Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Working of Cash Flow to Keep Your Business Afloat

The money which is flowing or moving in and out of business in a month is referred as cash flow. Although sometimes it seems that the cash is flowing in only one way –out of business but actually it flows or moves both ways. Cash is coming in from clients or customers who are purchasing your services and products. If in case clients are not paying at the time of purchase, cash is flowing in from collection of receivable accounts while it is moving out in term of expenses such as rent, mortgage, loan payment on monthly basis and in tax payments and several other payable accounts.

One can think of 'cash flow' as a big picture of business that keeps track on the account. Cash flow can be in two forms: positive cash flow and negative cash flow. You are in positive cash flow, if the amount of money coming in is more than going out as you will have enough cash to pay your bills. On the other hand, if the cash flowing in is less than the money moving out then that is considered as negative cash flow and then you are in danger of being overdrawn. And if this happens then you need funding source to cover your overdrafts. That the reason, why startup business require working capital, in loan or line of credit form in order to cover shortages in cash flow.


Why Cash Flow Is So Important

One of the biggest reasons for failure of small businesses is the lack of cash. The administration of small business says that insufficient cash reserves are some top reason due to which startups businesses don't succeed. This process is called running out of money and it can shut down your business faster than anything else. Cash is essential for running your business as you get payment option for various expenses such as stocking raw materials, salary of employees, office rent and other operating expenditure. In fact, positive cash flow is good as it indicates that your business is running smoothly. Also, when it occurs in large amount, cash flow is better as it will permit you to do other investments such as hire new employees or open branch on other location and helps in growing your business further.


Cash Flow When Starting a Business

When starting a business, one of the most difficult issues is dealing with cash flow. There is a possibility that you might have so many expenses and your money may be flowing out fast. Also, you might have no customers or sales that are paying you back then there is a need of temporary cash sources such as a temporary line of credit which help you in continuing your business towards positive cash flow situation. Particularly, cash flow is vital for seasonal businesses that have a huge fluctuation in business transactions at various times of the year. In this type of business, managing cash flow is quite tricky, but can be managed with diligence.



Nowadays, business landscape has few mandates that small businesses should go global. But doing business with trading overseas partners might be risky. For this problem, credit insurance will help in mitigating the risks by protecting the receivables’ value. Over the decision of conducting cross-border business, one can breathe easily by guarding bottom line against slow payments pr even nonpayment of invoices. Credit insurance can also be used on the basis of case-by-case.  Actually, growth can also bring serious problems to a business, depending upon the type of growth. Like few entrepreneurs all growth is good but getting a single large order or growing sales too quickly can result in serious cash flow problems. And these issues are enough to derail your business permanently. Most businesses encounter cash flow problem but it can be prevented with the right strategy. Furthermore, the best way of keeping track on your business cash flow is to run a cash flow report. And cash flow should be managed wisely for better supply chain management as it will help in creating strong as well as healthy business. 


Alcor M&A is a leading advisory firm providing financial services with an emphasis on customized solutions in the areas of M&A advisory, Private Equity, Debt Financing and International Business Development. These services leverages insights, relationships and a culture that emphasizes a strong orientation towards excellence.

For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Saturday, 12 August 2017

How Debt Financing Can Help Entrepreneurs Achieve Business Growth

In today’s competitive world, serving some extra customers is much easier than growing a business. And it is fact that revenue always finds its way to incline towards working capital without leaving any extra funds for business expansion.  The best way to ensuring the growth of start-up business in order to bring on a small debt and get immediate funding utilized for upsizing your startup business. Usually, long-term debt is bad for any startup business, the right terms coupled with right loan might put your business start-up in a position for growing earnings and again pay back borrowed cash without any trouble.


There are plenty of lending options to choose for entrepreneurs. The administration of small business all alone coordinates in funds with billions of dollars for lending small companies that aspiring to grow their business. In the hope to avoid debt all together, most of the business owners are opt for equity lending. And taking loan permits you to keep on working as the sole decision maker. Only you will be answerable for compensating the lender but with full control of the company and its profits.

