This post is written by Bill Reagan, Executive Director of the SBDC and first appeared in the Alexandria Times on March 17, 2017.
For many of us, understanding financial matters is a challenge, and options for financing the startup or expansion of a business may be difficult to grasp. This is a perfect example of a great time to contact the Alexandria Small Business Development Center for help. Financial guidance is among the free services offered by the Center.
Astute business owners know that having a financial expert routinely review their financial statements with them makes them better managers. They know that it makes sense to do an annual fiscal check-up. They know that, at the first indication that they need working capital, an expansion loan, or even a startup loan, the most efficient approach they can take is to work through their business plan and loan request with an expert. Some have equated this process with getting coached for an interview.
Alexandria Small Business Development Center Business Analyst, Jack Parker, has been an independent contractor with the Center for 19 years. In that time, he has worked with owners to help them better manage the financial aspects of their business. Over the years, he has helped more than 265 business owners and start-up entrepreneurs obtain loans or investments totaling over $71 million.
As a retired banker, Jack knows what loan officers expect to see in a loan request. He knows that they want those requests to clearly show how that loan will be repaid, and they expect the applicant to provide sound financial projections supported by written assumptions. Some bankers indicate they have greater confidence in the requests that come through working with the Center. Their experience is that Center-assisted applicants are typically much better prepared and are therefore much better credit risks.
Thanks to the Center’s strong partnerships with local banks, bankers often refer prospective borrowers to the Center to obtain guidance. Nine Alexandria banks are currently financial supporters of the Center, and many of their lenders work closely with Jack to connect business owners with the right services. This could include helping business owners develop strong banking relationships, establish lines of credit or seek financing.
Being unprepared for a loan application can have far-reaching effects. Many prospective borrowers might not realize that, anytime your loan application is turned down, it can affect your credit rating. At the Center, Alexandria business owners have access to a free resource who can work with them to fine-tune their loan or line of credit application so that it answers almost every question that a loan officer will ask. That way, when they approach a lender, they will have confidence in the plan they’re presenting, and have a much greater chance of it being approved.
Whether or not a business owner needs financing, it behooves them to have a strong and confidential relationship with their bank. The Center is glad to have a resource to help Alexandria business owners develop such relationships and better manage the financials of their business. We welcome your contacting the Center for such guidance.
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