Small Business Loans for People with Bad Credit

To establish or grow your company, you can get a small business loan even with bad credit.

Traditional banks and credit unions may be hesitant to offer a business loan if you have a bad credit history. If you have a low credit score, alternative lenders, which give alternatives to traditional banks, can help you get a small-business loan.

Some of these lenders have no minimum credit score requirements and approve loans based on factors like income or time in business.

You can obtain the best bad-credit business loan to start or expand your small business if you understand how bad-credit small-business loans work. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What does it mean to have bad credit?
• Is it possible to acquire a business loan if you have bad credit?
• What are your options for obtaining a small-business loan?

What Are the Best Small-Business Loans for People with Bad Credit in 2021?

U.S. News researched crucial aspects such as customer service ratings, qualification standards, and loan possibilities before conducting an in-depth review of the leading bad credit small-business loan companies.

What Exactly Is “Bad Credit”?

A FICO score of less than 670 is considered bad credit. A FICO score of at least 530 is required to qualify for a bad credit business loan, but you could get better terms with a good credit score of 670 or higher. 

Bad credit business loans are typically targeted for owners with low credit scores. Your personal credit score, as well as your business credit score, may play a role in whether or not you are approved for a loan, especially from traditional lenders. Business credit scores have different scoring ranges and interpretations than personal credit scores. Your business credit score is based on your payment history on business-related accounts.

If your company has no credit history, such as a startup, your personal credit will be utilized entirely to assess the risk of a loan.

Is It Possible to Get a Small-Business Loan If You Have Bad Credit?

Small-business owners with low credit scores will have fewer options for financing, particularly from traditional lenders.

Getting a small-business loan approved can be difficult because it considers not only credit history but also cash flow and collateral. The bottom line is that candidates with good credit and consistent income have an easier time getting approved.

When a business owner has weak or inconsistent cash flow, banks and lenders often place a greater emphasis on the company’s recorded financial history and assets. Those with poor credit scores may have trouble getting a loan approved.

However, if you have strong credit, you may be eligible for regular bank loans, SBA loans, or other small-business financing. See your options with G-Force Funding

What Small-Business Financing Options Do You Have If You Have Bad Credit?

Small-business loans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some being easier to obtain than others. Alternative lenders, such as online lenders, may be able to help people with bad credit to get small-business loans that are more accessible than loans from traditional lenders.

Alternative lending refers to a wide range of loans issued outside of traditional financial institutions to consumers and company owners. Alternative lenders fill a void left by risk-averse banks, which may turn down some consumers – especially when traditional lenders tighten credit requirements in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alternative lenders, unlike many traditional banks, typically make loans online and do not have physical locations.

These types of loans for small businesses are available from alternative lenders and traditional lenders who specialize in bad credit:

Lines of Credit

Business lines of credit are similar to business credit cards in that they can help you when you’re short on cash. A lender approves you for a pool of funds using a business line of credit, often known as a revolving line of credit.

A business line of credit, like a business credit card, has a credit limit, which is the maximum amount you can borrow. You will only be charged on the portion of money that you borrow from your business line of credit.

Term Loans 

Term loans are large sums of money that you borrow from banks and pay back, with fees, over a certain period of time. Secured and unsecured business loans are available, but secured business loans require collateral, such as equipment. Unsecured business loans are mostly based on your credit, but may need a personal guarantee.

Invoice Financing or Factoring

If your small business is having trouble with cash flow issues because customers aren’t paying their balance in full, invoice financing – or invoice factoring, which is closely related – is a viable solution.

With invoice financing, you sell your invoices at a discount to a lender in exchange for a cash advance. The lender pays you the majority of the invoice amount up front and holds a portion – typically 20%–until the bills are paid.

Invoice financing is a high-risk option. Borrowers pay a portion of the invoice as a factoring fee, plus interest on the cash advance until it is paid off.

Fees can soon pile up, and with invoice factoring, you hand control of the invoices and collections to a factoring company.. Before deciding on invoice finance or factoring, carefully analyze the benefits and drawbacks.

Equipment Loans

With equipment loans, lenders typically finance 80% to 100% of the cost of your equipment. The equipment acts as collateral for the loan. Alternative lenders may be more likely to offer equipment loans to small businesses with poor credit than traditional lenders.

Merchant Cash Advances

A merchant cash advance, or MCA, is a loan based on your company’s projected sales that can provide immediate cash flow. The advance is usually repaid as a percentage of your daily credit and debit card receipts, plus fee.

Lesser-risk borrowers will pay lower fees and have better borrowing terms than those who are higher-risk. Nonetheless, a merchant cash advance is frequently a poor solution for a business.

How to Get a Small-Business Loan?

Obtaining a company loan necessitates the preparation of a thorough application, especially if you have poor credit. Take the following procedures before applying for a small-business loan to increase your chances of approval:

• Boost your personal credit score. Make sure you present your personal finances as attractively as possible. Making on-time payments, dealing with delinquencies, and paying down amounts when possible can all help you improve your personal credit score. Errors, such as inaccurate balances, should be disputed and corrected.
• Improve your company’s credit score. Consider opening a small-business credit product, such as a business credit card or line of credit, if you want to develop a business credit history. If you need to increase your company credit score instead. The methods are identical to how you would rebuild your personal credit score. To improve your company’s credit score, catch up on any late loan payments and make sure your vendors are paid on time.
• Make a strong business plan. To increase your chances of getting funding you should consider writing a well-thought-out plan with a mission and strategy. Financial statements should be included in your business plan. You can promote your management team’s background, expertise, and creditworthiness if you have a good management team. 
• Look for additional strategies to improve your credit score. If you have a poor credit score, you can improve it by requesting reference letters from personal and business creditors, as well as vendors, confirming timely payments.

