While most companies seeking venture capital initially think about angel investors and venture capitalists, a large alternative source of financing is federal grants and loans. The two largest federal grant programs are run by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and by Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).

An SBA loan, regardless of whether it is a direct loan from the SBA, or, as is more common, a bank loan guaranteed by the SBA, is essentially a bank loan. The benefit of it versus a traditional bank loan is the rate. SBA rates are typically much less than traditional business loan rates.

In most cases, in a guaranteed SBA bank loan, the SBA guarantees 90 percent of the loan will be repaid to the bank. As such, banks are at much less risk than in most other loans, and are a bit more flexible with regards to who they offer these loans. However, the SBA usually requires the founders of the company to personally guarantee the loans, which makes them risky should the venture collapse.

Alternatively, Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) are privately organized corporations that are licensed and regulated by the SBA. Small or emerging businesses which qualify for assistance from the SBIC program can receive equity capital and/or long-term loans from these companies. Essentially, these companies provide their own capital, which is supplemented by federal funds, to the companies they fund.

Interestingly, U.S. taxpayers benefit from the SBIC program as tax revenues generated from successful SBIC investments have more than covered the cost of the program. Likewise the program has created hundreds of thousands of jobs.

In summary, SBA and SBIC financing are viable alternatives to financing from angel investors and venture capitalists and should be considered in the capital raising process. Similarly to angel and VC financing, companies seeking SBA and SBIC financing need a strong management team and value proposition, and a highly professional and compelling business plan in order to raise the capital they need.

A secured loan is a loan agreement in which the borrower pledges property as surety for the loan; hence they are also known as homeowner loans. If the borrower continually defaults on loan repayments, the lender may take action to reclaim the debt including selling the property.

Advantages and disadvantages

With something as valuable as your property at stake; lenders know that you are likely to stick to the agreement. Add in the extra financial security provided by your property and it’s easy to see why lenders regard you as low risk. As a result you can expect interest rates one or two points lower than with an unsecured loan, you can borrow greater amounts; anything up to 125% of the equity in your property, and you can spread the loan over a longer term.

The main disadvantage of a secured loan is the attendant risk of losing your property. You need to be absolutely sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement and that you can meet loan repayments. If you find yourself in financial trouble most lenders will be sympathetic and do everything that they can to help reschedule repayments. After all, the last thing they want is to face a lengthy court case incurring hefty legal fees. However, it’s important to understand that your property is at risk.

Should I take out a secured loan?

Before you take out a secured loan, think carefully about what you need it for. Secured loans can make astute financial sense in the right circumstances, for example: if you want to consolidate a number of smaller expensive debts, such as credit cards, into a single monthly payment. However, if you intend to use the loan for purchase, such as a new car or holiday, it would be wiser to start saving.

There is a convincing argument for arranging a secured loan to pay for home improvements; as this will add value to your property. However, any pay-back will be in the long-term and depends on the buoyancy of the property market.

Finding the best deals

Everybody knows that there are great loan deals available on the Internet; the difficulty lies in finding them. Unfortunately there are no real short cuts and the key is to do as much homework as possible first.

Start by getting in touch with a number of brokers (make sure they are FISA registered) and see what they can offer you. Larger brokerages can be motivated by hitting sales targets and you may find that they try to push a particular lender.

FISA regulations stipulate that lenders may not initiate contact for seven days after sending the initial loan agreement. This ‘cooling off’ period is to allow potential borrowers to consider their options. Use it carefully to compare brokers. Remember that you are under no obligation until you have signed the loan agreement.

Don’t be fooled by unrealistic loan offers made over the phone. Unscrupulous lenders often promise unrealistic rates in the hope of getting their hands on your pay slips. Once they have your documentation; loan conditions are often then revised. If this happens to you; go elsewhere.

If you are still having difficulty finding a suitable loan; consider approaching and Independent Financial Advisor.

Debt consolidation loans can be the answer to a number of financial problems, but before you take the plunge, make sure you’re well informed.

What is a debt consolidation loan?

Debt consolidation is when you arrange a single loan to cover a number of existing debts. Rather than juggling several expensive payments, such as credit card or hire purchase bills, a debt consolidation loan means a single manageable monthly payment. You’ll also benefit form lower monthly interest payments; compare an average secured debt consolidation loan of 12.4% APR to a credit card company charging 19.9% APR.

Besides lower interest rates/ payments; you also benefit from knowing that a consolidation loan runs for a fixed term, and that every repayment you make goes towards clearing the loan. Without consolidation you may find that minimum monthly payments simply service the interest accrued on your debt, without having any impact on the debt itself.

Debt consolidation also offers an opportunity to repair your credit rating. Remember that any missed payments and bank charges count against you in the eyes of lenders. It’s a vicious circle: a poor credit rating means that lenders see you as a risk, which in turn means they charge you higher interest rates. By repaying all your creditors and taking out a single loan; you are already well on your way to rewriting your credit history.

Getting the best debt consolidation loan

When looking for a loan, the first step is to work out exactly how much you need to borrow. Calculate how much you owe on credit cards, standing orders, overdrafts etc. and only borrow as much as you owe. Because most debt consolidation loans are ’secured’ against the value of your property; you won’t have trouble finding lenders willing to arrange loans for considerably more than you actually need. However, getting further into debt rarely makes financial sense.

The next step is to begin shopping around for the best deal. Visit a number of FISA registered brokers and see what they can offer you. Recent industry regulation means that loan providers must now tell customers the total cost of repaying the loan, rather than monthly payments and the loan’s lifespan. Make sure that you compare like with like; don’t be tempted just by low monthly repayments as you may find that the loan has a substantially longer term.

Are there any drawbacks?

Debt consolidation loans often make shrewd financial sense, but it’s important to know exactly what you are getting into:

Firstly, you may be cutting your monthly outgoings, but it’s important to understand that you are refinancing your debt over a much greater period of time. In the long run you may actually be paying more.

Secondly, most debt consolidation loans are also secured, which means that your property is at risk if you continually default on repayments.

Finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that you are under no obligation to repay your outstanding debts. Use the loan wisely to repay existing debts; and you can look forward to a bright financial future. Use it simply to raise capital and keep spending and you will soon be in trouble.