Unsecured Business Funding: Your Guide to No-Collateral Options

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• • No Collateral Needed: Unsecured business funding don’t require collateral, simplifying the approval process.

• • Higher Interest Rates: These loans often have higher interest rates due to the increased risk for lenders.

• • Fast and Easy Application: Unsecured loans usually have a quicker and simpler application process, often available online.

• • Stringent Credit Requirements: Higher credit scores and strong financials are typically required to qualify.

• • Impact on Credit Scores: Defaulting can severely affect both business and personal credit scores, limiting future financing options.

Finding the best unsecured loan can be a daunting task due to the numerous options available. A good starting point for your search is in your own backyard with the local or national banks!

• • National Banks: Large banks like Bank of America due to their reliable reputation, competitive rates, extensive financial products and convenient branch access.

• • Credit Unions: Credit unions like Navy Federal offer a personalized service, local community focus, flexible terms, and member-centric approach.

• • Online Lending Companies: Online companies like AMP Advance offer fast approval processes, lenient qualification requirements, competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and convenience of applying from anywhere, anytime.

What are the benefits of an unsecured business loan?

Before you decide to take out a business unsecured loan, be sure to research the terms and conditions of the loan. There are some good reasons to consider unsecured loans – for example, they can be a fast and easy solution for financing short-term needs without requiring collateral to be appraised.

Make sure you understand interest rates and fees associated with them and be aware of the repayment term and interest rate options. Be prepared to pay interest, and make sure you have a repayment plan in place to avoid credit score damage in case of default.

Which are the best options for unsecured business Funding? 

So now that you’ve decided you want to explore business loans without collateral and understand the key differences, there a few options you can choose that may fit your business the best.

Small business Administration (SBA) 7a Small Loan: 

The SBA 7(a) Small loan program is a primary financing option for small businesses. It offers up to $500,000 in funding for purposes such as working capital, equipment purchases, and real estate.

For loans under $50,000, collateral is NOT required however personal guarantees from business owners may be needed.

Unsecured Business Loan: 

A term loan is a traditional financing option where a business borrows a fixed amount of money and repays it over a set period with fixed interest. As an unsecured business loan, a term loan does not require the borrower to provide collateral.

Business Line of Credit (LOC): 

A LOC is a flexible financing option that provides businesses with access to a specified amount of funds that they can draw from as needed. Unlike a credit card, a line of credit allows businesses to borrow cash, repay, and borrow again up to the credit limit, making it a versatile solution for managing cash flow.

What happens if you default on unsecured business financing?

Defaulting on an unsecured business loan can have several serious consequences due to the lack of collateral. Here’s what can happen:

Credit Score Impact: Defaulting will negatively affect both the business credit and the owner’s personal credit scores. This can make it difficult to secure future financing or credit.

Collection Efforts: The lender will likely engage in collection efforts to recover the debt. This can include hiring collection agencies or taking legal action.

Legal Action: If collection efforts fail, the lender may sue the business or the owner to obtain a court judgment for the owed amount. This can lead to wage garnishments or liens on the business’s assets.

Personal Liability: In many cases, business owners may have signed a personal guarantee. This makes them personally liable for repaying the loan, potentially risking personal assets such as homes or savings.

Bankruptcy: As a last resort, defaulting on a significant loan can lead to business bankruptcy. This can provide some relief from debts but has long-term consequences for the business’s and owner’s financial standing.

Understanding these potential consequences can help businesses prepare and take proactive steps to avoid defaulting on unsecured loans.

How to get Unsecured Business funding?

Getting an unsecured business loan can be a lifesaver for you and your company. It can help you accelerate your growth and progress, and there are many options available to you. As the saying goes if you fail to plan you plan to fail, so below are our tips to make sure your funding goes as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Know how much funds you want to borrow

Before applying, it is important to know the amount of funds you need. The best time to apply for would be when your everything is running smoothly and generating revenue, not after, since it will put you in a position of less leverage to negotiate.

Step 2: Apply online

The fastest way to get one is through the internet. This is because online websites typically have a wider selection of loans to offer and they don’t require collateral like some SBA 7a loans do. More importantly, you can shop and compare from the comfort of your home with AMP’s online application. To be considered for a business loan, you will need to provide the proof of your company’s financial stability and viability.

Step 3: Keep a few recent bank statements handy

One of the best first steps in the application process is to compile your financial statements. This could include, but is not limited to business bank statements, interim or annual financial statements like tax returns and a debt schedule. Having these items in hand will help you get approved faster and avoid any potential problems along the way. Make sure you keep copies of all loan documents handy so that there are no delays in getting the funding.

Step 4: Get funded!

Getting business funding can be easy with the right process in place. However, there are a few things you need to do in order to make the process go smoothly. Make sure to also compare different loan options and find one that best suits your business needs and budget parameters. Altogether these small steps will help ensure a smooth funding process with minimum hassle!

Final Thoughts

Business loans with no collateral are a great option for owners who want to grow their business without risking collateral. While there are pros and cons, this comprehensive guide will have hopefully helped you in making an informed decision about if one is best for your company. So, what are you waiting for?