Setting up a small business from scratch is no easy feat. Running a small business is just as hard. It takes time, dedication, and course, plenty of dollars to invest and get it off the ground and keep it going. While many people have plenty of the former attributes, getting the right capital to give the business the boost it needs is often the hardest part. This is where a working capital loan comes into the equation.
It can be taken out to help finance your businesses everyday operations to cover your short-term operational needs. Whether you are a seasonal business that needs a little help in the off-season or simply need to order more inventory that you have cash available for, a loan can be a lifesaver. It’s a great way to give the businesses an instant cash boost. So, how does a working capital loan work?
What Is A Working Capital Loan?
Whether you have just started your business, or are currently struggling to make ends meet, when you don’t have the cash on hand to cover your day-to-day expenses, a working capital loan can help. So, how does a working capital loan work and what exactly is it? Many companies that offer seasonal work (think the snowfields or fruit picking) or are generally cyclical in nature can struggle in the off-season to bring in enough revenue to keep the business afloat. Without stable or predictable income throughout the year, a working capital loan can make ends meet during the downtime.
A working capital loan is both easy to obtain and works efficiently to cover any gaps a business my have. It also doesn’t involve releasing any equity, which means as a business owner, you retain complete control of the company and how it operates.
It is simply a flexible and convenient way you can finance your expense, such as the salaries of your employees, stock purchases, renovations and more. Funds are generally deposited straight into your business account to help you meet these everyday business needs. You can find yourself with the funds you need in no time, giving the business the freedom to get ahead with a few more dollars backing them.
How Does A Working Capital Loan Work?
So, how does a working capital loan work? You have a couple of options when it comes to taking out a working equity loan:
- Secured loan: these are where the company puts down something to secure the loan. This is often tied to the business owner’s personal life, which means if there are any issues paying the loan back, he puts himself at risk. It is important to consider whether this is the right choice under the circumstances.
- Unsecured loan: this is where nothing is required as collateral against the loan. In order to take this type of loan out, a business needs to have an excellent credit rating. The lender takes on all the risk in this scenario. Generally, it comes with a higher interest rate to cover this risk.
Are you still wondering how does a working capital loan work? There are a number of ways a business can choose to use a working capital loan. These include:
Inventory:
There a times a business may need a large amount of inventory on hand, but don’t have the cash flow to purchase it. They may work around holiday seasons, weather, or simply get a discount for buying in bulk.
Increased Demand:
You may find the business lands a major new client, which is fabulous news. But in order to set yourself up to meet their initial demands, you need more capital to work with. A working capital loan gives you fast access to just that, so you can support your new customer.
Getting through the slow season:
Many businesses are built around the seasons, and during the downtime, it can be a struggle to keep a business running. A working capital loan can be just what you need to tide you over until the next peak.
Of course, if you aren’t careful, then a working capital loan can have the opposite effect and actually hurt your business. If you are trying to cover a consistent budget shortfall, you may be ignoring a bigger issue in your company with the loans piling up on each other. It’s important to be across the accounts and very aware of what is going on at each stage.
Take Out A Working Capital Loan Today
If you have been wondering, how does a working capital loan work, your next question might be how can you take one out? If your business is in need of a working capital loan to cover your day-to-day expenses, then the team at ALC Commercial can help you out. Get in contact today to get the loan you need to keep your business up and running.
