Benefits of secured loans for your small business

To obtain a business loan, you must first locate a lender willing to give you money so you can acquire the items your company requires. Most lenders will provide various financing options that will demand payback over time. The majority of business loans have set terms and interest rates. The interest rate on a business loan might be high or low, depending on the lender.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no set “good” rate when it comes to acquiring a loan. A good rate for a business loan would depend on the following factors:

• The rate your business is eligible for
• The kind of financing your business requires

Do not get hung up on the rate of interest but instead focus on getting the right financing that suits your goals and needs.

Is a small business loan variable or fixed?

The interest rate on a small business loan might be fixed or variable. The interest rate and monthly payment on a fixed-rate loan do not fluctuate during the term of the loan, making it easier to budget for repayment.

The interest rates for lump-sum term loans are usually fixed. This loan is appropriate for one-time company expenditures and long-term financial needs, such as supporting large business growth, purchasing real estate, or consolidating debt.

A variable rate loan may have a lower beginning rate than a fixed-rate loan. But because it's linked to an underlying index that swings with the market, the rate might climb or fall. As a result, your payments may fluctuate, making budgeting more difficult.

A variable interest rate may apply to a company line of credit. It allows you to borrow money and repay it in installments, much like a credit card. This form of loan is ideal for business owners who don't want a certain quantity of money but do require quick access to cash, whether for emergency finances or short-term working capital.

How much are you charged in loan fees?

Fees on business loans are frequently necessary and can increase the cost of borrowing. The amount of upfront fees charged by small business lenders varies based on the size of your loan, the length of the repayment period, your credit score, and the type of business loan. When you apply for a small business loan, your lender should explain any fees that you don't understand.

Here are some of the most frequent costs associated with a small business loan:

Processing fee

A one-time cost is applied to the processing of a new loan.

Underwriting fee

Underwriters charge fees to evaluate and verify your papers, such as financial statements, personal bank accounts, credit reports, and tax filings.

Closing expenses

Fees related to the loan's service, such as a loan-packaging charge, a commercial real estate assessment, or a business valuation.

How to grow your business with iCapital?

Consider applying for a small business loan from iCapital if you're having trouble acquiring the funding your small business needs.

It's a straightforward five-step process to apply for funding from iCapital. To begin, complete an online application, which should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes. In as little as 30 minutes after completing the application, you may get a verification call from one of our advisers. They'll double-check the information you provided in your application and ask you a few more questions to gather the information they need to qualify and approve you for a small business loan. You can expect to get your funds in as little as 24 to 48 hours after you've been accepted for financing. Your money will be put into your company's bank account. You may put the money to work immediately to help you expand your business. Contact iCapital to get a small business loan with a 98% approval rate. iCapital offers the best services in Canada.

The first thing to remember is that a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is not a loan. Unlike typical loans, MCA is a lump-sum payment made to a company in exchange for future sales. This is why Merchant Cash Advance financing is ideal for B2B transactions, as well as retail and restaurant establishments that predominantly accept debit and credit card payments. This is also why a Merchant Cash Advance is simpler to obtain than a loan because the applicant is assessed depending on the number of sales and cash flow generated in the previous few months rather than by their creditworthiness.

Pros of merchant cash advance financing

A merchant cash advance may be the appropriate solution for you if you are a small business owner looking for an alternative credit option for your company. However, before making the decision, study the pros and cons of Merchant Cash Advance financing. Here are a few of its merits:

Remittance depending on your company's credit card sales on a daily or weekly basis

The remittance structure is one of the most appealing aspects of obtaining a merchant cash advance. A classic business term loan requires a company to make a specified payment regardless of whether or not its customers have paid their invoices. This might place a hardship on a company that has slow-paying customers or a changing cash flow. As previously stated, a percentage of your company's credit card sales is utilized to pay your commitment with merchant cash advance financing. As a result, if you have a sluggish sales month, you will not be charged as much as during peak seasons.

The money is received shortly

The process of obtaining a company loan from a bank might take weeks or months to complete. If your company needs immediate operating cash, you can't afford to go through a lengthy financing procedure just to find out that you don't qualify for a loan. Funds are typically accessible in less than a week with a merchant cash advance, and many lenders can close agreements in less than 72 hours.

