Earlier this week I read a very interesting, front page article in the Wall Street Journal that discuss how consumers are scrambling to raise cash now with the economy slowing. It is obvious to me that some of these decisions will very likely have a negative, long term impact on their financial health.
As business owners deal with this economic slow down, it is helpful to have simple criteria to help with your financial decision making. One helpful question: “Will this strategy harm my company by reducing its long term value”?
It is certainly more fun to manage your business in a time of economic growth. However, decision making during slow periods often have a more important impact on how well your business performs in the long run. Small business owners understand that during slow times there is less profit. It is the long term enterprise value of the company that you want to protect.
Here are some of the non-conventional alternatives that business owners could consider as they look for working capital to survive this slow economic period. I hope it helps you with your decision making and ask you to reply with other options you have considered for financing your company.
Negative Loss of Loss of Permanent Negative
Credit Asset Company Economic Tax
Option Impact Control Equity Loss Impact
|
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Home Equity |
Maybe |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Credit Cards |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Maybe |
|
|
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Maybe |
|
|
Cash Advance |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
This economy is providing a wonderful opportunity for the business cash advance industry to prove its value to the business community. So far they have met that challenge as several companies have raised new capital to lend and are setting records for advances they are providing to business owners managing this recession.
While the cost of capital is more than traditional financing, it is available now and, when used properly, helps a business owner maintain or even enhancing the long term value of your company.

