Business expansion finance is the lifeblood of any SME or corporate organization. If you need money to grow or make improvements to your business, you are probably wondering if you will be able to find financing with the credit markets so tight right now. Your ability to find financing depends on thinking creatively and looking to alternative sources of financing.
We have outlined a few options that you can consider for expanding your business.
Receivable Finance (Factoring /Future)
If you have an accounts receivable balance, you might want to consider accounts receivable factoring, which is basically the sale of your receivables to a company will pay you a percentage of the balance and will collect the amounts owed. Your ability to get cash for receivables depends on their quality (how long they have been outstanding) and the type of receivable (personal or business), among other factors.
Equipment leasing:
If your expansion or start-up plans include equipment or vehicles, consider leasing instead of a loan. Even start-up businesses have the ability to lease equipment instead of buying it outright. You may be able to get a lease more easily than a bank loan, because the equipment vendor is likely to be eager to sell. Lease costs are often higher than loans, but that may not always be true, and your lease may qualify for depreciation deductions. Using
Business Credit
Using personal credit cards for business purposes is risky, because it can put your personal credit rating in jeopardy. Establishing and using business credit, including business credit cards, can save you money and put you in a better position to obtain bank financing.
Vendor Financing.
Use your relationships with vendors and other businesses to acquire equipment and supplies or for construction. Using trade or vendor credit to finance start-up or expansion helps both businesses and builds relationships. Even if you are just starting out, you can establish relationships with other local businesses or suppliers by buying a few items and paying them off immediately.
