U.S. Congress questions F1 over Andretti exclusion

U.S. Congress has written to Formula One requesting an explanation over its decision to reject Andretti’s bid to join the grid until 2028 at the earliest.

The post U.S. Congress questions F1 over Andretti exclusion appeared first on Buy It At A Bargain – Deals And Reviews.

The post U.S. Congress questions F1 over Andretti exclusion appeared first on Buy It At A Bargain – Deals And Reviews.

Republican 2024 hopefuls respond to Tucker Carlson's questions about their stance on Russia-Ukraine war

Several of the highly-buzzed Republican presidential hopefuls have responded to Tucker Carlson’s questions pressing their stance on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Last week, the Fox News host challenged the already-declared candidates as well as several prominent Republicans who have sparked buzz of potentially entering the 2024 race to answer a questionnaire that asked the following: Is opposing Russia in Ukraine a vital American national strategic interest? What specifically is our objective in Ukraine, and how will we know when we’ve achieved it? What is the limit of funding and materiel you would be willing to send to the government of Ukraine? Should the United States support regime change in Russia? Given that Russia’s economy and currency are stronger than before the war, do you believe that U.S. sanctions have been effective? Do you believe the United States faces the risk of nuclear war with Russia?

Two of the three declared presidential candidates, former President Trump and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, responded to Carlson’s inquiry as well as former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was the only declared presidential candidate who did not respond to Carlson’s inquiry. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, all who have signaled a potential White House bid, also did not respond to the questionnaire. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton declined to comment.

Trump said, “No, but it is for Europe,” adding that European allies “should be paying far more than we are, or equal.” DeSantis told Carlson, “While the U.S. has many vital national interests… becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them.” Noem pointed to China as being the “primary external threat” to the U.S. instead of Russia, saying the war in Ukraine “should be Europe’s fight, not ours.” Ramaswamy says it’s not vital to oppose Russia while stressing it is vital for the U.S. to have energy independence, insisting that had Europe relied more on the U.S. for oil and gas instead of Russia, the invasion might not have happened. 

WHITE HOUSE IS ‘ENCOURAGING PRESIDENT XI TO REACH OUT TO PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY,’ BUT NO CONFIRMATION OF MEETING

Meanwhile, Pence touted the “Reagan doctrine” of fending off enemies on their shores to prevent America’s direct involvement, telling Carlson, “There is no room for Putin apologists in the Republican Party. This is not America’s war, but if Putin is not stopped and the sovereign nation of Ukraine is not restored quickly, he will continue to move toward our NATO allies, and America would then be called upon to send our own.” 

Scott says it is a vital national interest to degrade Russia’s military. Christie similarly states, “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a national security issue that threatens our alliances and our standing in the world,” adding “this is a proxy war being waged by Russia’s ally China against the United States” and that “it would be naive to call this anything but Chinese aggression.”

Abbott did not specifically address this question.

Trump said the objective is to “help and secure Europe, but Europe isn’t helping itself,” telling Carlson it’s “very unfair” for the U.S. to largely foot the bill, especially since Europe “takes advantage of us on trade and other things.” DeSantis said “peace” is the objective while Pence told Carlson “victory for Ukraine” and having its sovereignty restored is the objective. Christie similarly said the objective is to “assist Ukraine sufficiently to enable them to defeat Russian forces and restore their sovereignty.”

Ramaswamy said the objective is to “respect any prior legal treaty commitments the U.S. has made,” citing The Budapest Memorandum that established Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, he added the U.S. achieved one objective in exposing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “paper tiger” over his weak military capabilities while two outstanding goals would be to deter Putin from future aggression and “nudging” Europeans to “take care of themselves.”

Noem did not specifically state what the objective in Ukraine is but told Carlson, “If we had a president who pursued peace through strength, Putin never would have dared to invade Ukraine.” Neither Abbott nor Scott specifically laid out an objective, either. 

