Five small business loans that don’t need security

How to borrow money without laying down your property as security.

Small business loans help entrepreneurs meet financial obligations. However, lenders often require that you put down property as security for repayments. Not every business owner is in a position to do so.

Fortunately, business owners can apply for loans without putting up their assets as security. Lenders evaluate the strength of your business and will approve an amount based on their assessment. Besides sound business structure, you also need to show bank statements and a reasonably good credit history.

Which lenders offer loans without security?

Both banks and alternative lenders offer loan products that don’t require property as security. Rates, fees and loan terms differ depending on the institution, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best combination of these factors.

Alternative lenders are generally more relaxed with their lending criteria. If you have a negative credit history or serious cash flow problems, these providers may have a more varied portfolio of products suited to your situation.

What loan types are available?

Lenders offer a few different types of business financing that doesn't require security, whether it be in the form of real estate or something else. Consider the following types to see which one might work best for your business:

• Unsecured business loan

The lender will consider the financial health of your business and whether or not you’re in a position to make repayments. The minimum and maximum amounts vary depending on the lender, but the loan amount depends on the lender’s assessment of your business. Online lenders such as OnDeck can approve same-day deposits of up to $150,000 with loan terms it feels you can afford.

Providers such as Kikka Capital have an online application process with no paperwork required. Your business is evaluated through credit assessment technology and you pay no establishment or monthly fees.

Repayment periods are usually short, ranging from three months to three years. The quicker you repay this loan, the more you save on interest and the better your credit profile. Lenders will more readily grant another loan to a responsible borrower.

• Invoice factoring

Invoice factoring lets you borrow against outstanding invoices and repay the loan once your clients honour those invoices. This is a quick, easy way to fix a business’s cash flow problems without putting up property as collateral.

Depending on the company, you can have the money in your account within one business day of the application. This kind of funding can be an option for when you’re unable to fill an order because of a cash shortage.

• Purchase order financing

If you’re having trouble filling an order because of cash flow problems, you can apply for a loan where the lender pays your suppliers on your behalf. The supplier ships the order to your customer who pays the lender, and any profit from the transaction is deposited into your account.

Instead of demanding property as security, purchase order financing is granted based on your business profile, the risk of the orders, your clients’ and suppliers’ reputations and experience in the industry.

Besides providing financial breathing room, purchase order financing helps you take on bigger orders, increase turnover and streamline the supply chain. This boosts your business’s profile, thereby extending your customer base and eventually enhancing profits.

• Trade finance

Similar to purchase order financing, a trade finance loan pays your supplier on your behalf so that you can deliver an order to your customer. You then repay the lender within the agreed-upon period.

Lenders work with foreign exchange partners to find the best interest rates, usually more competitive than those offered by traditional banks. Maximum loan amounts differ, with some lenders offering up to $5 million depending on the order. Repayment is made over a period of 120 days.

Available as a revolving line of credit, trade finance helps small businesses fulfill their orders without putting up their own assets as collateral. This type of loan can be ideal for businesses with suppliers and overseas customers. The lender acts as a third-party financier to facilitate the business deal while you get on with fulfilling the order.

• Equipment finance

If you’re struggling with old or damaged equipment, you can apply for finance to purchase business equipment. Instead of demanding assets as collateral, lenders take into account the strength of your business and anticipated cash flow when considering your application.

Depending on the lender, you can get different loan types to finance a rental lease, financial lease or hire purchase. You then enter into a tailored contract to repay the loan over the agreed-upon period. Lenders like Capital Finance allow the option to purchase additional equipment during the loan and then adjust the repayment terms accordingly.

Acquiring a business loan doesn’t have to mean risking your property. Several traditional and alternative lenders grant funding based on financial health and projected income to boost your business.

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