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Merchant Cash Advance: Pros & Cons + How to Qualify [2024 Guide]

MERCHANT CASH ADVANCE

What Is a Merchant Cash Advance?

WHAT IS A MERCHANT CASH ADVANCE

 

As opposed to a traditional small business loan where a lender provides funds in exchange for an interest-based repayment plan, a merchant cash advance (or MCA), sometimes called split funding, is a purchase of future debit and credit card sales in exchange for a fee.

An MCA is generally much faster than a traditional loan as well, with the ability to be approved and have your account funded in as little as 24 hours in some cases.

And you can use split funding for virtually anything, including:

  • Inventory purchases
  • Equipment upgrades
  • Hiring and training
  • Payroll
  • Taxes

For those who need capital fast, who don’t have great credit, or don’t have any applicable collateral that could be placed down to secure a traditional loan, an MCA may be the perfect funding solution.

As small business financing alternatives go, split funding is one of the most convenient when it comes to repayment, especially if you have strong cash flow.

Get Fast Funding with Excel Capital

The quality of your credit shouldn’t bar you from obtaining funding for your business.

At Excel Capital, we understand that a bit of capital, used wisely, can be just what you need to take your business to the next level.

We’ve helped thousands of business owners obtain the cash they need to move their business forward. Let us help you do the same.

Apply with Excel Capital today to see what you can be approved for:

Get the capital your business needs– fast. Apply for a small business loan or merchant cash advance with Excel Capital: Apply Now


How a Merchant Cash Advance Works

An MCA is an advance against future sales. Therefore, it’s best for businesses who function mostly off credit and debit card sales and have strong cash flow.

What is convenient about split funding is the advance is repaid, typically via an ACH or automatic withdrawal, based on a percentage of those daily sales. The amount which is automatically paid towards the loan is typically called the “holdback” amount.

That means if you have a dip in regular sales, the amount taken out on those days to repay the advance will also be reduced, making it easier to pay back the advance when business is down.

The most unique aspect of an MCA is that it doesn’t use a typical APR interest fee but rather what is typically called a factor rate.

Click here to apply for a merchant cash advance and find out what your options are: Apply Now


What Is a Factor Rate?

The factor rate, which takes the place of interest as the primary fee associated with MCA’s, typically ranges from anywhere between 1.14 and 1.48.

By multiplying your loan amount by the factor rate, you’ll have a rough estimate of the total amount you’re expected to pay once you’re done repaying your MCA.

For example, if you get an advance of $25,000, and your factor rate is 1.3, you’ll pay $32,500 before paying off the advance.

The factor rate associated with split funding is generally considered to be steep compared to the interest on something such as an unsecured business loan.

However, it trades increased fees (in some but not all cases, and depending on the lender) for hyper-convenience, speed, and reduced credit requirements.


Example of a Merchant Cash Advance

Let’s take a closer look at how an MCA works with an example:

Jerrett, the owner of a local cafe, needs $20,000 for the purchase of new high-grade barista equipment and a few additional hires to meet a recent increase to traffic at his location.

Jerrett doesn’t have much business credit history, only having been in business at his location for about a year. So, he can’t depend on a bank loan to get him out of his pinch.

Instead, he decides to apply for a merchant cash advance. Because he has the necessary business credit card sales, so he’s approved for the $20,000 advance amount and is off to the races. He gets all the equipment he needs and gets some help around the cafe. Business is booming.

Now that the advance has been issued, he can begin paying it back with a percentage of his regular credit card sales.

If his factor rate is 1.25, on $20,000 he’ll be paying back a total of $25,000. The repayment period on an MCA is typically between 3 and 12 months, all depending on how high your regular credit card sales are.

However, because the repayment period is based on the volume of credit card sales, it doesn’t affect how much you pay. Instead, your regular holdback amount is based on a set percentage decided by the lender.

Let’s say your holdback percentage is 10%. If you average $20,000 in monthly credit card sales, you’d pay about $65 a day ($2,000 total over a month) on average based on that day’s sales towards the advance and have it paid back in full within about 10 months.

The exact method which is used to repay an MCA varies, so in the next section, we’ll quickly cover each of them.


