Finding capital to start a small business can be challenging and stressful. Most lenders are reluctant about financing people who are starting a business due to the risk involved. You may have big plans and ideas on running a home business, but you will not know how things will turn out once you have started the business. When starting a home business and your savings are inadequate, you definitely need some financial assistance. The following are some of the places you can get financial support for a home business.
Grants
One way of getting money to start a small business is contacting government agencies or private foundations that offer small-business grants. You can also get money from corporate small-business grants and specialty small-business grants. Getting grants is not that easy, but it is worth a try. You will have to search countless sites before you find a grant that is suitable for your business goals. Although the process of applying for grants may be intimidating, they can be of great benefit to your business.
Small Business Development Centers
The small business development centers can assist you to find financing for your home business. These centers are usually associated with the economic development agency in a particular state or local universities. These agencies can connect you with financing opportunities, networking opportunities and mentors who can guide you when starting a business.
Microloans from nonprofits and SBA loans
The United States Small Business Administration’s microloan program provides up to fifty thousand dollars for small enterprises and those who want to start a nonprofit child care centers. The average SBA microloan is thirteen thousand dollars. Getting SBA loans is difficult since there are many loan applicants, but you can still give it a try.
Personal business loans
You can also get self employed loans from online lenders. These lenders can give you a personal loan in spite of your current employment status. You may then use the loan to start your home business. However, personal loans may have high APRs, especially if your credit is bad. For this reason, you should always compare loans before applying to ensure you find the most attractive interest rate possible. Nonetheless, this option can be a great option if you have a stable income and outstanding personal credit.
Nonprofit lenders and Microlenders
Getting finances to start a business from these lenders is not that hard. Most of them focus on the traditionally disadvantaged small business owners or minorities and small businesses in areas that are not economically stable. In general, these lenders will give you solid terms that can help you to build better credit and grow your business.
Home equity loans
If you have an excellent credit score and significant equity built up in your home, applying for a home equity loan can be a good option. You will get a lump sum that you can pay off over the years. It can be easier to qualify for a home equity loan since you are using your house as collateral. The lender will set the interest rate when you borrow and it is supposed to remain fixed for the term of the loan.
Banks
Getting a loan for a home based business from banks is possible if you have a well-structured business plan and an excellent credit history. You should look for a bank that knows about your industry or one that has a reputation for offering loans to small businesses. It is also advisable to search for a bank that provides Small Business Administration-guaranteed loans. The monthly payments for such loans are usually more manageable.
Although finding loans for a home business is not that easy, it is still possible. You can apply for grants, personal business loans, and home equity loans among others. To increase your chances of qualifying for such loans, work on improving your credit scores. Check your credit report regularly to see whether there are mistakes that could lower your score. Furthermore, find out about the other things required to qualify for the loans to increase the chances of getting the financing you need.
