Businesses need finance to start, maintain, and expand their operations. They have access to internal sources of finance like owner's investment and retained profits, as well as external sources like bank loans, overdrafts, and trade credit. The suitable source depends on the amount and duration of financing required. Common short-term sources are overdrafts and trade credit, while long-term options include mortgages, owner capital, and retained earnings reinvested in the business over many years. Both internal and external financing each have advantages and disadvantages for businesses.
2. Why do Business Need Finance?Why do Business Need Finance?
Businesses may need to look for finance fromBusinesses may need to look for finance from
banks or other investors for helping to start abanks or other investors for helping to start a
business, keep a business going or for expandingbusiness, keep a business going or for expanding
a business.a business.
Businesses can access many different sources ofBusinesses can access many different sources of
finance. The source of finance, used depends onfinance. The source of finance, used depends on
what the finance is for and how long it is requiredwhat the finance is for and how long it is required
for.for.
3. SOURCES OF FINANCESOURCES OF FINANCE
DEBT FACTORINGDEBT FACTORING
LONG-TERM
BANK LOAN
LONG-TERM
BANK LOAN
SHORT-TERM BANK
LOAN
SHORT-TERM BANK
LOAN
BANK
OVERDRAFT
BANK
OVERDRAFT
HIRE PURCHASEHIRE PURCHASE
LEASINGLEASING
MORTGAGEMORTGAGE
ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL
ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL
GRANTGRANT
RETAINED
PROFITS
RETAINED
PROFITS
TRADE CREDITTRADE CREDIT
SOURCES
OF
FINANCE
4. DEBT FACTORINGDEBT FACTORING
FEATURES:FEATURES:
When customers who buy on credit fail to pay on time or attempt not toWhen customers who buy on credit fail to pay on time or attempt not to
pay at all the business can use a factoring service. The factor will buypay at all the business can use a factoring service. The factor will buy
the debts of the business and they will then attempt to recover paymentthe debts of the business and they will then attempt to recover payment
from the customers.from the customers.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
This saves the business time pursuing customers and ensures theThis saves the business time pursuing customers and ensures the
business receives most of the money it is owed, thus helping with cashbusiness receives most of the money it is owed, thus helping with cash
flow.flow.
DISADVANTAGE:DISADVANTAGE:
The factor charges the business a fee for their service and so thisThe factor charges the business a fee for their service and so this
reduces the amount of cash they will actually receive.reduces the amount of cash they will actually receive.
5. LONG-TERM BANK LOANLONG-TERM BANK LOAN
FEATURES:FEATURES:
The bank may give a loan for a fixed amount, to be paid back over a fixedThe bank may give a loan for a fixed amount, to be paid back over a fixed
period of time in fixed instalments. A long-term loan might be taken out to buyperiod of time in fixed instalments. A long-term loan might be taken out to buy
a very expensive piece of machinery and be re-paid over a 5 year period.a very expensive piece of machinery and be re-paid over a 5 year period.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
The business is able to purchase machinery now and use it in the businessThe business is able to purchase machinery now and use it in the business
to start generating profit.to start generating profit.
Repayments are spread out over a long period of time, thus helping cashRepayments are spread out over a long period of time, thus helping cash
flow.flow.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
The business has now incurred debt and must ensure that all monthlyThe business has now incurred debt and must ensure that all monthly
payments are made on time.payments are made on time.
Interest is usually charged on top of the initial loan amount and so this canInterest is usually charged on top of the initial loan amount and so this can
be a very expensive way of purchasing equipment and machinerybe a very expensive way of purchasing equipment and machinery
6. SHORT-TERM BANK LOANSHORT-TERM BANK LOAN
FEATURES:FEATURES:
The bank may provide a loan to the business for a fixed amount to beThe bank may provide a loan to the business for a fixed amount to be
Paid back over a short, fixed period of time in fixed monthlyPaid back over a short, fixed period of time in fixed monthly
instalments. The loan may be used to buy small tools and equipment.instalments. The loan may be used to buy small tools and equipment.
ADVANTAGES:ADVANTAGES:
Because it is a short-term loan there will be less interest payments,Because it is a short-term loan there will be less interest payments,
thus reducing the cost of the loan.thus reducing the cost of the loan.
