When your small business is ready to expand, you'll likely need to find outside sources for financial help to make that growth into a reality. Many Fort Lauderdale small business owners look first towards securing a business loan. But in today's uncertain economy, business loans are increasingly difficult to obtain, especially for small business owners who may not have much in terms of collateral, and while business loans can be a great aid to your business growth endeavors, they can also place a significant strain on your business in an already difficult economic environment.

Fortunately, business loans are not the only viable option available to small business owners in Fort Worth. Merchant cash advances have become increasingly popular for growth oriented small businesses. They are a perfect financial tool for small businesses seeking easily procured working capital to cover expansion related costs, such as making large equipment purchases, or changing or adding premises.

Things to Keep in Mind When Considering a Merchant Cash Advance

Although they can be far easier to obtain than working capital loans, Fort Lauderdale there are a few issues that small business owners should be aware of if they are considering business expansion with a merchant cash advance.

Initial Fees & Closing Costs: Although many merchant cash advance dealers ask for an initial up-front payment, many can be negotiated down or waived entirely. Remember, if you don't try, you'll be stuck with whatever offer they make you. Some merchant cash advance companies charge exorbitant closing costs, so it's best to find out up front what your dealer may require. Opt for a company which requires little or no closing costs.

Collateral: Fort Lauderdale merchant cash advance agencies vary their terms and requirements far more widely than the more traditional bank loan agencies do. Some may require you to provide collateral, while others do not. If you've opted for a merchant cash advance because you don't have enough collateral for a working capital loan, then you'll want to be careful not to put yourself in a similar situation with your merchant cash advance.

Fixed Terms: One of the advantages of merchant cash advances over traditional bank loans is that they can be negotiated for either fixed or non-fixed payments, with a fixed or no fixed term agreement. Be thoughtful about which terms will work best for you. For example, if you anticipate having to weather through a slower revenue period during the initial stages of your small business expansion, you might want to opt for a non-fixed payment schedule.

Interest Rates: Fort Lauderdale merchant cash advance providers typically charge higher interest rates than working capital loan providers, one of the few downsides to this growth assistance option. With interest rate ranging anywhere between sixty to two hundred percent, you'll want to be sure to shop around until you find a merchant cash advance agency that is willing to negotiate a deal you can live with. Although some small business owners find the rate too pricey, in an economy where business loans are rapidly disappearing, many find the pros outweigh the cons.