With your credit score in place, you need to pay attention to three essential factors. These are:
Necessity: For new ventures, the money should be invested in procurement of critical inventory and equipment. The critical point is to make sure the money is utilized in a way that it generates profit and you can make your payments on time.
Lenders: Seek government agencies with macro-financing options or a credit union, before approaching commercial banks. Online banks as they usually offer good deals on rates of interest.
Loan programs: Once you have found the right lender, consider the various options they lay before you carefully. If you opt for a government-backed agency, you are more likely to secure a decent loan with a low rate of interest. These agencies are regulated by the Fed and consequently have high levels of credibility.
If you have a bad credit history, follow these steps to improve your chances, if not secure a business loan:
· Segregate your personal and business expenses in order to establish your credibility with the lending institution.
· Establish a separate legal entity for your business by applying for a tax ID. This way, you can keep your Social Security Number apart from your business obligations.
· Build lines of credit for your business and establish your business credit score. Vendor and supplier lines of credit are a good place to start and you can also use the business' tax ID to establish these loans.
· Secure short term loans to meet your immediate expenses, but make sure to pay them off on time. Any default on payments will immediately take your credit score down a notch or two.
· Finally, use equity in the form of property or equipment assets to secure the loan. If you default, you end up losing these assets.