In times like these, it’s hard for everyone to start a small business, but it’s especially difficult for individuals with bad credit. So, what are your options if you need a small business loan, but your credit has seen better days?
Before you do anything, you need to know where you stand in regards to credit scores. Once you know, you’ll see that there are a few options for small business loans.
1. Know your credit score
Your score means different things to different lenders, but the bottom line is that the higher the score, the better. In order to have the best chance at getting a loan, you need to know your score, and do whatever you can to fix any issues that could be harming it.
2. Expand Your Choices
According to Entrepreneur.com, only 25% of small business loans come from banks and credit cards, so there are plenty of other sources to gain a loan from.
One of those choices is to negotiate a loan through a friend or family member, because these people will know you the best, and if you’re responsible and trustworthy they’ll have no issue loaning you money. These are the people that will want you to succeed the most, so if you take time to show them your business plan and budget charts, you may be surprised by how many offers you’ll receive.
Another way to expand your choices is to slow down for a whole. There are a million lenders that will loan money to individuals with a bad credit score because they know you’re desperate and will agree to just about anything. Because of this, you’ll get a poor deal and end up paying more for it in the end. If you take the time to improve your score before applying for another loan, the terms will most likely be more favorable.
In order to slow down, you’ll need to evaluate your current situation – try to stretch your current funds for as long as possible. For example – you need a car to make deliveries. Do you need to buy a new one right now, or can you borrow one from a trusted friend for a few months? Tactics like this will not only save you a bundle in fees and interest from bad loans, but it will also buy you time to improve your credit score and to rethink your options for the future.
3.Peer to Peer
Peer-to-peer lending is a great option. This is essentially when multiple people who want to invest are matched with a company that needs money, through a middle man. The rates charged to find investors are much lower than interest rates from a bank, and this process is a bit more personal. And here, your credit score won’t be the only deciding factor.
Just remember that you should never assume a bad credit score will completely prevent you from gaining a small business loan. Each company and investor will look at different criteria to decide if someone should be approved or not, and your credit history will be interpreted differently by everyone. But remember a few key things:
Lenders who only perform bad credit loans are in the business for just one thing – to make a profit, because they know the outrageous interest rates will turn them a quick buck. The peer-to-peer lenders deal with private people who just want to be fairly compensated for the risk they take; these people aren’t vultures, and are not just concerned about making money.
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