When you’re ready to apply for a business loan, be sure you can answer the following questions:

• What is the purpose of this loan?
• What are your plans for the loan proceeds?
• What kind of collateral will you put up, such as business equipment or other assets?
• Have you applied for any other loans for your company?

Along with your résumé, you will most likely be asked to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, home address, and phone number. Your business and personal financials, as well as legal documents such as articles of organization, will be required by any sound lending program.

How Do You Choose a Loan?

When selecting a small business lender, pay close attention to the lender’s:

• Criteria for eligibility
• Loan options
• Customer service
• Cost

Keeping these factors in mind can assist you in locating a lender who has a better probability of accepting your loan and providing you with the best terms and fees.

Requirements for Eligibility

It’s pointless to apply for a loan that you don’t qualify for. Before you apply, find out what a lender considers a standard for acceptance.

Inquire about these and other factors:

Minimum years in business

• Minimum annual revenue
• Minimum personal credit score

Loan Alternatives

Find a lender that offers the loan you require, such as a business line of credit, invoice finance, or a term loan.

Also, be sure the loan limits and conditions are appropriate for your needs. You won’t want to apply with a lender that only issues small, short-term business loans if you need a $250,000 loan with a seven-year repayment term.

Cost

Look for a loan with the lowest fees, such as:

• Underwriting fees
• Closing costs
• Additional fees
• Annual percentage rate, or APR
• Down payment
• Factor rate
• Origination fee

Customer Service

Read lender reviews to learn how businesses rank each lender’s products and customer service.

Trustpilot, which ranks organizations based on an aggregate of consumer ratings, and the Better Business Bureau are two good review sites for alternative lenders.

What Can You Do If Your Small-Business Loan Application Is Rejected?

You have a few options if you aren’t approved for a small-business loan or can’t secure enough financing because of poor credit:

• Reduce the loan amount. You may need to work with less funding than you planned. Reevaluate your business plan and identify areas where you reduce expenses.
• Add in some business associates. This change can help your company’s creditworthiness by allowing lenders to examine all owners’ personal income and collateral.
• Seek out funding that is unique. Consider enlisting the help of friends, family, private investors, and potential customers to invest in your company. You can raise money for your project by using Indiegogo, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe.

Apply today with G-Force Funding for business loans from $10,000 – $500,000.

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How to Get a Small Business Loan in 2021

Knowing these 5 steps to getting a small business loan can minimize frustration and increase your chances of approval.

Find Out If You’re Eligible for a Business Loan

To see if you qualify for a small business loan, answer the following questions:

How is your FICO score?

Each of the three major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, will provide you with your credit report for free. Several credit card providers and personal finance websites will also give you your credit score free of charge.

Banks prefer to offer low-rate business loans to clients with credit scores of at least 680. Consider small-business loans for borrowers with lower credit or loans from a nonprofit, microlender if your credit score falls below that score.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Most online small business loans require at least one year of business experience, whereas most bank loans require at least two years.

Do you have a sufficient income?

Many lenders require a minimum amount of annual income, which might range from $10,000 to $250,000. Before you apply, calculate your income and learn out what the minimal requirements are for each lender.

Are you able to make the payments?

Examine your company’s financials, particularly cash flow, and determine how much you can afford to put into loan repayments each month.

Do you have collateral?

Many lenders offer both secured and unsecured business loans. A secured loan necessitates the use of collateral, such as property or equipment, which the lender can seize if you default on the loan.

Putting up collateral is hazardous, but it can increase the amount you can borrow from lenders and help you receive a better interest rate.

Even for unsecured loans, lenders may require a personal guarantee. This implies you’ll personally repay the loan if your company can’t, and you may allow a lender to seize your home or car if you don’t pay.

Determine The Type of Loan You Require

Lenders will inquire as to why you require a small-business loan. Your response will most likely fall into one of three categories, which will help you decide which sort of business loan is best for you:

• You want to start a business: Many lenders want to see cash-flow to support loan repayment, thus businesses in their first year are unlikely to be approved for a loan. You’ll sometimes have to rely on alternative sources of beginning funding, such as business credit cards and personal loans.
• You want to keep track of your day-to-day spending: A business line of credit can be a good idea. This type of flexible financing allows you to access funds as needed to cover obligations such as payroll or unexpected costs such as repairs, providing a handy safety net when needed.
• You wish to grow your business: Consider a government-backed SBA loan or a regular term loan, both of which often have larger borrowing limits – SBA loans, for example, can reach $5.5 million. Many lenders also have solutions tailored to the demands of a developing business, such as loans for equipment or vehicle purchases.

Shop Around for Small-Business Lenders

Small-business loans can be obtained from three different sources: banks, online lenders, and nonprofit microlenders. Each usually has several good options, but one may be superior to the others under particular situations.

When to use internet lenders for a business loan:

• You’re short on cash
• You’re short on time
• You have an opportunity too good to resist

Small-business loans and lines of credit ranging from $1,000 to $5 million are available from online lenders. Depending on the lender, the kind and size of the loan, the length of the repayment term, the borrower’s credit history, and if collateral is necessary, the average annual percentage rate on these loans ranges from 6% to 99 percent.

These lenders’ APRs are rarely as low as those offered by traditional banks, but approval rates are higher and funding is faster— as fast as 12 hours— than with banks.

When to seek a bank loan for a business:

• You’ve had your company for at least two years
• You have excellent credit
• You don’t require immediate cash

Term loans, lines of credit, and business mortgages are all traditional bank choices for purchasing or refinancing properties.