Most important thing to consider in debt financing is to prepare a timetable for your business growth. As, if the business expansion happens in a couple of years, make sure that the loan does not need unmanageable payments done on monthly basis. Depending on how much cash you have borrowed, the terms are decided and where will you use this money. Most the small business lenders mainly work with particular industries and provide good rates to the right organization.


Using Debt to Help Finance Strategic M&A

Technology companies while growing their business are mainly using debt financing for helping finance strategic Merger &Acquisitions. Acquisitions that are well executed will be a complement to these kind of companies that are focusing on their business ‘organic growth and helps in achieving critical scale-up strategy, accelerating development of the product, strengthening the competitive position and speedy market entry as well. But it can be a challenge for those companies that are yet not generating meaningful cash flow, getting right acquisition financing as the pace with which you are adapting thing matter a lot in case of M&A.

Furthermore, with plenty of debt financing solutions, first review how you can make use of effective debt for complementing several funding sources and help technology organizations in raising required capital within specific time frames needed for M&A processes. An acquisition well-executed might be a powerful tool for driving growth and enhancing investor’s value for technology-based companies. So, it’s better to take time in determining the strategy of optimal financing that will help in ensuring that your acquisition is successful.



Most of the business owners think that just because of bad credit or any other things that lenders might have the issue with, they won’t get access to debt financing. Typically Merger &Acquisitions’ are used by companies’ for implementing value added strategies so that they can prosper and grow. M&A works off set notions of value that needs plenty of planning, negotiation, and capital investment for pulling it off. In light of investment risk and challenges, business alliances in the form a partnership, joint venture, or licensing might be viable which is to be considered according to the need. Two or more firms can set up an alliance pooling efforts together, so that value delivery can be done to the consumer as well as those who are involved in a profitable manner. Moreover, the decision of growing your startup business might be very exciting to make and can also be bit overwhelming. Consider whether the funds borrowed by you will help in generating more revenue in the coming years or not because if not, then you may be better off waiting. Rather leverage any capital infusion through which you can get into sales and marketing, with the aim of generating cash for the business in the future. And in this way, you may not require to borrow again.


For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Friday, 11 August 2017

Business Loans: What Are Your Options ?

Borrowing money under right situation can give the boost to small business which it needs to reach its next milestone or to get off the ground. There are several options available to small business owners’ seeking out loans and credit, but it’s essential to know which finance lending option is better for your business and for demonstrating that your small business is a good risk, what information you will need.  It has been observed that start-up business mainly rely on personal loans from friends, family or borrow against credit cards for funding their ventures. Business loans, as well as lines of credit, are easier to obtain more established businesses, as they have a track record of management and cash flow to report. Still several other small businesses look Private Equity, Venture Capital, Seed Capital, Growth Capital, Working Capital and Mezzanine Financing as an alternative of traditional bank loans options. Below are some ways that may help you in determining the type of lending that suits your small business at any development stage.


Business Credit Cards

If your business is incorporated, get a credit card for it in order to keep finances of business and personal expenses separate. As this will help you in keeping record of your business expenditure and personal ones by categorizing expenses, and will help you in establishing good credit history at the time when your business needs urgent funding. Take advantage of credit card and perks rewards such as zero-percent introductory rates, cash back or airline miles, balance transfer deals, and cards offering discounts for office supplies and gas. But always make sure that long-running balance along with high interest rates might eat profits of your firm. And your credits can be damaged, if you fall behind on payments. Always restrict your card usage to important business functions, as well as keep your balance below or at 30% of your credit limit.



Borrow From Friends or Family

Most of the start-up business owners look for family or friends for initial funding of their business without any established business history. So, its better look for those friends or family members who can give you cash and business guidance as well. Prepare a business plan and ask for enough funds that take the business to the next level and it will be easy to lend money again if you prove him that you will repay on time, if in case you need it later.

