Small Business Loans

Overview

Traditional bank loans are becoming increasingly harder to get, due to overly demanding requirements, tedious application processes and low acceptance rates.
Many small business owners look for more practical alternatives that can fill the void and provide them with adequate financing options.

Online financing companies provide businesses with quick and convenient access to cash that may come in the form of term loans, lines of credit, invoice factoring, merchant cash advances or other services.
The private non-bank players in this marketplace, including direct lenders and peer-to-peer platforms, utilize the power of advanced technology to attract potential borrowers.

Compared to commercial banks and credit unions, these companies offer more relaxed eligibility requirements, less hassle, red tape and paperwork, more efficient approval process and swift lending decisions.

Completing a typical online application usually takes only minutes, and many alternative internet lenders transfer the money extremely fast, sometimes within in as little as 24-48 hours after the application has been submitted, considered and approved.

Common reasons for applying to such a loan include legitimate business expenses such as:

• General business funding
• Vehicles
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Staff hiring / Payroll
• New facilities
• Advertising and marketing
• Start-up funds

Some of the main aspects that could affect the applicant’s approval chances include factors such as personal and business credit history, how long the company has been in business, sufficient collateral availability, minimum monthly or annual revenue, net annual profits, cash flow, having a solid business plan and others.

Consumer Tips: How to Avoid Small Business Loan Scams Online

Just like any other sector that involves borrowers, lenders and money that switches hands, the small business financing marketplace also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals that operate online and look for potential victims.

Scammers use a variety of illegal, unethical or other dishonest ways to take advantage of small business owners interested in good financing solutions and do not understand how the actual process works or what to expect.

Some scammers operate professionally-designed, albeit fake, lending websites that use phishing as their method for stealing sensitive information or money.
To lure more potential victims into providing their personal information, they often promise unrealistic terms, such as exceptionally low rates, ‘no credit checks’ or ‘instant approval’.

Such scams are sometimes difficult to avoid since the perpetrators usually masquerade as well-respected brands, banks or other financial organizations that enjoy high levels of public trust.

Other online fraudulent companies may promise easy access to low-cost business loans or offer “secret” insider information about “free government grants”, in return for some sort of payment.

Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable lenders and decrease the likelihood of being trapped in a scam:

Unrealistic Terms? Walk Away!

Stay away from lenders with too-good-to-be-true offers or claims, such as “guaranteed” loans given to “everybody”, with no credit history check or with drastically low-interest rates.
Remember: no legitimate website will ever offer such terms, so use your common sense and gut instincts before applying for fake loans that do not exist in reality.

Avoid Sites That Ask for Money Up Front

Beware of lending services, financing companies or brokers that ask you for money up front before being approved.
If someone does – avoid using it.

Investigate the Small Business Lender’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate lender that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the business is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the lender is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.