Ways to Set Up a Merchant Cash Advance

Ways to set up a merchant cash advance

 

There are 3 ways that repayment on a merchant cash advance can be set up. Here’s a rundown on the 3 methods:

1. Direct split

With this method, the lender uses one of several trusted credit card processors to place a “split” on your credit card sales (hence why it’s sometimes referred to as split funding), directing the percentage notated in your agreement from your credit card sales.

Each time you batch out, that percentage is automatically removed behind the scenes and you receive your deposit in exactly the same way as you usually would with zero delays.

2. Lockbox

If you’d prefer to not change your payment processor, or your merchant processor has early termination fees you’d prefer to avoid, this may be a more preferable method.

With lockbox funding, instead of switching merchant accounts a lockbox account, also known as a bridge account, is set up to split your credit and debit batches.

A lockbox account is a typical business bank account which you’re given credentials to, however, with your lockbox account, each time a batch is settled the account automatically “splits” the amount by sending the designated repayment percentage via ACH to the corresponding account and deposits the rest of your amount into the account for your use.

The only drawback with this method vs. a direct split through a credit card processor is that there is typically a 24-48-hour delay in the typical amount of time it takes for you to receive your deposit after batching.

To set up a lockbox account, you’ll be asked to sign the lockbox form given by your MCA provider. Once your bank letter arrives in the mail for the lockbox account, the only thing left to do is call your card provider to have your deposits redirected to the lockbox account (which typically takes up to 48 hours).

3. Variable ACH

The final way to set up an MCA is as a variable ACH.

This is ideal when your merchant processor isn’t already one of the provider’s friendly accounts (i.e. a direct split won’t work) and you as the business owner don’t want to deal with the 24-48-hour delay between when your batches are settled and when the MCA holdback percentage is removed (as in a lockbox account).

A variable ACH requires your MCA provider’s collections department to have access to your merchant processor’s login portal. Your provider will log in to your processor’s portal each to check your batch amount and then issue an ACH transfer for the holdback amount.

This method of repayment requires that your provider always has access to your merchant processor portal, otherwise the account is considered to be in default.

It’s generally harder to be approved for a variable ACH as, unlike when using split funding or a lockbox account, variable ACH approval is dependent largely upon your average ledger balance.

In other words, while you can be approved for both split funding and the lockbox method with a high number of non-sufficient funds (NSF’s) or overdrafts, with a variable ACH your average balance must be high to ensure that the full holdback amount can be collected regularly.

Click here to apply for a merchant cash advance and find out what your options are: Apply Now


Merchant Cash Advances: Pros and Cons

Merchant cash advance pros and cons

 

As a merchant cash advance is a unique small business financing solution, it has a unique collection of pros and cons which are important to review before deciding if it’s the ideal solution for your needs.

Here are the primary benefits, and drawbacks, of a merchant cash advance:

Merchant Cash Advance Pros:

  • Get funds fast: An MCA is a good idea if you need cash fast as you can have the funds within your account within 1-2 business days. As opposed to a traditional loan, this makes an MCA lightning fast.
  • No collateral: They don’t require traditional collateral, instead using your future credit card sales as a kind of “soft” collateral. That means you don’t have to risk losing something valuable such as your property or important equipment in the case of defaulting on the loan.
  • Good credit not required: Depending on the lender, fair or even bad credit is acceptable for an MCA. This makes it an invaluable funding solution for business owners who don’t have the credit to be approved for any kind of business loan.
  • Repayment terms fluctuate with business: If business is down, your payment goes down with it. This makes split funding one of the most flexible and convenient small business funding solutions available.

Merchant Cash Advance Cons:

The factor rate can be high

An MCA offers several significant benefits. However, every funding solution has both pros and cons, and a merchant cash advance is no exception.

However, while many funding solutions have several different drawbacks, an MCA really only has one, though it can be a big one.

The factor rate on split funding can be very high, as low as an equivalent 15% interest in some cases, but as high as triple digits in others depending on various factors.

For that reason, it’s important to know what the terms are of your advance going in, how much you’re paying and are able to pay, and whether it’s worth it for you.

It may be the perfect vehicle to get you out of a tough spot, help you buy new equipment that can drive sales, or help you hire the seasonal assistance you need to make full use of a busy season. Whatever the case, weigh the cost and benefits to decide if an MCA or another funding vehicle is the ideal fit for you.


Who Is a Merchant Cash Advance Best For?

