As a business owner, you know that debt is a necessary part of running a successful company. However, too much debt can quickly become a burden and hinder your business’s growth and success. In fact, according to a study by the Federal Reserve, small businesses carry an average debt of $195,000.
If you find yourself struggling with high levels of debt, it may be time to consider alternative financing options. In this article, we’ll explore how alternative financing can help reduce your business debt and provide you with the resources you need to thrive.
What is Alternative Financing?
Alternative financing refers to any type of funding that is not provided by traditional banks or financial institutions. These options are typically more flexible and accessible for small businesses, making them a popular choice for those looking to reduce their debt.
Types of Alternative Financing
There are several types of alternative financing options available for businesses, including:
- Invoice Factoring: This involves selling your outstanding invoices to a third-party company for a percentage of their value.
- Equipment Financing: This involves obtaining a loan to purchase equipment for your business.
- Revenue-Based Financing: This is a type of financing where a lender provides funds in exchange for a percentage of future revenue.
- Crowdfunding: This involves raising funds from a large number of people, typically through online platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
- Peer-to-Peer Lending: This is a form of lending where individuals lend money to businesses or individuals through online platforms.
- Merchant Cash Advances: This is a lump sum payment given to a business in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales.
How Can Alternative Financing Help Reduce Business Debt?
Now that we understand what alternative financing is, let’s explore how it can help reduce your business debt.
Lower Interest Rates
One of the main benefits of alternative financing is that it often comes with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run, especially if you have high-interest debt.
Flexible Repayment Terms
Traditional bank loans often come with strict repayment terms, which can be challenging for small businesses to meet. Alternative financing options, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of repayment. This can help you better manage your cash flow and make it easier to pay off your debt.
Access to Quick Funding
If you’re struggling with high levels of debt, you may need access to quick funding to help you get back on track. Alternative financing options often have a faster application and approval process compared to traditional bank loans, allowing you to get the funds you need in a timely manner.
Diversify Your Debt
Having all your debt with one lender can be risky, as it leaves you vulnerable if that lender goes out of business or changes their terms. By using alternative financing options, you can diversify your debt and reduce your risk.
Improve Your Credit Score
If you have a high level of debt, it can negatively impact your credit score. By using alternative financing to pay off your debt, you can improve your credit score and make it easier to obtain traditional financing in the future.
RELATED: 8 Key Sources of Alternative Finance for Small Businesses
How to Use Alternative Financing to Reduce Business Debt
Now that you understand the benefits of alternative financing, let’s explore how you can use it to reduce your business debt.
Consolidate Your Debt
If you have multiple high-interest loans, consolidating them into one lower-interest loan can save you money and make it easier to manage your debt. This option not only simplifies financial management but also provides breathing space for businesses to focus on growth initiatives.
Refinance Your Debt
If you have a high-interest loan, you may be able to refinance it with a lower-interest alternative financing option. This can save you money on interest and make it easier to pay off your debt.
Use Invoice Factoring
If you have outstanding invoices, you can use invoice factoring to get the funds you need to pay off your debt. This option allows you to sell your invoices to a factoring company, providing you with immediate working capital to pay off your debt and gain financial stability.
Consider Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise funds to pay off your debt. By offering rewards or equity in your company, you can incentivize people to invest in your business and help you reduce your debt.
Leverage Equipment Financing
If you need to purchase equipment for your business, consider using equipment financing instead of taking out a traditional loan. This option allows you to obtain the equipment you need while spreading out the cost over time, making it easier to manage your cash flow and reduce your debt.
RELATED: How Invoice Factoring Can Help Lessen Periodic Business Fluctuations
Who Can Benefit from Alternative Financing?
Alternative financing can benefit a wide range of businesses, but it is particularly useful for small businesses that may not have access to traditional bank loans. If you’re struggling with high levels of debt and need access to quick funding, alternative financing may be the right choice for you.
The Bottom Line
Debt is a necessary part of running a business, but too much debt can hinder your growth and success. By using alternative financing options, you can reduce your debt and gain access to the resources you need to thrive. Whether you choose to consolidate your debt, refinance your loans, or use invoice factoring, alternative financing can provide you with the flexibility and lower interest rates you need to manage your debt effectively. Consider exploring alternative financing options today and see how they can help your business reduce its debt and achieve its goals.
Improve Your Company’s Cash Flow
Whether your company is experiencing rapid growth that’s becoming challenging to manage, or if you’re dealing with delayed client payments, Universal Funding is here to support your expanding business. Reach out to Universal Funding today by calling (800) 405-6035 or by filling out our rate request form to discover how we can enhance your company’s cash flow.