The United States of America operates through banks. The Small Business Administration’s 7(a) lending program offers standard small-business loans, as well as short-term microloans and disaster loans. According to the Congressional Research Service, the SBA offers loans up to $5.5 million, with 7(a) loans averaging $533,075 in fiscal year 2020. 

Due to considerations such as reduced sales volume and cash reserves, obtaining a small-business loan from a bank might be difficult. When you add in low personal credit or a lack of collateral, many small-business owners are left holding the bag. Although being funded takes longer than alternative choices, banks normally provide the lowest APR.

When to approach microlenders for a business loan:

• You have a poor credit history or none at all
• You’re a brand-new company
• You won’t be able to obtain a typical loan

Microlenders are non-profit organizations that specialize in making small loans of less than $50,000. The APR on these loans is usually greater than on bank loans. The application process can be lengthy if it requires a detailed business plan, financial statements, and a description of how the loan will be used.

Also, because the loans are defined as “micro,” they may be suitable for smaller businesses or startups that are unable to obtain typical bank loans due to a lack of collateral, a lack of operating history, or a lack of personal credit.

Microlenders include Accion, Opportunity Fund, Kiva, and Accompany Capital, to name a few.

Get Your Documents Together

Make sure you have all of the necessary documents before applying. The process of obtaining a small-business loan will be streamlined if these files can be located and made easily accessible now.

You’ll need to provide a combination of the following, depending on the lender:

• Tax returns for both businesses and individuals
• Bank statements for both your business and personal accounts
• Financial statements for a business
• Legal documents for your business (e.g., franchise agreement, articles of incorporation, commercial lease)
• Your business plan

Apply!

You’ve done it! Now that you’ve decided which type of loan and lender are best for you, it’s time to apply. 

Begin by comparing two or three comparable loan possibilities based on loan conditions and annual percentage rate, or APR. APR is the easiest way to comprehend the overall cost of a company loan for the year because it includes all loan expenses in addition to the interest rate.

Choose the loan with the lowest APR among those you qualify for (as long as you can afford the loan’s regular payments) and apply with the documentation you’ve acquired.

It’s worth noting that credit bureaus make no distinction between business and personal inquiries. When applying for a small business loan, your credit score may be damaged if you utilize your personal credit history, which is why it’s crucial to go with your best option.

Apply today with G-Force Funding for business loans from $10,000 – $500,000.

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Is An SBA 7(a) Loan Right For Your Business?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editor’s note: Has your business been affected by the recent pandemic? Learn about COVID-19 relief for small businesses and the self-employed: SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) For Self Employed, 1099’s

The U.S. Small Business Administration partially guarantees SBA 7(a) loans, making them typically more flexible and with lower interest rates than traditional bank loans. The loans are issued by a lending institution, traditionally banks, however there are several non-bank SBA lenders in the market. SBA loans are one of the best ways to finance your business due to generous terms.

Because of these favorable terms, and a fair amount of red tape, it can be tough to be approved for a loan from the SBA, which leads us to the million dollar question: Is an SBA 7(a) loan right for your business?

How SBA Loans Work

The SBA does not lend money to small businesses. That part is undertaken by an SBA approved lending institution. When applying for an SBA loan, you submit your application to the lending institution, and that lender then applies to the SBA for a loan guarantee. If you default on the loan, the SBA pays the lender the guaranteed amount (85% for loans up to $150,000 and 75% for loans greater than $150,000).

The SBA always requires a personal guarantee from every owner with at least a 20% of the business. This guarantee holds the signee personally liable for repayment of the loan if the business defaults and is insolvent.

If you are approved, your lender will proceed with closing and disbursing the loan proceeds. You will directly repay the lender monthly.

SBA loans can be used for many reasons: starting your business; working capital (for example, inventory & payroll); growing your business; or establishing a safety net.

Interest Rates

In keeping with SBA regulations, participating lenders set their interest rates based on the prime rate + a markup rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The APR on a loan is different from the interest rate. The APR is a percentage that includes all loan fees + the interest rate.

Fees for SBA loans are typically comprised of an upfront guaranty fee, based on the loan amount and the term length of the loan, and an annual service fee, based on the guaranteed portion of the outstanding balance.

SBA loans typically offer longer terms in comparison with other loan types, which means you will have additional funds available for other business needs. The loan term will depend on your use of funds as stated in the application. The current maximum maturities are:

Real estate: 25 years

Working capital: 10 years

Equipment: 10 years

Types of SBA Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SBA’s primary way of providing financial assistance to small businesses is the 7( a) loan program, however there are other types of SBA loans, each with its own terms and conditions.

Applying for an SBA Loan

Verify eligibility of your business. If your business is experiencing hardship, an SBA7(a) loan  is probably out of the question at the moment. There are other SBA loan types for businesses in need of disaster relief. You should also confirm your business is not an ineligible entity, such as charitable and religious institutions.

Application Documents

After confirming your eligibility, make sure you have all necessary documents to submit your application. Here are some of the documents you will need before applying:

• SBA’s borrower information form
• Statement of personal history
• Personal financial statement
• Personal income tax returns
• Business tax returns
• Business license
• Lease agreement if applicable
• One-year cash flow projection

 

The time it takes to get approved for an SBA loan will depend on the lender processing your application. Traditional banks can take from 30 days to several months.

If you do not want to wait that long, the SBA has another 7(a) financing program called SBA Express, which aims to respond to loan applications within 36 hours. The maximum amount for this type of financing is $350,000.

