Is Microlending the Right Thing for Personal and Business Purposes?
According to World Bank research in 2022, more than 1.4 billion people globally remained unbanked. Although the COVID-19 outbreak did sparkle the evolution and streamlined adoption of digital financial technologies, it doesn’t mean the problem is solved as of now. While digitalization will bring more fruitful results in the long run, there is an alternative solution to stick to today and not fall out of competition in corresponding fields — microlending.
This offer isn’t a typical case of lending. It means that its rules and parameters open the doors for more small businesses and individuals to finance their projects when other methods fail to satisfy their needs. Let’s check this topic in more detail!
What You Should Know About Microlending
The definition is rather straightforward: this term denotes the lending process and the result of providing the target third party with small funds to sponsor their plans. It may seem more reliable to cooperate with credit unions or banking establishments in this regard, but it isn’t for everyone:
Lack of collateral — this factor may be the reason to deny your application for a conventional loan.
High debt-to-income ratio — if you have other debt obligations at the moment and want to request another loan, it is most likely the target bank will refuse to issue a loan.
Poor credit score — loan rejection probability depends on how risky it is for the bank to lend you cash.
Incomplete documentation — naturally, if you don’t provide enough details about your background and other matters that the bank requests, the loan approval will be way off.
Short credit history — it may be that you can’t prove your credibility because you haven’t managed debts so far.
When there is a high chance your role as an applicant for a conventional loan won’t make things work in your favor, microlending is the answer. Its limits are usually around $50,000. They are issued by independent organizations or individuals, which is why microloans are also called peer-to-peer lending. As a rule, they offer more favorable interest rates and repayment conditions.
How Do Microloans Work?
Overall, you can go for this service if you have any of these in mind:
starting a business;
expanding an existing company;
funding its renovation;
getting an additional source of working capital;
investing in leveling up the existing inventory, equipment, machinery, furniture, and much more.
Although microlending is a business at its core, its main purpose is to create connections in the professional community and benefit from assisting people with fewer opportunities in their prospective communities. Here is a quick example of how it works in practice:
Let’s assume a small business owner requires $5,000 to buy new equipment and refurbish their office to welcome more clients.
In this case, securing financing through conventional banking institutions will make you spend more for returning the loan and other fees. That’s when microlending comes in.
With the right choice of a credible and seasoned microlending service or platform, this entrepreneur sets loan terms and receives the funding.
What is left to do is follow the loan terms and satisfy its agreement conditions timely.
Why Choose Microlending for Your Needs?
If you don’t know whether microloans are truly beneficial in your case, take a look at the reasons that will easily change your mind and help you see how profitable and effective this source of funding may turn out to be:
Flexible terms — contrary to conventional loans, this solution stands out with entry-level conditions for soon-to-be borrowers. For instance, you can gain as little as $1,000 and set a six-month term to repay your loan.
Financial inclusion — that’s how people can get the most out of the financial benefits of the system, including insurance products and savings accounts.
Access to finance that offers economic independence — the big picture of microlending shouldn’t be disregarded. With this service, borrowers can start their projects and improve the business market in the area, creating new job opportunities and developing agriculture, retail, and other markets.
Community advancements — prominent startups or recoveries of existing businesses tend to influence the professional microclimate in the area positively.
Credit building — last but not least, this offer will be a nice start for individuals with little to zero credit history and open the path for more substantial loans that are $50,000 and beyond.
Wrapping It Up
Microlending isn’t designed to eliminate global poverty. Nonetheless, its functionality proves its reliability as a financing means and makes it so attractive in the eyes of individuals and companies of any caliber. This method stands out in how it alters people’s lives by providing finance to establish or develop a small company while other methods fail to do the same.
Of course, it is crucial to understand when microloans are your cup of tea. Compare it with other alternative solutions to see what option will cater to your financial goals and repayment circumstances better in the long run. At the end of the day, small loans can have a huge impact and make your business dream come true.