Payments are made automatically

With a merchant cash advance, payments are automatically deducted from your business's accepted credit transactions. This means you won't have to take time out of your day to make the payments, and you’re far less likely to incur late fees. If you have a habit of forgetting to pay your bills, knowing that your cash advance remittance is handled for you might be reassuring.

Cons of merchant cash advance financing

Although having access to quick cash with no strings attached seems appealing, there are certain drawbacks to getting a merchant cash advance that you should be aware of. Here are a few disadvantages to merchant cash advance financing:

Rates of interest can be quite high

The expense of merchant cash advances is one of the main reasons why businesses avoid them. While the fees charged by each lender differs, a merchant cash advance may cost you more in interest than other types of business financing. Merchant cash advance providers are exempt from numerous interest rate limitations and regulations since cash advances are deemed "short term" borrowing. As a result, their approvals are frequently linked to a high annual percentage rate (APR).

It might be difficult to succeed if you don't receive credit card sales

In many circumstances, companies accept a combination of credit cards, cash, and maybe even cheques as payment methods. While merchant cash advance providers normally do not have a problem with this, they do occasionally add a clause in their contracts that prohibits businesses from giving incentives for non-credit card payments.

There could be limitations

Another negative aspect to receiving a merchant cash advance is that there may be “fine print” that places limitations on your business while you are fulfilling your obligation. A common restriction to watch out for is wording that won’t allow the business to switch credit card processing companies. Other prohibited changes may include things like moving locations or revising hours of operation.

Why you should choose iCapital

When applying for merchant cash advance financing, the most important thing to remember is that while it can be a useful tool in certain situations, it also comes with risks. Make sure you understand all restrictions and expenses before deciding to pursue this financing option and don't be afraid to ask iCapital questions. After you've gathered all of the information, you can assess if your firm might benefit from a merchant cash advance. Contact iCapital at 1.877.251.7171 today for the best services in Canada.

Of the many consequences emerging out of the past couple of years, mental health concerns are one of the most significant. The World Health Organization estimates that 450 million people suffer from mental illness, with 6.7 million of them in Canada. This has an economic cost affecting our healthcare and social support systems (projected to be $79.9 billion in 2021), and a measurable impact on businesses who pay for services through employment-based private health insurance plans. It’s also led to worker preference for companies that have a human-centred approach–a strategic edge during the Great Resignation–and deeper customer loyalty. In this current climate, demonstrating empathy is a marketable skill. 

What is empathy?

Empathy is about understanding someone else’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For businesses, this means taking the needs and priorities of your workers, partners, and customers into account and demonstrating genuine concern. 

How does empathy in the workplace benefit business?

Even before the so-called Great Resignation, there was a strong case for an empathetic workplace. Nobody likes to have their personal concerns ignored. Now, however, we have a situation where people are leaving their jobs in large numbers and some employers are experiencing difficulty attracting and retaining employees. Providing a positive workplace experience can help.

Effective leaders show empathy by establishing a genuine connection with their employees and demonstrating that concern. The idea may be nebulous but the strategies to achieve this are not. According to the Center for Creative Leadership, you can show empathy in your workplace by being compassionate, showing an interest in the lives and goals of your coworkers, offering assistance with personal problems, and watching for signs of burnout. The idea is to make real connections and build trust. 

Empathy builds a strong organizational culture

Ideally, your workers should feel a sense of belonging and security at the workplace. An empathic approach helps build a strong organizational culture which, in turn, will help you attract and retain qualified and enthusiastic employees. 

Empathy increases engagement

Having enough help is one thing but having engaged help is another. Small business owners rely heavily on their employees in day-to-day operations so they want the most passionate people possible at their side and empathetic leadership is one way to get there. Data from a study by Catalyst shows that “employees with highly empathic senior leaders report[ed] higher levels of creativity (61%) and engagement (76%)...” 

Financial benefits

Empathy affects your bottom line in all sorts of ways, from reducing turnover and training costs to increasing overall worker well-being which means less absenteeism and burnout. Financial benefits to the increase in worker creativity are difficult to measure but it’s reasonable to assume a higher level of innovation. 

How does empathy for my customers benefit business?