You can apply directly for an SBA 7(a) Express loan as well as a commercial real estate 504 loan through G-Force Funding here: APPLY HERE

 

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Using Collateral to Secure a Small-Business Loan

Most organizations will at some point need cash to grow. Lenders will scrutinize both you and your business to see if you’re a viable borrower before loaning to you.

Typically what the lender uses to make a credit decision will be, your company’s history, business credit, revenues, balance sheet, and your equity contributions. If you pass a credit check and you operate a healthy business, many banks will also require an additional, and tangible, guarantee that their loan will be repaid, i.e., collateral.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines collateral as “an additional form of security which can be used to assure a lender that you have a second source of loan repayment.” In other words, collateral ensures a lender will either be repaid by you or they can recoup the money in another way, such as liquidating the assets you offer for collateral Collateral can include assets owned by by you personally or your business. Below are some examples of types of collateral to consider using when approaching a bank for a loan:

Accounts Receivable

Automobiles

Business Inventory

Cash Savings

Investment Portfolio

Real Estate

 

Asset-based lending can be a great way to get a fast cash for your business, however there are precautions to take to protect yourself and your business. Below are a few tips on how you can use your assets as collateral, and how you can mitigate the risks associated with defaulting on a loan.

1. Find The True Value of Your Assets

Lenders tend to be conservative about valuing a borrower’s assets for collateral. After all, if the borrower does default, the lender must take the asset, find a buyer, and liquidate it. If you’re not sure what your assets are worth, it could be worthwhile to find an independent appraiser to give you an idea of how the lender will value your property.

2. Your Best Option For Collateral

Essentially, there are two main types of collateral: assets that you fully own and assets that you still have a lien against. If you still have a lien on an asset (e.g., a mortgage for a house), the lender will be able to recoup the loan by refinancing with the lending institution and claiming the title.

A viable asset to use as collateral will have a title of ownership, and lenders will only lend if they can get a title back. Real estate and automobiles are the most common types of collateral, however you can also use pieces of equipment that have a title of ownership.

3. Knowing the Risks

Loss of Assets: Taking a loan using assets as collateral presents the risks of losing the assets if you default on the loan. It’s important to discuss the risks of using certain assets as collateral with a financial advisor, as well as people that could be affected by the loss of that asset. It comes down to being honest with yourself, knowing your situation, and knowing what the funds will be used for. If you really need the money, you might to find alternatives, because you will lose what you’ve leveraged in the unfortunate event of default.

Unsecured Loans: If you choose not to use collateral to secure a business loan, there are also risks in that decision. Lenders can charge higher interest rates for unsecured loans. You need to assess what your company can afford. You can find out about G-Force Funding’s unsecured loan options here: APPLY HERE

4. Understand Terms

Qualified borrowers with good business credit should be able to secure a loan with collateral. Remember, you can gather loan offers from multiple lenders to compare your options.

One thing to consider is the loan-to-value ratio of each offer. This is the percentage of the asset’s value against which the lender is willing to advance funds. Loan-to-value ratios generally range from 50 to 98 percent. The higher the percentage the less collateral you’ll need to put up to cover the value of the loan. For example, if you need a loan for $80,000 and you have an asset valued at $100,000, you ‘d prefer a loan-to-value ratio of 80% over one of 50% as the latter will require you put up additional collateral to cover the full loan value. You can find out about G-Force Funding’s secured loan options here: APPLY HERE

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A Quick Guide to Invoice Factoring for Your Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waiting on outstanding invoices to earn money has long been a huge pain for small businesses. It’s approximated that at least $3.1 trillion in receivables is owed to businesses in the U.S. right now. When companies pay late, the issue gets compounded. Access to capital is especially vital throughout the COVID-19 economic environment. This demand for quick cash has led many businesses to think about invoice factoring (offering receivables to an invoice factoring company at a discount rate, plus a cost).

Why companies use factoring

Receivables factoring  is when a company purchases a debt or invoice from another company. In this purchase, accounts receivable are discounted in order to permit the purchaser to earn a profit upon the settlement of the debt. Basically factoring transfers the ownership of accounts to another party that then chases up the debt. Factoring for that reason relieves the first party of a financial obligation for less than the total amount providing them with working capital to continue trading, while the purchaser, or factor, chases up the debt for the total and profits when it is paid. The factor is required to pay additional costs, usually a small percentage, once the debt has actually been settled. The factor might also offer a discount to the indebted party.

Factoring has been a common B2B practice for more than 3,700 years. Basically, it’s a method for SME to obtain cash money earlier instead of having to wait for their clients to pay on net terms, pay past due, or otherwise in any way.

What is a Factoring Advance Rate?

 

 

 

 

A factoring advance rate is the percentage of the amount you receive when factoring the invoice. Advance rates generally vary from 80% to 90% of your invoice amount. Meaning, if you factor an invoice for $100,000, you typically are advanced $80,000( 80%) or $90,000( 90%).

Your factoring advance rate is the most important number when taking a look at factoring expenses, it’s even more important than the fees. Why? The reason you are factoring in the first place is to enhance your cash flow. The advance rate must be high enough to cover your cost of goods sold. Otherwise, the benefit of using factoring for your capital concerns would not be viable.

How do Factoring Costs Work?

Bear in mind that a factoring fee is not an APR or interest rate. Often times business owners are confused and use interest rate formulas to factoring, however it simply does not work that way. A factoring fee resembles how your charge card may charge a monthly or daily set charge to have the account open. This resembles how a factoring fee works. It is a percentage of the invoice amount. A factor uses a percentage of the invoice quantity as their cost to you as low as 0.79-2.29% as much as 30 days.

