Short-Term Financing
Short-term financing is a form of debt financing that businesses use when they need capital to help them operate, invest in new products, or meet their current liabilities. Short-term financing is also known as temporary financing, working capital financing, or bridge financing. The length of the loan will determining the financing costs, with shorter-term loans typically having higher interest rates than longer-term loans.
Traditional sources used by businesses to raise capital in the short-term often include lines of credit, overdrafts, and short-term loans. A line of credit is a loan arrangement between a bank and a borrower that allows the borrower to draw on the loan and use it as needed. Overdrafts are very similar to lines of credit, but act as a small, short-term loan for when lenders anticipate future deposits. Short-term loans are often used for specific projects and may require an upfront fee in addition to interest payments.
More recently, short-term financing has increasingly been facilitated by non-traditional providers, such as alternative lenders, venture capital firms, and private equity companies. Alternative lenders provide small businesses with short-term financing when they have difficulty securing financing from traditional lenders, such as banks. Venture capital firms and private equity companies invest in businesses in exchange for ownership or a stake in the company. The investments are often focused on businesses with potential for high growth, and the investors will typically exit their positions after a period of 3-7 years.
No matter what source of short-term financing you decide to pursue, it is important to assess the loan terms and payments. Additionally, be sure to review any deadlies and make sure that you are able to make the necessary payments in a timely manner. Finally, be sure to review any fees that may be associated with the loan, such as origination fees and early termination fees. Short-term financing can be a great option for businesses that need capital to invest in new projects and initiatives, but it is important to assess the costs and commitments associated before agreeing to a loan.