Finance that is free?
They always say that if an offer is too good to be true then it is.
This one is unlike the Nigerian Prince who has millions to give away in return for your bank details and pin number, it really is the very best commercial finance product I have seen in years ever.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan – CBILS
The CBILS scheme has been around a few months and is going to end pretty soon. We have seen a real change in how the scheme has been used, a shift from necessity to opportunity. Let me explain;
- At the outset we saw businesses look to borrow to support cash flow, add to their working capital and fund overheads. It was the necessity that drove those businesses to use CBILS
- We then saw a drop off in applications, the immediate need was met and the scheme was parked in the minds of those who had used it and those that didn’t feel they needed to
- Now, we are seeing those businesses who recognise an opportunity. Those who realise that using the CBILS scheme offers real, tangible and cash positive benefits
The Benefits
CBILS has many forms, so let me share a few things that our clients have done. This is all about opportunity and making the most of a scheme that isn’t going to be here forever.
- Purchasing a commercial property – Yes, you can use CBILS as a commercial mortgage and get all the costs and interest paid in the first year, this means the valuation, arrangement fees and your own legal fees*
- Refinancing personally guaranteed loans – Using CBILS to refinance borrowing and remove their personal guarantee liability
- Refinancing business borrowing secured on their home
- Using funds as a year-long loan for a property or another short-term project, effectively using ‘free’ money
Bear in mind that there are no repayments on these facilities for 12 months. Yes, that means you need to be budgeting to start repayments in 2021, however, it is also a year of grace and a year to put that money to good use.
CBILS & The Banks
This is where the message is often lost. Just because your bank has said no, or your bank has offered you a lower level of funding than you wanted doesn’t mean you cannot get the funding you want. There are loads of CBILS lenders, all doing different things with it.
If your bank makes you an offer that doesn’t quite meet what you want, look at our alternatives. Remember also that;
- You can have more than one CBILS loan
- Just because you took a bounce back loan doesn’t mean you cannot replace it with a CBILS facility
- Just because your bank won’t do a CBILS loan for you to buy or refinance property doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means that bank can’t
If you want some examples of what other businesses have done then check out these case studies.
For more info or to look at your options then get in touch or call on 01293 541333.
By Dave Farmer
Want Some Examples?
CBILS Remove Personal Guarantee
