By Fernando Berrocal

‍

Do you want to launch a startup, but lack the funds to do so?  Are you concerned about the debt and interest rates that come with standard loans? A microloan for your small business may be the best solution. Microloans are smaller-than-average loans.  They range between $4,000 and $6,000.  Microloans can be implemented for a range of purposes associated with initial operations of your new business. Thus, this type of loan is ideal for newly established startups.

‍

‍

Microloans are short-term loans with lower interest rates; another aspect that makes them ideal for small businesses.  They are typically granted to independent, local businesses, or startups that require a modest sum of capital. The most well-known lenders of microloans (also known as “microlenders”) are nonprofit organizations.  They frequently give microloans to women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and minority business owners.  These organizations are ultimately motivated to help struggling entrepreneurs.  These types of loans typically have a maximum amount of $50,000, and can be used to expand an existing firm or launch a new one. In addition to loans, many of these microlenders also provide coaching, business training, and other types of assistance for entrepreneurs.

‍

Although they have a similar end objective, microloans and traditional business loans differ in many ways. Microloans are not provided by conventional banks or financial institutions; instead, are given by trustworthy individuals, non-profit organizations, or other lenders. In general, microloans give business owners the working cash they require–at a fair price. This kind of funding is accessible to cover costs, entrepreneurial ideas, and business development.  Similar to a regular loan, microloans also have to be paid back over a certain period (with a specific interest rate).

‍

Some microlenders may place restrictions on who is eligible for loans in terms of loan amounts. The following limitations are the most frequent: launch of a business, working capital (stock or supply purchases), protection of recurring costs, etc.

‍

‍

Microloans might be a wonderful alternative if you are having trouble receiving a loan. These are more favored by independent contractors, consultants, and entrepreneurs since they have fewer qualifying requirements. They can assist you in establishing credit–and building eligibility for other lending options in the future. Veterans, women, people with disabilities, and anybody else who has previously had trouble getting funding should consider microloans.

‍

Qualifying for a Microloan

‍

The microloan requirements for startups may vary amongst different microlenders. The majority of them will evaluate your capacity and eagerness to repay. Your credit rating, business revenue, and other sources of income will be evaluated. In the following paragraphs, we will go into more detail about qualifying for a microloan.

‍

• Making a "Business Plan" is important since many microlenders will examine if your business is committed to expanding and whether you qualify for a loan. This strategy outlines your startup's objectives, revenue sources, and stakeholders. It also outlines your customer-facing strategy and the various tools you might use to support your business. You will learn more stuff than you do now through this formal approach. A detailed plan is necessary for the acceptance of microloans and the organizational health of your business.

‍

• Providing microlenders with a clear credit report. In comparison to other types of lenders, microlenders are less concerned about the credit history of the applicant. Businesses with no credit history, startups, and those in the process of restructuring their finances can apply for this. Making sure your credit report is in great condition will optimize your chances of loan approval–and getting the best interest rate.

‍

‍

• Offering a "personal guarantee" or a collateral is crucial (in some cases). Microloans are frequently available to small businesses with poor or no credit.  To qualify, you might need to offer security, or a personal guarantee. If the collateral is requested, the lender may ask you to sign a formal guarantee over a piece of personal property in exchange for your payments. If the value of your property is less than the amount, the lender could ask you to provide a personal guarantee. Any assets, savings, or investments can then be seized by the lender as payment. You might need a cosigner to approve your loan. Whether you can offer collateral or are prepared to sign a guarantee will depend on your personal situation.

‍

The Best Microloans for Small Businesses and Startups

‍

Start locally when determining which microloans to apply for. Nonprofits frequently have ties to the areas where they operate. They may only consider submissions from companies based in a certain state or county. Restrictions may also apply to microloans. Government guarantees, grants, and donations are essential for many nonprofit organizations. It varies yearly on how many loans they give and how much you may borrow. In the following list, we will go into depth about some of them.

‍

• The nonprofit organization Accion USA gives individuals access to financial resources to support the expansion of their businesses. It's the largest network of micro-lending institutions in the nation and has made close to 50,000 loans for a combined $450 million. They can also get their money from businesses with which they have corporate partnerships. It's committed to educating the communities it serves (and its borrowers) about entrepreneurship. These loans have a maximum loan amount of $1,000,000, allowing them to offer both microloans and microlending.

‍

• The Opportunity Fund is a microlender that provides loans to women and minorities who would not otherwise be eligible. You could be qualified for credit of up to $250,000; and, within one to five years, the loan must be returned. The funds may be used for a variety of things, such as leasing additional office space, refinancing debt, lease renovations, working capital, and office equipment financing. The approval procedure moves rapidly, and you will be informed of the status of your application within three to five business days.

‍

• LiftFund is a top intermediary lender to the SBA microloan program. It’s also a major micro-lending institution, lending over $210,000,000 to business owners across 13 states. They offer loans from $500 to $1,000,000 and are also very active in microlending, as their microloan can be used for any purpose, including inventory, equipment, and real estate purchases. Remember that, if you are financing a startup, you must prove that you have other income sources to repay the loan. This could include spousal income, another job, or other income.

‍

For business owners that simply want a little amount of funding, these sorts of loans might be a fantastic alternative. Depending on your credit score, your organization’s financial state, and your credit history, microloans can be simple - or challenging- to obtain. A business credit card might be a viable alternative to a microloan if you don't meet the requirements. High credit limits, low-interest rates, and the chance to earn incentives and cashback are all features of many businesses' credit cards. There are several cards available and you might be qualified for various credit scores.

‍

Ready to bring your startup to the next level? Apply to MassLight’s next batch. MassLight supplies capital and a dedicated tech team. We take equity in return. Have questions? Refer to our FAQ page.

‍