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in applying for receivables factoring or would like to find out more about our factoring programs, please APPLY HERE

 

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8 Ways To Improve Business Credit

Everyone knows your personal credit score is essential when applying for commercial credit, however personal credit scores don’t reveal the whole story of your business. The other score you need to be on top of is your business credit score, also known as the FICO SBSS score.

Why is the FICO SBSS Business Credit Score Essential?

When applying for a business loan or line of credit your FICO SBSS score will be taken into consideration. FICO stands for the Fair Isaac Corporation, the largest and best known of several companies that calculate credit scores. SBSS stands for the Small Business Scoring Service.

This score is one element that helps lenders determine how likely your business is to make timely loan payments and eventually pay back the loan in full.

How is the FICO SBSS Score Calculated?

Your FICO SBSS score is calculated by evaluating personal and business credit history. Other business financial details also comes into play like the age of your company, number of employees along with financial data, like revenue and assets.

The SBSS score ranges from 0-300 with the higher your score, the better.

Why  Increase Your Business Credit Score?

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), insufficient or delayed financing is the second most common reason for business failure. Because anyone can view your business credit score (it’s not confidential) it’s important to establish business credit from the start to help you obtain better interest rates, loan terms, and negotiation leverage on payment periods with suppliers.

8 Ways to Improve Your Business Credit Score

If your business credit score needs work, review these 8 strategies to help strengthen yours.

Check your business credit report

If you find any errors, dispute them immediately. Incorrect information can impact running your business.

Pay your bills on time

Lenders or vendors don’t want to work with a business that is slow when paying bills. Use these strategies to avoid paying late and incurring penalties.

Make a list of every bill
Find out when your payments are due
Add your payments to a calendar
Decide how much you want to pay
Set up automated payments whenever possible
Devise a system for manual payments
Sign up for reminders
If you’re unable to make a timely payment, see if you can negotiate so your business doesn’t get reported to the credit bureaus.

Decrease your credit utilization ratio

The credit utilization ratio measures the amount of your credit limit that’s being used. For example, if your balance is $30 and your credit limit is $100, then your credit utilization for that credit card is 30%. The lower your credit utilization, the more attractive your business is to lenders.

Establish credit accounts with suppliers

If you work with vendors or suppliers, you can build your business credit by opening accounts with them. Before you do, make sure they report payments to credit bureaus. That way, your timely payments will be reflected on your credit reports and lenders will have access to them.

Add positive payment experiences to your credit file

The credit card issuers and lenders you have accounts with send accounts updates to credit bureaus including your current balance, payment history, and other details. This information is added into your credit report and used to generate your credit score when it’s requested by businesses and yourself.

It takes time to add positive information to your credit report, so try to be patient with the process.

Dispute any errors and inquiries

If you haven’t reviewed your credit report recently, now is the time. In a Wall Street Journal survey, 25 percent of small business owners who checked their business credit reports found errors that put them in a riskier category.

There’s a reason why your credit report might be incorrect. Unlike consumer credit, business reports are not covered by the Fair Credit and Reporting Act.

If you’ve reviewed your report and found inaccuracies, contact Experian, Equifax and D&B immediately to make corrections on your report.

Avoid closing accounts

If you pay off and cancel the old credit cards, you can risk of lowering your business credit score. This is because your cards could be having a good history but now that you do away with them, you automatically remove the good years of credit that had contributed to the current good score that your business is having. Retain your old credit cards by keeping them open. Even if you pay off any credit card, do not close it no matter what as this could really hurt your business credit score.

Fix your personal credit

Some lenders check personal as well as business credit so it’s important to keep that score high. A FICO personal credit score is a personal credit scoring system created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. It’s presented as a 3-digit number derived from detailed information about your credit history. Your personal score can affect things like car loans and mortgages as well as your ability to qualify for a business loan.

Your personal credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness and tells lenders the potential risk of lending you money. In other words, how likely are you to pay back the money you’ve borrowed. Your FICO score is usually the first detail lenders review to determine creditworthiness. Important to note: A credit inquiry can lower your score.

Here’s the good news. If your personal score isn’t high enough to qualify for a low-cost loan, you can raise that number. Take these steps ASAP.

Pay your debts on time and as agreed. Debts can include credit cards, car payments, your mortgage, other business loans, etc.

Continue to use your credit cards but pay them off each month
Don’t get anywhere near your credit limits
Open new accounts as a last resort
Deal with any judgments, liens, or other negative marks on your report
Credit reporting agencies are required to remove most derogatory items from your credit history after seven years, including late payments, defaults, collections and foreclosures. If you have these marks, do you best to dispute and have removed.

Keep revolving debt low

Revolving debt is the kind of debt that credit cards offer and is usually an easy way to get credit. It can be a useful tool when used with discipline. The lower your monthly balances the lower your utilization percentage will be.

Stay on the right side of the law in terms of business taxes, business licenses, insurance policies, etc.

Most small businesses need a combination of licenses and permits from both federal and state agencies. The requirements, as well as fees, vary based on your business activities, location, and government rules.

Some types of insurance are also required. Most businesses need to purchase at least the following four types of insurance: Property Insurance, Liability Insurance, Business Vehicle Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance.

Apply now for a business loan or line of credit with one of our specialists here: APPLY HERE

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How To Properly Prepare for a Business Loan Application

Learning that you’ve been approved for a business loan can be a very exciting occasion for your business.

It may mean growth is on the horizon; that the big plans you’ve been dreaming up for ages are at last coming to fruition.

While the small business loan application process will hardly ever be completely stress free, there are a few things you can do now to better your possibilities of getting approved for the funding your business requires.

Here are five ways you can prep your small business loan application to set yourself up for success.

