Small business lending has changed dramatically over the past several years. Alternative financing and the growth of online lenders has generated increased competition in an industry once dominated by banks and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses now have more options for lending solutions than ever before.
In the coming years, here are the top trends that will play a major role in small business financing.
Continued Enthusiasm for Crowdfunding
The 2012 JOBS Act paved the way for businesses to raise capital without extensive regulatory burdens – giving rise to crowdfunding. Crowdfunding refers to small amounts of funds from many investors drawn together to create a larger pool of capital.
It’s a relatively seamless way for companies to raise money – with investors receiving stock, equity, or debt stakes in return. Nowadays, sites like Kickstarter and SeedInvest have made crowdfunding more accessible and efficient than ever before.
On average, $17.2 billion is generated annually through crowdfunding efforts in North America. The global crowdfunding market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2021 to 2027, reaching a total value of $25.8 billion by 2027.
Crowdfunding is especially popular among high-growth, early stage startups who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a traditional business loan or business line of credit.
While crowdfunding can be a great way to access cash quickly, it forces entrepreneurs to give up ownership in their company. This can ultimately cause you to lose control over your business or contend with a lower valuation down the line.
The SBA’s Focus is Getting Smaller
The Small Business Administration (SBA) received national criticism in the spring of 2020 for granting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and other financial aid to major corporations and public companies. Unsurprisingly, small business owners, many of whom needed the relief the most, felt slighted by this move.
In 2021, it appears the SBA is making an effort to rectify its past. The SBA has expressed its commitment to supporting small business revenue and growth. Earlier this year, the latest rounds of PPP loans were directed towards the smallest of the smallest businesses as well as businesses in historically underfunded communities.
At the time, SBA Senior Advisor Michael Roth explained “The SBA is a frontline agency working to create an inclusive economy, focused on reaching women-owned, minority-owned, low- and moderate-income, rural, and other underserved communities in meaningful ways.”
Going forward, the SBA is likely to continue its focus on supporting smaller and smaller businesses, minority-entrepreneurs, and businesses in rural and historically underfunded areas.
The SBA has also set its eyes on reclaiming the small loan market, which has become increasingly competitive as a result of increased lenders and online financing opportunities.
According to Bob Coleman, an advisor to the SBA, federally-backed loans may even get smaller in value – “the future of the SBA is loans under $150,000,” he explains.
Possible Interest Rate Hikes
The Fed has kept interest rates relatively low throughout 2020 and 2021 in order to fuel post-pandemic economic recovery. This has resulted in heightened consumer demand, a hot labor market, as well as rising inflation concerns.
The Fed is now turning towards a different approach and considering rate hikes as early as 2022. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard remarked, “we were expecting a good year, a good reopening. But this is a bigger year than we were expecting, more inflation than we were expecting.”
The central bank official continues, “I think it’s natural that we’ve tilted a little bit more hawkish here to contain inflationary pressures.”
Business owners should also anticipate further interest rate hikes in 2023. If you’re considering financing solutions such as a business loan or business line of credit, it may be better to act now and secure a lower rate before interest rates rise.
Minimal Regulatory Shifts
Despite an increasing amount of lending options for small businesses, it’s unlikely the industry will be hampered by tighter regulations anytime soon. The government has a tendency to perceive small businesses as more diligent than everyday consumers – especially when it comes to loans.
This means, businesses owners will continue to be left to their own devices to research and source affordable lending options. It can help to work with a dedicated Business Financing Expert, such as the professionals at National, to help you find solutions tailored to your business’ needs.
Online Lenders Will Continue to Offer More Options
Banks, credit unions, and traditional financial institutions tend to have more rigid requirements for small business financing. Small businesses have to show sound personal and business credit as well as multiple years of business history – among other documentation.
In 2019, 32% of small business applicants turned to online lenders. Online lenders are known to be more flexible and offer a wider range of small business financing solutions, including business loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, invoice financing, and more.
Plus, they are typically faster and more efficient when it comes to application processing and financing. In the coming years, online lenders and other fintech companies will continue to play a critical role in providing lending solutions to small businesses.
Get in touch with a Business Financing Expert from National to help you understand what types of financing solutions your business qualifies for. Simply compare and contrast different options until you make the selection that suits your needs best.
The application process is fast, simple, and could result in you accessing funds in hours. Apply now!