DeSantis told Carlson the U.S. “should not provide assistance that could require the deployment of American troops or enable Ukraine to engage in offensive operations beyond its borders,” adding that providing F-16s and long-range missiles would be “off the table.” He also said, “Our citizens are also entitled to know how the billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars are being utilized in Ukraine.” 

Ramaswamy said he would “limit any further funding or support to Ukraine” as president, adding European allies “need to do more, a lot more — it’s their backyard, it’s their borders.” Noem said “We should not waste taxpayer dollars at the risk of nuclear war,” adding “We’ve already over-extended ourselves in our largesse to Ukraine.”

Trump responded by saying it would “strongly depend” on him meeting with Putin but stressed “Europe must pay.”

UKRAINE WAS THE 3RD LARGEST IMPORTER OF ARMS IN 2022, THANKS TO AID FROM US, EUROPE

Pence said he does not support sending a “blank check” but warned “withholding or reducing support will have consequence” and that “the cost will be far greater” if Putin invaded NATO allies. Abbott slammed President Biden’s “blank check foreign policy,” telling Carlson, “Throwing money at Ukraine with no accountability or objective is clearly failing.” “Before [Biden] sends any more money or assets to Ukraine’s border, he must enforce our immigration laws and secure our southern border,” he added.

Scott called for having “accountability for every single dollar spent,” telling Carlson there would be “no such thing as a blank check” in that situation. Christie did not address whether there is a limit of funding and materiel but said, “It is on us to assist our democratic allies in defending themselves against authoritarian aggression.”

Both Trump and Ramaswamy flatly said, “No.” Noem replied “Not at this time,” warning of a potential destabilization of Europe and nuclear escalation. DeSantis knocked regime change policy as being “popular among the DC foreign policy interventionists” and suggested Putin’s successor “would likely be even more ruthless.” Pence responded by suggesting the question should be posed to the Russian people. 

Christie said supporting Ukraine “is not about regime change in Russia; it is about respecting the sovereignty of free nations.”

Scott did not provide a response to this question. 

Trump answered, “No, they have not been effective. Just the opposite.” Ramaswamy similarly replied “clearly not,” adding “Russia is stronger because of higher oil and gas revenue owing to higher prices.”

DeSantis said the Biden administration’s policies “have driven Russia into a de facto alliance with China” and since China has not been abiding by any embargo, “Russia has increased its foreign revenues while China benefits from cheaper fuel.” Noem said the U.S. “has come to rely far too heavily on financial sanctions as a weapon of deterrence,” adding “Sanctions against China, Iran, and Russia have bolstered the Russian ruble and enabled China to establish trade in Chinese money rather than in US dollars.”

RUSSIA’S ‘MASS MISSILE ATTACK’ ACROSS UKRAINE KILLS 6 AS ZELENSKYY RIPS PUTIN’S ‘PATHETIC TACTICS’

Meanwhile, Pence rejected the premise of the question, telling Carlson “Russia’s economy and currency are not stronger than before the war.” He insisted Russia’s economy is “in free-fall” and that its ruble is “still afloat because of the extremely costly measures Russia has taken to keep their currency at pre-war levels in the face of sanctions.” He also added that Russia is being “propped up by China” and without its support, “Putin could run out of money by as soon as 2024.”

Neither Abbott, Scott nor Christie addressed this question. 

Trump responded by saying, “It depends on who the president of the United States is” but that it is “absolutely” a risk under President Biden. Noem also slammed the Biden administration for “taking us quickly up the escalatory ladder with a series of provocative actions and statements,” adding, “We are closer now to the use of tactical nuclear weapons than we have ever been.”

DeSantis warned escalated U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war “would risk explicitly drawing the United States into the conflict and drawing us closer to a hot war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ramaswamy told Carlson the risk of nuclear war grows “the more that China begins to back Russia.” He called out the U.S. for giving up “negotiation leverage” as Russia has “brazenly violated every nuclear arms control treaty” and added “The global defense establishment must dig its head out of the sand and buck up to the fact that China, who is not constrained by any nuclear arms treaty, is secretly building up its nuclear stockpile.”