DISADVANTAGE:DISADVANTAGE:
Small or newly formed businesses tend to be seen as more of a risk toSmall or newly formed businesses tend to be seen as more of a risk to
lend to and as such these loans can be more difficult to obtain and thelend to and as such these loans can be more difficult to obtain and the
interest rate to be paid tends to be much higher.interest rate to be paid tends to be much higher.
7. BANK OVERDRAFTBANK OVERDRAFT
FEATURES:FEATURES:
A business can overdraw from their bank account, ie, spend moreA business can overdraw from their bank account, ie, spend more
than they have in their bank account up to an agreed limit.than they have in their bank account up to an agreed limit.
They could, for example, pay staff wages from their bank account evenThey could, for example, pay staff wages from their bank account even
though they have no money in their account.though they have no money in their account.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
This allows the business to pay bills and wages on time and keep theThis allows the business to pay bills and wages on time and keep the
business running smoothly.business running smoothly.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
This can work out expensive if used for a long time as interest isThis can work out expensive if used for a long time as interest is
charged daily.charged daily.
The facility may be withdrawn immediately if the limit is exceeded.The facility may be withdrawn immediately if the limit is exceeded.
8. HIRE PURCHASEHIRE PURCHASE
FEATURES:FEATURES:
Higher purchase allows a business to buy an asset such as a delivery van andHigher purchase allows a business to buy an asset such as a delivery van and
pay it back over 36 months. A deposit is required followed by monthlypay it back over 36 months. A deposit is required followed by monthly
payments over a few years.payments over a few years.
ADVANTAGES:ADVANTAGES:
This allows the business to purchase items like vehicles with only a small initialThis allows the business to purchase items like vehicles with only a small initial
outlay of money.outlay of money.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
The business does not legally own the asset bought eg delivery vanThe business does not legally own the asset bought eg delivery van
until the last payment has been made.until the last payment has been made.
Interest is usually charged and so it can be an overall more expensive way ofInterest is usually charged and so it can be an overall more expensive way of
purchasing large items.purchasing large items.
9. LEASINGLEASING
FEATURES:FEATURES:
When a business uses a leasing system it never owns the asset. TheWhen a business uses a leasing system it never owns the asset. The
business simply ‘rents’ the asset. For example Arnold Clark now offersbusiness simply ‘rents’ the asset. For example Arnold Clark now offers
a leasing system to allow small businesses to rent motor vehicles anda leasing system to allow small businesses to rent motor vehicles and
vans.vans.
ADVANTAGES:ADVANTAGES:
The advantage is that the leasing system will replace the asset everyThe advantage is that the leasing system will replace the asset every
couple of years and they are also responsible for any repairs.couple of years and they are also responsible for any repairs.
DISADVANTAGE:DISADVANTAGE:
The business will never actually own the asset.The business will never actually own the asset.
Rental charges or leasing costs can build up over a long period ofRental charges or leasing costs can build up over a long period of
time and so it may actually work out cheaper to actually purchasetime and so it may actually work out cheaper to actually purchase
the asset in the first place.the asset in the first place.
10. MORTGAGEMORTGAGE
FEATURES:FEATURES:
A common method of financing land and premises is to take out aA common method of financing land and premises is to take out a
mortgage which is a type of long-term loan secured against the titlemortgage which is a type of long-term loan secured against the title
deeds of a property or piece of land. Mortgages are paid back over adeeds of a property or piece of land. Mortgages are paid back over a
long period of time (up to 25 years).long period of time (up to 25 years).
ADVANTAGES:ADVANTAGES:
The business is given a long period of time (25 years) to pay theThe business is given a long period of time (25 years) to pay the
mortgage back.mortgage back.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
Interest has to be paid on top of the initial amount borrowed.Interest has to be paid on top of the initial amount borrowed.
If the business does not pay the mortgage back or falls drasticallyIf the business does not pay the mortgage back or falls drastically
behind with repayments, the lender (bank or building society) canbehind with repayments, the lender (bank or building society) can
claim ownership of the property or land.claim ownership of the property or land.
