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Any business owner will tell you that having enough funding is essential for getting a new business off the ground. Without enough money to cover the costs of starting up, you will be fighting an uphill battle from the very beginning. Even if you have a great business idea, if you cannot afford to pay for rent, inventory and employee salaries, you will not be in business for long. That is why it is so important to make sure you have adequate funding before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship.
Obviously, coming up with the money to fund a new business can be easier said than done. If you do not have savings of your own to tap into, you may need to rely on loans or investors. However, even if you do have the money, it is important to think carefully about how much you will need. If you plan carefully and realistically, you will be in a much better position to succeed.
Make sure you are prepared to give your business the financial backing it needs if you are thinking about starting a new one. Otherwise, you might find yourself out of business before you even get started.
If you are looking for a short-term loan to help bridge the gap until your business is up and running, a bridging loan could be an ideal solution. However, what are bridging loans and what do you need to consider before taking out one?
In this article, we have put together some essential information to help you decide if it is the right funding solution for you.
What are bridging loans?
Bridging loans are designed to provide short-term funding for a specific purpose, such as buying a property or paying for refurbishments. They are typically repaid within 12 months, although some lenders may offer terms of up to 24 months.
What are the main advantages of bridging loans?
Several advantages of bridging loans include:
- They can be arranged quickly, usually within a matter of days. This can be helpful if you need to move fast to take advantage of an opportunity or secure premises for your business.
- Bridging loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including buying property, paying for refurbishments or bridging the gap until your business is up and running.
- They can be a flexible funding solution as you can choose how to use the money.
What are the main disadvantages of bridging loans?
However, there are also some things to bear in mind before taking out a bridging loan. These include:
- Bridging loans tend to have higher interest rates than other types of finance. Therefore, it is important to make sure you will be able to afford the repayments.
- Most bridging loans are secured against property. If you cannot keep up with the repayments, you could put your home at risk.
What do I need to consider before taking out a bridging loan?
A few things to think about before taking out a bridging loan are as follows:
How much money do you need?
Make sure you apply for the right loan amount and compare the repayment schedule to make sure you can afford the repayments.
What is the purpose of the loan?
Bridging loans can be used for a variety of purposes. Make sure you compare the different rates and terms on offer to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
How long do you need the loan for?
Most bridging loans are repaid within 12 months, although some lenders may offer terms of up to 24 months. Be sure to compare the different terms on offer to find the right one for you.
What can you afford?
You also need to compare the APR or annual percentage rate to get an idea of the total cost of the loan. Remember that bridging loans tend to have higher interest rates than other types of finance. It is important to make sure you will be able to afford the repayments.
Takeaway
Bridging loans can be a helpful funding solution for your next business venture. Nevertheless, consider comparing the different rates and terms on offer to make sure you are getting the best deal for your needs. Bridging loans are typically secured against property, so if you cannot keep up with the repayments you could lose your home.
If you are thinking of taking out a bridging loan, it is crucial to speak to an experienced financial broker who can help you find the right deal and make sure you understand the risks involved. With the right advice, a bridging loan can be a useful tool to help you get your business off the ground.