How to Get a Loan For Your Business
A loan is a transfer of money from one party to another with an agreement to pay it back. This arrangement creates a debt and the borrower pays interest on the amount borrowed. Loans are used for a variety of reasons, including financing major purchases and debt consolidation. They can also help businesses expand and provide working capital.
Loans can be secured or unsecured. A secured loan is backed by something of value—like a car or home—that the lender can foreclose on if you fail to make your payments. Because of this, secured loans tend to have lower interest rates than unsecured loans.
When deciding on the type of loan you need, it’s important to consider your current financial situation and goals. You’ll need to be able to comfortably afford the monthly payments and the total amount of the loan, including any fees. You may also want to consider whether or not you can afford the loan if interest rates rise in the future.
During the application process, lenders typically require detailed information about your business. This includes your business’s official name and tax ID number, a profit-and-loss statement, as well as the personal names and Social Security numbers of all owners who own 20% or more of the company. You’ll also need to submit a business plan and financial documents that demonstrate your company’s ability to repay the loan.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a copy of the loan document and your lender will explain the terms and conditions of the agreement. This will include the interest rate, repayment schedule and other details that can vary by type of loan. For example, a loan may have different provisions about the maximum amount of interest you can pay and how long you must wait to apply for a new loan.
Most loans are repaid on a set cadence, with borrowers making fixed monthly payments to the lender. A portion of each payment goes toward interest and the remainder is applied to the principal balance. Other types of credit, such as lines of credit and credit cards, allow borrowers to access funds on a revolving basis and only charge interest on the amount used.
The term of a loan can range from a few months to years. The length of a loan is typically determined by the borrower’s creditworthiness and the repayment terms offered by the lender. For example, an auto loan may have a repayment term of two to seven years, while student and mortgage loans often have longer terms. Some lenders also charge a fee—known as a prepayment penalty—for paying off a loan early. This is usually a percentage of the remaining loan balance and can be costly for borrowers.