In the Balance
Learn the factors banks really weigh when setting loan terms.
If you're like most entrepreneurs, you probably assume that when you're seeking a loan, banks will turn you down because your company is too small. Even if you do get a loan, you may expect banks to set stricter loan terms for you than they would for larger firms. But recent studies show that the size of your company is not the most significant issue in setting bank loan terms.
In "Do Banks Price Owner-Manager Agency Costs? An Examination of Small Business Borrowing" (Journal of Small Business Management, October 2002), James C. Brau looks at 463 small corporations and whether the banks they borrowed from packaged their loans differently because of their smaller size. Surprisingly, the banks did not charge a premium in the interest rate due to size, nor did they require additional collateral because the company was smaller. Instead, the interest rate charged to smaller firms was affected by four factors: the length of the firm's longest prior banking relationship, the number of prior banking relationships, the length of time the firm has been in business, and the level of annual sales. Similarly, the amount of collateral required was closely linked to the number of prior banking relationships and the overall debt position of the company.
Continue reading this article - and everything on Entrepreneur!
We make some of our best content available to Entrepreneur subscribers only. Become a subscriber for just $5 to get an ad-free experience, exclusive access to premium content like this, and unlock special discounts.
Entrepreneur Editors' Picks
-
Kale Was a Garnish Before This Creative Genius Made It Famous. Here's How She Did It — and What She's Planning Next.
-
Telling Your Brand Story Is Crucial. 4 Steps to Ensure That It Resonates.
-
This Baker Was Told Not to Speak Spanish With Colleagues, So She Started Her Own Cake Company That Values Employees Just as Much as Customers
-
Improving Yourself Takes 9.6 Minutes of Work Each Day
-
Meet the Women Behind Some of McDonald's Most Iconic (and Essential) Ingredients — and How They're Setting New Standards
-
Remote Work Shouldn't Be Up for Debate
-
Employees Are Over Foosball Tables and Free Snacks. Your Company Culture Needs This Instead.