Line Of Credit

For ongoing needs such as inventory management or seasonal payroll, a line of credit many proffer an open-ended access to cash if your small business has uneven cash flow. You can still qualify for the full requested amount, and then one can borrow as well as repay funds on the time. For long-term investments such as property purchase or making a larger equipment purchase, then a line of credit is not appropriate. So, better be prepared for submitting financial details of business plus tax returns and information of bank account for securing the credit. Furthermore, the yearly financial review is also required.



Generally, small business lenders give loan to businesses that was operating profitably for continuous two years. A broad range of documents are required to be provided to the small business owners, so that the lender can easily analyze cash flow as well as the ability of company to repay loan along with interest. Also, first thing you should do is to calculate the actual financing cost, then project your monthly cash flow accordingly in order to see at what stage you might require need extra cash. And always remember that lenders may not provide 100% finance. Moreover, consider whether the funds borrowed by you will help in generating more revenue in the coming years or not because if not, then you may be better off waiting. Rather leverage any capital infusion through which you can get into sales and marketing, with the aim of generating cash for the business in the future. And in this way, you may not require to borrow again.


For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Thursday, 10 August 2017

How Start-ups Should Pitch an Idea to Investors

Nowadays, it has been seen that while pitching a business idea to investors is incredibly harrowing. So before seeking investment, prepare yourself with all the pros and cons of the business in order to keep your startup in pace. It has been suggested that rather seeking investment at the initial point of your business better keep it as a complement to your startup is already doing. There is no need of a large amount of funding for starting your business venture. Dramatically, overestimating the amount of money needed for starting a business is a common pitfall for start-ups.

Actually, seeking investment at an early stage might hamper your startup. It would be quite mean of developing your logistics and ideas, but the amount of time and stress in trying to meet the expectations of investors and in polishing your pitch is very nerve-racking. Instead of doing this, just crack your business and spilt it into small and prove the investors that there is a demand of your product/ service in the market by launching a website and encouraging people to sign up with their email addresses by showing their interested in your product or service.


Think, Why You Need Investment

At the time of seeking an investment for your startup, be sure that you have right reasons for that or else if the reasons are not valid then investors will definitely pick you out a mile off. Make sure that you are honest with yourself about reasons because they will definitely filter through your pitching, messaging, and attitude. As desperation will not help in inviting investors rather it will make them run away.

Be Confident

While pitching your idea for a business to investors, your goal should be to make them believe in the success of your startup business and show that you are committed to doing anything in making your business profitable. Any kind of uncertainty that you are not committed to your business idea will at once get picked up.


Be Visible

Always ensure that when investors are doing their research on your startup, there must be something good to find in your business venture either a website or positive presence on social media or reviews. It has been observed that being visible to others will not only help them in finding more about your business but also provides authenticity, specifically if your presence on social media demonstrates that people are getting engaged with the product /services offered by your startup.

Find Solutions for Your Business Challenges

It is obvious to come across certain challenges while starting a business venture whether marketing, cash flow, connecting with your audience or anything related to business. Rather than glossing over these obstacles, pretend as if you are immune and think about getting solutions for your business challenges you are likely to face. By doing this, investors will again be assured that you are prepared with the good as well as bad and you are ready for worst-case scenarios with contingency plans.


Pitch Your Business Idea Short And Sweet

You should make sure that you are clear with your business what you are offering and have perfected your elevator pitch. Avoid waffling, as it seems as if you are not sure with your business needs and its success. So, better be definite and concise in the eyes of investor as it will provide credibility to your business.


Moreover, as a founder, your main goal should be growing more and more professional network. At the time of need for funding, you never know who might be next funding opportunity or source. Also, some investors can be a public figure who can be reached online. Several other investors mainly anonymity and it’s quite hard to search for any kind of information about them.