Who is a merchant cash advance best for?

 

Still wondering if a merchant cash advance is the right funding solution for you and your business.

Consider these factors when deciding whether an MCA is a good fit. It’s ideal for those who:

  • Accept credit card sales: If you accept credit and/or debit card sales, split funding may offer a more convenient repayment plan than a traditional loan.
  • Need a fast funding solution: If your funding needs are an emergency, an MCA is one of the best.
  • Don’t have great credit or enough credit history: Split funding doesn’t require great or even good credit, making it accessible to many who otherwise wouldn’t be able to qualify for a traditional business loan.
  • Don’t have available collateral to offer: Similarly, if you don’t have collateral to offer for a traditional bank loan, you won’t be able to qualify for a typical bank loan. However, an MCA doesn’t require typical hard collateral such as property or liquid cash.

How to Apply for a Merchant Cash Advance

Because a merchant cash advance doesn’t require good credit or a hard form of collateral, it’s generally easier to be approved for one vs. a typical loan which requires sufficient proof that you’ll be able to repay the debt.

However, there are still qualification requirements and an application process you should be aware of. The more you know, the more likely you’ll be to get approved and the better terms you’ll be able to get.


How to Qualify for a Merchant Cash Advance

How to qualify for a merchant cash advance

 

The first and most basic eligibility requirement of an MCA is which has been mentioned already: a large portion of your revenue must come from credit card sales.

Additional qualification requirements include:

  • In business at least two months
  • $7,500 or more in monthly credit card sales
  • $10,000 or more in gross monthly sales
  • No open bankruptcies

Merchant cash advance: Good or bad credit vs. credit card sales volume: Which is more important?

We touched on an MCA’s credit card sales volume requirements in this and previous sections as well as its credit requirements.

However, if you’re already convinced an MCA is the ideal financing option for your business and you skipped to this section to see how to qualify, keep this in mind:

Credit is not the most important factor, your credit card sales volume is.

With a merchant cash advance, your credit card sales volume triples as:

  1. The primary qualification factor
  2. The main factor which decides how much you can be approved for, and
  3. Your estimated future credit card sales volume serves as a kind of soft collateral that guarantees to a lender that they’ll be able to collect on the advance

All of this taken together makes your credit card sales volume by far the most important factor for approval.


How to Apply for a Merchant Cash Advance

How to apply for a merchant cash advance

 

If you’ve been operating in business for more than two months and meet the monthly sales requirements, acquiring a merchant cash advance is a simple matter of being approved.

To be approved for split funding, you’ll simply need to submit an application along with four months of bank and credit card processing statements.

However, in addition to this, you’ll want to gather several documents that may be requested after applying for approval.

A lender will review your credit card processing and bank statements to see that you fulfill the minimum monthly sales numbers. If you qualify, they’ll typically request additional documentation to finalize the approval.

Documents you’ll want to have in order to streamline approval include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Voided business check
  • Credit score
  • Business tax returns

Small Business Loans and Other Merchant Cash Advance Alternatives

As we’ve reviewed throughout this guide, a merchant cash advance has several notable benefits.

However, if the tradeoff isn’t to your liking, it’s worth considering an alternative funding method. No matter what it is you need to pay for, the options below are fast and allow approval without perfect credit.

Term loan

Short-term and medium-term loans are closest to a traditional bank loan in that you receive a lump sum in exchange for repayment with interest. The repayment term on short-term loans is typically between 3 months and 2 years and medium-term loans up 5 years.

Business line of credit

With a business line of credit, you get access to a pool of funds which you can tap into whenever the need arises. And, provided you pay back what you borrow, you can then tap into that line of credit again.

Learn more about business lines of credit here.


Get a merchant cash advance with Excel Capital

A merchant cash advance is both a fast and convenient funding solution.

In addition to this, it’s an ideal source of extra capital for business owners who either don’t have stellar credit or any form of hard collateral to offer and therefore wouldn’t be approved for a bank loan.

Traditional bank financing takes months for approval. So, whether you need funding fast or need access to capital and don’t qualify for a traditional bank loan, an MCA is an effective source of additional capital worth considering.

Click here to apply for a merchant cash advance and find out what your options are: Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a merchant cash advance a safe option?


Before signing a contract with an MCA provider, it’s important to first make sure that an MCA is the right funding method for you and your situation.

