loans from an SBA licensed lender that are guaranteed for default by the U.S. government through the SBA (depending upon the loan, between 50% and 90%). Under the new stimulus bill, the SBA might come to your rescue. You will be able to get a new loan which will pay-off the existing balance on extremely favorable terms, buying more time to revitalize your business and get back in the saddle. Sound too good to be true? Well, you be the judge. Here are some of the features:

1. Does not apply to SBA loans taken out before the stimulus bill. As to non-SBA loans, they can be before or after the bill’s enactment.

2. Does it apply to SBA guaranteed loans or non-SBA conventional loans as well? We don’t know for sure. This statute simply says it applies to a “small business concern that meets the eligibility standards and section 7(a) of the Small Business Act” (Section 506 (c) of the new Act). That contains pages and pages of requirements which could apply to both types of loans. Based on some of the preliminary reports from the SBA, it appears it applies to both SBA and non-SBA loans.

3. These monies are subject to availability in the funding of Congress. Some think the way we are going with our Federal bailout, we are going be out of money before the economy we are trying to save.

4. You don’t get these monies unless you are a viable business. Boy, you can drive a truck through that phrase. Our friends at the SBA will determine if you are “viable” (imagine how inferior you will be when you have to tell your friends your business was determined by the Federal government to be “non-viable” and on life support).

5. You have to be suffering “immediate financial hardship”. So much for holding out making payments because you’d rather use the money for other expansion needs. How many months you have to be delinquent, or how close your foot is to the banana peel of complete business failure, is anyone’s guess.

6. It is not certain, and commentators disagree, as to whether the Federal government through the SBA will make the loan from taxpayers’ dollars or by private SBA licensed banks. In my opinion it is the latter. It carries a 100% SBA guarantee and I would make no sense if the government itself was making the loan.

7. The loan cannot exceed $35,000. Presumably the new loan will be “taking out” or refinancing the entire balance on the old one. So if you had a $100,000 loan that you have been paying on time for several years but now have a balance of $35,000 and are in trouble, boy do we have a program for you. Or you might have a smaller $15,000 loan and after a short time need help. The law does not say you have to wait any particular period of time so I guess you could be in default after the first couple of months.

8. You can use it to make up no more than six months of monthly delinquencies.

9. The loan will be for a maximum term of five years.

10. The borrower will pay absolutely no interest for the duration of the loan. Interest can be charged, but it will be subsidized by the Federal government.

11. Here’s the great part. If you get one of these loans, you don’t have to make any payments for the first year.

12. There are absolutely no upfront fees allowed. Getting such a loan is 100% free (of course you have to pay principal and interest after the one year moratorium).

13. The SBA will decide whether or not collateral is required. In other words, if you have to put liens on your property or residence. My guess is they will lax as to this requirement.

14. You can get these loans until September 30, 2010.

15. Because this is emergency legislation, within 15 days after signing the bill, the SBA has to come up with regulations.

Here is a summary of the actual legislative language if you are having trouble getting to sleep:

SEC. 506. BUSINESS STABILIZATION PROGRAM. (a) IN GENERAL- Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall carry out a program to provide loans on a deferred basis to viable (as such term is determined pursuant to regulation by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration) small business concerns that have a qualifying small business loan and are experiencing immediate financial hardship.

(b) ELIGIBLE BORROWER- A small business concern as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(c) QUALIFYING SMALL BUSINESS LOAN- A loan made to a small business concern that meets the eligibility standards in section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) but shall not include loans guarantees (or loan guarantee commitments made) by the Administrator prior to the date of enactment of this Act.

(d) LOAN SIZE- Loans guaranteed under this section may not exceed $35,000.

(e) PURPOSE- Loans guaranteed under this program shall be used to make periodic payment of principal and interest, either in full or in part, on an existing qualifying small business loan for a period of time not to exceed 6 months.

(f) LOAN TERMS- Loans made under this section shall:

(1) carry a 100 percent guaranty; and

(2) have interest fully subsidized for the period of repayment.

(g) REPAYMENT- Repayment for loans made under this section shall–

(1) be amortized over a period of time not to exceed 5 years; and

(2) not begin until 12 months after the final disbursement of funds is made.

(h) COLLATERAL- The Administrator of the Small Business Administration may accept any available collateral, including subordinated liens, to secure loans made under this section.

