Loans are not just for a new car or a couple’s first home. They can also be for small business owners. A loan can be very beneficial for a small business owner to accomplish everything from upgrades to day-to-day operations. In this article, the experts at Associates Home Loan will go over six reasons every small business owner needs a loan.
1. Cover Start-Up Costs
For many small businesses, start-up costs are one of the biggest obstacles to getting off the ground. Not having the cash available to cover the costs of inventory, marketing, or even office space can be a death knell for a small business before it even starts. A loan can give you the boost you need to get your business up and running.
2. Purchase New Equipment or Supplies
According to Forbes, equipment and supplies make up 20-25% of all small business expenses, so it’s essential to factor in these costs when you’re budgeting for your business. But even with a solid budget, you may need new equipment or supplies to keep up with the demand of a growing business.
But if you don’t have the cash on hand to make those purchases, you could find yourself falling behind your competition or being stuck paying ridiculously high-interest rates on a credit card. A loan can help you get the necessary equipment or supplies without breaking the bank.
3. Hire Help
One of the best signs of growth in a business is realizing you can no longer do it all yourself. You have to hire help. But hiring employees comes with a whole host of costs.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the average cost of hiring an employee is about $3,000. This includes things like salaries, benefits, and training. And that’s just for a single employee! The costs can add up quickly if you’re hiring a team of employees. A loan can help you cover these costs, allowing you to focus on running your business.
4. Expand Your Business
When you are ready to take your business to the next level, Associates Home Loan believes the right loan can be a powerful tool. Expanding a business into a new space or market can be costly, and you may need some extra cash to make your vision a reality.
When figuring how much you’ll need for the expansion, consider the costs of renovations, new inventory, or even marketing to let people know you’re in a new location. Having this information ahead of time will help the process move quickly and efficiently.
5. Take advantage of opportunities
In business, timing is everything. Unexpected opportunities can come up when you least expect them, and being prepared with access to a loan can mean the difference between hitting it big or watching your competition take the lead.
For example, let’s say you hear about a new real estate opportunity that could be perfect for your business, but the purchase needs to be made quickly. If you don’t have the cash on hand, you may have to miss out on the opportunity.
6. Weather a downturn
Even the most successful businesses can experience times of hardship or a slow period. Whether it’s a seasonal lull or an unexpected crisis, having a loan can help you weather the storm and keep your business running until things pick up again.
A loan can also keep staff on the books during a slow period, which creates loyal team members and positive company culture.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons small business owners may need a loan, and there’s no shame in admitting you need a little help to keep your business running smoothly. Loans can be used for various purposes, from covering start-up costs to hiring new employees, and can help you take advantage of opportunities or weather a downturn. So if you’re a small business owner, don’t hesitate to explore your loan options! You may be surprised at how much a loan can help your business grow.