11. ADDITIONAL CAPITALADDITIONAL CAPITAL
FEATURES:FEATURES:
This is where the amount of money invested in the business by theThis is where the amount of money invested in the business by the
owner is increased by the owners (they take more of their ownowner is increased by the owners (they take more of their own
personal savings and ‘lend’ it to the business. Or they may decide topersonal savings and ‘lend’ it to the business. Or they may decide to
invite a partner to join the business.invite a partner to join the business.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
The business does not need to pay back the money which has beenThe business does not need to pay back the money which has been
invested and there is no interest to pay or any other costs involved.invested and there is no interest to pay or any other costs involved.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
The owner/s are now risking more of their own personal money asThe owner/s are now risking more of their own personal money as
more of their private savings are ‘tied up’ in the business.more of their private savings are ‘tied up’ in the business.
If a partner is now involved in running the business, profits now haveIf a partner is now involved in running the business, profits now have
to be shared and so each owner gets a smaller share of the profits.to be shared and so each owner gets a smaller share of the profits.
12. GRANTGRANT
FEATURES:FEATURES:
A source of finance from central government or local government,A source of finance from central government or local government,
Business Gateway or the Princes Trust. Money is given to theBusiness Gateway or the Princes Trust. Money is given to the
business in return for starting a new business, creating jobs orbusiness in return for starting a new business, creating jobs or
setting up business in an area of urban decay.setting up business in an area of urban decay.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
In most cases the money does not have to be repaid.In most cases the money does not have to be repaid.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
It is usually a one-off payment and certain conditions or criteria mustIt is usually a one-off payment and certain conditions or criteria must
be met before it can be obtained.be met before it can be obtained.
Usually the business is told what the money must be used for.Usually the business is told what the money must be used for.
13. RETAINED PROFITSRETAINED PROFITS
FEATURES:FEATURES:
A business can keep some of its profits rather than distributing them toA business can keep some of its profits rather than distributing them to
the owners. In this way they can re-invest the profits back into thethe owners. In this way they can re-invest the profits back into the
business to help it to expand eg by buying new equipment.business to help it to expand eg by buying new equipment.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
The advantage is that there is no interest to be paid and the businessThe advantage is that there is no interest to be paid and the business
isis
not incurring any debts. The business will own the assets straightnot incurring any debts. The business will own the assets straight
away.away.
DISADVANTAGES:DISADVANTAGES:
When a business spends all of its profits it can run into cash flowWhen a business spends all of its profits it can run into cash flow
problems. They may not be able to pay for any unexpected costs orproblems. They may not be able to pay for any unexpected costs or
expenses as all profit has been spent.expenses as all profit has been spent.
14. TRADE CREDITTRADE CREDIT
FEATURES:FEATURES:
Businesses can buy goods from suppliers and then arrange to pay forBusinesses can buy goods from suppliers and then arrange to pay for
them at a later date eg in 30 days or 60 days.them at a later date eg in 30 days or 60 days.
ADVANTAGE:ADVANTAGE:
This gives the business time to sell the products at a higher price, earnThis gives the business time to sell the products at a higher price, earn
a profit and then pay their suppliers – hopefully before the bill ora profit and then pay their suppliers – hopefully before the bill or
invoice arrives.invoice arrives.
DISADVANTAGE:DISADVANTAGE:
Sometimes suppliers offer a cash discount (reduction in price) forSometimes suppliers offer a cash discount (reduction in price) for
prompt payment. The firm will lose the cash discount if they takeprompt payment. The firm will lose the cash discount if they take
too long to pay.too long to pay.
Suppliers may be reluctant to sell more goods on credit if theSuppliers may be reluctant to sell more goods on credit if the
business struggles to pay on time.business struggles to pay on time.
15. SHORT, MEDIUM OR LONG-SHORT, MEDIUM OR LONG-
TERM FINANCE?TERM FINANCE?
Short-term finance is covered by trade credit, bankShort-term finance is covered by trade credit, bank
overdraft, debt factoring or a short-term loan.overdraft, debt factoring or a short-term loan.
Medium-term finance is a covered by a bank loan,Medium-term finance is a covered by a bank loan,
Hire purchase, leasing or a grant.Hire purchase, leasing or a grant.
Long-term finance is covered by a mortgage,Long-term finance is covered by a mortgage,
capital invested by owners and retained profits.capital invested by owners and retained profits.
16. INTERNAL OR EXTERNALINTERNAL OR EXTERNAL
FINANCE?FINANCE?
Internal finance comes from owner’s capitalInternal finance comes from owner’s capital
and retained profits.and retained profits.