(i) FEES- The Administrator of the Small Business Administration is prohibited from charging any processing fees, origination fees, application fees, points, brokerage fees, bonus points, prepayment penalties, and other fees that could be charged to a loan applicant for loans under this section.

(j) SUNSET- The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall not issue loan guarantees under this section after September 30, 2010.

(k) EMERGENCY RULEMAKING AUTHORITY- The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue regulations under this section within 15 days after the date of enactment of this section. The notice requirements of section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code shall not apply to the promulgation of such regulations.

The real question is whether a private bank will loan under this program. Unfortunately, few will do so because the statute very clearly states that no fees whatsoever can be charged, and how can a bank make any money if they loan under those circumstances. Sure, they might make money in the secondary market, but that is dried up, so they basically are asked to make a loan out of the goodness of their heart. On a other hand, it carries a first ever 100% government guarantee so the bank’s know they will be receiving interest and will have no possibility of losing a single dime. Maybe this will work after all.

But there is something else that would be of interest to a bank. In a way, this is a form of Federal bailout going directly to small community banks. They have on their books loans that are in default and they could easily jump at the chance of being able to bail them out with this program. Especially if they had not been the recipients of the first TARP monies. Contrary to public sentiment, most of them did not receive any money. But again, this might not apply to that community bank. Since they typically package and sell their loans within three to six months, it probably wouldn’t even be in default at that point. It would be in the hands of the secondary market investor.

So is this good or bad for small businesses? Frankly, it’s good to see that some bailout money is working its way toward small businesses, but most of them would rather have a loan in the first place, as opposed help when in default. Unfortunately, this will have a limited application.

Wouldn’t it be better if we simply expanded our small business programs so more businesses could get loans? How about the SBA creating a secondary market for small business loans? I have a novel idea: for the moment forget about defaults, and concentrate on making business loans available to start-ups or existing businesses wanting to expand.

How about having a program that can pay off high interest credit card balances? There is hardly a business out there that has not been financing themselves lately through credit cards, simply because banks are not making loans. It is not unusual for people to have $50,000 plus on their credit cards, just to stay afloat. Talk about saving high interest. You can imagine how much cash flow this would give a small business.

We should applaud Congress for doing their best under short notice to come up with this plan. Sure this is a form of welcome bailout for small businesses, but I believe it misses the mark as to the majority of the 27 million business owners that are simply looking for a loan they can repay, as opposed to a handout.

Author: Sue B. Malone
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

Successfully Obtaining a Small Business Loan

Posted by on March 20, 2010 Comments Off

Working with a bank to obtain a small business loan can be an easy or difficult process, depending on how prepared you are to meet with the lender and discuss your business’ situation and needs.

One of the leading causes of business failure is insufficient start-up capital. Ironically, though, lenders rarely approve loan requests for the businesses that have the highest need for a small business loan. Instead, lenders tend to prefer to offer small business loans to those businesses that have been in operation for two or more years.

According to All Business, it is estimated that 95 percent of all entrepreneurs opened their businesses with capital from their own pockets, or from money they borrowed from relatives, friends, or another person in their community. Lenders want to see business owners risk their own funds in the business venture, and often require that the business owner or owners provide a minimum of 25 percent of the capital needed to start a business, and at least that much equity in the business if the business is already in existence. Simply stated, lenders aren’t as willing to take a risk when a business owner doesn’t even risk their own money in the investment. Businesses with a history demonstrating success in paying their bills for two and a half to three years will have the easiest time obtaining a small business loan because they’ve proven their ability to meet financial obligations.

Preparing a Small Business Loan Proposal

When preparing to apply for a small business loan, be prepared to face the facts that are against you, and use them in your favor. Persistency is necessary if you want to land a small business loan. Lenders follow certain criteria to determine if the small business loan is a wise investment for the bank. Most importantly, the bank will determine if the small business loan is likely to be repaid. As with other businesses, banks and other lenders must answer to their investors and stockholders, and unpaid loans show instability in the bank or financial institution.

Items compiled into a small business loan request include the following:

- Amount of money requested

- Likeliness of business profitability and demonstration of cash flow needed to service a small business loan

- Collateral, if any is owned by the business

- A reasonable balance between debt and equity

Know Your Banker

Whether you have a start-up small business or an established small business, the first step in obtaining financing through a small business loan is to develop a business relationship with your banker. Consider asking your bank’s manager to open a file for your business, and provide quarterly or yearly profit and loss statements. When your business is in need of financing, the bank will already have a file and will be at least somewhat familiar with your operations. When the time comes to apply for a small business loan, approach the banker with a solid business plan to inspire the lender’s confidence in your business. Provide information on business operations, marketing efforts, management ability, and financial projections for three years, as well as a cash flow projection and personal balance sheet demonstrating the worthiness of the business.

