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BUSINESS FINANCE

5 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Small Business Startup Loans

Entrepreneurs need to carefully evaluate funding options by considering associated risks, capital costs, eligibility requirements, ownership control, and repayment terms.

Paul Raymond · Contributor·26 June 2017·4 min read

Associated Risks

Different funding sources carry distinct hazards. Debt financing exposes borrowers to penalties for late payments and potential asset loss if used as collateral. Alternatively, borrowing from personal networks risks damaging relationships, while grants impose regulatory constraints that could convert them into repayable obligations.

Cost of Capital

Interest rates significantly impact business profitability in debt-financing arrangements. Equity financing eliminates debt liability but requires sharing company ownership, potentially leading to loss of control through hostile takeovers. Grants demand adherence to specific regulations and may obligate you to hire certain employee numbers or participate in unwanted activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Lenders evaluate credit scores, payment histories, business risk assessments and repayment capacity before approval.

Control

Debt financing preserves complete business ownership after loan repayment, whereas equity financing dilutes management authority and requires sharing sensitive business information with external shareholders.

Repayment Terms

Long-term loans distribute payments across extended periods, reducing cash-flow strain despite higher total interest costs. Short-term loans demand substantial instalments, potentially forcing continuous debt renewal. Select based on your financial stability and business needs.

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