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Working Capital Solutions for Supply Chain Finance

With specific challenges post COVID-19, large businesses and SMEs are leveraging AFG’s suite of financing solutions for more than just equipment leasing. For many businesses, the complications associated with a decrease in working capital have been crippling to their bottom lines. Companies are experiencing new challenges that require strategic solutions in order to maintain or increase their solvency.

Having worked closely with over 25,000 clients, AFG has been able to identify the frustrations many customers have faced with supply chain management. By helping customers leverage our working capital solution with supply chain finance, customers have been able to manage and grow their cash more effectively and efficiently.

What is Supply Chain Finance?

Supply chain finance (SCF) encompasses a set of solutions that improves cash flow across the supply chain. It allows businesses to optimize payment terms to their suppliers while providing the option for their large and SME suppliers to get paid early. As a result, disruptions to the supply chain are minimized while the velocity of cash flow across the chain is optimized.

In supply chain finance engagements, buyers send approved invoices from their participating suppliers to a bank (or financing institution), and the bank can make an early payment to the supplier at a discount. Rates and discounts are contingent on the buyer’s credit, but the process of supply chain finance allows buyers to hold on to their cash longer, thus maximizing their working capital. Suppliers get paid faster and take advantage of financing rates they may not have been able to get on their own.

Why Consider Working Capital Solutions for Supply Chain Finance

According to the 2022 Business Leaders Outlook, business owners are more optimistic than ever in spite of the COVID-19 landscape. An increase in capital spending and credit needs reveals that companies are poised for growth and expansion. Clogged supply chains, however, rank second among the top five obstacles reported by business owners. Therefore, supply chains continue to struggle to meet demand, even with bottlenecks improving since 2021.

It doesn’t end there.  According to a Rutgers Study, the disruptions to businesses, from customers, to suppliers, and affiliated service providers, such as banks and logistics providers, have caused chaos. Businesses of all sizes are turning to supply chain financing solutions to stabilize liquidity and their net working capital in order to maintain solvency and ensure continuity of supply through their supply chains.

In order to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customers, small to mid-sized companies have started expanding their strategies to mirror those of their larger, multinational counterparts by diversifying their supply chains and taking a strategic approach to sourcing and stocking goods. This, however, requires available working capital.

How the AFG Working Capital Program Can Help

An infusion of working capital, either via loan or line of credit, can stimulate the movement of cash through your supply chain by offering money saving incentives for faster payments. This also promotes a symbiotic relationship between buyers and sellers through a series of processes that lower costs and improves efficiency for the involved parties, keeping the supply chain agile and competitive in spite of challenges.

The AFG Working Capital Program features flexible transaction amounts and term lengths with no prepayment penalties. In conjunction with our internal credit facilities and syndicate bank partnerships, AFG also has the ability to underwrite various credit profiles and can provide working capital, financing, and leasing to an array of businesses and government agencies. Our streamlined application process and minimal bank statement requirements help you get the financing you need so you can grow your business.

Managing a steady stream of cash flow is the hardest part of growing a business. Contact AFG to learn more about how a working capital solution can accelerate movement across your supply chain.

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The Sound of Small Business USA

The US is and has always been built on small businesses. Did you know the SBA’s 2019 report stated there are 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S. and they make up 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses? That’s right. They contribute not only to employment, but to innovation and the global economy. 

There are many upsides of owning a small business. There’s the flexibility and empowerment of being your own boss. There’s the possibility of financial freedom without the restrictions of working for someone else. And of course, maybe most importantly, there’s the ability to follow your own passion and do what you love.

Of course as many of us know, freedom comes with responsibilities and risk. For instance, right at the outset, 50% of all small businesses fail. Not the best odds when trying to set up a career and future. Small businesses tend to be the hardest hit during times of recession. And it’s more difficult to attract qualified employees when you might not be able to offer the same level of pay or benefits as a large corporation.