1. Analyze Your Personal Credit

As you’ve probably heard by now, your credit score is one of the main criteria that creditors look at when deciding to approve or deny you for a loan. It’s better to be proactive than reactive and so we suggest pulling your credit report (do a light pull) before submitting your loan application to check your approximate score. There are three main credit reporting agencies that lenders use, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They all have slightly different reporting systems, so your results may differ with each one, however pulling your report from one agency should suffice.

Check your credit report for any disputable errors. These may include judgements or collections you never knew about, or that are just plain incorrect. If you do find any errors, contact the reporting agency in writing to get it resolved. This process can be tedious, but it can greatly improve your credit score.

If your credit score is accurate, but it’s still not as high as you would like, there are other ways to improve your credit score, including paying down your balances and always paying your bills on time, now and going forward.

For online lenders, your credit score should be no lower than 550, but the higher, the better– as it will affect both your chances of approval and your interest rates. If your credit score is low, it may be worth delaying your application while you take steps to improve it.

2. Improve Your Cash Flow

Lenders pay close attention to your company’s cash flow when looking over your loan application. Owning a small business can be costly; you can have business expenses like rent, inventory, payroll; and the list goes on. Lenders want to know how these costs will affect your ability to pay back your loan on time.

Since lenders are usually the last priority on that list, they want to make sure your cash flow margins are wide enough to cover their loan costs. If, after all your monthly expenses are paid, you don’t have much cash left over– your chances of getting approved for a loan won’t be great.

Big expenses will inevitably come up unexpectedly, so lenders want to see that you’ll be able to consistently make your loan payments even if you get stuck with a leaky roof. If you would like to increase your chances of getting your loan application approved, increase your cash flow!

To increase your cash flow quickly, focus on collecting receivables faster. You can achieve this by sending invoices electronically, offering online payment options for customers, or even offering a discount to customers who pay early. If all else fails, you can also improve cash flow by slowing down payables so your cash isn’t going out the door quite so fast. (But if you take this latter approach, don’t take it too far. Getting in a delinquent payment situation will only hurt your credit!).

3. Evaluate Your Debt Service Coverage Ratio.

The best way to determine how much loan you can afford where you stand in terms of cash flow before handing in your application is by calculating your debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). This ratio tells you and your lenders how much cash you have remaining after all your monthly expenses are taken out, and will give you a better idea whether you can meet the extra cost of a loan.

Your DSCR can be calculated on either a monthly or annual basis using this simple formula:.

Cash Flow/ Loan Payment = DSCR.

All lenders will require that you have a DSCR of at least 1. However, most lenders will require that you have a DSCR of at least 1.5 or greater.

4. Offer Collateral.

In order for lenders to safeguard themselves from loan defaults, they often require that you put up some form of collateral.

Sometimes this collateral can come from your business– such as company inventory, cash savings, equipment, or deposits. If lenders find your business assets to be inadequate, you may be asked to put up personal assets– such as your car or your family home.

If you don’t have collateral to offer, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be ineligible for a loan, but lenders may require that you have a cosigner who can offer some of their assets as leverage instead.

Now is a good time to make yourself aware of the particular risks associated with your potential loan. Even though you don’t plan on defaulting on payments, expected events do happen.

5. Know Your Options.

Remember, as much as you want to appeal to your lenders, you want to make sure any loan you take on is a good fit for your business. Pay attention to the options and rates available to you to make sure you’re getting the best loan for both you and your business.
Knowing what loans you ‘d like to apply for will help you further tailor your application to meet that lender’s specific requirements. With the right loan product paired with your stellar application, you’ll be approved in no time! You can apply for a business loan today with G-Force Funding here: https://gforcefund.com/apply/

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Is Now The Right Time To Refinance Business Debt?

If you are struggling with cash flow, one way to get you through a difficult financial time is to refinance your business debt. Here’s are some basic points to help you understand more regarding refinancing debt.

The differences between debt consolidation and debt refinancing are such:

Consolidation combines multiple loans into a single one. So instead of being responsible for several separate loans, monthly payments, and billing statements, you bundle everything and pay it down it with a single payment.

Refinancing is when you replace one or more loans with a completely new loan with better rates and terms. Businesses benefit from a lower interest rate to reduce interest costs and bring down monthly payments.

There are three main reasons small business owners should consider refinancing business debt with a low-cost loan:

Lower monthly payments

High monthly payments can negatively impact your business. With business debt refinancing, you’ll benefit immediately from lower monthly payments-often as much as 50% to 80%. The money you save can be reinvested in the business.

Lower interest rates

The total cost of an expensive loan can be high. A new lower-cost loan decreases the interest rate, meaning you pay less for the money you’re borrowing.

Positive Credit Score Impact

Your credit score can decrease due to high credit utilization ratio if you have multiple loans. This ratio will go down when you pay off debt, . The credit utilization ratio is typically focused on a borrower’s revolving credit. This calculation is representative of the total debt compared to the total revolving credit the business has available for all open accounts.

When is the right time to refinance debt?

The right time to refinance debt is when you can qualify for a lower-cost loan. It’s important to know that there will be costs associated with a refinance. Make sure you’re aware of the following:

Total cost and terms
Annual interest rate
Total finance charge
Service fee
Debt reduction fee
Closing costs
Do the math to get the result you want from a refinance.

