- Pauline
What are the advantages of obtaining a short-term loan for SME businesses?

⏰ TLDR:
|
Short-term SME loans have a maturity of less than one year, making them a quick solution for businesses in need of financing. These loans offer faster approval than traditional lending and are ideal for startups that require working capital or need to bridge a financing gap. Short-term debt financing is also more cost-effective, has a shorter repayment schedule (<12 months) means less interest is incurred.
A survey by the Electronic Transactions Association found that over half of business owners would choose a short-term loan to minimize fees and expenses when faced with a short-term ROI opportunity. Additionally, short-term loans can act as a cushion for businesses during fluctuations in revenue or unexpected emergencies, helping to prevent financial distress.
Here are common reasons startups seek short-term debt funding:
Working Capital: To keep the business functioning day-to-day, short-term SME financing can cover temporary deficiencies in funds such as payroll, marketing fees, and debt payments. This allows the business to grow without compromising growth.
Financing Gap: Bridge loans are short-term loans provided to startups until they secure permanent financing. Equity fundraising via venture capital, angel investors, or high net-worth individuals can be a long and complicated process, disrupting the startup's cash flow. A short-term bridge loan enables the startup to continue operations while waiting for equity financing.
Inventory: Some businesses require a large amount of funds upfront to pay suppliers, but customers often have lengthy payment terms for the product. This leads to cash flow problems, but short-term loans from debt providers can cover these expenses, with a single disbursement and bullet repayment when the business receives customer payments.
Improving Loan Terms: A good credit history is crucial for SMEs seeking financing, as it increases the lender's confidence in the business's ability to repay. Repaying loans promptly can lead to better loan terms in the future, especially when the startup needs a larger loan.
In conclusion, short-term loans offer fast approvals, flexible repayment terms, and zero collateral (for good credit scores). They provide an ideal solution for businesses in need of quick financing. Contact us at support@cromsoncircles.com for more information.