Pence called Putin “the small and bullying leader of Russia,” saying his nuclear threats a “bullying tactic” but stressed the U.S. “will not be bullied.”

Neither Abbott, Scott nor Christie specifically addressed this question. 

The 2024 GOP hopefuls’ full answers to Tucker Carlson’s questionnaire can be found on the “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Twitter account.

FBI raid on Trump's FL home leaves unanswered questions, AOC's constituents sound off and more top headlines

INSIDE THE INVESTIGATION – FBI raid on Trump’s home leaves Americans with more questions than answers. Continue reading …

BILLIONAIRE’S BENEFIT – AOC’s constituents sound off after Democrats drop tax hike to pass climate initiatives. Continue reading …

CITY COUNCIL CHAOS – Protestors disrupt LA meeting on banning homeless camps near schools. Continue reading …

TAKING BACK POWER – Parents will call the shots in November’s elections and reclaim our culture, Michigan governor candidate Tudor Dixon says. Continue reading …

‘SHE WASN’T AFRAID’- Olivia Newton-John ‘defied all odds’ before her death, says best friend Jane Seymour. Continue reading …

 

‘FBI COMES A-KNOCKING’ – Trump FBI raid represents the ‘spotlight of justice’ in a ‘perilous time,’ Dan Rather says. Continue reading …

BUT HER EMAILS – Hillary Clinton appears to fundraise off Mar-a-Lago search. Continue reading …

THEY’RE ‘WAKING UP’ – CPAC Texas: High-profile Hispanic conservatives discuss community’s political shift. Continue reading …

VETERAN SUPPORT – Biden set to sign bipartisan burn pits legislation. Continue reading …

BLAME GAME- Bloomberg op-ed blames ‘election deniers’ for Biden’s low economic numbers. Continue reading …

POLITICAL FALLOUT – CNN political director says Mar-a-Lago FBI raid can work for Trump and Democrats. Continue reading …

‘BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT’ – MSNBC contributor shares how he thinks Republicans should treat the FBI over the Mar-a-Lago raid. Continue reading …

 

JESSE WATTERS – You can’t just break into a president’s safe and then go silent, Fox News host says. Continue reading …

SEAN HANNITY – Fox New host argues that the FBI and the DOJ have sadly earned the country’s distrust. Continue reading …

LAURA INGRAHAM – We have now learned more about just how petty and venal Attorney General Merrick Garland is, Fox News host says. Continue reading …

 

POLICE ‘EXODUS CRISIS’ – Officers are ditching the job at a rate ‘never seen before.’ Continue reading …

TURNING PAIN INTO ACTION – Virginia 12-year-old is helping kids with cancer after losing his own mom to the disease. Continue reading …

UNDERLYING MOMENTUM – White-hot inflation seen cooling in July but remaining near record high. Continue reading …

MATCH POINT – Tennis legend’s impending retirement causes ‘unprecedented’ ticket sales. Continue reading …

 

What’s it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…

 

  

  

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)

  

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

  

Fox News Go

Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We’ll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday.

Our experts answer big NFL draft questions: Who could win Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Best pick of the NFL draft? Class with the biggest 2022 impact? Early picks for Rookie of the Year? Our experts weigh in on the biggest remaining questions.

The post Our experts answer big NFL draft questions: Who could win Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year? appeared first on Buy It At A Bargain – Deals And Reviews.

Recent Business Credit Questions: Can Business Credit Ease Inflation?

Your most recent business credit questions have been weighing on our minds. So, let’s talk about that — and inflation. There’s more of a connection than you may think. What better place to start than at the beginning?

Basic Business Credit Questions

Here are answers to some core business credit questions that the others build on. 

What is Business Credit? 

Business credit is credit in the name of the business. Every business owner should work to establish business credit and build a credit history. 