To prove worthiness for a small business loan, prepare proper documentation. Keep your credit reports as clean as possible. A lender will assume that you operate your business in the same manner that you manage your personal finances. The lower your credit rating, the slimmer your chances are of obtaining a small business loan.

When applying for a small business loan, search for a lender by first approaching the bank or banks in which you currently do business. Since you’ll need to share all of your personal and business financial information, it can be beneficial to apply with a financial institution that already has that information on file and is perhaps familiar with your profile and spending habits. If your credit rating is high, your changes are good of being approved for the small business loan.

If you are unable to work with a bank or credit union in which you currently do business, or if you’d prefer not to work with your bank or credit union for your small business loan, look for a lender who wants your business. Search the business section of your local newspapers for special financing offers on small business loans and other loans. These lenders are actively looking for people needing small business loans, and the process of obtaining a small business loan with these types of lenders may be easier and faster. Additionally, check into credit unions. Because credit unions tend to be smaller financial institutions, you may be able to speak directly with a loan decision maker. Larger banks and other types of large lenders may have more rigid rules for small business loans, and the processes that they employ may be more complicated for small business loans.

If, at First, You Don’t Succeed

If your first attempt at obtaining a small business loan fails, don’t be discouraged. Small business loans are often not approved with the first lender that you approach, and be assured that you’re not alone. Especially if you have a start-up business, lenders don’t always approve small business loans, even in the most ideal situations. Search for other lenders, or become resourceful and look into other sources for loans rather than a small business loan, including home equity loans and personal loans, both of which can be used for business purposes.

Author: Rebecca Game
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

Qualifying for a Poor Credit Business Loan

Posted by on March 13, 2010 Comments Off

A poor credit business loan is designed for a business person or persons with a poor credit history.

In the life of a business, virtually all come across a time where extra money is needed for business growth, expansion, a new venture, or paying outstanding bills. Businesses owned and operated by an individual or individuals with a poor credit history are of no exception. The fall back on this type of situation is that it is difficult to qualify for a conventional loan if you are an individual or a part of a business partnership with an individual who has poor credit, and are in need of a business loan.

Poor credit business loans are designed especially for business people with a poor credit history. Poor credit business loans apply to both new ventures and existing businesses, and offer the business owner or owners the opportunity to turn around their poor credit rating, while also providing much needed financing for the business.

Pros of Obtaining a Poor Credit Business Loan

1. A poor credit business loan can offer a business person or business persons with poor credit an opportunity to receive a loan when they may otherwise not qualify for a conventional loan.

2. Poor credit business loans can offer the business owner or owners the opportunity to improve their business, and ultimately, improve their financial situation, economic standing, and ultimately, their credit ratings.

3. Loan terms for poor credit business loans can range from three to 25 years. Longer loan terms can offer the business owner or owners enough time to see the business through a rough financial period, proving their worthiness of the loan, and again, improving credit scores so that future loans can be obtained at a lower interest rate.

4. A poor credit business loan offers the business person or persons a chance to improve bad credit history. The poor credit business loan will provide money required to help the business grow and overcome its financial problems, as well as allow the business owner or owners the opportunity to become current on the new loan in order to increase credit scores by continuing to make monthly payments as scheduled.

5. An opportunity to have a lower interest rate is available on a poor credit business loan, provided that collateral is available to the lender.

6. A poor credit business loan can provide the business with regular access to cash, so that even in the worst financial situation, the business need not sell the entire business or part of the business to another individual or company to raise money.

Cons of Obtaining a Poor Credit Business Loan

1. The rate of interest on a poor credit business loan varies greatly according to the collateral offered. An unsecured poor credit business loan will have a much higher rate of interest.

2. If a poor credit business loan is not paid, it will not only affect the business owner’s or owners’ credit ratings, but also, it will only create even more problems for what was previously a grim financial situation.

3. A poor credit business loan will require a very high rate of interest to be paid if the borrower is considered extremely high risk to the lender. Collateral can assist in keeping the interest rate as low as possible.