Despite the potential downsides, the good news is that the future of small business looks promising. Most of the recent studies and statistics show a future of growth and expansion, which bodes well for business owners and the US economy.

Need proof? According to a Guidant Financial and the Small Business Trends Alliance (SBTA) Small Business Trends 2021 survey:

  • 49 percent of small business owners plan to increase staff and expand or remodel their business. 
  • 55 percent will pivot with the times by investing in digital marketing 
  • 27 percent will be investing in IT infrastructure
  • 22 percent will invest in business services such as using a third-party or software to help them manage payroll, accounting, or inventory.

The fact that businesses are planning to invest right now means they see opportunities for growth and feel confident committing time and resources towards that growth. This speaks volumes especially considering we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and most small businesses have not fared well over the past year. Plus, as so many of us know, the hardest part of growing a business is cash flow management. 

The future of small business requires capital. 

But how do you secure it? Bank loans can be cumbersome and tedious, especially for small business owners. And often, they don’t provide the benefits other options do.

Also, many of the small businesses that require capital don’t qualify for traditional bank loans. The banking industry’s risk management model does little to support and encourage small entrepreneurs. 

Larger corporations tend to be more diversified and therefore can navigate growing pains more easily. Whereas a small business owner might have to mortgage a house, for example, to expand or even just to keep the business going.

Banks tend to be a poor match for a small business owner. There are however alternative methods that can help you fund your growth:

  • Equipment Leasing: Leases can provide a great way to source new equipment without having to secure a loan. Plus, you can keep the loan option available for other important projects.
  • Business Line of Credit: extremely flexible since you can continue to reuse and repay as often as you’d like, as long as your payments are on time.
  • HELOC – Home equity line of credit: Often a viable option for small businesses. It can be a bit risky as it ties your personal assets to your performance in business. While the costs are low, you have to put your personal finances on the line.
  • Pay Cash: Can you liquidate assets? Have a family member who can provide funds? If so, cash can be a great option.
  • Private Short-Term Unsecured Cash Loan: Working capital loans are easy to secure and typically no collateral is required with an alternative lender. And since they draw capital from private sources, they can be more flexible with the lending opportunities they provide.

There are many benefits of alternative lending which has led to a rise in small private finance companies in the last decade:

  • Private lenders such as AFG understand the personal risks of a small business owner and offer solutions that help the business thrive.
  • Unlike banks, most private lenders do not impose blanket liens on the business. The equipment financed is the only collateral required to guarantee the deal. No need to put family finances at risk.
  • Creative payment options and finance structures that take a company’s seasonality and downtime into account.
  • Prompt, simple process – most private lenders will make their credit decision in 24-48 hours with little paperwork (banks may take weeks reviewing financial statements).
  • Tax deductions (often, you can deduct the full cost of qualified equipment purchases).

We believe in the power and strength of small business. This country was built on it and will continue to thrive because of it. Which is why AFG does what we do. We hope our support of small business is evident in the way we structure our own processes and the way we work with our clients. We truly want what’s best for them and work hard to ensure we meet their goals every time.

If you’re a small business owner that wants to grow, reach out and learn more about your options. Let us find a solution that works best for your business.

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How Working Capital loans can help pay your business taxes

If you run a business with expenses, you need working capital. What is working capital? Basically, it’s the cash that a business has on hand for current and short-term business operating expenditures. This includes things that are your non-negotiables, like utilities, payroll, taxes, and rent. These expenses are due regardless of the state of your business.

You need positive and healthy working capital for a business to not only survive but also for it to be successful. It ensures that business operations continue to run smoothly without any interruptions or hiccups.

Here are some benefits of a working capital loan : 

  • Provides reserves during a rough patch such as a global pandemic 
  • Gives the ability to expand your business or explore other markets
  • Helps with the acquisition of revenue-generating initiatives
  • Allows you to purchase inventory before the busy season in your industry
  • Supports the hiring and training of additional staff 
  • Assists with tax payments

How a Working Capital Loan can help you with your business taxes

Let’s face it, there is no running away from taxes. But there are tactics you can use to help make paying them easier on you and your business.