There are a few reasons for this. First, it protects your consumer credit. Trying to make business purchases on personal credit can have a negative impact. The truth is, that’s the case even if you make your payments regularly and on time.

What Can Business Credit Do for Small Business Owners?

Creating a business credit profile means both your business and you can have a separate score. As a result, your ability to purchase a home or car will not be affected by your business expenses. Furthermore, your ability to get funding for your business will be less affected by your personal financial situation.

Your consumer credit report will have information on payments made, or missed, to your company’s creditors. The more positive history you have, the higher your score will be with whichever credit bureau the lender decides to use.

Why Should Business Owners Want to Have Business Credit Separate From Their Personal Credit?

With a separate profile, small businesses can get approval based on the financial health and well-being of the small business. Whether it is a business credit card, a line-of-credit, or a loan, approval will not be impacted as much by your personal finances. With business credit, it’s a truly separate credit score versus personal credit.

This not only makes it easier to get funding for your business, but it can open doors for you to get even more funding. For example, with a strong business credit profile, you are open to a higher limit and lower rates on a business credit card, lines-of-credit, and even vendor credit. Often, you can get these things despite bad consumer credit and without a personal guarantee.

Do Business Entities Matter When it Comes to Business Credit?

Absolutely—all business entities are not created equal. A sole proprietor can end up being personally liable for business debts. But in a business that is incorporated with its own tax ID, the owner’s personal assets are less likely to be on the line in case of default.

In addition, lenders want to see that a business is a separate entity from its owner. For that to happen, a business needs to have a Fundable™ Foundation. And that requires incorporating.

What Does a Small Business Owner Need to Do?

To have a Fundable™ Foundation a business must be set up a certain way. For example, you need to incorporate. A sole proprietorship or even a partnership doesn’t work so well for Fundability™.

You also need to have a name for the business that is consistent in all places, and that doesn’t warn of a high risk industry. So, “Bob’s” is better than “Bob’s Gas Station.” And, if it is “Bob & Joe’s,” do not list it as “Bob and Joe’s” somewhere else. Yes, even something as tiny as an ampersand can cause a problem.

Then, get an EIN and a D-U-N-S number. The EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business. You can get one for free on the IRS website. The D-U-N-S number is an identifying number you need to get in the Dun & Bradstreet system. You can get this number for free as well from their website.

A separate business bank account in the name of the small business is also necessary. Keeping business funds and personal funds separate is a good idea anyway. It makes tax time easier for sure. However, some credit providers make it a requirement for approval as well.

It’s also important to have a professional business website. The URL should have the name of the business if possible, and get a business email address that has the same URL as the website.

What Do Business Credit Bureaus Look for When Calculating Scores on a Business Credit Report?

A credit report will show a company’s pay history, even for items as seemingly inconsequential as office supplies. The exact way a score is calculated depends on the specific credit bureau. They each use a different formula.

Dun & Bradstreet is the largest and most commonly used business credit bureau. That’s why getting a D-U-N-S number is so important. You cannot be in their system without one.

That said, Equifax, Experian, and FICO SBSS are also used often. Generally speaking, the main factor that comes into consideration for the score on each of these reports is payment history. However, Experian and FICO SBSS use your personal score in the calculation of your business score. It’s not just about business credit card payments.

Inflation Related Business Credit Questions: What is Inflation?

According to Investopedia, “Inflation is a decrease in the purchasing power of money, reflected in a general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy.”

In essence, your money does not go as far as it used to. This is true for all businesses, whether it’s a new business, a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a type of corporation, or an LLC.

How Does Inflation Affect Many Small Business Owners?

In business life, companies may find their business customers are looking to spend less. As a result, annual revenue can go down. It makes sense that customers may not want to be personally responsible for as much debt.

Business Credit Questions Connecting Inflation to Business Credit: How Do Inflation and Business Credit Relate to Each Other?

