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Starting your business is exciting, but have you thought about the finances? A smooth cash flow is highly crucial to helping your business grow. For a startup, it is highly challenging to build capital by securing funds. Moreover, applying for loans at traditional banks takes a long time and effort. Therefore, if you are starting a new business, do not worry about the funds because alternative lending options provide a lifeline for startups looking for capital without having to follow the strict requirements of traditional banks.
In this article, we are going to learn about the importance of alternative lending solutions, their types, and how they can prove to be beneficial for your startup.
Lending solutions, such as non-traditional loans, are offered to small businesses and startups. These solutions have emerged as a response to the rigid requirements and slow approval processes of traditional banking systems. These funding options offer flexible repayment schedules, a faster approval process, and low interest rates, making them the number one choice for most people.
When it comes to available lending options available for startups, there’s not one but a variety of lending solutions available today. Let’s explore these options in detail:
Crowdfunding is one of the most risk-free lending solutions. It allows the borrower to raise funds from a large group of people through online platforms. Businesses with a strong social media presence are ideal for crowdfunding. The amount that you collect depends on whether the consumer likes your idea or not. Therefore, you need to sell your product or services skillfully and creatively so that they can grab the attention of potential buyers.
Moreover, make sure to use storytelling as a medium when you’re marketing your product or service. This aspect will make the consumers feel connected to your business, and they will ultimately pitch in. Crowdfunding also raises your brand’s awareness. In addition, crowdfunding requires no repayment; all you need to do is offer the contributor your product or service.
Under the revenue-based financing (RBF) funding model, investors contribute money in return for a predetermined portion of future profits. In contrast to conventional loans, RBF does not have set monthly installments. Instead, it is a very flexible financing option where repayments are adjusted according to the startup's revenue. Some of the key benefits of revenue-based financing include flexible payment terms, quick access to cash, no collateral, and no equity dilution.