Few people can start their own business without a loan of some sort, and while it’s true that borrowing money can be expensive, smart entrepreneurs can save on costs by taking the right approach to securing a loan.
Junior Achievement South Africa (JA South Africa), which provides entrepreneurship programmes for youth to develop the skills they need to launch their own businesses, celebrates July’s National Savings Month with six smart tips on how entrepreneurs can keep costs under control at launch and keep saving once they’re up and running.
Successful entrepreneurs ask for advice
Seek out mentors and advisors who can give you information on the best approach to legal, accounting or funding business issues. While some set-up expenses are unavoidable, you can learn smart cost-saving methods from those who have already set up their own businesses.
Speak to a friend or family member first
If you can borrow money from friends or family, they are likely to charge you little or no interest on an agreed payment plan, while you would not enjoy that saving if you took out an interest-bearing loan from a financial institution. It’s important to stick to your promises about repayment with loans like this though, to avoid conflict in your relationships.
Borrow money from trusted financial institution
If you’re going to take a loan from a financial institution, borrow from a formal and accredited one. You are not protected by the law if you borrow from informal lenders, who also charge outrageous interest rates.
Knowledge is power – don’t be tricked
Understand the cost implications of the various loans options available to you. Paying a loan back over a longer term may mean lower monthly payments but this will cost you more in total once the interest has been included.
Micro-lending can help you through the tough times
If you need a small amount of money to launch your business or tide you over a cash-flow wobble, a formal micro-lender may save you time and money. Micro-lenders often provide support and financial advice, and are regulated, ensuring good business ethics and governance.
If you have a solid business idea – find investors or shareholders
If you need a large amount of money to start or boost your business, you could sell a share of it in an equity finance deal rather than taking out a loan. This will save you the cost of paying interest on borrowed money, but be sure that your new shareholders share your vision for the company.
“If you have a new business dream, there’s no time like the present to start saving and planning to make it real. If you haven’t run or managed a business before, look for small courses or programmes on how to build a business plan, do your research, and start trading in an environment that wants or needs your products,” advises Nelly Mofokeng, managing director at JA South Africa.