For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Working Capital Loans for Small Business Ventures

Nowadays, Small business owners are facing numerous obstacles while running their companies. Often, various business owners of small as well as medium-sized businesses derive immense satisfaction in tackling these challenges, but it might happen that these processes cause headaches also. Most often when they are asked about their biggest professional demand, one thing that tends to be on the top is the challenge of getting access to working capital for managing cash flow. In other words, you can say that for covering every ongoing expense there is enough flow of working capital. A no. of reasons exists behind the cash flow is a steep challenge for owners of small businesses as they require precede revenue. Perhaps, it might happen that you are getting paid by your clients more slowly than what you expected.


Often, owners of small business venture might help in optimizing cash flow through the negotiation of long payment cycles with all the creditors and encourages debtors to pay as soon as possible. But there are various other solutions that might help you in sailing with plenty of working capital through the lean months. And you have two possibilities namely merchant cash advances and short-term business loans. One can put small business loans to work immediately for their business. For example, an owner of small business owners can use the working capital financing for meeting payroll of few months for negotiating an attractive inventory cash deal or to train and hire new employees.

Various business financing solutions, such as working capital loans for small business ventures might help in operating without missing a beat and can even make it possible in taking advantage of an unexpected business opportunity. Also, there are several hidden costs like the requirement of upgrading technology or unexpected equipment failure for improving efficiency as well as saving money in the long run. Interior remodeling, marketing, repairs, landscaping, and advertising might be important elements for your brand and ability for growing your business. Today in the highly competitive market where there is no time to waste, specifically while applying for business funding with lenders of working capital but working capital might be just a few clicks away.


At ALCOR, we understand all your small business requirement of working capital for keeping their options open and for pursuing numerous business opportunities that are continuously arising.  That is the reason ALCOR provides working capital to all the businesses across a variety of sectors globally. We also know that when a business owners need financing, they require it right now and not months or weeks from now, therefore we have made the application process so simple with a small amount of documentation and paperwork required. With ALCOR’s funding needs, you don’t need time for gathering statements and tax forms. Instead, we speak with the owners of small businesses learn their company’s unique visions for the future.


Furthermore, while starting a small business, one needs working capital financing for investing in inventory and accounts receivable. Using a formula of assumptions, one can get to know how much money is needed for working capital can be estimated on “Turnover Rates” for accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable. So, if one is the small business owner and is in need of working capital financing, then he must avoid high price related with financing products such as merchant cash advance, factoring, and peer-to-peer online lending, and lower cost financing opportunity available through your local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). 


For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Tuesday, 8 August 2017

What Investors Look for Beyond Financials :: Management Team

As a startup owner, you have started your own venture with a management team that worked hard for supporting your idea. You have made a memorable pitch for identifying size of potential market, and you might have achieved some interest of customer or the sale of products. However, at the time of presenting your company to investors, the main question is that while evaluating startups what investors look for. Although each and every investor or venture capital firm is not same but startup business owners must know should know how to review financial information like sales numbers, future goals, revenue, number of signups, and projections. And more importantly, they should know what to highlight beyond financials. Based on current scenario, it starts with the management team of your startup.


For an investor or venture capital firm, your management team is the major area for them to focus on. Leadership of an organization can either make or break the chance of executing and building a business plan, so your management team must have so many skills within product development, marketing, and operations. In one team where one member might have years of experience as senior manager while other have experience in operations management. With a team full of diverse experience people, your team might collaborate as well as understand the best utilization of each one’s skills. And your team must be passionate about not only your industry and its product but also check their egos for doing successful business.

Often, most of the investors and venture capital firms look for management team those ties to the industry. With profound relevant experience, the management team can understand the working of the industry and may easily segregate the potential disruption areas and business expansion opportunities. Often, such kinds of experiences provides an organization in channelizing unique relationships that enabled them to partner with industry leaders for another new business venture can access and showcase accomplished and well-known industry members within your team proffers social support proof for your new business venture.


