Restaurant Business Loans

Grow Your Business with Restaurant Business Loans
In the food industry – specifically in the restaurant industry – there can be good days, and there can be bad days. What determines a good or a bad day is not always clear, and restaurant owners definitely cannot predict it. Despite the uncertainty, your business is always going to have to pay expenses and cover day-to-day operations.
Another factor to consider is growth. While expansion opportunities offer long-term sustainability, they take working capital to get started.
A restaurant business loan can help you make it through slow periods of business and can help you seize growth opportunities to maintain and expand your business.
SMB Compass is dedicated to helping our clients’ businesses grow, by providing you with the funding you need. We handle your financial concerns so you can focus on what truly matters: serving your customers with delectable meals that will keep them coming back for more.
Whether you need funds for expanding, purchasing equipment, or hiring new employees, business loans for restaurants can help you during successful times, or cover your payroll or expenses to vendors during a seasonal slump.
If a refrigerator, oven, stove, or another piece of equipment suddenly needs to be replaced or repaired, restaurant loans provide a quick solution. With readily available cash, you can purchase new equipment and keep your business running.
SMB Compass knows how hard it is for restaurateurs to qualify for a business loan. That’s why we make it a point to work with you and help you find the best restaurant business loans in the market.
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What is Restaurant Business Loan?
A restaurant loan (or restaurant financing) refers to business loans tailored to address a restaurant’s unique needs. Restaurant owners can use the funds to cover day-to-day expenses, equipment purchases, expansion, renovations, inventory, tech improvements, or as a financial cushion during the slower periods of the year.
Every restaurant business owner will agree that having ample cash flow is the key to success. Without working capital, it’s impossible to run a profitable restaurant. In fact, many restaurant owners partner with financial lending companies in order to obtain quick access to working capital when they need it.
How Restaurant Business Loans Can Help Your Business
From improving your marketing strategies to buying new kitchen equipment, here are some of the ways you can use the funds from restaurant loans:
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How to Apply for a Restaurant Business Loan through SMB Compass
You can count on SMB Compass to help you find the right loan from the right lending company. If you’ve decided to move forward and apply, we’ve outlined the steps you need to take below:
Paperwork Needed to Apply for a Restaurant Business Loan
Keep in mind that the requirements needed depend on the type of loan you’re applying for. Generally, you will likely need the following documents:
- Business Plan
- Personal History and Financial Statements
- Projected Business Financial Statements
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Business License/Certificate
- Ownership Documents
- Personal Resume
- Business Overview
- Income Tax Returns
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Top Restaurant Business Loans for You
SMB Compass will work closely with you to help you find the best restaurant business loan depending on your business’ needs. Here are our top three picks for restaurants/bars:
How to Pepare to Get Funding for a Restaurant
Most often than not, restaurant owners will find themselves looking for an additional cash flow boost to cover their day-to-day costs, purchase restaurant equipment, or cover long-tern investments like a commercial real estate acquisition. When they find themselves in that position, coming prepared will boost their chances of getting approved for restaurant loans.
Lenders set a different qualification criteria or their restaurant financing. The key is to explore different lenders and compare their offers.
In general, lenders prefer borrowers with a good financial and credit background, since they’re typically associated as low-risk. Before applying for a loan, consider the tips below to improve the chances of getting your restaurant loan application approved.
1. Know where you stand financially and credit-wise
Before you apply for a loan, it’s important to understand where you currently stand when it comes to revenue, cash flow, credit score, and other requrements. Lenders are risk-averse and as much as possible, they want to work with businesses that pose lesser risk.
That means that if you want to increase your chances of qualifying, you have to work on maintaining a good credit score. If you’re a startup and you’re not in a hurry to get financing, waiting until your business is at least one year old may also improve your chances of qualifying for a restaurant loan with better terms.
At the very least, aim for a credit score of at least 620 and a year of business history when applying for any restaurant financing.
2. Prepare the necessary documents beforehand
The key to a faster decision is to submit the complete documents upon application. Try to ask the lending company what documents they usually require before submitting your application. This will give you ample time to prepare and obtain the necessary paperwork, so the lenders can start evaluating your eligibility and give you a decision as soon as possible.
3. Know the lender’s eligibility requirements
Lenders have different eligibility requirements. Some may require restaurant owners to have a stellar credit score, while others may work with businesses with poor credit scores. If you already have a lender in mind, don’t hesitate to contac and ask them how you can apply for their restaurant loan products. The more you know, the better you can position your business for success.
You can also compare loans from different lenders. If you can’t qualify for loans from your preferred lender, other financing company might be willing to offer you affordable restaurant financing. As a good rule of thumb, get offers from at least three lenders and choose which one will best suit your business’ needs and current situation.
Top Restaurant Business Loans FAQs
The short answer is no. As long as you can meet the requirements and submit the necessary documents to the lenders, you can qualify, and get approved for restaurant loans. It’s also easier to qualify for loans from online lenders than traditional lenders, since online lenders are willing to take on more risk, and therefore, may work with businesses with poor credit scores or less stellar financial record.
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