Options for refinancing existing debt:

SBA loans

SBA 7( a) loans are typically a great option if you can get approved for one. They have comparatively low rates and 10-year terms. This leads to small monthly payments that are manageable and don’t impair cash flow. SBA loans have gotten a bad rap in the past as being too time intensive when trying to get approved. However, G-Force Funding can help streamline the application process. To learn more about this debt consolidation option, visit submit a preliminary inquiry on our website here: APPLY HERE

Bank term loans

Bank Term loans are term loans meant to be repaid in a shorter amount of time than the 10-year term of a typical SBA loan. This type of loan can be a great way to get the funds you need until you can qualify for an SBA loan.

The following Bank Term loans are available through G-Force Funding’s marketplace banks for debt refinance. You can also use the proceeds for working capital and new equipment purchases:

$ 30,000 to $400,000 loan amounts
2– 5 year repayment terms
Fixed interest rate as low as 4.99%.
Monthly repayments.
No pre-payment penalties.
* Interest rate depends on loan term and the applicant’s credit and financial profile.

Alternative lenders

Alternative lending is a broad term used to describe the wide range of loan options available outside of a traditional banking. Alternative lenders will consider borrowers who don’t qualify for bank loans due to time in business, poor credit, debt to income ratio, or other reasons. Many alternative loans have high interest rates and short loan terms that can make them less suitable for low cost debt refinance.

The SBA debt consolidation loans offered through G-Force Funding marketplace banks can be used to refinance:.

Merchant cash advances.
Short-term business loans.
High-interest business loans.
Daily or weekly payment loans.
Business credit cards.

To learn more about G-Force Funding Loans and our streamlined application process, visit our website here: APPLY HERE

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SBA PPP LOAN PROGRAM EXTENDED – WILL YOUR BUSINESS BE AUDITED?? JULY 8TH, 2020

On Saturday July 4, 2020, President Donald Trump signed a new law extending the deadline for applying for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from June 30 to August 8. This extension comes on the heels of new Interim Final Rules (IFR) released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on June 22, clarifying some issues and attempting to make complete loan forgiveness possible for most borrowers.

In addition, on July 6, 2020, the SBA and the Treasury Department released the complete database of all PPP loans issued to date– roughly 4.9 million. For loans exceeding $150,000, the data includes company name, address, NAICS codes, demographic information, date the loan was issued, number of employees, and congressional district. For loans less than $150,000, the name and address were left out.

In a July 6 press release issued by the SBA, Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin specified, “The average loan size is approximately $100,000, demonstrating that the program is serving the smallest of businesses.” He added that, “Today’s release of loan data strikes the appropriate balance of providing the American people with transparency, while protecting sensitive payroll and personal income information of small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors.”

The release of the data came at the request of many groups and politicians seeking transparency for the $650 billion loan program created under the CARES Act. There is apprehension among some that the program is subject to widespread fraud and misuse, and they desire accountability. Already, many companies receiving negative press coverage and fearing audits and penalties returned $30 billion in PPP funds, although arguably they received them legitimately under the guidelines.

On the other side of the debate are many business groups who want to see a “safe harbor” that all borrowers who received the loans, or at least those under a specific threshold such as $1 million, will receive loan forgiveness for portions of the loan they use according to regulations– 60% on payroll and 40% on expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and interest payments on loans.

The release of the data caused immediate apprehension among borrowers as the data seemed incomplete. After reviewing the data, many companies were reported having none or one employee, even though their loan amounts exceeded $150,000, signaling many more employees. This raised considerations that inaccurate data would cause audits or adversely impact a review. The reality is the data demonstrates the input from lenders who were working around the clock to issue the loans as fast as possible and, as per the CARES Act, gave borrowers the benefit of the doubt that the loans were necessary and employees were to be kept on the payroll.

For most borrowers, the inaccurate data will be of no consequence. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, or independent contractors will not be the target for harsh reviews or audits, and while those borrowers who received over $2 million in PPP funds have a much higher likelihood of audit, the real targets will consist of fraudsters lying on loan documents.

While the program has been filled with complications, confusion, and new regulations being released almost weekly, the reality is, it has had the desired effect of injecting liquidity into the economy and maintaining workers on the payroll. While approximately $130 billion remains in the program, necessitating the extension to August 8, the federal government moved at an unprecedented pace and scale on this program. Considering that the SBA issues about 1,000 loans in a typical year, 4.9 million PPP loans in three months is commendable.

The fact that funds remain is the result of a slowdown in applications as many borrowers were worried that audits would leave them keeping a loan they thought would become a grant, or worse, civil or criminal penalties. So, in addition to the extension, the new guidance from June 22 was also meant to assuage the worries of many businesses and increase applications.

While it remains to be seen whether the new guidance will boost loan applications over the next month, the new guidance and future regulations sure to come still create as many questions as they seek to answer. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on PPP loans and forgiveness: https://gforcefund.com/ppp-loan-forgiveness-6-26-2020/

Should I be worried about an audit on my PPP loan?

The new guidance did not provide any specific safe harbors for an audit. The SBA already provides a safe harbor, whereby loans less than $2 million will be considered made in good faith based on economic uncertainty, so there will not be much reason to audit these loans. With government mandated shutdowns, ongoing cases of COVID-19, and a rocky reopening of the economy, economic uncertainty remains for all businesses.

The main concern with audits of loans over $2 million will remain the issue of the “credit elsewhere” test and the liquidity of the borrower. Unlike traditional SBA loans, business owners didn’t have to document a lack of credit elsewhere, and only certify if they did not have sufficient access to credit. At this point, it appears that short of venture funding available or access to public capital markets by virtue of a stock exchange listing, most companies that are audited will likely be able to reasonably claim a lack of adequate credit elsewhere, even with traditional lines of credit.

What can I expect next for any easing of restrictions on PPP loans?

