Start a Restaurant

Individuals looking for restaurant investment are usually referring to restaurant investors. Since most individuals looking to start a new restaurant business do not have the financial means to do so, investors can contribute large sums of capital to get the business started. Silent investors do not contribute to the business’ financial decisions, but they may ask for a certain percentage of the revenue. Investors can also be partners, meaning they do play a role in the business’s financial decisions along with obtaining a portion of the profits. When looking to find restaurant investors, many financial websites provide forums or directories that allow individuals to connect to potential investors.

Most partner investors are experienced in the restaurant business. Therefore, they can provide vital information and advice regarding the new business, along with other financial services. Some investors may have experience in accounting, planning, and obtaining funds.

When deciding on a partner investor, it’s best to make sure the owner and the investor agree with the business plans before they are written out and before any funds are invested. While an investor or two can provide the capital and expertise needed to start a new restaurant, too many investors can lead to strong differences in opinion of how the business should be run. If partners cannot agree or compromise on a business plan, it’s best to find a new investor.

Many individuals also look to friends and family members who have the means of financing a new business. These people can provide the same knowledge and capital as other investors, but they can also bring about the same problems.

Find restaurant lender generally refers to a business owner researching and comparing different loan providers in order to purchase a new restaurant. While commercial banks, the Small Business Administration, and independent financial companies usually do not provide loans for the specific use of purchasing a restaurant, they do offer general-purpose loans that can be used for nearly any business expense or activity. However, many companies do specialize in restaurant lending, and they may be able to offer better loan terms.

The best way to find a restaurant lender is to look to the person selling the restaurant. Many times, the seller is willing to finance the purchase, especially if the business is profitable. Before settling on this type of financing, it’s best to go to a lawyer to write out a formal contract that lists all terms and agreements. Most other lenders require contracts, so asking the seller to do this is not unusual. When buying a franchise, individuals can look to the franchiser for restaurant financing. A loan from a franchiser can be different than borrowing from an independent seller, as the franchise may already have set loan terms.

Another way to find a restaurant lender is to conduct online research. Many non-traditional lenders deal exclusively with restaurant loans. Their websites give detailed information on loans, such as requirements and typical loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment plans. Some of these lenders also offer ways to find restaurants available for sale.

Author: Brynn Harveys
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In recent years, businesses needing restaurant loans have been treated as an almost separate, and some may say unequal, category of financing for business loans. Many lenders that understood the special needs of restaurant owners are no longer lending, and other lenders have placed them on a so-called “black list” separate from other small and medium sized businesses because they are considered too risky.

This has left restaurant owners in a real predicament as they fight to regain much of the working capital that they lost in the economic downturn. Even healthy establishments have seen their lines cut due the banking collapse, and this has forced restaurant owners to seek out other sources of financing such as secured equipment loans, commercial mortgages, etc.

However, these types of loans are different and not really catering to the needs of restaurant owners because of the fact that restaurants need a steady infusion of working capital, even when business is slow, to keep deliveries flowing through their back door. Without it, the business will be forced to close, even if traffic is healthy. Because mortgages and secured business loans take a lot of time to process, underwrite, and decision, they have not been able to fill the financing gap that currently exists.

This has left business owners in the unsavory position of having to accept cash advances from their credit card processing company. These high rate, unregulated advances are quick and feature low documentation. However, they often comes with many strings attached such as the requirement to switch processors, buy equipment and pay large upfront fees. Added to this is the fact that the interest rates on these advances can often exceed 50% and may change at any time during the repayment period

Luckily, a better way has entered the market in the form of a new, regulated business loan called credit card receivable financing, that is as quick and easy as a cash advance without all the disturbing requirements such as buying equipment and switching processors. On top of this, the rates are normally 50-80% lower than a merchant cash advance with no upfront fees.

It’s time the restaurant business owners had a real, cost effective option when it comes to obtaining restaurant loans for their establishments. Today’s economy demands creative solutions to the capital intensive needs of business, and this new option that is on the market that fills a gap that major banks and the SBA have left.

Author: Neal Coxworth
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are still viable options for restaurant financing in the market today. Borrowers however should realize and accept that the choices have become more limited, than they where just 6 months ago. For example, most conventional and or conduit type loans for restaurants are now gone.

Instead, borrowers should be focused on portfolio lenders, i.e. banks or lenders that hold the debt on their balance sheet. This is the opposite of what we have seen in the last decade as most restaurant lenders packaged and sold their loans off onto the secondary market and thus rid themselves of the loan in exchange for a split.

Portfolio lenders can be difficult to find though. And they don’t really advertise themselves as such. Borrowers should be prepared to call many banks to find sources that are set up as portfolio lenders and that are willing to consider a special purpose property like a restaurant. Many banks are shying away from this building type. We’re occasional are asked why.

The reason boils down to the difficulty in recollecting the bank’s capital in case of borrower default. When a borrower defaults on a loan, the bank has to go through the foreclosure process, than they have to sell the property on the open market to recoup their capital. Because the building itself was designed as a restaurant it cannot adequately be used for anything other than a restaurant – thus limiting their pool of potential buyers, making it harder to sell.

As far as terms, restaurant loans are almost all now quarterly adjustable. However rates are very strong due to Prime being as low as it is (currently at 4%). We are seeing most restaurant loans in the 6%’s now. Via government sponsored loan programs borrowers can still expect 85% financing on purchases and up to 85% on refinance transactions.

