Bakery Business Loans

Bakery business financing options

There are several types of bakery business loans available, including:

• SBA Loans: An SBA loan is desirable to many small business owners as the Small Business Administration guarantees around 80% of the loan, lowering the risk to lenders. The 7(a) program offers loan amounts up to $5 million with low interest rates and long terms of 7-25 years, depending on your use of the loan. They also offer the 504 loan for buying big assets, such as real estate, and microloans which are usually available through local lenders and partners. You will need to meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify for an SBA loan and be willing to wait weeks or even months to receive your funding.
• Bank Term Loans: A bank term loan is generally the best option for business financing as they come with particularly low interest rates and terms of up to 10 years. However, these loans are often difficult to acquire unless you have excellent credit and long business history, and you may have to wait up to 6 months to receive funding.
• Term Loans: If you are unable to qualify for an SBA loan or bank loan, a term loan may be a good alternative. These short-, medium-, or long-term loans work in the same way, providing you with a lump sum which you pay back over time with interest, but you should be able to qualify with less than good credit. Interest rates and terms vary depending on your creditworthiness, so if you have a low credit score, you can expect this loan to be expensive for you.
• Equipment Financing: If you are just looking to purchase equipment for your bakery, you could take advantage of equipment financing. The equipment financing company will cover the costs of the equipment, which you will then pay back over an agreed term with added interest. Once you have paid the full amount back, you will have the option to purchase the equipment for a small fee if you want to keep it permanently. The equipment itself acts as collateral so if you are unable to make repayments they will seize and liquidate the equipment to recover their funds.
• Business Line of Credit: If you aren’t sure exactly how much you will need or when you will need it, you could opt for a business line of credit. This provides you with funds that you can draw from as and when you need, only paying interest on what you use.
• Business Credit Card: If you are able to qualify for a low interest rate or just need to cover smaller expenses, you could consider a business credit card. Like a line of credit, you are provided with funds that you can use as needed, and you can be rewarded for doing so, but they can be expensive if you spend more than you can afford.
• Crowdfunding: If you don’t want to take on the risk of a bakery business loan, you could look at sourcing financing through crowdfunding. This is a way for small business owners to raise the funds they need through family, friends, members of the public, and investors. Check out sites like GoFundMe, Indiegogo, and Kickstarter. Just be aware that there will be a lot of competition, you may not receive as much as you hope, and you may have to offer a stake in your company in exchange. This is a good option if you have bad credit and are unable to qualify for alternative business loans.

What are the pros and cons of bakery business loans?

PROS

• You can grow your business with ease
• Pay for costly equipment that can drastically improve your production times
• Cover payroll of skilled employees to expand your offerings

CONS

• Can be a temporary solution, hiding a cash flow problem
• Can be expensive if you have less than good credit

What credit score do you need to get a bakery business loan?

For the best, most affordable bakery business loans, you will need a credit score of at least 660, closer to 700 if you are hoping to qualify for a traditional bank loan.

You may find online alternative lenders that will approve credit scores as low as 500, but these loans will come with high interest rates and will therefore be costly.

Do you need a personal guarantee and business lien to get a bakery business loan?

Yes, most bakery business loan options will require both a personal guarantee and a business lien to gain approval. Equipment loans and business credit cards usually do not.

How much can I borrow with a bakery business loan?

The amount you can borrow with a bakery business loan will depend on the loan type you choose, the lender, and your credentials.

Generally, loan amounts will be offered between $15,000 and $500,000, although there are larger amounts offered for borrowers with a strong business and financial history.

How to apply for bakery business loan financing

Running a bakery is a worthwhile business venture, but without the right financing, you will struggle to succeed and grow. We have made it easy for you to compare bakery business loans to find the most affordable options and make sure that you are getting the best possible deal. Simply click apply and you will soon have the financing you need to achieve your business goals.