An MCA is based on your business’s regular flow of income, so if your business income is in a volatile period, a loan would likely be a better option for you. 

However, if your business income is consistent, even growing, then an MCA may be a good option for you and your business. 

What happens if you default on a merchant cash advance? 


If you find yourself in a position where you can’t pay back your MCA, start by looking at your contract to see what options are available to you in default as it all depends on the advance, provider, and your particular situation.

MCAs are considered a purchase agreement, not a loan, so they’re not subject to the same usury laws as typical business loans. Depending on your provider, they’ll have various options and actions they may take if you breach your contract and go into default. 

For example, your provider may sue for breach of contract, though defaulting doesn’t necessarily mean you breached your contract. For example, if you defaulted because your business closed down, that isn’t a breach of contract and there would be no recourse whatsoever.

If you’re having trouble paying your MCA, give your provider a call to ask what your options are for setting up a revised repayment plan and getting back to current.

How to Get a Home Based Business Loan: 5 Options

HOME-BASED BUSINESS LOANS FEATURED IMAGE

Getting the funding you need for a home-based business can be challenging.

In addition to the challenges of starting a home-based business– applying for licenses, filing taxes– acquiring business capital to start, grow, or expand your business is a process all in itself. You may find you self asking your self how to get a loan for a home based business?

Many small companies usually start as home-based businesses. It is at this stage where the owner lays the foundation for their future business. It’s also the stage where owners face their biggest challenges.

Aside from getting clients, one of the biggest challenges for business owners is finding financing. Unfortunately, home-based businesses have few financing options. Many banks look down on this type of funding but we have some options for you.

That’s where home-based business loans comes in.

Fortunately, there are several programs available when it comes to home-based business financing, each with different advantages.  Read on to find out more.

Obtain fast funding for your home-based business. Apply with Excel Capital: Apply Now

5 Home Based Business Loan Options

Home-based business loan options for small business owners.

1. Equipment Financing

Equipment financing helps business owners purchase any type of equipment needed to run the business.

The loan amount is dependent upon the type of equipment needed, as the repayment term is usually as long as the expected life of the piece of equipment and if it is used or new.

2. Split Funding / Merchant Cash Advance

Split funding, also referred to as a merchant cash advance, works on a “pay as you earn” model.

It is important to know that Split Funding is not a loan. Instead, a flat percentage of your business’ credit and debit sales are automatically debited daily and put towards the repayment of your loan.

If your business does a large amount of sales one day, a larger payment is taken out to pay back the advance. If a small amount of sales is done that particular day, you pay less. There is no fixed payment amount or maturity date. This type of funding is available only to businesses that accept credit card payments.

3. Short-term Loan

Short-term loans are used as a way to fill an immediate financial needs and fix cash flow issues.

Most lenders that provide this type of loan do not require a lot of paperwork and they can be used for virtually any business purpose.

Common uses of short-term business loans are inventory purchases, new hires and employee training, equipment repairs, and filling gaps between accounts payable and receivable. This financing solution mean shorter having a shorter repayment schedule with higher costs. Short-term business loans are generally paid back via weekly ACH payments.

In contrast, traditional term loans are paid back within a fixed term and a set interest rate. While traditional term loans allow you to build business credit and have fixed monthly payments, they come with less flexible terms and rates and penalties may be charged if the loan is paid off early.

4. ACH Loan

ACH loans typically require personal guarantees, and have a fixed repayment schedule that is paid either daily, weekly or monthly. They are a popular funding solution for businesses that do not accept credit cards or want a set repayment schedule.

Whether you need the working capital obtained through an ACH Business Loan for inventory purchases, new hires, employee training, purchasing equipment, or almost anything else for your business, this funding solution can be extremely beneficial.

Unlike traditional business loans, funds from an ACH Business Loan disburse in as little as three business days after being approved for funding.

Additionally, this funding product does not require a minimum credit score to qualify, which means many up and coming businesses or businesses experiencing a rough financial period. Having collateral is not necessary to qualify, so business owners who have poor credit or lack business history can still apply for this great funding solution.

5. Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is a rotating loan,  also known as a “LOC,” that gives business owners access to a fixed amount of money, which they can use day-to-day according to their need for cash. Interest is only paid on the amount of the advance actually used.

