6 Ways to Keep Bad Credit From Killing a Small Business Dream

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You finally have all of your ducks in a row, and it’s time to launch your new business. But there’s one more problem — and it’s a big one: You don’t have the funding, and the big-boy banks aren’t hearing your pitch.

Your credit score is tarnished due to immaturity or poor decision-making in the past, and banks just aren’t willing to assume the level of risk you bring to the table.

Fortunately, a loan from a major financial institution isn’t your only option.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to bootstrap these days. Entrepreneur.com says:

Studies show that credit card and bank financing account for just 25 percent of the total funding needs of early-stage entrepreneurs. This statistic should provide you some comfort, because it implies that 75 percent of the money you need can come from other sources that rely less on your credit rating.

Here are some tips to help you secure funding to get your new business up and running:

1. Crowdfund your new venture

Do you have a band of loyal followers, or do you think your proposal has mass appeal? Head on over to GoFundMe, Fundable, Kickstarter or any other popular crowdfunding platform to rally your troops or total strangers and solicit their monetary support.

Remember, every little bit counts, and such an effort beats paying exorbitant interest on a loan or credit card, particularly if your credit is poor.

Need a little inspiration? Check out this video from Money Talks News finance expert Stacy Johnson about crowdfunding site Upstart.

2. Ask friends and family for assistance

Got a group of great relatives and friends in your corner? If so, speak up about your new venture and ask for their monetary support until you get things off the ground and bring your dreams to fruition.

Just be sure all parties are clear on the terms of the contribution to avoid future conflict.

3. Consider microlenders

Smaller loans, usually ranging from $300 to $35,000, are extended to rising entrepreneurs by nonprofit community organizations known as microlenders. They specialize in lending to small, local businesses, and the qualification criteria are not as stringent as those of traditional banks.

A list of such microlenders includes:

Another bonus is the reporting of your payments on the loan to the major credit bureaus, which can boost your credit score.

4. Contact your local credit union

It is rather difficult to secure startup funding from the big-boy banks, but have you tried the local credit union?

Assuming you are a member in good standing, the credit union may be willing to take a risk on you. Its focus is geared toward members because of its cooperative structure.

5. Check into SBA loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration has many loan programs for entrepreneurs. Examine your options to see if your prospective business qualifies for a federal loan.

See “Ask Stacy: Where Do I Find the Money to Start a Business?” for more details. In that post, Stacy wrote of the SBA:

Funded by taxpayer dollars, it’s definitely your first stop on the road to self-employment, especially if you’ll be requiring funding. You won’t find free money, but you will get free information on finding funding, including government-guaranteed loans.

Another option is to inquire with the small-business development center in your area to learn more about any state and local funding opportunities that may be available to you.

6. Be patient

A little endurance can go a long way. If you’re unable to start your business right away because of poor credit or a lack of funds, hang in there.

Rather than give up, work on building up the savings you need to fund your plan and bolstering your credit score. Over time, you should qualify for higher loan amounts at competitive rates.

Have you ever tried to start a small business when you had less than stellar credit? Tell us about it in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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