Business Lending for startups: Securing capital without established revenue history
- Trinity Consultings
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Starting a company is a courageous choice, and finding financial assistance without revenues can be one of the most significant difficulties you will face as a startup. Business lending like banks rarely lend to new businesses because of the risks. Yet there are numerous alternative lending solutions and creative ways for startups to access the capital to expand their businesses, even without revenues.
1. The challenges of lending to startups
When lending, lenders typically evaluate a business's operating history, revenue track record, and creditworthiness. Startups have little or no operating history, revenues, or financial statements, making qualifying for bank or traditional lending very challenging. The startup must demonstrate its potential through other means, such as a solid business plan or opportunity, and the founder's own good personal credit.
2. The Alternative Lenders
Alternative lenders offer alternatives for some sources of nontraditional financing that allow a startup to surpass the revenue hurdle.
Personal Loans: A lot of founders use their personal credit cards to get money and then reinvest to grow their business.
Business Credit Cards: While there is not a great way to manage cashflow and even purchase smaller things, interest rates can be very high.
Venture Capital and Angel Investing: A fantastic option for a high growth industry startup, with investors up fronting money for stock/equity in the business.
Revenue-based Financing: A financing type that is repaid based on a future revenue generated surprise, it's often an option for businesses just starting.
Microloans and Exist Grant Programs: With as many organizations and programs providing small loans and grants for early-stage companies (so those organizations/ program exist).
3. Secured Borrowing
Secured loans can be solid options for startups. The collateral for secured loans can be things like machinery, inventory, or personal assets. Having collateral allows the lender to take less risk, thus increasing the likelihood they approve of the loan. While this can be a personal risk with your assets, it is common to get a better deal and bigger loans.
4. Making Credibility with No Revenue
Startups can still assist in making a strong loan application even when they have no revenue.
Create a very good business plan and analysis of the market.
Demonstrate some expertise and highlighting management experience in the business.
Communicate some evidence of demand (e.g. pre-orders, signed contracts, or letters of intent).
Present a strong personal credit score and a history of being financially responsible.
Develop and establish business credit early through vendor accounts or trade lines.
5. Commercial Loan Advisors
Partnering with a consulting firm like Trinity Consultings usually helps every entrepreneur with Lifestyle Financing and improves the chances of raising capital since these firms know how Lifestyle Financing works and can direct the entrepreneur toward the best source of financing for their Lifestyle Business. They provide assistance with capital applications and capital reporting documentation, and they assist the entrepreneur in finding investors.
Conclusion
Finding financing for a startup without a revenue history can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Entrepreneurs Trintiy Consultings can raise capital by looking for alternative sources of lending, by using their own capital or a secured capital loan, or with professional help. Startups can get the finances they need to launch and grow viable businesses.
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