Working capital is the difference between a business's current assets and current liabilities. It measures how much cash and liquid assets a business has to cover its short-term obligations and operational expenses. Working capital is a key indicator of a business's financial health and liquidity.
However, many small businesses struggle to maintain adequate working capital due to various reasons, such as slow-paying customers, seasonal fluctuations, unexpected costs, or growth opportunities. This can lead to cash flow problems, missed payments, lost sales, or reduced profitability.
To avoid these issues and boost their working capital, small businesses can use working capital finance. Working capital finance is a type of financing that provides funds to pay for everyday business expenses, such as payroll, inventory, supplies, and operations. It can help businesses bridge the gap between income and expenses, cope with emergencies, smooth out cash flow variations, or invest in expansion and growth.
Types of working capital finance
There are various sources and options of working capital finance available for small businesses, depending on their needs, preferences, and eligibility. Some of the common types of working capital finance are:
· Bank overdraft: A bank overdraft is a facility that allows a business to withdraw more money than it has in its bank account, up to a certain limit. It is a flexible and convenient way to access short-term funds when needed. However, it can also be expensive, as banks charge high interest rates and fees for overdrafts.
· Business loan: A business loan is a lump sum of money that a business borrows from a lender and repays over a fixed period of time with interest. A business loan can be secured or unsecured, meaning that it may or may not require collateral. A business loan can provide a large amount of funding for various purposes, but it can also be difficult to qualify for, especially for new or small businesses.
· Invoice financing: Invoice financing is a form of financing that involves selling or borrowing against the unpaid invoices of a business. It allows a business to get immediate cash for its invoices without waiting for its customers to pay. There are two main types of invoice financing: invoice factoring and invoice discounting. Invoice factoring is when a business sells its invoices to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. The factor pays the business upfront and collects the payment from the customer later. The factor also charges a fee for its service. Invoice discounting is when a business uses its invoices as collateral to secure a loan or a line of credit from a lender. The business retains the ownership and responsibility of collecting the payment from the customer. The lender charges interest and fees for the loan or line of credit.
· Trade credit: Trade credit is when a supplier allows a business to buy goods or services on credit and pay later, usually within 30 to 90 days. Trade credit can help a business save cash and improve its cash flow cycle. However, it can also affect the credit rating of the business if it fails to pay on time or negotiate better terms with the supplier.
How to use working capital finance?
To use working capital finance effectively, small businesses need to follow these steps:
· Assess their working capital needs: Small businesses need to analyse their current assets and liabilities, cash flow statements, income statements, and balance sheets to determine how much working capital they need and for what purpose. They also need to forecast their future cash inflows and outflows based on their sales projections, expenses, inventory levels, payment terms, etc.
· Compare different options: Small businesses need to compare different types of working capital finance based on their advantages and disadvantages, costs and benefits, eligibility criteria and requirements, repayment terms and conditions, etc. They also need to consider their own financial situation, goals, and preferences.
· Apply for working capital finance: Small businesses need to prepare and submit their application for working capital finance to the chosen provider. They may need to provide various documents and information, such as their business plan, financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, invoices, etc. They may also need to undergo credit checks and verification processes.
· Receive funding: Small businesses need to receive the funding from the provider in their preferred mode of payment. They may receive the funding in one lump sum or in instalments depending on the type of working capital finance they choose.
· Repay working capital finance: Small businesses need to repay the working capital finance according to the agreed terms and conditions with the provider. They may need to make regular payments or pay in full at maturity depending on the type of working capital finance they choose.
Conclusion
Working capital finance is a practical solution for small businesses that need funds to cover their everyday expenses and grow their business. By using working capital finance, small businesses can improve their cash flow, pay their bills, and invest in their future. However, they also need to be careful and responsible when using working capital finance, as it can also entail risks and costs.