Many lenders and credit card companies will check your credit when deciding how much credit to extend or how large a small business loan they should approve you for. It can affect the interest rate you pay, too. Without business credit, a lender will only be checking consumer credit, as that’s all you’ve got to offer. And if that credit score isn’t so good, you won’t get much. You’ll get a lower credit limit (if they extend credit to you at all), and any potential lender may charge higher interest rates.

How Does What’s on Your Business Credit Report Affect Approvals?

If your funds aren’t going as far as they used to, then you might want to lean on business loans. But you’re less likely to get a business loan if you haven’t built your company’s credit profile. And forget about qualifying for an SBA loan.

If owners cannot meet a lender’s credit requirements, then companies may have few choices. One option is an alternative lender. A small business owner may find they are paying a higher interest rate for a lower credit limit or business loan amount when it comes to alternative loan options however. Alternative lenders, though a helpful loan option to have, are notorious for higher rates.

During an inflationary period, that means such less favorable credit terms put even less money in an owner’s pocket.

Business Credit Questions for Hard Times: How Can Small Business Owners Help Their Businesses Better Weather Inflation?

Of course, the best thing small businesses can do is build business credit. Building a credit history with the business credit bureaus means setting up your business properly.

That includes building the Fundable Foundation mentioned earlier. Then, establishing business credit history with the credit bureaus. Build your business credit profile with an eye toward helping your small business get better credit terms and qualify for business loans. Doing so can help you manage funds and cash flow in a more efficient manner.

A Business Should Get Accounts With Vendors to Start

These are vendors for items which a business uses all the time, like office supplies. It’s a lot easier for a business to get credit accounts with one of these companies early on. Some may even offer a card, making it possible to get a first credit card in the name of the business. Even a secured business credit card will help, so long as it reports to at least one of the business credit bureaus.

Businesses Should Act Now to Pay Less Later

Inflation isn’t going away any time soon. Building credit for a business as soon as possible will help in the future. If inflation gets any worse, you’ll pay more anyway. Why not at least try to minimize that?

Business Soundness Doesn’t Necessarily Help Raise a Business Credit Score, But it Does Help a Business Get More Funding When They Need It

Companies that add working capital now can convert it into more annual revenue when they invest in better equipment or more inventory prudently. And even a new business can have its own business accounts. This is true even when small businesses are fighting inflation.

Business Credit Questions Relating to Personal Credit: Why Not Just Use a Personal Credit Card for Business Financing?

For one thing, credit approval amounts tend to be higher for a typical business card versus a standard personal credit card.

Your Personal Credit Score Would Plummet

On a personal report, the debt ratio affects your score. That is, the amount of credit you are using relative to the credit you have available to use. Since consumer credit limits are typically lower than business credit card limits, and business expenses are higher, your balance can stay close to your limit even when you may make regular, on-time payments.

In turn, your debt-to-credit ratio stays higher than what lenders like to see. Ideally, it will be less than 30%. Anything higher will have a negative impact on your personal report. This ratio does not affect a business credit profile the same way.

Other factors that affect your consumer report include credit mix and any inquiries on. But for both your business and personal credit score, payment history is a big part of the credit calculation.

Limits on a Business Credit Card Tend to Be Higher Than Those for a Personal Credit Card

To get more funding for a business, small business owners would do well to use a credit card for their businesses. They tend to be more flexible than small business loans, because of their revolving nature. In addition, many of them have 0% interest rates you can take advantage of, as well as rewards programs. Just be sure to choose rewards programs relevant to your business needs.

When You Build Business Credit, Your Pay History on a Business Loan Should Stay Off Your Consumer Credit Report

With a separate business credit profile, you won’t get an inquiry on your consumer credit. Inquiries impact your consumer score negatively, but this is not true of a commercial score. So, separating the two keeps your business finances from affecting your ability to get personal loans. In addition, in some cases it can help you get a loan for your business without a personal guarantee.