The pandemic led many people to re-evaluate their lives. The Great Resignation is one result of this, but even on a more everyday level there appears to be a trend towards positive, holistic, respectful experiences. An empathetic workplace can be a respite from a day that’s otherwise frightening and stressful and reflect positively on your brand.

Workers are happier

Worker satisfaction is one of these trickle-down ideas, particularly in a retail or customer-facing position. When your employees are happy (when they feel secure at work, are invested, and have trust), they will be able to respond to customers positively. 

Customers can count on a positive experience with your company

Every interaction from information gathering to sales to customer communications like emails or social media posts should be based on the principles of empathy. Remember that everyone is dealing with complicated emotions like fear, grief, and uncertainty right now. Prioritize the needs, desires, fears, and goals of your customers to create a lasting positive connection. 

iCapital, with years of experience, outlines the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide between business and personal loans in Canada and what suits your needs best.

Pros of a Personal Loan

Lower Cost

An advantage of a personal loan is that it is less expensive than a company loan. If you already have a home equity line of credit, it can be a less expensive method to borrow.

Speed

If you already have a banking relationship or a line of credit, you can get a personal loan considerably faster. It makes sense to use your line of credit when you need money fairly urgently, like if you need to make payroll the next day.

Ease of Access

If your business has not yet generated considerable revenue and you have a good personal credit score, a personal loan may be easier to secure than a business loan.

Cons of a Personal Loan

Not Creating Commercial Credit

Commercial credit includes data from organizations that do business with you, such as suppliers and banking institutions, which is why your business credit score differs from your credit score. If you regularly rely on personal loans and lines of credit for business funding, you'll be limited in the future.

Higher Interest Rates

Personal loan lending restrictions are frequently less stringent than business loan restrictions. Interest rates may be exceedingly high if you have bad credit.

Personal Liability

The major disadvantage of a personal loan is that your personal and business money are not separated. If your company defaults on the loan, your credit will suffer, and you will be held personally accountable.

Keep in mind that for company financing, personal guarantees may be necessary.

Pros of a Business Loan

Building Commercial Credit

Getting a business loan, a business line of credit, or using company credit cards might help your firm's financial reputation grow.
Better business credit can result in better terms, higher lending limits, and more credit from suppliers. Your bank will be considerably more willing to lend to you in the future if your firm has a track record of repaying loans.

Filing Taxes is Easier

Fees, fines, and interest paid on money borrowed for business purposes or on property acquired for business purposes are all tax-deductible expenses. It would be easier for you to track your expenditures and file your taxes if you keep your personal and company accounts separate.

Higher Lending Limits

Business loan lending limitations are frequently substantially greater than personal loans lending limits. Your income and the collateral you provide will determine the exact amount.

Cons of a Business Loan

Incorporation is Often Necessary

In most cases, your business must be incorporated to be granted a business loan. iCapital lends money to businesses that have been operational for at least a year. 

Longer Wait Time

It can take a long time to be approved for a large business loan. Smaller company loans can be secured in a matter of days or hours. Larger loans, on the other hand, may take several weeks to complete.

Difficult for Start-ups to Qualify

It may be challenging to obtain a loan if the company hasn't produced much money yet. Entrepreneurs with a valid business plan can apply for a start-up loan. They could also look into venture capital financing options.

Which is Best for Your Small Business?

If you qualify for a business loan and you need the money right away, a business loan is usually the best option.
You need to prove that you can qualify for and manage business loans if you're serious about developing your firm and building your reputation with lenders.
Before asking for a business loan, entrepreneurs should do their homework. You should have financial documents and predictions on hand, as well as a business plan, a synopsis of your management team, a company overview, and specifics about why you need the money.

Business owners should also speak with their lenders about credit as soon as possible.
Don't put off creating business credit ties for too long. Confirm that your cash flow estimates are accurate and that credit will be available when you require it. The ideal time to talk about credit needs is before you're in a pinch.

iCapital Understands Your Borrowing Options

In the end, it is up to each individual to decide whether the risk is worth the gain. For some, a personal loan to finance a business investment is quick, convenient, and straightforward. On the other hand, using personal loans instead of business loans exposes you to the genuine financial danger that isn't worth accepting. 
Get ready to grow your small business with iCapital and find new customers eager to try your products or services. Contact us today at (877) 251-7171 and learn more about our small business loans.