Thursday, 31st October 2019 | Small business financing Canada,Business loans for bad credit
What to do if a bank won't give you a business loan
It’s the nature of business to need funding on occasion, but what if the bank won’t approve you, or you don’t have time to go through their cumbersome application process? This is why private lenders are a go-to for Canadian small businesses.
It’s the nature of business to need funding on occasion. Renovations, new hires, inventory purchases, and slow days can send business owners in search of a loan. But what if the bank won’t approve you, or you don’t have time to go through their cumbersome application process? Suddenly, “business as usual” is a much bigger, more stressful problem. This is why private lenders are a go-to for Canadian small businesses—they present fewer hurdles and get money into your hands faster.
Private lenders vs banks
When considering lenders, it’s a mistake to think of banks and nobody else. While banks enjoy name recognition and a reputation for longevity, there are other, modern options. Private lenders like iCapital are an excellent alternative for small business owners, in many cases exceeding what’s on offer from the big banks.
Banks tend to be extremely risk-averse, even refusing to loan to businesses in riskier sectors like restaurants and retail. And, even if they will consider your company, their application processes are onerous and slow, causing an additional time burden while you wait for an answer. Private lenders like iCapital operate very differently. Using a simple, less restrictive, online application, we strive to make the process easy and fast. Applicants can expect their approval within 24 hours and funding the day after. And, private lenders’ standards are less strict and more inclusive, so we lend to more businesses—even people with low credit scores.
What are the different types of business financing?
If you’re approaching a private bank for a business loan, the first decision you’ll want to make is what kind of funding product is best for you and your situation. The three most common funding options are:
- Merchant cash advance - Companies that do a lot of debit or credit transactions might benefit from this kind of lending option because repayment is on a percentage of the day's sales. If your business has a quiet day (or even season), you won’t be stuck trying to come up with repayment while you have no money coming in.
- Term loan - This is a very standard kind of loan where you receive a certain amount of funding and repay a set amount on a set schedule until your loan is discharged. This works well for those who want to know exactly how much they owe and when payments are due.
- Secured loan - With the pledge of an asset, you can take out a secured loan. In general, you can get a better rate with a secured loan, but unsecured loans can be the way to go for small amounts as they are uncomplicated to negotiate. Your decision between secured or unsecured funds will depend on your specific situation.
Taking out a loan shouldn’t be a job in and of itself. If a bank turns you down, or if you need money quickly, consider a private lender. Their faster, simpler application process means you can put your energy where it belongs—back into your business.
Read Also
Marketing ideas for your business in the new year
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to revisit your marketing strategy to meet current consumer expectations. Forecasting trends is tricky, but what’s clear is that in 2023, customers value privacy, inclusivity, transparency, and overall authenticity, and it’s your job to show them how your business practices meet these ideals. Read on for six steps you take right now to market your business in 2023.
Understand your changing audience
The first thing you need to do is revisit your market. Review your sales and marketing data to make sure you have a realistic grasp on the size, demographics, and character of your target market. Pay close attention to any changes in your ideal customer and use this updated intel to seek out new opportunities. For example, if your business has grown or taken a new direction in recent years, it might be attracting a new audience. Make sure you’re communicating with the most appropriate market segment.
Update your website
Your website is one of your most valuable marketing assets so it’s crucial that it be in good shape. Review your site to make sure all the content is correct and up-to-date. Check to make sure that it loads quickly and displays correctly across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms. You probably look at your site regularly so consider getting someone with “fresh eyes” to take a look. Ensure that your site works intuitively and offers a seamless customer experience. A site that’s pleasant to use will help you convert new visitors and retain returning ones.
Maximize the potential of social media
With more than 4.7 billion people using social media, your business cannot afford to ignore it. If you’re just starting out on social platforms, now is the time to claim your presence. Set up accounts for your business on top platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Investigate which sites your ideal customers might be using and ensure you’re on them too. Post relevant content, regularly, and make sure that you keep your profiles fresh and current. Try running contests or promotions to boost engagement, and take advantage of the built-in shopping capabilities available on many platforms. You can communicate a lot about your brand values by aligning yourself with other local small businesses through collaborations or sponsorships.
Leverage video content and live streaming
Video content has been a rising trend for the past several years, and is well-suited to businesses who want to increase awareness, improve lead generation and sales, and reduce support calls. Consider how video content might work for your business, keeping in mind that consumers appreciate being entertained. Live streaming is popular and an effective way to connect with your audience in real time. Engage your audience with quality storytelling. Inform them with a clear and concise script. Be creative.
Get interactive with your audience
When was the last time you did an online quiz or game? How about worked with an online calculator or map? Interactive content is engaging, which is why audiences–and marketers–love it. It’s low-cost and can help you increase brand loyalty, generate leads, and drive sales. Think about ways your business can use interactive content to grab your customers’ attention.
Respect consumer privacy
More than ever, consumers are concerned about privacy. Demonstrate respect for your customers’ privacy by compliance with standards like GDPR, by properly acquiring and using user data, and by continually informing your customers of exactly how you’re handling their information.
If you want to stay ahead of your competitors in 2023, now is the time to fine-tune your marketing efforts to communicate your business’ authentic brand and values. Take an inclusive, transparent, privacy-first approach, to reach your target audience.
Marketing