Sources of Business Finance

Business Finance - Meaning and Definition

As a business owner, you have multiple expenses and business finance can help you manage them with ease. It is a funding solution that can assist you in meeting a variety of needs, such as starting a new business, financing business operations to invest in new assets for your company, and increasing your cash flow.

Importance of Business Finance

Irrespective of whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned one, the availability of finance is extremely important for hassle-free business operation on a regular basis.

With the help of business finance, you can manage the following expenses with ease:

• Purchase new land or invest in a new asset without difficulty
• Upgrade existing machinery or software to ensure optimal productivity
• Ensure uninterrupted operation even in the event of unforeseen disruptions

There are mainly two types of business finance that can help you get the required funds for your business expenses, namely:

1. Equity Finance: Under this type of finance, you can approach investors for funds in return for equity in your business. Typically, an investor provides your company with a large sum of money in exchange for a share in the business. Once the business starts making a profit, based on the number of shares the investor owns, he/she earns benefits.

2. Debt Finance: One of the most popular solutions, debt finance helps you avail of funds from leading lenders, which can be repaid at a predetermined rate of interest over a given period. You can easily qualify for an unsecured business loan from Bajaj Finserv and get a high-loan sanction of Rs.45 lakh at affordable rates of interest.

Different sources of business finance

1. Financial Institutions: One of the best ways to meet your business expenses is to apply for a business loan. All you have to do is to meet the simple eligibility criteria and submit the required documents. If your business is 3 years old and you have a credit score of 685, you can apply for a business loan from Bajaj Finserv and get funds up to Rs.45 lakh to meet your business's big expenses.

2. Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists: Equity capital is another form of business financing. If you have a start-up or a new firm, you might not have enough business vintage to qualify for a loan. In this event, you can reach out to angel investors and venture capitalists for financial aid. Angel investors and venture capitalists invest in companies or start-ups in return for equity and profits.

3. Accounts Receivable or Invoice Financing: You may not be able to fund your business outlays like the purchase of raw materials or staff's salaries if your accounts receivables are unpaid. If this is the case, you can opt for invoice financing and use those unpaid invoices as collateral to get funds. Leading financial institutions offer invoice financing loan to help businesses solve the liquidity crunch.

4. Inventory Financing: Inventory financing is a secured loan where a company pledges its inventory as collateral. This credit option is more suitable for a small business that doesn’t have access to other financial solutions. You can use this loan to buy products that can be sold later, and these products can serve as collateral for the advance.

5. Business credit cards: Business credit card is one of the most convenient sources of business finance. It is the best suited for busy businesses that need urgent funds to carry out their daily operations-buying new stock or equipment. It is an unsecured credit facility, so you are not worried to lose any asset. However, if you opt for business credit card, you should be careful not to exceed your credit limit as it might affect your credit rating.

6. Business cash advances: It is a short-term source of business finance for businesses that take card payments. With business cash advances, you can get funds based on your card sales and in return, you need to pay an agreed percentage of your customer card takings. This means that you pay only when your customers pay you.

7. Crowdfunding: This financial solution is becoming a popular choice for new businesses or start-ups to get funds. If you have an exciting business idea that can transform into a success story, then crowdfunding can be an apt choice to get funds. All you must do is sign up with a crowdfunding website, share your project and promote it well to encourage donation. One of the biggest advantages of this financial solution is that you can get access to funds even if you have a low credit score. However, this form of business finance can help you only for a bigger project and not for the business’s everyday expenses.

There are various other sources of business finance like peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, etc. Avail such external financing opportunities when in need and do away with funding worries for your business.