What is a Term Loan, and How Can You Secure One?
A term loan is a traditional loan that entrepreneurs can use to grow a small business. Term loans offer an upfront cash infusion with monthly payback terms over a specified period.
This post will explain term loans and how business owners can use them. After reading this post, you’ll fully understand how term loans work and how they can help you achieve your business goals.
Term Loan Definition
Businesses require working capital to buy the assets needed to produce their goods and services. The working capital requirements for businesses are often more significant than the amount of cash available to the company. A term loan can help fund these capital requirements.
A term loan typically has set payments (usually monthly) and a maturity date when the recipient must pay off the loan. The entire loan term length is generally for more than one year. Term loans can pay for fixed assets, but some businesses may use them for day-to-day operations.
Usually, term financing comes in the form of a bank loan, which can cause some delays in the funding process. Most bankers will evaluate your credit and sales history as they want to work with established businesses with good credit.
Next, you’ll negotiate whether the interest rate will be fixed or a variable rate. Usually, fixed interest works well when the prevailing interest rates are low.
A variable rate may be worthwhile when there are higher interest rates, as you can negotiate the rate below the current interest rate. Ask your lender if you can have a rate cap implemented to keep the payment affordable.
How Do Small Business Term Loans Work?
When you seek out a term loan, the lender agrees to give you a lump sum of cash in exchange for future payments. These payments are usually monthly, but you can work out other arrangements. You’ll agree on the interest rate, the maturity date, and whether there are any reset rate provisions.
Many business owners use this type of loan to fund the purchase of fixed assets such as equipment or other assets. When deciding how long to structure a term loan, always factor in the asset’s life. If assets depreciate quickly and you still owe money, it may cause problems paying back the loan later.
For example, let’s say you use a term loan to buy a used vehicle to deliver products. If the loan term is for eight years and the car only lasts six, you’ll be paying off a loan for something that no longer produces economic value. This concept is known as being upside down.
The solution to this problem is to pursue a short-term loan or choose longer-lasting assets. Luckily, assets such as cars are likely to last longer than six years. However, if you must spend significant money on maintaining an older vehicle, you’ll benefit less from the loan.
The Pros and Cons of Term Loans for Business Owners
Every financing option has advantages and disadvantages, and term loans are no exception. Once you understand the pros and cons of term loans, you’ll feel more confident pursuing this funding option.
Advantages of Term Loans
Potential for Additional Income: Term loans can provide funding for needed fixed assets or equipment. These assets can generate income, which the business owner can use to pay off the loan.
Low Monthly Down Payments: Receiving a term loan with low monthly payments will help you buy more assets without exhausting your cash flow.
Less Strict Credit Requirements: You don’t need excellent personal or business credit to qualify. A credit score of around 650 should be enough to be eligible for a term loan. However, higher credit scores will attract better loan rates and terms.
Added Cash Flow: A term loan can help grow a business when fixed-assets suppliers aren’t willing to extend credit. Due to this, your business won’t have to wait for cash reserves to fund the purchases of assets.
Potential for Increased Returns: When used correctly, this type of leverage can boost your company’s returns. By buying assets that produce economic value, the leverage factor can help you buy more.
Ability to Maintain Ownership: Businesses can secure a significant amount of capital without losing equity. Conversely, venture capital companies that fund large sums will require a part of the equity in a company. Losing equity means losing some control over your business.
Disadvantages of Term Loans
Hard to Qualify For: Banks are the dominant provider of term loans, but they are also the most difficult to obtain.
Collateral Often Required: Banks may require collateral and personal guarantees to provide term loans to business owners. Due to this, there won’t be any protection against bankers going after personal assets.
Variable Rates: Bankers may not be willing to lend at fixed interest rates. Variable rates can cause payments to be out of reach for business owners. However, businesses can negotiate interest rate caps.
Potential for Loss: If the assets bought from the loan amount don’t produce value, and there are several months left on the term loan, the business owner may be upside down. Therefore, the business is paying money for no value.
Potential Prepayment Penalties: Some term loans come with prepay penalties. If you want to pay off the loan before its maturity date, you might pay hefty fees. Although you paid it off earlier than needed, this will increase the total cost of the loan.
How to Obtain a Term Loan
As mentioned, banks aren’t usually open to funding small businesses. They’ll require both a business and personal credit check. In addition, they typically prefer established companies that have been operational for two years or more.
Before applying for a business loan, you’ll need to determine the bank’s annual revenue requirements. When speaking to a banker, confirm that you understand everything on the term sheet before signing. You’ll also need to know whether the rate is fixed or variable and if the loan is secured or unsecured. Usually, bankers won’t fund unstructured long-term loans due to the risk.
However, pursuing a bank loan isn’t your only funding option. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides SBA loans to business owners who can’t secure traditional financing. In addition, online lenders also offer small business loans and usually offer a faster, more lenient funding process.
Conclusion: Consider Term Loans for Your Small Business
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand term loans. Obtaining term loans can be a good option for expanding your business, especially if you’re pursuing growth opportunities.
Before you start the application process, take time to consider the following:
What are your financing needs? You should know how you’ll use business financing to improve your business.
Are you able to responsibly repay the loan? Before taking out a loan, you should be confident in your ability to pay off your loan on time.
Have you researched other types of funding? Although term loans are a practical funding option, you should weigh your options. For example, some business owners pursue business lines of credit, credit cards, or merchant cash advances. These options are different from term loans, so it’s essential to do thorough research.
Editor’s Note: This post was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in April 2022.
Since 2008, Fora Financial has distributed $4 billion to 55,000 businesses. Click here or call (877) 419-3568 for more information on how Fora Financial's working capital solutions can help your business thrive.