Any business person who has the potential to repay a poor credit business loan and does not have a very severe credit history that includes things such as unpaid collections, repossessions, or serious late payments for a long duration, can qualify for a poor credit business loan. Even individuals who have had the misfortune of a bankruptcy more than ten years ago can qualify for a poor credit business loan. Business owners with poor credit who wish to either start a new venture, or require a poor credit business loan to improve or expand on an existing business, are provided a unique opportunity to help their economic and financial situation turn around and improve.

Before applying for a poor credit business loan, however, be sure to have a viable business plan, and prepare a professional loan proposal to show how much money is needed, and how the loan amount would make a difference to the business’ future endeavors. Great care and consideration should be taken to ensure that the business venture, expansion, or improvements will not fail. If the loan appears to be a high risk for your business, examine the situation carefully. An individual or individuals in business should take out a poor credit business loan only if it is completely clear that the poor credit business loan will make the situation better and not worse.

Author: Rebecca Game
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

Secured Business Loan – Providing A Conducive Atmosphere For Business Growth

Posted by on March 6, 2010 Comments Off

The amounts that a business will need as a business loan will generally be large. Unless, it is a bank that has utmost confidence on the borrowing enterprise, most banks and financial institutions will balk at the idea of lending a large sum to enterprises without any guarantee. This explains the genesis of secured business loans. A secured business loan is one where the borrowing enterprise pledges loan repayment by offering the loan provider a lien of certain asset/ assets.

Borrowers do get business loans without having to pledge any such lien to the loan provider. These are known as unsecured business loan. However, such opportunities are not easily available. And if they are, the terms on which they come are very expensive. The APR that borrowers of the latter category will have to shell is many percentage points more than the Secured business loans borrower.

Would you, as a borrower of business loan, unnecessarily increase the cost of finance to your business, knowing well that the assets are being pledged and not sold out? The assets pledged in secured business loans are available for use by the borrower. It is only when the loan is not paid in full that the loan provider undertakes to repossess the asset forming collateral. Is it that the creditors of unsecured loan do not demand repayment if the borrower doesn’t pay. In this case, the loan provider has to demand repayment. Since they do not have a direct stake on any asset of the borrowing enterprise, they will seek support from the courts in the recovery process. Often the borrower has to cough up the amount. Additionally, the borrower’s credit history is tarnished because of these proceedings.

Secured business loans, thus is the safest bet for both the borrowing entrepreneur and the loan providers. Loans in this category will depend more on the value of collateral and the lending organisation chosen. Maximum amount can be had through a secured business loan.

Since the secured business loan has been used specially for use in business, one is able to better mould the business loan. One can use the business loan in a variety of purposes. Ranging from the daily requirements in the form of working capital, the business loan can also be used for expansion purposes.

Certain loan providers would insist on the borrowing organisation to fulfil certain preconditions in order to approve the loan application. Certain preconditions form standing orders that are applicable for the entire term of the secured business loans. For instance, loan provider will stipulate that the debt- equity ratio (the ratio of debt to equity in the capital) be kept to a particular level. Such preconditions amount to reduction in entrepreneur’s control over his business. Lender may demand immediate settlement of the secured business loan if at anytime the condition is not met. The borrowing enterprise must discuss well with experts about the implications of such clauses, before consenting to loan deals.

As against individuals who would have to repay the loan through fixed monthly or quarterly instalment, entrepreneurs get to repay the loan through repayments that are flexible. Entrepreneurs, owing to their fluctuating income structure, get to pay through instalments that are not fixed. In periods when the business is going strong, the entrepreneur will pay a major part of the loan. This will be used as a pretext to smaller payments or payment holidays, as the case may be.

Online processing of loans has caught up with secured business loans as it has with the personal loans. An entrepreneur planning to draw a secured business loan shall simply fill up the loan details and initiate the process of approval. The web technology is used by a few borrowers to compare between a number of loan deals available. The loan providers short-listed are requested to send a loan quote defining the terms of the secured business loan. This is a very important and effective technique of drawing information about the pros and cons of loans.

Proper planning must precede any decision to draw a secured business loan. The business not only has an asset on stake, it is also the reputation of the enterprise that is tarnished when the business does not pay in full. Since a business is always in need of finance, it cannot afford to lose on reputation. This will make things difficult when the enterprise is again in need of loans. They will have to do with business loans on stricter terms because of the bad credit history. Businesses must thus decide the use or need of secured business loan beforehand.

Author: Andrew Baker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Make PCB Assembly

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