With the seasonality of most home improvement contractor businesses it is not surprising that many business owners feel the pinch of slow cash flow and a smaller than comfortable amount of cash in the bank at some point or another. This is the time when you wish you had access to more working capital or credit. What are some of the ways that you can get access to funds when you need them? What considerations do you need to keep in mind when looking for funding?
One of the most common ways that businesses obtain funding is from the owner’s personal funds when this is a possibility. This is not necessarily a bad idea, but there are good and bad ways to go about it.
Business Credit vs Personal Credit
Many small businesses start out as a sole proprietor (Schedule C) business. It’s a better idea to create a formal business entity. Most contractors choose to set up their business as either an LLC or and S-Corporation. This does give the business owner a shield in terms of personal risk. This shield can be compromised by mixing personal and business finances, so it is prudent to keep separate bank accounts and credit card accounts for the business.
Rather than using personal credit for your business, consider lending money to your business if you need to personally add a cash infusion to the business. Treat this like any other short or long term loan on your balance sheet and make repayments. In some cases, you may need or want to charge interest to the business for the use of your money.
Credit from Banks
Credit from banks most commonly takes two forms: Business Credit Cards and Business Lines of Credit. When you are starting out or expanding, you may also qualify for an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan.
Apply for business credit before you need it. Most contractors have a busy season and a slow season. Your slow season is typically when you need to dip into your credit. I recommend building a relationship with a business banker who will be able to be a resource for you. Apply for a business line of credit when you are in your busier season and can show profitable results. Most bankers will want to look at your financial statements. So, it is good to have well organized financial statements and to be conversant with your financial results. If you have a budget and can show that you are meeting or exceeding your plan for this year and the prior year, that can be helpful. Banks like to lend to businesses that are making money and growing. In some cases, lenders do require a personal guarantee on credit cards or lines of credit for the business, so be aware of that.
Equipment Financing
If you need to purchase big ticket items like equipment, it’s wise to explore options for equipment loans versus using your business credit card or line of credit for this type of expense. Often you can get better terms for this type of financing and you don’t tie up your credit line or business credit card in the process. There are companies who specialize in this service.
Alternative Lenders
Sometimes if your bank can’t help you, there are other lenders who are willing to lend to businesses that have short term difficulties or have special circumstances that make traditional bank lending not an option. Your business banker, CPA, business coach or advisor may have referral contacts for alternative lenders.
Internet Business Loans
In the short term, some businesses can take advantage of quick loans or lines of credit from companies that advertise online such as Kabbage and other similar companies. You can apply online with a minimal amount of information. Keep in mind that you may be paying a higher rate of interest for the privilege of using this type of service, and the repayment schedule is usually limited to a very short term, so you’ll want to carefully evaluate if you can make the monthly payments.
To summarize, keep in mind three things: Educate yourself on your options, develop a relationship with a good business banker, and apply for credit before you need it.