Posts Tagged ‘Financing’

Financing a Small Business – What are the Financial Responsibilities Involved in Running a Business?

December 27th, 2009

Almost every potential business owner is faced with the trouble of seeking for ways in which finance can be acquired to run the business. However, it should be noted that such troubles are not only identified with potential entrepreneurs. Research has shown that even experienced business owners also faced such difficulties. Keep in mind that in seeking solutions to such difficulties, there will be accuracies as well as inaccuracies and these will all determine the success or failure of the business. The above is an indication that starting a business and running the business should not be an end in itself. You must seek for means through which the business will be able to stand the test of survival often posed by its competitors. The following lines are aimed at identifying ways through which a business can be financed, be it incorporated or unincorporated:
Unincorporated Business
This type of business will refer to those that have unlimited liabilities. In most cases, such businesses have not been properly documented and the status of legal personality is absent. There is no distinction between what the business owns from those of its owners. Keep in mind that in the event of any problem, the owners are personally liable for the debts of the company.
Any source of finance on this type of business organization will weigh on the owner. Keep in mind that there is no legal personality in the business and this will deter any lending institutions from providing capital to the business. What is normally open to owners of such businesses is finance through the use of credit cards or some other forms of personal savings. But the problem with using credit cards is great. Remember that you may sometimes make use of these cards out of intuition. It is simple to ‘charge it’.
For this reason, there are lots and lots of lending institutions which will be afraid or unwilling to lend to unincorporated associations. They will not want to place their finances in ventures in which they are uncertain about their future. A good number of such businesses have been known to disregard certain essentials in running the business or even in repaying back their loans.
Incorporated Businesses
These are businesses that have fulfilled all the essentials of setting up a business and that have adequate cover in the event of any crises. Such types of businesses will include limited liability companies or partnerships. In most cases, the records of these businesses are open for appraisal and the administration of such businesses will conform to the required business standards.
It is very easy for these types of businesses to receive the required finances. Keep in mind that lending institutions are more confident of their ability and willingness to pay back. Financing with such businesses will be easily obtained at any phase of the business. Remember that there are lots of individuals as well as groups who will be willing to come in with finance that the business needs. This is however possible only when the appropriate individuals or groups have been identified. This type of situation is known as angel financing. Remember that when a business is properly administered and it has a sound reputation, it will attract more investors. Investors will also find it appropriate to be part and parcel of the current affairs of the business.
Besides the above type of financing, there are also many financiers who are willing and able to invest in high risk ventures, but with an expectation of equally taking home more profits. The business can also make open its shares for acquisition by the general public. In some cases, banks and other finance institutions will be willing to finance these businesses if they see a convincing business plan. However, if you are in search of any means to finance your business, it is necessary to carry out proper research ahead of resorting to any source of finance.

Automobile Financing: Finding The Best Rates

December 26th, 2009

Automobile financing can be complicated when you do not know where to look. There are so many options and you want something that is affordable. You can spend a great deal of time looking for affordable financing, simply because you are not looking in the right places. That is why you need to go to the best places to find your automobile financing. First, never get your financing from the dealership. Dealership use inflated rates and put confusing words in their agreements so you think you are going to get a better deal than you actually are. You will almost never get the kind of financing you want at a dealership unless they are offering 0% financing. Remember, though, that you will have to repay the loan in three years in order for that to work. You really want to look outside the dealership for financing. You will be able to get better terms, which will make the vehicle much more affordable. Your bank or credit union is a good place to start for vehicle financing. Often, you will be able to get great rates through your own financial institution. On top of that, they can automatically deduct your payments so you will never be late on a payment. When you choose your bank, it is easy to get a prime rate. That means you will save a great deal on interest. If you are not pleased with the rate offered by your bank, you can then go on the internet and browse financing options. Your best bet is to use a site that offers comparisons. You can then search for the lowest interest rate. When you do this, make sure you read all the fine print in the agreement. Also, go with a reputable financing company. If you have not heard of them, they might not be the company you want to go with. At the same time, there are several quality lenders you can find online. When you use one of them, you are likely to get a great rate. Therefore, you want to use the internet to shop for a rate. There are quite a few financing options available, so you do not want to go with one that is not a good deal. Take the time to look around so you can get good financing. It might take some time to find the financing you want, but it is well worth the time and effort once you find that perfect loan. Just keep in mind you want to be careful when it comes to financing. Always read the fine print and do not get locked into an agreement that is not fair. Analyze the agreement and be sure you completely understand it before committing to financing. With that in mind, you can start to shop for financing. You are certain to find some great rates if you keep your eyes open. Simply look around at all available options and pick the one that is best for you. You will then save money and have a loan you are happy with.

Export Financing – How Export Financing Can Grow your International Sales

December 26th, 2009

Selling your products or services in export markets can be a very profitable and a true engine for growth for your company. Manufacturers, service providers and traders can all benefit from adding foreign markets to their portfolio of customers. However, selling into export markets can also deplete your cash flow. Large companies that have a cushion of funds in the bank, usually have no problems. However, smaller and emerging firms can run into cash flow issues very quickly.

The biggest issue for exporting firms is waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days to get paid for their goods or services. Slow paying customers can really affect your company’s cash flow. This can challenges your ability to pay suppliers, employees or even rent.

One solution to this common problem is to go to the bank. If you can provide them with a few years worth of audited financial statements, have a good track record and have good personal credit, then the bank should be able to help you obtain business financing. However, obtaining bank financing can be very difficult for small and medium sized firms.

A better alternative is to use export factoring, a form of export finance. Export factoring allows you to accelerate the payment of your foreign export invoices, providing you with the necessary funds to meet your obligations and grow your company. With export factoring you can get your invoices paid in as little as 2 days. And, as opposed to most conventional financing tools, factoring is easy to obtain and quick to set up.

Invoice factoring can also be very easy to use. It works as follows:

1. You sell and deliver your goods/services to your customer

2. You invoice your customer

3. The factoring company provides you with an advance on your invoice of up to 85% of its net value. This is the 1st installment

4. You get immediate funds to operate your business

5. Once your client pays, the transaction is settled and the factoring company rebates the remaining 15% as a 2nd installment, less a small fee

The most important requirement to qualify for factoring financing is to do business with reputable foreign customers, such as multinational corporations. If you do business with reputable clients you’ll have a good chance of obtaining financing.