The main issue still remaining in the program is around taxes. PPP loans do create adverse tax consequences, mainly that expenses, including federal payroll taxes paid by the employer with PPP funds, are not deductible. So, while PPP funds that are forgiven are not taxable, businesses will lose these deductions.

Business groups are lobbying intensely to make changes to PPP, especially on the payroll tax issue, in what’s being called Phase 4 legislation. The new law could also offer new funds focused on certain demographics or allow companies a second PPP loan. Negotiations for the new law are underway and should conclude before the Congressional August recess.

Conclusion

The extension of the PPP program until August 8 and the new guidelines should incentivize more businesses to apply for loans. Despite the confusion, the program is largely functioning as designed, which is to provide small businesses with emergency funds to weather the coronavirus storm. While the possibility of an audit remains very real, there is likely more regulations to come that will, hopefully, explain and define what that looks like so businesses have the certainty they need.

In the meantime, with COVID-19 cases surging in many parts of the country, businesses may be facing a new wave of full or partial shutdowns. That prospect will likely accomplish two things: One, remove the issue of “economic uncertainty” from the discussion; and two, lead to a robust new package of economic stimulus.

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PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS – 6/26/2020

If you’ve secured an SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, you’ve likely calculated your payroll costs and decided on how you will spend the funds to keep your business stable.

However, that is not the end of your required documents if pursuing loan forgiveness. There are necessary steps to take to bring in sure your PPP loan is completely– or partially– forgiven. Here is a breakdown of the forgiveness process so you can get a clear picture of your loan forgiveness obligations and make a list of specific questions. A good start in answering your questions is to look at the Treasury guidance issued May 5 and then talk to your banker and your accountant.

 

Is PPP loan forgiveness automatic or do I have to take action?

Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness is not automatic. You must submit a request for loan forgiveness through the lender you obtained for your PPP loan with. The application for forgiveness is due within 90 days of the expiration of the eight-week post-funding period. The approval process is expected to be completed within 60 days of the application.

 

Who is eligible for PPP loan forgiveness?

If you received an SBA PPP loan during the two rounds of funding, you are eligible. Forgiveness of SBA 7( a) loans or other funding received before or during the pandemic is not part of PPP forgiveness.

What is the process for PPP loan forgiveness?

Your lender will provide a form for loan forgiveness documentation, calculations and certifications for accuracy. Forgiveness calculation is based on the eight (8) week period from date of final loan disbursement (not the approval date).

Loan forgiveness details

Employers can apply for full or partial forgiveness if they spend their loans on qualifying expenses over the eight weeks after receiving a loan. Qualifying expenses include:

• Payroll costs (Business owners must spend at least 75% of their loans on payroll costs)
• Utilities
• Mortgage interest (not including principal payments)
• Rent
• For in-depth information of qualifying expenses and calculations, review the U.S. Treasury guidelines PDF

 

What documentation should I gather?

• Employee pay records for 2019 and 2020 by pay period (to assist with baseline wages before the covered period starts)
• Employee pay records for each week when the covered period starts
• FTE count for 2/15/2019 through 6/30/2019 and 1/1/2020 through 2/29/2020
• FTE count for each week when the covered period starts
• Supporting documentation for payments of non-payroll costs (invoices, checks, proof services in place prior to 2/15/2020)

 

Special rules for PPP loan forgiveness

• Loan proceeds are used to cover “payroll costs” (the same definition as the loan application), mortgage interest in place prior to 2/15/2020, rent paid on leases in place prior to 2/15/2020 and utility costs (generally electricity, gas, water, telephone, and internet) for services in place prior that are paid over the eight-week period that begins the date the loan is made (the “benefit period”)
• At least 75% of the loan proceeds must be used for payroll costs. The 75% spend on Payroll Costs Rule published by the SBA on April 2 directs that not more than 25% of loan forgiveness can be for non-payroll costs, hence 75% of forgiveness must be for payroll costs (likely subject to additional guidance)
  Employee headcounts maintained
  Compensation levels are maintained for employees earning $100,000 or less

What reduces PPP loan forgiveness amounts?

• If full time employees and compensation are restored, loan forgiveness reductions listed above may not be applicable according to the SBA you have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020
• Compensation for individuals earning more than $100K annually
• Employees residing outside the United States.
• Qualified sick and family wages paid under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) where the business may claim a credit
• There is an additional reduction calculation if you bring back workers but reduce their pay from the pre-pandemic time-period by more than 25%

What if I’m an independent contractor or sole proprietor?

PPP forgiveness is slightly different for sole proprietors and independent contractors. The biggest difference is “owner compensation replacement” which simplifies the loan forgiveness process.

The amount of “owner compensation replacement” you’re eligible to claim is calculated by multiplying your reported net income in 2019 on your Schedule C by 8/52 (or 0.154).

What happens if I don’t get full PPP loan forgiveness?

PPP loan terms are generous and offer the lowest-cost working capital around.

If you don’t get a portion of your loan forgiven, you’ll be responsible for paying back the loan with a 1% interest rate. PPP loan payments are deferred for six months and payable within 2 years.

What if I want to return my PPP loan?

May 14 was the deadline for returning funds is provided by the SBA for companies that received PPP funds but later found that they were unable to certify in good faith that their PPP loan was necessary. One reason to return the funds is if you feel like the forgiveness guidance is too stringent.

Are there other options for impacted businesses who did not receive PPP funding?

After PPP loan funds have been exhausted, there are options for small business owners without a PPP loan.

Term loans and other financing may be tough to get in this economic environment. However, the SBA 7( a) loan program will likely continue and is a low-cost option for businesses who qualify. You can apply today with G-Force Funding to be considered for an SBA 7( a ) loan.

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