Business financing is a topic that needs to be discussed on open forums. Most entrepreneurs source their capital to start their business from personal savings, loans from friends, grants from the government, and angel investors. As more companies embrace online business, the question on most aspiring entrepreneurs is can these online enterprises get online small business loans?
The answer is yes. Banks, creditors, and other financial institutions currently offer online business loans to online businesses. The main reason for this is that the Internet has become an essential part of many people’s lives.
Also, lending institutions like banks have accepted the Internet to conduct business transactions. Furthermore, these banks have realized that the Internet is a very profitable medium due to its convenience and efficiency. Therefore, they are willing to offer these loans since they will generate greater returns on their investments. You can also check out your loan options on Lantern by SoFi. According to them, “Lantern searches across different financing options, including SBA programs, small business financing options, and personal loans. Get the widest array of solutions from our network of lenders – all in a single application.”
Other Financial Sources For Online Businesses
Online businesses can also get small business financing from peer-to-peer lending companies like Lending Club or Prosper. Through this process, lenders can lend money directly to borrowers who have been pre-screened by the lending company and assigned a credit rating based on their personal credit history (or their business’s credit history).
The application process for a small business loan from a bank or other traditional financial institution is similar to obtaining a personal loan. An online business is likely to need a more extensive application process because of the nature of its business and its operations. The lender will want to know about the following:
- The business’s legal status and the ownership structure
- The credit history of the owners
- The business’s financial statements, including a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
- The business’s market analysis, which includes its market position, growth rate, and competition analysis
- The management team of the company, including its track record for success in similar businesses
In addition, if an online business is seeking a loan for inventory, it will also have to produce a detailed list of all items that will be acquired through this loan, along with their estimated value and their intended use. The lender will also want to know if the borrower has any real estate that can be used as collateral if he fails to repay his debt. For an online business to obtain financing, it must also provide information about its financial history, such as tax returns and profit-and-loss statements (if applicable).
The lender will also want to be aware of the degree of risk involved in loaning money to the business. Factors that can influence that risk include the business’s industry, growth potential, and management team.
Suppose a bank is considering a loan for an online business. In that case, it may require the borrower to sign a noncompete clause in which he agrees not to open any new companies in the same or similar categories during or after repaying his debt. This clause is designed to protect the bank’s investment if the borrower opens a competing business after repaying his debt.