Many small businesses run on thin margins so when the time comes to pay taxes suddenly you are facing a huge dip into your operating capital. It’s almost like paying a full year’s rent on your move-in day. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could pay it out over 3-12 months instead? 

That’s exactly what a working capital loan provides.

It ensures you don’t have to stockpile cash for months prior to tax season. Instead, you can get a competitive business loan that you have several months to repay, freeing up some of your profits, while also paying your balance in full.

What about the interest that comes with a loan?

Did you know the IRS charges interest on the outstanding taxes that are due? That’s right –  they treat your balance as a loan and charge a 4-6% interest rate on it. Not only that, but they can also charge late fees (steep ones), place tax liens, or even go after your personal taxes and claim them in place of the missing amount. Tax liens usually have a rather severe impact on your credit history and can drive down your business and personal credit, making it harder to secure credit in the future. This is why low-interest working capital loans can be so beneficial in these situations – you can actually save money and protect your credit and reputation while paying the full amount on time. Now that’s a win-win.

Choosing the right offer for your business

The business loan process at banks is traditionally slow and complicated. They require extensive paperwork, heavily scrutinize your credit, and impart high fees and interest rates.  Whereas at AFG, we make sure our working capital loan process is FAST, EASY, and low risk. 

You can feel secure knowing you are partnering with a trusted lender who offers affordable rates and a smooth and hassle-free process so you can concentrate on your business. We’re here to make it simple for you to get the cash you need without surprises, hidden fees, or penalties.

Interested in applying for a working capital business loan? 

It’s easy – you can apply online with just a few essential documents. Once approved, the funds reach your business account within 24 hours.

Apply now and get up to $150,000 almost instantly.

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5 Ways for Business Owners to Reduce Their Taxable Income

The Internal Revenue Code allows for a wide variety of options to save money on taxes, encouraging entrepreneurs to create jobs and invest in thier businesses.

We do not recommend spending money for the sole purpose of reducing your taxes. However, you are likely to benefit from smart spending. Here are some popular solutions to lower your tax liabilities and save money for your business.

Tax Credits

The federal government offers tax credits and tax breaks that drive business owners to make decisions that improve the overall American economy. Actions such as hiring employees, creating an accessible environment for people with disabilities, shifting to emissions-free technologies, and even offering health coverage for employees can qualify you to save money on taxes.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

You may qualify to deduct 20% from the QBI if your business is an S-Corp, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship. This deduction comes additionally to your regular deduction of business expenses. You could qualify if your taxable income is under $157,500. The amount goes up to $315,000 if you are filing a joint return with your spouse.

Write Off Bad Debt

Unfortunately, some customers may never pay for what they purchased on a note. The last quarter is the perfect time to identify those receivables and write them off to save money on taxes this year.

Fund a Retirement Plan (For Yourself and Employees)

Adding money to an Investment Retirement Account such as 401(k) and 403(b) free you from taxation up to a certain amount every year. The share of income put in an IRA is usually tax-free until you withdraw it. Consider consulting a tax advisor to make sure you qualify.

Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation

Business assets such as machinery, vehicles, and other equipment can qualify for a Section 179 deduction. This part of the IRS Code allows your business to write off up to $1,040,000 of the equipment cost in the first year. You can take advantage of this rule until you reach $2,590,000 for the year.

The additional bonus depreciation also offers a tax break of 50-100% on equipment cost. The current bonus depreciation rules are valid until January 1, 2023.

Please, note that you must put the newly acquired equipment in use by December 31 to take advantage of these tax benefits.

Note

Other restrictions may apply to the tax breaks explained in this article. Check if you are eligible with your tax advisor.

We Can Help

Alliance Funding Group offers equipment leasing solutions that qualify for Section 179 deduction.

Get a custom-tailored quote this year and save money on taxes.