There are two types of Business Lines of Credit:

1. Unsecured Business Line of Credit

Unsecured business lines of credit do not require borrowers to pledge any assets as collateral.

As a result, this tends to be a more popular type of business credit line to business owners. However, they are much more risky for the lender, therefore your credit score must be excellent.

In addition, they tend to be smaller with higher interest rates.

2. Secured Business Line of Credit

A secured business line of credit requires business owners to put up assets as collateral in order to obtain the loan.

While lenders do not typically require business owners to pledge assets like property, they will require the collateral in the form of inventory, accounts receivables, and more. Consequently, if you are unable to pay back the loan, your lender will seize your collateral in order to pay the balance.   

Both secured and unsecured business lines of credit will require your business to be in good standing.

Lenders typically prefer to work with businesses that are well-established and in good financial standing, thus proving to the ability to pay back the loan. Depending on the lender, various financial documents will be requested to support this.

Get the capital your home-based business needs. Apply for an unsecured business line of credit with Excel Capital: Apply Now

How to Get a Home-Based Business Loan: What Do you Need to Get Approved?

One of the benefits that come with alternative lending is a fast application and approval process.

Business owners don’t need to fill out or submit  mounds of paperwork, or have to wait months to receive an approval or decline. Once a business has been approved, they can be funded in a little as a week.

The initial documentation is typically enough to get funding, but there are instances when additional documentation may be requested depending on the lender.

The following is the standard business documentation you should have prepared when starting the application process:

  • One-page application
  • Voided check (for your business account)
  • Copies of identification for all owners
  • Proof of ownership Last filed Tax return , By laws for corporation or Articles of Organization for and LLC
  • Proof of EIN – If you do not have a tax return most funders can use a EIN letter or SS4 Letter along with proof of ownership
  • Three months of bank statements
  • Aging AR report if your in an industry where you have billing net 30-90

While not everything may be requested, the more the better here. Getting your documentation ready ahead of time will also speed up the time to fund, allowing you to get the capital you need ASAP.

Acquire a Home-Based Business Loan with Excel Capital

Finding funding for a home based business can be tough.

However, at Excel Capital, we strive to make obtaining funding easier and more convenient for small business owners in need of capital.

The application process is quick and, if approved, you could obtain funding in as little as 24-48 hours.

Click below to start your application:

Apply in minutes, get fast funding for your home-based business: Get Started

Hard Money Business Loans and How One Can Benefit Your Business

Hard Money Business Loans and How They Can Benefit Your Business | Excel Capital Management

If you’re a small business owner, you most certainly are aware of the many reasons why you, or any other entrepreneur for that matter, might need a small business loan. The reasons could range from office renovation, purchasing new inventory, up-dating computers or other equipment, or paying unforeseen taxes and other obligations. Or, maybe business has been so good for you that you found yourself shorthanded and need to hire more people, but don’t have the cash on hand to cover the cost of adding personnel.

For small businesses, just as in any other business, cash is king. Having sufficient operating capital can mean the difference between growing your business and simply standing still. In some cases, it could even be the difference between great success and utter failure. Many small business owners, in the early stages of operation, may not have thought that they could get a loan to keep them going until they prospered. Seasoned business owners could have mistakenly assumed that the only place they could go for a business loan was the banks, and they wouldn’t be successful. Even thriving businesses are recognizing that they could benefit from an influx of cash, and these types of loans could be the answer to their problems. Not to worry! There are options. Consider a Hard Money Business Loan.

What is A Hard Money Business Loan?

document | excel capital management

 

Hard Money Business Loans are a viable alternative to bank loans for providing necessary capital to companies that may be under-capitalized, growing rapidly, in the middle of a turnaround, or highly leveraged. In many cases, a small business might just require a cash infusion for preventing their growth from coming to a standstill or for getting over a financial hurdle. Using your business’ assets could be the key to obtaining the working capital needed for inventory, equipment repairs and purchases, or anything else your business may need. In short, you would be borrowing against your future business income, therefore, gaining access to that revenue sooner rather than later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Can a Hard Money Business Loan Be Used For?

