Business financing is an industry with many avenues. From bank loans to factoring services and solutions, business owners have more options than ever at their disposal. Small businesses owners should keep in mind the needs of their companies and remember that all products are not created equal. Although the end result of any finance product is money in the hands of the recipient(s), there are several factors that make each product different.



Bank loans work on fixed formulas and qualifiers that may exclude some businesses from availing their services and solutions. They also require recipients to submit fixed payments at set times regardless of business cycles and seasonality.





Government grants are a much sought-after but rarely attained financial solution. Because they are often given as free money and with so few being given, businesses must meet very stringent qualifying criteria to receive this type of financing.



Accounts receivable factoring companies offer services in which they purchase receivables at a discount. This is an option explored by businesses that may not qualify for bank loans or financing. Because it is based on current or future sales, business owners do not need to prove their financial viability to the extent required by banks.



Sone finance companies offer services and solutions similar to that of a factoring company but with several key differences. They offer cash up-front to customers based on future credit card sales. Each qualifying transaction that takes place is collected towards the amount funded to the recipient. There is no fixed payment or schedule and more is collected when there are more sales and vice versa.