Business term loans are an alternative form of small business financing that provide businesses with a lump sum payment, which they then repay over an agreed upon timeline.
Term loans can be used to cover various business expenses. This could include purchasing equipment, expanding an existing operation, paying legal fees or even purchasing real estate.
Term length
Term loans offer one of the best methods for financing the expansion of your business without tapping into personal savings. But in order to select an appropriate loan product for yourself, it’s essential that you first understand all that lies ahead.
A business term loan, also referred to as a term loan or business line of credit, is available through banks, credit unions and online lenders alike. You can use one to buy inventory, rent out space for expansion of operations or fund other major capital expenses. Keep in mind the costs can add up quickly so it pays to do your research and shop around for the most competitive rates before making your decision.
Business loans tend to have lengthy repayment terms ranging from several months up to 25 years, so when choosing one it is essential that all aspects of your operation, budget and capital requirements are taken into consideration when making a selection decision.
Interest rate
Interest rates on business term loans can play a crucial role in their cost. Fixed or variable, they vary according to lender and financing source, providing businesses with options that best meet their financing needs.
Fixed-rate business loans provide businesses that prefer the security of an ongoing interest rate and payment schedule with fixed payments over the life of their loan, while variable rate business loans may fluctuate according to market changes like prime rates or indexes.
Your interest rate on a business loan will depend on your creditworthiness, financials and credit history, in addition to benchmark interest rates that fluctuate.
Fees
There are various fees associated with business term loans, from fees related to loan origination through periodic servicing fees that cover administrative costs.
Business term loans provide an affordable way for you to manage cash flow while budgeting effectively for any potential financing options available to your business. As they typically come with fixed repayment schedules, business term loans allow you to budget accordingly and manage cash flow more effectively.
Term loans can be an ideal way of financing large investments such as purchasing equipment or expanding sales teams, but before applying for one it’s essential that you carefully assess your needs.
Term loans typically feature longer repayment terms than short-term loans and can be found online lenders, banks and credit unions. Their lower interest rates make them easier to qualify for, though long-term loans may require additional documentation before being funded.
Alternatives
Alternative loans can be an ideal solution for businesses who are having difficulty qualifying for traditional business financing or seeking funding they cannot find elsewhere. They tend to be easier and faster funding solutions than banks can offer.
Financial intermediaries may provide aid for businesses that don’t meet the minimum criteria of traditional bank loans, including those with lower annual revenues and credit scores. They offer various business loans such as term loans, invoice factoring services, and lines of credit.
Alternative loans usually carry higher interest rates due to alternative lenders taking on more risk by lending to less established small businesses.
Alternative loans typically feature shorter repayment terms and higher fees than traditional business loans, requiring either personal guarantees from business owners or collateral as security for repayment.