The beautiful thing about a Hard Money Business Loan is that the working capital acquired through it can be used for literally anything as long as it pertains to your business. Many small business owners opt to use their loans for:

  • Business Expenses and Bills
  • Cover The Costs Customers Who Fail to Pay On Time
  • Seasonal Slow-Downs
  • To Fix Cash Flow Problems
  • New Hires and Employee Training
  • Inventory and Equipment Purchases
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Product Manufacturing
  • Office Space
  • Research and Development
  • Unforeseen Circumstances (ie: natural disasters, employee resignations, equipment failure)

 

What Types of Assets Can Be Put Up as Collateral?

auto | excel capital managementHard Money Business Loans, as mentioned, are given to businesses that have shown steady and stable operating history. The business must also possess assets that can be financed and have not been put up as collateral to another lending institution. In addition, the company must not have any serious legal or tax issues which could impact the loan. Here are a few other pieces of information to be aware of:

– Accounts Receivable are the main type of collateral used to obtain an Hard Money Business Loan. Other forms of collateral such as equipment, real estate, inventory, and more can be used depending on the alternative lender’s restrictions and requirements.

– The Hard Money Business Loan amount you are approved for is determined by the value of your collateral/assets. Businesses can generally borrow 75% – 85% of the value of their accounts receivable. If the collateral a business puts up is equipment or inventory, they can generally borrow 50% of the value.

– Most businesses are approved for an Hard Money Business Loan in the amount of $500,000, and this number can exceed well into millions of dollars. Alternative lenders offer far lower interest rates than traditional banks, however, these numbers vary depending on the lender.

 

Applying for a Hard Money Business Loan

You may hear the phrase, “do the due diligence” a lot when researching business loans. In simpler terms, this means doing the necessary research before applying and accepting an offer with a lender. There are thousands of lenders and brokers out there – who can off your a great Hard Money Business Loan. Don’t take everything at face value. Learn as much as you can about each lender you are interested in, compare pricing, read reviews, ask questions, and follow your gut if something just doesn’t seem right. You have the right to protect yourself and your business. The last thing you want to do is put your business in more of a financial bind or have setbacks. Research and knowledge is key. Do your due diligence, and you will be ready to move onto the next step.

Generally, regardless of the industry type, as long as your business has decent financial statements, collateral, customers that pay on time, and reporting systems, obtaining a Hard Money Business Loan shouldn’t be too difficult. An added benefit is that this type of funding solution comes with regular fixed payments and lower interest rates compared to a traditional bank loan. This means less worries and more time to focus on your business and its success!  

Typically, most lenders that offer Hard Money Business Loans only require minimal paperwork in order to present your business with an initial approval. As mentioned, your business’ bank account can even be funded in as little as three business days! Here is a list of items to have ready when applying.

  • Completed application provided by your chosen lender
  • Four months of recent business bank statements
  • Four months of recent credit card processing statements (if your business accepts credit cards)
  • Clear copies of identification for all business owners
  • Voided check for the business bank account that is to be funded

Keep in mind, that because this type of loan is asset-based, additional documentation will be required, however, it is still much less than traditional bank requirements.Many Hard Money Business Loans have $750,000 to $1,000,000 in collateral requirements.

For more information on Hard Money Business Loans, contact one of Excel Capital Management’s funding specialists at 877-880-8086 or APPLY NOW!

TrakLoans: How They Can Help Your Small Business

TrakLoans: How They Can Help Your Small Business | Excel Capital Management

As a business owner, you understand the importance of having the working capital necessary to grow your business and achieve success. Whether business is booming and you need capital for inventory purchases, expansion, new hires, and training, or you run into some cash flow issues over time and need it to these problems, most businesses will apply for funding at some point. You’re probably a little familiar with many of the alternative funding solutions we offer such as Merchant Cash Advances, Business Lines of Credit, Term Loans, and more, but now, we’d like to introduce to you the TrakLoan.

TrakLoans are a flexible, cash-flow friendly way to access small business capital fast. These loans work particularly well for businesses whose owners value having the amount they remit fluctuate with their daily payment card receivables. TrakLoans are also a stress-free funding solutions because instead of sending a large payment amount once a month, a flat percentage of your business’ credit and debit card sales are automatically remitted on a daily basis. That being said, a larger payment amount is only sent on busy sales days rather than slower days. Additionally, these types of loans have no maturity date and no fixed payment amounts. Thanks to this process, business owners can stay 100% focused on growing their business rather than repaying a loan. There are no checks to write or harassing phone calls coming to your business. The payment process stops automatically once the TrakLoan is repaid in full.

