Marcus RichardsSmall businesses are the backbone of the American economy, accounting for nearly half of U.S. economic activity. However, they are also uniquely vulnerable to economic downturns. When recessions hit, small business owners must adapt their financing strategies to weather the storm.
Access to capital can become more difficult just when it is needed most. Understanding how financing is impacted by recessions empowers business owners to make smart financial moves.
Tighter Lending Standards
One of the first effects recessions have on small business financing is tightened lending standards. As the economy contracts, lenders become warrior of risk. They raise credit score requirements for loans and reduce maximum loan amounts. Startups and businesses in risky industries like hospitality or retail may struggle to secure financing at all. Even long-time customers with good credit may see their lines of credit slashed.
More Expensive Financing
Higher interest rates often accompany recessions as the Federal Reserve raises rates to slow economic growth. Even variable rate loans see increases. This makes financing more expensive during revenue decline for many businesses.
Owners must factor higher debt service costs into cash flow projections. Fixed rate loans taken out before an increase in rates provide payment stability and remain attractive.
Government Aid Programs
Government small business aid ramps up during recessions, although bureaucracy can slow the process. Hardship grants for individuals provide quick cash infusions to cover essential operating expenses. These offers are typically low-interest financing up to $2 million.
New tax credits and deductions provide welcome relief on tax bills. State and local governments may offer grants or forgivable loans. Additional aid programs target exporters, rural businesses, and disadvantaged owners.
Leaner Operations
Belt tightening becomes essential during recessions. Businesses pare down costs, increase efficiency, and preserve cash. Inventory levels are reduced to cut carrying costs. Discretionary expenditures like travel or marketing are cut back. Capital investments are carefully evaluated or deferred. Expenses are meticulously managed to extend cash reserves. Owners get creative stretching resources further through bartering for goods and services.
Equity Financing
Equity financing from angel investors or venture capital can be an attractive option when debt financing tightens. Investors with a long investment horizon may be willing to provide growth capital at reasonable valuations. The cost is diluting ownership, but no debt service payments are required. Equity financing is often a lifeline for startups and high-growth companies with short credit histories.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo let entrepreneurs raise small amounts of capital from a large pool of investors. This grassroots financing method has expanded access to capital for startups and small businesses overlooked by traditional lenders. While each investment may be modest, they can fund new ventures when combined. Rewards-based campaigns provide capital in exchange for future products or experiences.
Factoring Receivables
Factoring involves selling accounts receivables to a commercial finance company to raise capital quickly. The factor provides 70-90% of the value of invoices upfront, with the balance paid minus fees after collecting from customers. Factoring bolsters cash flow when customers are slow to pay. It can be costly, so it works best for creditworthy customers with longer payment terms.
Tapping Personal Assets
When business financing tightens, owners may need to rely more heavily on personal assets. Savings, home equity lines of credit, retirement accounts, and credit cards can provide vital working capital. While risky, owners may have little choice when growth capital is unavailable elsewhere. Many recession-era startups were initially bootstrapped by founders maxing out credit cards and draining savings accounts.
Seeking Payment Extensions
During cash flow crunches, businesses should proactively communicate with vendors to request extended payment terms. Most suppliers want to retain customer relationships and will try to accommodate reasonable requests. Being upfront about financial difficulties can help negotiate payment plans that work for both parties.
Businesses should also reach out to landlords, lenders, and service providers to see if any payments can be deferred or restructured. Temporary relief on rent, loan payments, utilities, insurance premiums, and other fixed costs improves cash flow. Any reduction in monthly obligations makes more working capital available to cover essential operating expenses during lean times.
Most creditors would rather provide flexibility than force a good long-term customer into default. By managing vendor relationships proactively, businesses have a better chance of negotiating win-win payment arrangements. Maintaining open communication, offering partial payments when possible, and making concrete proposals shows good faith efforts to meet obligations eventually.
Conclusion
Economic contractions test business mettle. Adapting financing strategies, controlling costs, and tapping all available resources helps entrepreneurs survive until better times return. With preparation and perseverance, small businesses can emerge from recessions stronger and well-positioned for the next growth cycle.
