Business Finance
Sunday, April 27th, 2008->
It takes money in order to make the money grow- this is how the concept of business finance operates. Money is needed to put up a business, to operate, expand and to venture. For business to survive, the needed amount of resources should be attained. What is the connection of finance and business, you may ask. Well, it is used to obtain assets which will help the business carry out its daily affairs like increase holdings of trading stocks and supplies; buy capital items; create new market; and for support in research and development.
To better appreciate how the whole subject goes, the different types of finance should be first understood. There are 2 types of finance for small business and it includes:
Debt Finance- If personal fund is limited, borrowing from banks or various other financial institutions is the key and this is how the whole concept of debt finance takes place. This is issued with terms and conditions for repayment. The bank on the other hand will assess the risks of the business and acquire security to lessen the risk of default. The borrower on the other hand will pay off the principal along with interest.
Equity Finance- In this kind of finance, an investor who will share with the business will be the one in charge to fund the business. They are the one who carries the total risk in capital but in case the business falls, they do not have any security therefore their risk are high. This kind is also possible by means of joint venture and private investors. Unlike debt finance, the equity finance is complex and can waste too much of your time because of too long process.
In case a borrower’s need to lend cash on the bank, there are some prerequisites that must be followed first. First and foremost, he must talk to the bank as early as possible and prove his ability to manage resources and cash flows. Of course, a bank would not take the risk and allow someone to borrow when they know in the end that they can not compel him to pay. Above anything else, the bank will have to investigate on the capacity to repay debt. Therefore, the lender must convince the bank that your proposal is realistic and that the business will be able to service all borrowings. The lender should be swayed by the skills and ability to supervise business and repay the loan and interest and so, as much as possible research and present proposal properly. If available, seek for the advice of an accountant. Rejection of loan always happens if the bank fails to see the ability to repay. Sometimes, bank may also reject proposals when there is not enough collateral, insufficient information and undesirable operating risks. Repayment history may help as a proof of your capacity but some banks may go beyond it therefore it is still advisable to prove to them through action and conviction your ability more than just showing proof of repayment history.
