Financing for Entrepreneurs: Are Banks the Best Option?

Banking on the Banks?

Applying for a bank loan seems like the easy first choice, after all, you already do business with the bank, and might have your home mortgage there too. But keep in mind there are many factors to consider when turning to the bank for a loan. On the plus side:

• Competitive Rates: If you’re lucky enough to qualify, banks can offer lower rates than independent finance companies.
• One-Stop Finance Shop: Securing a loan from the same institution that handles your daily cash accounts and credit cards can simplify your business banking process.

Although banks can offer these advantages, they also come with real drawbacks. It’s vital for small business owners to consider the whole picture, to find the best fit for their company. Some drawbacks include:

• Stingy Selection: With low approval rates, banks approve loans to only a limited number of applicants. Requirements like having a long track record and being in an industry they “like” (which changes all the time), can be an obstacle.
• Financial Squeeze: Even if a bank approves your loan, there’s no guarantee they will approve the amount you need. In fact it’s common for banks to grant only a fraction of what you applied for.
• Put the Brakes on Growth: Banks very often don’t want to finance growth companies, instead, they tend to prefer slow or no growth, keeping their loan stable from year to year.
• Relationship Matters: Your relationship with the bank probably goes back many years, but you can’t count on having the same relationship manager each time you drop in. So when you need it most, personal service might not be there.

Beyond The Banks

Thankfully, there are many good options beyond the traditional banks. In fact, as the banks steadily reduced their lending to entrepreneurs in recent years, many more creative lenders have emerged to fill the gap. And the more experienced of the non-bank firms bring some compelling advantages:

• Quick Capital: Many independent finance companies accept online applications, with a short list of information required, and issue credit approvals and funding quickly.
• Flexible Terms: Looking beyond the banks opens up a world of flexible options, with fewer financial covenants and simpler access to more funding as your business grows. And many non-bank lenders will consider financing collateral and industries that banks don’t favor.
• Tailored Solutions: Alternative lenders cover a very broad range of lending options, from revolving facilities to term loans, secured and unsecured, all tailored to the unique needs of each small business.
• Your Partner for Growth: Choosing the right independent lender means a long-term partnership, not just a transaction. This sets the stage for your business to evolve and grow in the future, without worrying about where to find the next dollar of growth capital.

Accord in Action

The team at Accord Financial has a deep understanding of the challenges small businesses face. In fact, many of us have been in your shoes. Armed with a comprehensive range of flexible financing solutions, tailored specifically for small businesses, we consider ourselves entrepreneurs serving entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to manage cash flows, expand operations, or seize new opportunities, our team is committed to empowering your success.