Author: Jeff Rauth
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The global financial crisis has made it quite difficult for companies, especially small businesses, to get business loans. Ironically, it is also in this situation that smaller companies often need additional capital infusion to boost income. You may need to get small business loans to acquire a better business location, construct a new building, renovate your premises, pay for new equipment, fixtures or furniture or increase inventory and working capital.

Most Small Business Loans Require Collateral

To get business loans, even small business loans, is a major challenge.

First you need to identify which among the many types of small business loans you need. Small business loans ranging from $5,000.00 to $35,000.00 are called micro loans. For larger needs, such as for the acquisition of land, buildings and other major fixed assets, development financing is what you should find. There are also import export loans as well as franchise financing. Do your research to find out if you are qualified for small business loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration or SBA.

Any of these small business loans will require extensive preparations and paperwork. As a small business owner, you will need to prove your credit worthiness through a personal credit history report. Lenders will also require a business plan which includes your credentials as the business owner, your company financial statements, business assets and an analysis of your market. All of these should be packaged in a professional loan proposal which presents how the loaned amount will be used to strengthen the business and how you intend to repay the loan. Most of all, you need to present your loan collateral – the assets you will put up to secure the loan.  

Quick and Easy Small Business Loans with No Collateral

For smaller acquisitions or day to day business needs, there is a way for entrepreneurs to get small business loans easily and quickly with no collateral. This is through merchant services.

Merchant services provide credit card services to businesses. This enables them to accept and process payments through credit cards or debit cards either through face to face purchases, online transactions, or even by phone or fax. Merchant service providers supply terminal equipment for card swiping, as well as the necessary software and high speed IP solutions.

Most businesses need credit card services since consumers routinely pay for goods and services through credit cards and debit cards these days. If your business has not taken this step yet, you may have been missing out on more than half of your income potential.

These same merchant services also provide the solution for your small business loans. Collateral-free loans can be availed of through their cash advances, with the loan amount computation based on the monthly credit card revenue your business generates. Credit card sales requirements may be as low as $3,000.00 a month. You will not be asked for collateral since your future revenue is your collateral.  

The best types of merchant cash advances do not require fixed monthly payments nor do they impose deadlines on loan payment. A certain percentage is instead deducted automatically from your credit card revenue each month to go towards loan payment. This way, you never have to worry about loan amortization.

Once your cash advance has been fully paid, you may apply for another one. It is like having a revolving credit line. Make sure that you compare the terms of several merchant service providers, though, and read the fine print on contracts. There are so many merchant service providers competing for your business that you’ll surely find one that fits your needs.

To achieve financial independence, experts encourage even currently employed individuals to consider entrepreneurship. Setting up your own business, no matter how small, is touted as one of the best ways toward building the foundation for wealth. Those who are concerned about having a safety net need not take the plunge recklessly. One can start setting up a small business even while employed.  

Of crucial use to small businesses are credit card services and small business loans. The entrepreneur needs to know how to avail of these tools and how to effectively wield them for maximum business growth.

Credit Card Services

A small business would do well to get reputable credit card services in order to prosper in the current business climate. Availing of credit card services will enable it to accept both credit card and debit card payments. This is true either for brick-and-mortar businesses or internet based online businesses. After all, most consumers nowadays routinely use credit cards or debit cards for payment purposes. It only makes good business sense to be well-equipped for the needs of credit card users and debit card users as well as for the needs of customers who pay in cash.

Merchant services provide credit card services covering a wide range of solutions for the processing of credit cards and debit cards as payment options. These credit card services include traditional terminal equipment at point of sale, where credit cards or debit cards are swiped. It also includes software and high speed IP solutions for both traditional commerce and e-commerce. Credit card and debit card payments can, therefore, be accepted in person or through the internet, by phone or by fax.     

Small Business Loans

Any business â?? whether a small start-up business, a medium-scaled one or a big business company â?? will be needing an infusion of additional capital sooner or later. Additional capital is always needed for expansion, additional inventory, additional manpower, new systems, new equipment or a new physical layout.

Capital is not always easy to come by, though. The original investorsâ?? personal coffers may have been emptied by the earlier outlays. Prospective investors may not be keen on shelling out funds in times of crisis. Businesses, therefore, have no choice but to seek business loans.

Getting business loans is a difficult process. Even small business loans are not readily approved. Be prepared to present a lot of documentation and paperwork. For small business loans, the proprietorâ??s personal credit history is taken into account and related references need to be submitted. Of course, the companyâ??s financial statements are just as important in proving the feasibility of the business and its capacity to repay its business loans. Having a detailed business plan will show your business strategies and projections, demonstrating your business acumen.

Unfortunately, even with all the requirements completed, applications for business loans â?? including small business loans â?? are, more often than not, disapproved.

Solutions

Some merchant services provide a comprehensive solution for the needs of small businesses in relation to credit card services and small business loans. The set up is elegantly simple. A small business need only avail of the companyâ??s credit card services to be eligible for merchant cash advances. These cash advances are actually small business loans, except that there is no need to go through the complicated application process for business loans. Repayment is made very easy and worry-free, too. A certain small percentage is built into the credit card processing rates to take care of the advances. This way, repayment is actually done automatically in a very affordable manner and according to income flow.

Small business owners would, indeed, be wise to look into these timely business solutions.