What About Using a Personal Guarantee? Won’t That Affect a Personal Credit Score?

If a business owner needs a small business loan immediately but can’t get it any other way, then offering a personal guarantee can be a smart choice. But don’t just offer a personal guarantee if you can help it. It can affect your personal credit report. Even a new business should be able to establish a credit profile and build a credit score without always giving up a personal guarantee.

What Else Can Business Credit Do for Small Businesses?

Even when inflation is on the rise, a separate credit profile increases the chance of loan approval for a business. That doesn’t mean the personal report will be ignored. However, if the business has a good credit score, loan requests are more likely to be approved. It can’t hurt the interest rate either.

Credit Suite Can Answer Your Business Credit Questions

Rising inflation means business owners need more funds. In contrast, getting a loan at times like this is even harder than normal. On the lender side, they have to be much more careful with loans to reduce risk. In general, their risk is higher because borrowers do not have as much disposable income.

Credit Suite can answer your business credit questions. We can help you meet the guidelines a lender sets to meet loan requirements. We walk you step by step through the foundation building process. Then, we help you find the perfect vendors for your business, so you can buy the things you need for your business while building your profile with the bureaus.

Not only that, but we keep our finger on the pulse of the industry. We can often anticipate business credit questions before they are even asked. Due to our lender relationships, we are able to follow the patterns a lender may follow, and keep up with which ones are lending more at any given time. In short, we help increase your chance for loan approval by helping you find the right lender and loan product that best meets your needs. 

The post Recent Business Credit Questions: Can Business Credit Ease Inflation? appeared first on Credit Suite.

Top Questions About the Business Loan Underwriting Process Answered

Loan underwriting is the process lenders use to determine the  risk that a borrower will not repay a loan. A higher risk of non-payment means higher interest rates or denial.

Business Loan Underwriting is a Little Different

When it comes to business loan underwriting, underwriters are looking at the owner’s information as well as information related to the business itself. This is more complicated and usually takes longer.

Here are some common questions about the process, and some tips to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Question #1: What Are Underwriters Looking For?

Loan underwriting is not a game of “gotcha. “ Lenders want to make good loans. After all, that’s how they make a profit. They need to see not only that your business can repay the loan, but that there is a high probability you will repay the loan. They also want to see how you will handle repayment if something unexpected happens. Do you have a plan for making payments if things don’t go as planned?

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business.

Underwriters are asking themselves these questions when they review your application. If you know what they’re looking for, you can include all the information needed on the front end.

Each lender has different criteria when it comes to underwriting small business loans. There really isn’t a standard that applies to every lender. Still, generally lenders are looking at the same types of things when they look at your business. But be aware, they may not weigh all factors the same.

How to Answer Question #1 Most Effectively

  • Provide all requested information.
  • Have financials professionally prepared by an accountant and reviewed by a tax attorney.
  • Fill out the application thoroughly and carefully.

Question #2: What Will I Need to Provide to the Underwriter?

Generally, loan underwriting requires you to provide:

  • Basic personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number
  • Your business name or doing business as (DBA) name
  • Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • A copy of your business plan
  • Information about collateral if you’re applying for a secured loan
  • Details about your business, including time in business, annual revenues, number of employees, and more
  • Financial records, including tax returns, bank statements, and/or pay stubs (both personal and business)

How to Answer Question #2 Most Effectively

Write your business plan long before you apply for a loan. Have a mentor or the local Small Business Development Center help you. Also, gather records requested and review the details for accuracy.

Question #3: How Will the Underwriter Use the Data I Provide?

The data you provide for loan underwriting will be used to do the following.

Verify Business Revenue

If there isn’t enough revenue to support debt payments, you aren’t getting the loan. Most lenders have a ratio that helps them calculate how much they are willing to lend to your business.  That is, if they approve the application.

Generally, approval for any amount over 10% of your annual revenues is not likely.  This is especially true for traditional lenders. Of course, it depends heavily on whether you have any other business debt.

