Expert Tips for Securing Your First Small Business Loan

You’ve done it! Like the more than 538,000 Arizona entrepreneurs out there, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, you acted on that brilliant small business idea, created a company and now your firm is successfully up and running. As your financing needs grow, you’re likely to consider arranging a source of credit. What to do?

As a small business owner seeking to borrow for the first time, consider these valuable tips as you shape plans to grow and expand your company:

• Know your credit score and the credit profiles of your business partners. Personal credit profiles are integral to any type of business credit request. Be sure your credit is in good standing and, if you have business partners, have frank and honest conversations with them about their credit status. Your credit profile – and those of your business partners – will be evaluated when you request a small business loan or line of credit.

• Be aware that start-ups may find securing a loan challenging. Most banks prefer a business to have been operating for a few years before they’ll consider offering a loan. That means start-ups and relatively new businesses typically need to secure loans from sources other than a traditional bank.

• The good news is, the economy is trending in your favor. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer reporting agency may not report negative information that is more than seven years old. This means that past credit delinquencies don’t permanently impact one’s credit score. Like most states, Arizona was hit hard by the Great Recession. But negative credit implications started falling off credit reports in about 2015, again making it easier for small businesses to arrange new credit.

• Cash businesses are under a microscope. If your business typically handles cash, be ready to explain where your cash originates and how funds flow. This is becoming a growing area of scrutiny as banks and regulators work to curb money laundering. So be prepared to provide very detailed information about how your money is handled.

• Don’t be overly aggressive on tax deductions. Many small business owners are tempted to maximize tax deductions for their business to minimize reportable income. However, it’s incredibly important to appropriately report your income. That information is ultimately what is used to determine your company’s ability to repay a loan.

• Consider a business credit card. Business credit cards are an increasingly popular tool for business owners to not only separate business expenses, but also to cover unforeseen business costs that may not warrant a traditional small business loan. Many banks offer commercial credit cards designed to provide a revolving line of credit upon credit approval. Some commercial credit cards offer important features including the ability to streamline payables by acting as a purchasing card.

Depending on your unique business situation you’ll likely have other questions besides these, so why not talk with an expert? In addition to small business loans¹, Alliance Bank of Arizona offers a full suite of services tailored to Arizona businesses. For more information about how Alliance Bank of Arizona can help you grow your business, call us at (602) 389-3500.