Short Term And Long Term Capital

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Abstract

Short term and long capital are needed for organizations to survive in today's economy. Organization's now more that ever need these different sources to diversify, expand or to keep processes more efficient thus keeping them at the head of the pack. Today's businesses and consumers demand for speed and quality of products.

Short Term and Long Term Capital

There are many different sources of short and long term capital in the market. Here are a few examples:

Commercial banks

Smaller companies are much more likely to obtain an attentive audience with a commercial loan officer after the start-up phase has been completed. In determining whether to extend debt financing--essentially, make a loan--bankers look first at general credit rating, collateral and your ability to repay. Bankers also closely examine the nature of your business, your management team, competition, industry trends and the way you plan to use the proceeds. A well-drafted loan proposal and business plan will go a long way in demonstrating your company's creditworthiness to the prospective lender.

Commercial finance companies

Many companies that get turned down for a loan from a bank turn to a commercial finance company. These companies usually charge considerably higher rates than institutional lenders, but might provide lower rates if you sign up for the other services they offer for fees, such as payroll and accounts-receivable management. Because of fewer federal and state regulations, commercial finance companies have generally more flexible lending policies and more of a stomach for risk than traditional commercial banks. However, the commercial finance companies are just as likely to mitigate their risk--with higher interest rates and more stringent collateral requirements for loans to undeveloped companies.

Leasing companies

If you need money to purchase assets for your business, leasing offers an alternative to traditional debt financing. Rather than borrow money to purchase equipment, you rent the assets instead. Leasing typically takes one of two forms: Operating leases usually provide you with both the asset you would be borrowing money to purchase and a service contract over a period of time, which is usually significantly less than the actual useful life of the asset. That means lower monthly payments. If negotiated properly, the operating lease will contain a clause that gives you the right to cancel the lease with little or no penalty. The cancellation clause provides you with flexibility in the event that sales decline or the equipment leased becomes obsolete. Capital leases differ from operating leases in that they usually don't include any maintenance services, and they involve your use of the equipment over the asset's full useful life.

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