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business.

Verify Personal Credit Score

With traditional lenders, your personal credit score is going to be part of every loan decision. In fact, in some cases it will determine whether or not they will pursue your loan application at all.

Banks generally look for scores in the 700s, though some will go as low as 680. The SBA has a minimum threshold around 650. In contrast, online lenders will go as low as 600 or even 500 in some cases.

If you get approval, the lower your personal credit score, the more expensive the financing. You may also have to provide a personal guarantee or sign off on a UCC blanket lien if your personal credit scores are particularly low.

Verify Collateral

Not all lenders require collateral, but most banks and the SBA do. While the SBA doesn’t always require that you fully collateralize a loan, they will require any collateral you may have available.

Online lenders will often apply a general lien on business assets. Also, most will require a personal guarantee on small business loans.

Determine Personal Equity in the Business

Underwriters may want to see how much money you have invested in the business. Lenders want you to have some personal skin in the game. If the business defaults, you have something to lose too.

In addition, lenders may use the data to determine a number of ratios that can help them in the decision making process.

Debt Service Coverage Ratio

This is a calculation of your business’ income and the total amount of business financing you already have. It is calculated as Business Income/ Business Debt.  If your ratio is below 1.25, it will be difficult to get more financing.

Debt-to-asset Ratio (total debt/ total assets)

This is especially important to underwriting if there isn’t a collateral requirement. It shows whether you have enough assets to cover the loan in the event you default. For example, do you have enough equipment or property to liquidate and cover the loan if you can’t make payments. A ratio of more than 1:1 is favorable.

Loan-to-value Ratio

This only applies if there is a collateral requirement. Lenders really want to see that your collateral is worth at least 20% more than you want to borrow. That’s why you need a down payment of around 20% to buy a new car or purchase a new house.  The lender wants to make sure you meet this ratio.

How to Answer Question #3 Most Effectively

Since you now know the formulas often used in the loan underwriting process, you can have your accountant do the math. It doesn’t make any sense to apply if the numbers aren’t in your favor.  If you are close, it may be worth a shot.

Running the numbers can also give you an idea of what may be required in terms of a personal guarantee or collateral.  This is helpful information to have before you apply.

Question #4: What Are the Dealbreakers?

There are a number of issues that an underwriter may uncover that may can mean “end game” for your loan application.  If you know of any of these issues before you apply, definitely disclose them. Knowing ahead of time will allow the underwriters to take note of mitigating factors as they go. If they come across any of these on their own, it is probably game over.

Learn business loan secrets and get money for your business.

  • Recent business cash advances or loans that are discovered but not disclosed in the month to date bank activity
  • An excessive amount of negative days in the bank activity printout
  • A criminal background history
  • Undisclosed tax liens or those not in a payment plan
  • A recent bankruptcy (within the last 6 months) or any open bankruptcy
  • Unsatisfied excessive or large judgments
  • Less than 50% ownership (depending on the lender)
  • A major drop in revenue
  • Negative landlord references
  • An undisclosed default or a restructured business loan or cash advance

How to Answer Question #4 Most Effectively

Check the documents you’re providing and make sure they’re complete. Material omissions, such as new loans that are not yet on record, need to be disclosed.

That way, the loan manager has all of the information and won’t penalize you for omissions.

Data Drives Loan Decisions

You provide the data to lenders that the underwriters use to make the loan decisions. It is imperative that the data you provide is as complete and accurate as possible. If they find inconsistencies, it is very likely they will simply deny the loan.

Something as small as using an ampersand in your business name in one place, and the word “and” in another, can cause enough doubt to deny a loan.

This is why building fundability is so important. Underwriters want to see your business is established as a separate entity from you, the owner. They need to see accurate and consistent information. Consequently, providing this from the beginning will make their job easier and save you a lot of time and frustration.

The post Top Questions About the Business Loan Underwriting Process Answered appeared first on Credit Suite.