Small Business Line of Credit Type of Financing
Find Out How Much Cash Your Business Could Receive
Funding That Gives Your Business Fiscal Flexibility
Business owners seeking financial flexibility should consider a small business line of credit. A small business line of credit provides cash that you can put towards your business expansion plans or other cash flow funding needs. You only pay back what you borrow. The ability to obtain funds repeatedly, without reapplying, can empower small businesses to take on high-growth strategies with minimal disruption.
How a Small Business Line of Credit Works
Instead of receiving a lump sum once and paying it back, a small business line of credit sets a maximum borrowing limit. For example, if your credit line extends to $100,000, but you only need $10,000, you’d still have $90,000 available. You can continue to draw from that $90,000 or pay some of the $10,000 back and increase your available line of credit.
In many ways, a small business line of credit is a bit like having a credit card:
- There is a limit to how much you can spend.
- You have specific repayment terms.
- The funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Unlike a credit card, a small business line of credit will:
- Provide a simple repayment strategy.
- Offer ready cash.
- Typically give you access to a higher available balance.
Differences Between Lines of Credit and Traditional Loans
With a traditional bank loan, a business receives a certain amount of money and repays it, plus interest, over a fixed timeframe. The interest rate is determined by a variety of factors, ranging from FICO score to cash flow. Usually, traditional lenders ask for a wide range of documents to determine the risk of the loan. The result can be a long and complex borrowing process.
A small business line of credit establishes a base of funds a business can pull from as needed. This flexibility allows you to borrow capital up to your limit at any given time and pay it back gradually. From there, you can continue to use the small business line of credit if you make your payments and don’t exceed your credit limit. Essentially, a line of credit is an ongoing resource to help you sustain and grow your business.
Differences Between Lines of Credit and QuickBridge Loans
QuickBridge specializes in short-term financing, with funding amounts up to $500K and loan terms anywhere from three to 18 months. QuickBridge offers fast processing times and minimal requirements compared to traditional banks, yet we don’t offer business lines of credit.
While a line of credit is an ongoing resource, a QuickBridge loan has a set financing amount and set terms. QuickBridge financing solutions are best suited for business owners who need cash quickly, whether for a new opportunity or unexpected expense. It’s an ideal option for business owners who have short-term projects and want to manage their cash flow.
Pros and Cons of a Small Business Line of Credit
A business line of credit can be valuable in many circumstances. But it isn’t always the best financing option. In addition, they can be difficult to qualify for if you have a bad business credit profile. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of obtaining a small business line of credit:
Pros
- Using all your available credit is not required.
- You may end up with more net funding as you gradually make payments.
- There is less debt risk because you pay back only what you use.
Cons
- Self-management is required for the small business line of credit.
- Net costs are usually higher than a comparable loan due to fees.
- You must resist using available credit on things you don’t need.
Small Business Line of Credit Borrowing Requirements
Because of their flexibility, a small business line of credit often comes with varied requirements and terms. These requirements differ based on the nuances of how the loan is structured, which is often a matter of the lender’s specific funding strategies. As such, businesses must carefully consider their options. Lenders will have different demands, with diverse choices in areas such as:
- Maximum amount of funding available.
- Service and repayment options.
- Borrower credit qualifications.
- Amount of time funds will be available.
- Duration of fund repayment period.
- Whether the loan is secured or unsecured.
Uses for a Small Business Line of Credit
Businesses can leverage a line of credit for a wide range of purposes, including:
Working Capital
A small business line of credit can be an ideal source of capital to bridge cash flow gaps. For example, seasonal businesses could use a line of credit to get through slower times. This financing strategy lets them use only what they need, rather than taking out a higher-dollar loan. Any business that occasionally needs small amounts of capital can benefit from a small business line of credit to help support day-to-day operations.
Funding for Growth Strategies
It can be difficult to determine how much funding is required to expand your business. Whether you want to launch a new marketing strategy, purchase inventory, or otherwise invest in your business’s growth, a small business line of credit can help. It provides you with funding without forcing you to settle on a specific amount upfront.
Responding to Unexpected Circumstances
How flexible is your business if a sudden large-scale opportunity emerges? How resilient is your organization when facing unexpected adversity? Small business lines of credit can help you quickly react.
Getting Business Financing with QuickBridge
While QuickBridge does not offer business lines of credit, we do have loan options aimed specifically at small business owners. Our product may be better suited to your business needs. Let us get to know you and your business so we can help you make the best funding decision possible. Contact us to get started today.
Choose QuickBridge for Your Business Lending Solutions
Simple application process
Business loans of up to $500K
Receive funds within days
No hidden fees
Early payoff discounts
Flexible loan term options