On the other hand, those organizations which don’t have right management team, it becomes very difficult for the new business venture to scale up with at the need of time. In various cases, investors or venture capital firms might sit on the board or may be tapped for advice, although many don’t think of them as consultant of management mainly if they are big investors who are working with various startups at the same time. While reconstruction of an organization is possible and there is more possibility of gaining interest of investors’ along with strong management team.


Moreover, it has been observed that the bigger and stable consumer base your brand has, tougher the competitive advantage one will have at time of pitching to venture capital or investors. If you have a larger consumer base then it will serve as a proof for your company that it has greater impact on its target market. Often, investors and venture capital firms look for those organizations that can quickly grow and manage their business’ high scale of growth. The investors should also make sure that the company may generate considerable amount of profits beyond the idea of initial product with sufficient financial projections and a business plan that consists of multiple revenue sources.


For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
                     

Monday, 7 August 2017

Business Equity for Entrepreneurs

It has been observed that financing business start-ups is not so easy feat. If one can swing it, bootstrapping is the best option but no matter what, one will require small amount of money for turning idea into somewhat tangible. If funds are not rolling in yet, it’s hard to make a top notch product. That is the reason why many startups and small businesses provide equity to investors and employees. It might possible that even if investors from outside are not for you, but still you may be interested in providing equity to employees. But the question is, how will you do it? If you are running a smaller business and are thinking to offer equity then stick with all your financing options.


What Is Equity & Is It Right For You?

If you have a great idea for running a startup business but don’t have enough cash for funding your business then equity is the best solution for you. The main two common equity types are:

Equity Financing: In this, in order to finance your startup business, you need to sell shares to outside investors.

Equity Compensation: In this, one has to offer the percentage of company profits in exchange of less salary.

As it is said that private equity financing is not for all but it provides greeting option for debt financing to several business owners. In fact, private equity financing against debt financing cannot be charged with two major gripes business owners’ level due to risk with personally guaranteeing a loan and the constraint placed by it on available cash flow. Private equity eradicates the drawbacks of debt in that and for paying down debt, it does not divert capital from the business rather it shares risk in the business along with the entrepreneur. Another advantage of private equity is that you don’t need to pay right back to investors after they provide funding to your business. It means that one has more time for growing his business before he starts worrying about how he will how he will pay for it or not.  And in case business fails totally, one doesn’t have to repay. It is fact that investors either swim or sink or alongside the business owners.


Moreover, private equity is actually an umbrella term for huge money raised directly from recognized institutions & individuals and pooled in a fund that mostly invests in certain range of business ventures. For considerable long-term gains, attraction is the potential. Generally the fund is placed as a limited partnership, with the investors as limited partners and a private equity firm as the general partner. Typically, private equity firms charge huge amount of money fees for taking part in partnership and be inclined to focus in a particular investment type.

Many entrepreneurs think that the best and common form of raising money for their startup is equity financing. It involves the usual pitching to venture capital firms and investors for raising money in exchange for equity in company. However, this is not the only way of raising money for company rather debt financing can help in other cases also. Another most common financing option for getting your startup off the ground is debt financing. It is when either you get loan from bank or private investors invest in your business startup which eventually you have to pay back. Each financing option has its advantages and disadvantages so better review them before taking any decisions for funding. Debt financing is money that has to be pay back and it can take the form of a line of credit, a merchant cash advance, a loan, or a credit card. Using loan for obtaining capital or growth funds for starting a business is referred as Debt financing. Debt financing allows businesses to get the money they require for their business without giving away equity. Provided businesses can continue with the payments of interest and pay off all they owe and will get to maintain all the remaining proceeds in the coming years.



Furthermore, if you have decided that equity is right option for you, then next step is to search for other investors such as family, friends, angel investors, business contacts, or venture capitalists. There are various networks that permit you to post your startup business plan and wait for outside investors to provide funding for your business. This system is great as it permits everyone to invest in your business startup and not only one main investor invests in your startup.

For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.