To add to the benefits, unlike traditional banks and lenders, alternative financing companies, such as Excel Capital Management, that offer TrakLoans have minimum qualification requirements. All that is required to get started is a completed one-page application form. No personal collateral is needed to qualify, and poor credit is not a deal breaker. For more information on TrakLoans,  APPLY NOW!

Funding: Venture Capital vs. Working Capital

Funding: Venture Capital vs. Working Capital

Most business owners will apply for some sort of capital at least once over the business’ lifetime. This capital can be used for various reasons at various stages of the business life cycle: business start-up, expansion, equipment, purchases, hiring, etc.. When it comes to the growth of any business, money is essential.  What the capital is being used for determines just what type of capital it is – venture or working – and how one goes about acquiring it. No matter what though, as a business owner it is important to do your homework and know what type of funding you are applying for and how it can affect your bottom line in the long run. Let’s take a look at the difference between venture and working capital funding and the funding process for each.

VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING

Venture Capital is normally sought after by up and coming business owners that are early in the life cycle of their endeavors  – startups and seed stage – but can also be used by business owners who are later in the business cycle but are looking to fund new ideas. If these types of business owners can’t get the money from a friend or family member who believes in their idea (business means big bucks, and a lot of times close acquaintances just can’t help out) they are usually able to do so through a Venture Capital investor who strongly backs their business plan. What complicates this process is the fact that most investors will want to see revenue generated for the long-term. They are now part owner and in it for the long haul just like the main business owner themselves, generally looking for a return of at least 5x their initial investment amount.  

Venture Capital investors or companies will analyze to see if there is a market for a business owner’s idea. If they feel that your business won’t be success, they most likely won’t take the risk of investing any money into it at all. Their goal is to see a big profit and have a hand in many major business decisions. It’s usually not simply a labor of love. Expect for investors to ask for a C-Level title and/or seat on your board of directors if you have one. At the very least, they will usually ask to be an “owner.” This results in relinquishing full control, ownership and an agreed upon percentage of future earning until you have enough capital to buy them out.

When it comes to qualifications, Venture Capital investors or companies typically only fund businesses in the amount of $1M or more, and also only fund specific industries which puts limitations on many business owners. They tend to look for big industry-specific companies with big, commercial ideas, a strong team, and some existing momentum and paying customers. This can be great, however, if you are just starting out, run a company on your own, or don’t necessarily have the plan to back up such a large sum of money, this can prove to be extremely overwhelming. Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital funding company highlights the specifics of these qualifications in their article Critical Factors for Obtaining Venture Funding. Aside from all of  this, finding a reputable investor in itself can be a tough task. You should always do extensive research to ensure the investor has you and your business’ best interests at heart. Vivek Wadhwa’s article, Venture Capital: The Good, The Bad, and Ugly on Bloomberg.com highlights some other important factors when it comes to considering Venture Capital. Check it out.

WORKING CAPITAL FUNDING

Working capital is sought after by business owners for any number of reasons during any stage of the business’ lifetime – including the startup stage (normally lenders require a business must be operating for at least 3 months, but this can still be considered the startup stage). The capital is usually used for equipment purchases, new hires, expansion, inventory, and more. While lenders generally do care about the product or service the business offers, what business owners do with the capital (within reason) is their business. They are no way, shape or form now an owner after funding a company and don’t require that you list them as an owner, sponsor, or member of your board of directors. You make all of the business decision and once the funding is paid back their is no further obligations.

Typically, to qualify for working capital funding by a lender, a business owner must provide 4 months of recent bank and credit card statements (if applicable) to show their ability to pay back the advanced money. This capital acquired is generally structured as either a loan with fixed payback terms and fees or a purchase of future receivables at a discount rather than an investment expected to generate 5x the initial amount. Most business owners sleep a little better knowing this much and even reach out for additional capital numerous times over the course of their business’ lifetime. Lenders tend to develop genuine and trusting working relationships with many business owners and offer various financing solutions to work harmoniously with a business.

At Excel Capital Management, we offer many different financing products to help you obtain the Working Capital your business needs to grow! Our funding specialists will work diligently to ensure that you receive the best products available to achieve business success!
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