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Mon Mar 04 2024

How to Get a 200k Business Loan (Step by Step)

If you need $200,000 in financing to grow or start your business, there are plenty of options worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll explore some common financing options and help you decide which is best for your business.

Types of Business Financing

Merchant Cash Advance

If you need quick cash for your business, a merchant cash advance (MCA) could be your best option. An MCA is a type of financing where the funder advances you a lump sum of money, which you repay by giving the funder a percentage of your daily credit card sales.

The terms of an MCA can vary, but they generally have higher interest rates than traditional loans. 

One advantage of an MCA is that they often have a quick turnaround time. You can typically get the funds within a few days of applying, making them a great choice if you need capital quickly. They also have more lenient credit requirements than traditional loans.

However, MCAs can be more expensive than other types of loans, and the repayment structure can be difficult to manage for some businesses. Make sure you understand the terms and costs of an MCA before deciding if it’s the right choice for your business.

Instead of an interest rate, your funder will charge you a factor rate, which is a decimal that represents the total cost of the loan. For example, if you seek $200,000 in funding and your business is assigned a factor rate of 1.3 – the total cost of your financing would equal $260,000.

Business Term Loans

If you need to borrow a large sum of money for your business, a term loan could be a great choice. Term loans are a traditional type of loan where you receive a lump sum of money upfront, and then repay it over a set period of time with interest.

With a term loan, you can typically borrow a larger amount of money than with other types of loans, such as a line of credit. The repayment term is usually several years, so you have plenty of time to pay back the loan.

Business term loans can be secured or unsecured. A secured loan requires collateral, such as property or equipment, while an unsecured loan does not. Secured loans typically have lower interest rates than unsecured loans because the funder has some security in case you default on the loan.

When applying for a term loan, your funder will consider your credit score, business financials, and other factors to determine your eligibility and interest rate. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your business, such as your revenue, expenses, and cash flow which is standard across all forms of business financing.

Overall, a business term loan can be a great option if you need a large amount of money for your business and have a solid credit score and financial history. However, it’s important to carefully consider the terms and interest rate before agreeing to the loan.

SBA Loans

If you are looking for a loan to fund your business, you may want to consider applying for an SBA loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs to help small businesses get the funding they need.

SBA loans are guaranteed by the government, which means that funders are more willing to lend to small businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including working capital, equipment purchases, and real estate.

There are several types of SBA loans, including the 7(a) loan program, which is the most common. This program provides loans of up to $5 million and can be used for a variety of purposes. Another option is the SBA 504 loan program, which is designed for businesses that want to purchase fixed assets, such as real estate or equipment.

To apply for an SBA loan, you will need to work with an SBA-approved funder. The application process can be lengthy, so be prepared to provide detailed financial information about your business.

Overall, SBA loans can be a good option for small businesses that are looking for funding. They offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making them a popular choice for many entrepreneurs but they can be lengthy to fund, which is something to consider depending on your needs.

Equipment Financing

When it comes to getting a business loan, equipment financing is another option to consider if you’re specifically looking to finance equipment. This type of financing allows you to purchase the equipment you need to run your business without having to pay for it all upfront. Instead, you can spread out the cost over time, making it more affordable.

When applying for equipment financing, you’ll need to provide information about the equipment you want to purchase or lease, as well as your business’s financials. This may include your business plan, cash flow projections, and financial statements. In most cases, you can finance up to 90% of the cost of the equipment, so you will need a down payment of some amount to qualify.

Equipment financing can be a great way to obtain the equipment you need to run your business without having a large amount of capital. The rates and terms are mostly standard when compared to other traditional business financing choices, but the process can be expedited and allow you to obtain equipment faster.

Invoice Factoring

If you have outstanding invoices and need fast cash, invoice factoring could be a fast way to secure capital for your business. Invoice factoring is a type of financing where a company sells its invoices to a third-party factoring company at a discount. The factoring company then pays you a portion of the invoice’s value upfront and takes over its collection.

One of the benefits of invoice factoring is that it can provide quick access to cash without the need for collateral. However, it’s important to note that invoice factoring can be more expensive than other types of financing, with fees ranging from 0.5% to 5% of the invoice amount.

