How to Get a Quick Business Loan with Bad Credit
October 30, 2023
- by iCapital Funding
Running a small business requires capital, and sometimes that capital needs to come in quickly. But what if you’re a small business owner with a bad credit history? Fear not! There are funding options available, even for those with less-than-stellar credit.
Can Small Business Owners Get a Business Loan with a 500 Credit Score?
Yes and no. While a 500 credit score is on the lower end of the spectrum, therefore, most banks are going to pass, some alternative funders specialize in financing options for businesses with poor credit. Most often, it is best to look at merchants cash advance providers. They often focus more on cash flow, monthly revenue, and the business’s overall financial health, rather than solely on credit score requirements.
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Exploring Bad Credit Business Loans and Business Financing
Not all financial institutions use the same yardstick to measure creditworthiness. Banks may have stringent credit check processes, but alternative funders might be more flexible, especially when it comes to bad credit business financing.
The Power of Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)
For small business owners in need of quick funding, a merchant cash advance can be a lifeline. Unlike loans or a business lines of credit, MCAs provide a lump sum upfront, which is then repaid via a share of future revenue. This type of financing is especially suitable for businesses with significant credit card sales but might struggle with traditional lenders due to a low credit score.
Advantages of MCAs for Business Financing:
Speed: Often, you can receive funds in as little as one business day.
Flexibility: Repayment is tied to future sales, making it variable based on business performance.
No Collateral: Unlike some other types of business loans, MCAs don’t require real estate or other collateral.
Factors Affecting Business Loan Eligibility
While a bad credit score can be a hurdle, it’s not the only factor lenders and alternative funders consider. Your business’s annual revenue, payment history, and cash flow play crucial roles in determining eligibility for financing options. Additionally, some funders require personal guarantees for qualifying.
Quick Paths to Business Funding:
Online Funders: They often have a more streamlined application process and can be more forgiving of lower credit scores. Moreover, for some, the minimum credit score can be sub-500.
Invoice Financing: This involves selling your outstanding invoices to a factoring company at a discount. It’s a way to get cash quickly without needing a loan.
Microloans: These are generally smaller loan amounts with potentially more forgiving credit requirements. However, they can also come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms, as well as stringent use restrictions.
Business Loans and Your Credit Score
One might wonder, “How will a business loan help my credit score?” Consistently making repayments on time can improve your business credit score. It’s essential to understand, however, that business and personal credit scores are distinct. Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and other credit bureaus often track business scores. Ensuring your business has a credit profile with these bureaus and keeping it in good shape can open doors to better financing options in the future.
Benefits of Business Loans for Start-ups
Beyond the obvious influx of cash, securing a business loan or funding can:
Boost Credibility: Having the backing of a lender can instill confidence in potential partners or customers.
Facilitate Expansion: Whether it’s a new business location or new equipment, financing can facilitate growth.
Smooth out Cash Flow: Especially for businesses with seasonal sales, a loan can help bridge cash flow gaps.
The Best Way to Approach Bad Credit Business Financing
For small business owners navigating the world of bad credit business loans and alternative financing, preparation is key. Here are steps to enhance your chances.
1. Know Your Credit Score
What It Is:
Your credit score, often led by the FICO score in the United States, is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. This score is calculated based on various factors from your credit report, including payment history, the amount owed, length of credit history, types of credit, and new credit.
Why It’s Important:
Basis for Lender Decisions: Many lenders check this score to evaluate the risk of lending to you. A higher score generally indicates lower risk. Remember, not all funders check this and some look at whether you have good credit for both business and personal, some look at just your business score, and some look at neither.
Identify Potential Issues: By regularly checking your credit score, you can identify and address any discrepancies or negative marks that might be affecting your score adversely.
Tailor Your Search: Knowing your score allows you to target funders who cater to your credit bracket, saving time and potential hard inquiries that can further impact your score.
2. Draft a Solid Business Plan
What It Is:
A business plan is a document that outlines your business goals and the strategy you’ll employ to achieve them. It includes market research, financial projections, marketing strategies, organizational structure, and more.
Why It’s Important:
Showcase Business Viability: Banks want to assurance that they’ll get their money back. A robust business plan demonstrates your understanding of the market and how you intend to achieve profitability.
Highlight Growth Potential: A well-researched plan showcases the scalability and growth potential of your business, making it an attractive investment for lenders.
Provide Clear Financial Projections: Lenders are interested in your business’s financial health. Clear projections and financial statements offer insights into how you’ll manage loan repayments.
Remember, while banks will require a business plan, MCA providers and other alternative funders often do not require this documentation.
3. Explore Multiple Lenders
What It Is:
There’s a plethora of lenders in the market, from traditional banks to online funders, credit unions, and more, each offering various loan products, as well as non-loan products like MCAs or invoice factoring.
Why It’s Important:
Diverse Eligibility Requirements: While one financial institution might emphasize credit score, another might prioritize business revenue or cash flow. Exploring multiple funders increases your chances of finding one that aligns with your profile.
Negotiation Leverage: With multiple offers, you can potentially negotiate better interest rates or factor rates, as well as improved terms.
Find The Best Fit: Different lenders offer different products. Research ensures you find a loan tailored to your business needs, whether that’s equipment financing, a merchant cash advance, or something else.
3. Consider a Co-signer
What It Is:
A co-signer is an individual who agrees to take on the responsibility of repaying a loan if the primary borrower defaults.
Why It’s Important:
Increase Approval Odds: Financial institutions might be more inclined to approve a loan if a co-signer with a strong credit history vouches for it, reducing their perceived risk.
Potentially Better Terms: With the added assurance of a co-signer, lenders might offer more favorable interest rates or repayment terms.
Build Your Credit: Successfully repaying a co-signed loan can boost your credit score, paving the way for better lending terms in the future.
In Conclusion
Bad credit doesn’t close all doors for small business owners. With the myriad of financing options, from merchant cash advances to online funders and invoice financing, there’s hope for businesses at every credit level. The key is to stay informed, be prepared, and choose the best path for your business’s unique needs.
