If you are a business owner or potential borrower, understanding the “4 C’s of Commercial Lending” is your key to success. These are Capacity, Collateral, Capital, and Character. These four core components are what lenders assess to decide whether to grant you a loan.
Breaking Down the 4 C’s
The structure and system used by lenders to review your borrowing strength can be broken down into the following areas. Not only is it important to rate strongly in these areas, but you should also understand why they matter. Here are the key points to keep in mind when preparing to request a loan:
Capacity
Capacity is your ability to repay the borrowed money. Lenders review and consider how much money you make, what you spend, and other debts you have. They want to ensure you can manage the loan payments without too much stress on your finances.
Having a set amount of desirable income doesn’t carry as much weight if you have multiple or high vehicle loans, or carry a considerable amount of revolving debts such as credit cards.
Collateral
Collateral is something valuable you own that you promise to give to the lender if you can’t pay back your loan. It could be your building, equipment, or goods you’re selling.
If you don’t make your loan payments, the lender can take this collateral to get their money back. More valuable collateral can help you get a bigger loan.
Capital
Capital is another word for your net worth, or what you own minus what you owe. Lenders expect you to have enough money or other assets in your business to manage possible losses. This means it is essential to watch your money closely, keep your debts and assets balanced, and work to increase your worth over time.
Character
Character is a way of referencing your reputation, especially regarding money. Lenders will look at your past actions, such as your credit score and whether you pay your bills on time, to estimate what you may do in the future.
Lenders are more likely to trust you with a loan if you’ve been good at managing your money and debts. Building good Character means paying your bills on time, managing your debts well, and being trustworthy in your business dealings.
Remember that lenders want to feel safe about getting their money back. By understanding the 4 C’s and working on each, you are setting yourself up to do well when you need to borrow money for your business.
How the 4 C’s Impact Business Owners
As a business owner, the 4 C’s significantly impact your ability to secure a loan. They define how lenders perceive your financial health and creditworthiness, and by improving these areas you can benefit your business.
Understanding the 4 C’s allows you to:
1. Boost your chances of getting a loan. This knowledge allows you to see your business as the lender does better enabling you to make wise decisions about your money. For example, if you don’t have sufficient income (Capacity), you could try to earn more or owe less. If you don’t have enough valuable items (Collateral), you might buy more assets that could be used as collateral. Making these changes can make lenders more likely to say yes to giving you a loan.
2. Get better loan deals. Use them to your advantage when discussing terms with lenders. If you know you’ve been good with your money and bills (Character), you own valuable assets (Capital), and you make good income (Capacity), you can use these to ask for lower interest rates or easier ways to pay back the loan. You’ll have proof that you’ll be able to repay the loan.
3. Plan smarter for future loans. Understanding the 4 C’s isn’t only about now but also about planning for the future. If your Character isn’t great, you can start paying all your bills on time to improve it. If you don’t have much Capital, you can decide to buy more valuable items over time. This way, when you need to borrow money in the future, you are in a better position to get approved.
Tips for Navigating the 4 C’s
When navigating the 4 C’s of commercial lending, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate to lenders that you are a reasonable risk. Here are some practical tips to help you understand and improve in each area:
· Enhance Your Capacity. You can manage your money by balancing income and debts well. Review your expenses regularly to see where you can reduce costs. Saving more money can make your business more financially stable and appealing to lenders.
· Strengthen Your Collateral. Build up your assets. Consider investing in machinery, property, or other valuable items that can be used as collateral. Lenders will see this as a safety net if you can’t repay the loan. Remember, the more valuable your collateral, the bigger the loan you can get.
· Increase Your Capital. Raise your net worth. This could mean growing your business to boost profits, or it might involve reducing your debts. Having more assets and fewer liabilities shows lenders you are financially strong to support your loan.
· Improve Your Character. Maintain a good credit history. Pay your bills on time, avoid excessive borrowing, and pay your debts timely. Lenders want to see you’re trustworthy and dependable when handling money. A strong credit history can do just that.
Taking the Next Commercial Lending Steps With Woodsboro Bank
At Woodsboro Bank, we want to make your journey toward financial success as smooth as possible. Understanding the 4 C’s of Commercial Lending is just the first step. Our team is ready to guide you through the commercial lending process with transparency and expertise.
Are you ready to explore commercial lending for your business? Connect with us today at 301.898.4000. Already banking with us? Don’t forget to explore our other commercial lending options. Woodsboro Bank is here to help your business grow and thrive. Call your local branch manager if you have any questions about commercial lending.
Sources:
https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/homeownership/20171204-4Cs-qualifying-mortgage
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/commercial-lending/5-cs-of-credit/
https://www.score.org/resource/article/6-cs-business-credit
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/the-4-c-s-of-credit-for-business-loans-398030
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/five-c-credit.asp
