Missouri is The Show Me State. It is known for many things, including the Missouri River that flows through it. A large state, there are numerous areas of agricultural development here as well as various areas of natural parks and preserves. It’s the ideal place for a fall hike or camping in the summer. For many, the state is known for its numerous fountains, which seem to be present in various areas of the state. Its largest city is Kansas City, though the Greater St. Louis area is the biggest metro area in the state. Jefferson City is the state’s capital. For the 6.1 million people that live here, it is a thriving and diverse community with much to offer, including small businesses.
A number of large businesses call the state home, including Monsanto, Edward Jones, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Cerner. One reason for this is its diversity and numerous economic centers. The state’s major industries include food processing, chemicals, light manufacturing, aerospace, and transportation. Yet, beyond these large organizations are a large number of small companies, about 542,700 of them, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those companies contribute $47,390,272 in payroll through 1.2 million jobs. Without a doubt, they are important economic contributors and often are one of the most important players in the livelihoods of those who live here.
As such, there is a need for small business lenders in Missouri, and many of them exist. Capital is valuable to anyone building a business, especially in an area like this where there is a lot of competition. According to the most recent three years of data available from the Small Business Administration, there are 2,914 active small business loans with a total value of $1,651,144,102. The average loan size for these small business loans in Missouri is $566,625. Small business loans are a valuable, even critical financial look that people need to help fund their company’s growth and development.
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How small business loans work in Missouri
Small business loans provide owners with access to the capital they need to build and grow their businesses. Missouri small business lenders provide the capital for these loans to qualified businesses based on factors such as credit, age, and need. The business then must repay the loan with interest over a predetermined amount of time, most often 5 to 10 years, though some may be longer. The capital becomes available to the borrower to use for any business-related need they have, though most often, these loans are not designed to meet the needs of companies just starting up.
Several types of business loans are available to many small businesses. These loan types are designed to provide a variety of opportunities to borrow funds in a way that works to meet the company’s needs. For example, SBA loans are typically longer term loans that are, at least in part, guaranteed by the government. This helps to provide the lender with more protection, reducing the risk and helping the borrower qualify for a lower interest rate.
Other loans are designed to meet other needs, often very specific goals, such as equipment financing. This type of loan is secured, meaning the value of the equipment as collateral. Other loans are credit lines, meaning the business can borrow, pay back, and then borrow the funds again.
Some of the basic structures of small business loans in Missouri include:
- Bank loans
- SBA loans
- Business term loans
- Business lines of credit
- Equipment financing
To obtain a small business loan, companies need to meet the specific requirements set by the lender. Those rules change based on the lender but also the type of loan, and the amount borrowed. Most often, lenders need to be sure the borrower can repay the debt on a timely basis, meeting their obligation. To determine this, most lenders will require a full credit check and the history of the business.
The history of the business may include a look at profit and loss statements, proof of ownership, credit scores for the business (or the owner if the business does not have an established credit score), as well as balance sheets and tax returns. Often, a business plan can also be helpful if you’re going to consider applying for a small business loan program.
This information helps lenders determine the amount of the loan as well as the interest rate. The lower the interest rate, the more affordable the loan will be, making it well worth applying for the funds. Missouri lenders can also be supportive and flexible, offering opportunities to borrowers for a wide range of needs with various terms and conditions.
As a business, it is a good idea to compare several types of loans and lenders before making any decision to borrow. Doing so will help business owners ensure they are getting the best possible option for their needs. The more you know about the lender and the qualifications they have, the better. Whether you need real estate or simply more capital to expand from the startup phase, small business owners in Missouri typically at least consider taking out a loan or other business financing. Sometimes, getting financial assistance through microloans or as a for-profit enterprise can be challenging.
Non-profit directors and boards may also explore economic development monies from local governments or other statewide grants, too. Entrepreneurs focusing on business development should look at all possible options for scaling their company, including loans from lending institutions. Loan terms, loan application types, repayment terms, loan amounts, and other eligibility criteria will vary from one lender to another across the state of Missouri.