External finance comes from loans,External finance comes from loans,
mortgages, grants, hire purchase, leasing,mortgages, grants, hire purchase, leasing,
bank overdraft, trade credit and debtbank overdraft, trade credit and debt
factoringfactoring
17. SOURCES OF FINANCESOURCES OF FINANCE
INTERNALINTERNAL
SOURCESSOURCES
OWNER’SOWNER’S
INVESTMENTINVESTMENT
RETAINED PROFITSRETAINED PROFITS
SALE OF STOCKSALE OF STOCK
SALE OF FIXEDSALE OF FIXED
ASSETSASSETS
DEBT COLLECTIONDEBT COLLECTION
18. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Owner’s investmentOwner’s investment
This is money which comes from the owner/s ownThis is money which comes from the owner/s own
savingssavings
It may be in the form of start up capital - used when theIt may be in the form of start up capital - used when the
business is setting upbusiness is setting up
It may be in the form of additional capital – perhaps usedIt may be in the form of additional capital – perhaps used
for expansionfor expansion
This is a long-term source of financeThis is a long-term source of finance
19. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Owner’s investmentOwner’s investment
AdvantagesAdvantages
Doesn’t have to be repaidDoesn’t have to be repaid
No interest is payableNo interest is payable
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
There is a limit to the amount an owner can investThere is a limit to the amount an owner can invest
20. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Retained ProfitsRetained Profits
This source of finance is only available for a businessThis source of finance is only available for a business
which has been trading for more than one yearwhich has been trading for more than one year
It is when the profits made are ploughed back into theIt is when the profits made are ploughed back into the
businessbusiness
This is a medium or long-term source of financeThis is a medium or long-term source of finance
21. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Retained ProfitsRetained Profits
AdvantagesAdvantages
Doesn’t have to be repaidDoesn’t have to be repaid
No interest is payableNo interest is payable
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Not available to a new businessNot available to a new business
Business may not make enough profit to plough backBusiness may not make enough profit to plough back
22. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Sale of StockSale of Stock
This money comes in from selling off unsold stockThis money comes in from selling off unsold stock
This is what happens in the January salesThis is what happens in the January sales
It is when the profits made are ploughed back into theIt is when the profits made are ploughed back into the
businessbusiness
This is a short-term source of financeThis is a short-term source of finance
23. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Sale of StockSale of Stock
AdvantagesAdvantages
Quick way of raising financeQuick way of raising finance
By selling off stock it reduces the costs associated withBy selling off stock it reduces the costs associated with
holding themholding them
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Business will have to take a reduced price for the stockBusiness will have to take a reduced price for the stock
24. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Sale of Fixed AssetsSale of Fixed Assets
This money comes in from selling off fixed assets, suchThis money comes in from selling off fixed assets, such
as:as:
a piece of machinery that is no longer neededa piece of machinery that is no longer needed
Businesses do not always have surplus fixed assetsBusinesses do not always have surplus fixed assets
which they can sell offwhich they can sell off
There is also a limit to the number of fixed assets a firmThere is also a limit to the number of fixed assets a firm
can sell offcan sell off
This is a medium-term source of financeThis is a medium-term source of finance
25. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Sale of Fixed AssetsSale of Fixed Assets
AdvantagesAdvantages
Good way to raise finance from an asset that is no longerGood way to raise finance from an asset that is no longer
neededneeded
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Some businesses are unlikely to have surplus assets toSome businesses are unlikely to have surplus assets to
sellsell
Can be a slow method of raising financeCan be a slow method of raising finance
26. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Debt CollectionDebt Collection
A debtor is someone who owes a business moneyA debtor is someone who owes a business money
A business can raise finance by collecting the moneyA business can raise finance by collecting the money
owed to them (debts) from their debtorsowed to them (debts) from their debtors
Not all businesses have debtors ie those who deal onlyNot all businesses have debtors ie those who deal only
in cashin cash
This is a short-term source of financeThis is a short-term source of finance
27. Internal SourcesInternal Sources
Debt CollectionDebt Collection
AdvantagesAdvantages
No additional cost in getting this finance, it is part of theNo additional cost in getting this finance, it is part of the
businesses’ normal operationsbusinesses’ normal operations
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
There is a risk that debts owed can go bad and not beThere is a risk that debts owed can go bad and not be
repaidrepaid