Maine is located in New England and sits on the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Noted for its beautiful coastline, seafood industry, and beautiful natural areas, Maine has much to offer those that live here. Maine’s population of about 1.3 million makes it one of the smaller estates, and it is also quite rural overall. The Pine Tree State is recognized for its beautiful waterways, forested interior, and its lobster, claim, and other seafood industries. The city’s capital is Augusta though the largest city by population is Portland. There are many things that make this location unique, from its people to its stunning natural landscape. It is a solid place for many to start and build a business.
While the seafood industry here is one of the largest industries, the economy is diverse. There is some manufacturing here, including a strong shipbuilding industry. It is the home to numerous large organizations, including L.L. Bean and TD Bank. While these companies may be present, there are many small businesses that help to support the local economy as well. There are 151,212 small businesses in the state, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those businesses provide employment for 293,748, helping to support over 22% of the state’s population. They generate $11,998,910 in payroll each year as well.
For those who are considering starting a business here or growing one, access to capital is critical. There are a large number of small businesses that have tapped into Maine small business loans. The last three years of recent data from the Small Business Administration shows there are 901 active small business loans in the state, with a total loan volume of $744,795,366. The average loan is about $773,412. Many companies are reliant on these funds to meet their ongoing needs, whether that is to help fund growth, new product development, expansion into other regions, or the hiring of more employees.
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How small business loans work in Maine
Maine small business lenders help to support the growth and development of many companies in the state through loans. A small business loan is a type of financial tool provided to a company that usually has under 100 employees. Some are even more restrictive. These loans can be used for a variety of needs, often for the growth and further development of the company. They are not generally used for start up costs since most lenders expect the companies to be established with revenue.
Like a typical loan, small businesses can apply for these loans. If approved, the lender provides the capital to the company, and then repayment is set up, which typically includes repaying the principal as well as an interest charge. Interest rates for small business loans in Maine can be competitive, but they are often dependent on the type of lender, loan, and the business’s qualifications. Take into consideration the numerous factors many businesses use to determine if a borrower should be approved.
- The company’s age and overall financial health
- Industry and competition within the local market
- Types of products and services offered – what makes them unique?
- The company’s overall revenue, including how much they bring in each month
- The company’s expenses and other debts
The best way for a Maine small business lender to determine if a business is a qualified borrower is to use the company’s business plan. This outlines the details of the company, including ownership and management, while also providing insight into the company’s financial health. They will also use information about the company’s credit history, or if the company does not have an established credit history, they will consider the business owner’s credit history.
Lenders offer a range of loans in Maine. Each one has different qualifications, but each one is designed to provide companies with the money they need for various needs. Some are a one-time payout, while others are a line of credit. Companies who apply for the loan need to ensure they can meet the financial obligation while also considering how well the loan type works to meet their unique needs. The flexibility of loans like the following makes them valuable to many types of companies in various industries:
- Bank loan
- SBA loan
- Business term loan
- Business line of credit
- Equipment financing
Specific loans and grant types may also apply to your care, such as real estate loans or funds for rural development of businesses. While getting started with your company may be possible through personal savings or credit cards, you might need much more in terms of working capital to take your business to the next level.
Check out local resources as well, such as a community development office, the Finance Authority of Maine, Thrive Maine, the Maine SBDC, and other regional or statewide associations that may help depending on your type of business.
As a business, careful consideration of the loan options available is important as it is to compare several lenders to determine which one works best to meet your individual needs. Business financing for entrepreneurs runs the gamut from nonprofit grants to working capital loans to economic development loans and more. Whether you need help buying commercial real estate, require new equipment, or have cash flow goals in mind, one of the strongest ways to improve your business development is to take out a business loans.
The loan application process will vary from one lender to another, so make sure you have a strong business plan, good credit, and plans for what the business needs the funds for. With financing options from banks and credit unions, you may be able to achieve your goals sooner than expected with your company.