Before deciding to use invoice factoring, you should also consider the impact that invoice factoring may have on your customer relationships, as the factoring company will be responsible for collecting payment from your customers.

Invoice factoring can be a useful tool for businesses that need quick access to cash and have outstanding invoices. However, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits and carefully consider whether it’s the right option for your business.

What’s Required to Qualify for a $200k Business Loan

To qualify for a $200k business loan, you need to meet certain requirements that funders look for. Here are some of the key factors that funders consider:

Personal & Business Credit Scores

Your personal and business credit scores are important factors that funders consider when determining your eligibility for any type of business loan. A good personal credit score is typically considered to be 670 or higher, while a good business credit score is around 75 or higher.

It’s important to note that many funders may also consider other factors, such as your business’s revenue, cash flow, and collateral, when determining your eligibility for your financing. Additionally, some types of financing depend more on your credit rating than others. For example, a merchant cash advance may only require a credit score of 550 where a term loan may require a score of 650 or higher.

Business Plan

Once you have identified the type of loan you need, you’ll need to put together a solid business plan and loan proposal. This will help you demonstrate to funders that you have a clear vision for your business and a plan to repay the loan.

Your business plan should include a detailed description of your business, including your mission statement, target market, competition, and financial projections. 

It’s important to be as specific as possible when outlining your plans for the loan. Funders want to know exactly how you plan to use the funds and how you will generate revenue to repay the loan.

Your business plan and loan proposal are your opportunity to make a strong case for why your business is a good investment. Take the time to put together a well-thought-out plan that demonstrates your knowledge of your industry and your commitment to success.

Annual Revenue

Your business’s annual revenue is another key factor in determining your eligibility for a your business loan. Funders want to see that your business is generating enough income to make timely payments on the loan. 

While some funders may require a minimum revenue of $100,000 per year, others may require $250,000 or more, so be sure to check with your funder to get a better idea of their income requirements to see if you will qualify.

If your business’s revenue falls short of the funder’s requirement, you may still be able to qualify for a loan by providing collateral or a personal guarantee. Keep in mind that borrowing a large amount of money can be risky, so it’s important to have a solid plan for using the funds and paying back the loan.

Business History

The length of time your business has been operational is a critical factor for funders when assessing your business. 

A business that has been around for several years or more is often viewed as more stable and less risky and therefore is more likely to qualify for a business loan. 

The exact requirements will vary from funder to funder, but most funders will require at least 12 months of business history if not 24 months.

Business Type and Size

When it comes to getting a large business loan, the size and type of your business can play a significant role. Funders will want to know what type of business you have and how long you’ve been in operation.

Generally, funders prefer to work with established businesses with a proven track record of success. If you’re a startup or a newer business, you may find it more challenging to get approved for a loan of this size. However, it’s not impossible.

Your business type can also impact your ability to secure a loan. For example, some funders may be more willing to lend to a technology company than a restaurant. It’s essential to research funders who specialize in your industry and have experience working with businesses similar to yours.

Collateral

Depending on the type of business financing you opt for, you may need to provide collateral to secure the loan. This is something of value that the funder can seize if you default on the loan. The amount of collateral required will depend on the funder and the type of loan you are applying for. In general, larger loans will require more collateral than smaller loans.

Common types of collateral include property, equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. The funder will assess the value of the collateral and may lend up to a certain percentage of that value. For example, if you offer $300,000 worth of collateral, the funder may only lend up to $200,000, which is the amount you are seeking.

In addition to collateral, funders may also require a personal guarantee from the business owner. This means that you are personally responsible for repaying the loan if the business is unable to do so. For this reason, it’s important to carefully consider the risks before providing a personal guarantee.

How to Get a $200k Business Loan (Step by Step)

1. Choose the Right Financing Solution for Your Business

When it comes to financing your business, there are many options available. Each funder offers different loan types, such as term loans, equipment financing, SBA loans, merchant cash advance, or a business line of credit.

