(translation for bedriftlan: business loan)

Many small business owners, contractors, and freelance or self-employed workers need funds to get their businesses off and running. Some will need to rent an office space, obtain equipment, buy materials, merely get themself set up to function adequately.

Some will pursue lan til bedrift uten sikkerhet or loans for businesses without collateral or an unsecured business line of credit. These are different in that the loan is either a small business or a personal loan with a determinant interest designated monthly installments and a predetermined repayment period.

A business line of credit offer can be borrowed against time and again for virtually any purpose up to a specific cap without a need to secure the funds with a valuable asset. 

The eligibility criteria vary per lender, but commonly loan providers review the business credit score, how long the business has been in operation, and the overall yearly revenue. Let’s look more in-depth at business lines of credit that don’t require collateral.

The Fundamentals Of An Unsecured Business Line Of Credit

An unsecured business line of credit is different from a business loan in that it is continuously available for borrowing. In contrast, a business loan has a set repayment date with no capacity to borrow further from the product unless the loan is refinanced.

The line of credit is comparable to a business credit card as the owner can use the funds available as needed in increments, whereas a business loan’s funds will be provided in a lump sum. Interest with a line of credit is only charged with funds that are in use. 

These products are available from traditional banking institutions and in the online lending platform, with limits ranging from “as low as $2000 to as great as $200,000.”

With unsecured business lines of credit, because loan providers don’t require valuable assets to secure the funds, it is usually necessary for the borrower to sign a personal guarantee. 

That places the business owner personally liable for the business debt if repayments are delayed or missed. These are relatively typical when a company is newly starting, and the loan provider has concerns about stability. 

Once approved, a borrower is issued a credit cap with money borrowed through a specific borrowing period. You have the capacity to withdraw as needed according to the lender’s terms which can involve monthly or weekly repayments.

What Renders A Business Owner Eligible For An Unsecured Business Line Of Credit

Lenders review business and sometimes personal financial and credit details when assessing for an unsecured business line of credit. The loan providers each use specific criteria as a metric to compare your business. 

Some qualifiers that the financial institutions consider include the length of operation, credit score both for the business and privately, and the company cash flow. 

Those only starting will usually receive a smaller line of credit until a credit profile is developed if approved. This limit could be increased based on proof of financial stability as time goes on. Consider these criteria when looking to lenders for unsecured business lines of credit.

• How long has your company been in operation

One of the primary factors loan providers consider when determining an unsecured business line of credit is years of operating in the industry. The lender wants to see a degree of stability in the field for a specific period, and usually, longevity implies that.

Competition is fierce in most industries, with many businesses finding it difficult to stay afloat longer than a year. Many lending agencies will see two years as promising, and some will look favorably at a company that has been steady for as little as six months.

Someone newly starting might attempt to establish themselves in the sector, developing a solid network and a sound reputation with a profitable operation for several months before trying to approach lenders.

• Personal and business credit scores are considered

Predominantly the personal FICO score is considered when applying for a business loan, and that’s true for an unsecured business line of credit. These range “as low as 300 and go up to 850.” The lender finds those with the highest scores less of a risk and is more willing to offer products to these borrowers.

The providers view low scores as a red flag in the sense that these clients are less financially responsible, with the potential for having challenges with repayments in their history. 

Those with defaults in their profile will have more difficulty. If the loan is not rejected, there will be a much higher interest to offset the presented risk.

Some lending agencies will want to check the business credit score aside from the personal one. That’s typical if the request is for a substantial amount. FICO offers a Small Business Scoring Service.” Establishing and building a favorable credit profile and the score is wise if you hope to have access to significant funds.

• You should have a valid business banking account

The lending agency will need to see a valid business banking account that’s sound when applying for a business line of credit with no collateral. The provider will assess the day-to-day activity and balance along with the overall account status. Overdrafts and returned checks are frowned upon by lending agencies.

They want to see a positive cash flow implying regular profit leading the provider to believe the investment is worthwhile. 

Final Thought

Small business owners, contract workers, self-employed or freelancers all have the conundrum of startup expenses that will either come out of pocket or via unsecured loans, lines of credit, and credit cards. Visit here for tips on getting a small business loan without collateral.

When shopping for lenders in the early stages of operation, the priority is to first research the eligibility criteria for each provider.

A strong business plan will be a vital component of the application process. This presents initiatives and objectives that can expand what you’ve created to this point. You’ll need to have a solid footing in the industry presently, with roughly six months of solid operation.

When the lender sees longevity, that equates to stability. The provider will consider you a worthwhile risk if you have favorable credit and financial profiles plus good cash flow. The determining factor on a borrowing limit and interest rate will be your personal credit score and that of the business.

As a newly starting business, you’ll need to sign a personal guarantee holding you liable if the repayments are not made. A promise is more friendly than putting a valuable asset on the line as collateral to secure the funds.