It’s important to choose the right financing solution for your business needs. For example, if you need funds quickly, using an online funder and securing a merchant cash advance may be a great choice. If you have collateral, you can consider a business term loan to get more favorable rates and terms.

2. Determine Your Business’ Financial Situation and Creditworthiness

To get a $200k business loan, you need to assess your financial situation and creditworthiness. Start by checking your credit score, as it plays a significant role in loan approval. A score of 650 or above is ideal, but anything above 550 might still be acceptable for some funders

Next, gather your business’s financial documents, including tax returns, bank statements, and financial statements. You should also prepare a business plan that outlines your company’s goals, strategies, and financial projections.

Funders will also consider your annual revenue and cash flow to determine your ability to repay the loan. A strong financial history and profit and loss statements can help prove your business’s stability and increase your chances of approval.

3. Compare Funders

When comparing funders you’ll want to consider a variety of factors such as interest rates, fees, and eligibility requirements.

If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with Specialty Capital today to speak with our financing experts to guide you through the process.

4. Gather Necessary Documentation for Your Application

To apply for a $200,000 business loan, you’ll need to provide your funder with certain documents to prove your eligibility. Here are some of the documents you may need to gather:

  • Personal and business tax returns for the past three years
  • Financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
  • Business plan, including projected financials
  • Legal documents, such as articles of incorporation, business licenses, and contracts
  • Bank statements for the past three to six months
  • Collateral documentation, such as property deeds or vehicle titles

In addition to these documents, you may also need to provide a personal guarantee or collateral to secure the loan. Having all of these documents ready will help streamline the application process and increase allowing you to secure financing without any hiccups. 

5. Submit Your Application

Now that you have researched and selected the best funder for your loan, it’s time to submit your application. The application process for a business loan can be quite extensive, but it is important to provide all the necessary information to ensure a successful application.

When submitting your loan application, be prepared to provide detailed information about your business, including financial statements, tax returns, and a business plan. Funders will also want to know how you plan to use the loan funds and how you plan to repay the loan.

It is important to be honest and transparent when applying for a business loan. If you have any concerns about your credit score or financial history, it’s important to address them before submitting your application.

6. Review and Accept the Loan Agreement

Once you have received a loan offer, it is time to review the terms and conditions of the loan agreement. Make sure to carefully read the agreement and understand the monthly payments, repayment terms, loan cost, and repayment period. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask the funder for clarification.

Before accepting the loan, make sure that you can afford the monthly payments and that the loan term aligns with your business goals.

Remember that the loan agreement is a legal document, and you should only accept the loan if you are comfortable with the terms. Once you have approved the loan, the funds will be deposited into your account within the next few days.

Can You Get a $200k Business Loan with Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit, securing a $200k business loan can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

If your personal credit score is low, you may need to consider alternative funding options such as a business line of credit, merchant cash advance, or other options. Some of these options may have higher interest rates, but some of them can help you build up your credit score over time.

Collateral can also play a significant role in securing a loan. If you have strong finances and assets, such as property or equipment, you may be able to use them as collateral to secure a loan.

It’s important to note that government loans may have lower interest rates and more flexible requirements, but they can be more difficult to obtain. Additionally, having a strong business plan and several years in business can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan.

Monthly Payments on a $200k Business Loan

If you are looking to borrow $200,000 for your business, you will need to consider the monthly payments you will need to make to pay off the loan. 

Your monthly payment amount on a $200k business loan will depend on several factors including the interest rate, the length of the loan term, and the repayment frequency.

Assuming an annual interest rate of 9% and a loan term of 10 years (120 months), the monthly payment on your business loan would be around $1,266.76. However, keep in mind that the interest rate and loan term can vary depending on the funder and your creditworthiness. ​​

It is important to choose a repayment frequency that works for your business. Depending on the funder, repayments might be monthly, quarterly, or even weekly. 

Final Thoughts

There are numerous financing options if you’re looking to get a $200,000 business loan. Whether you opt for traditional methods such as a business term loan or an alternative financing option like a merchant cash advance, be sure to understand the terms of the financing before agreeing to anything.

If you’re unsure of where to start, contact Specialty Capital today and let our experts guide you through the process.

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