
Bridging Finance
In essence, bridging finance is a valuable tool for SMEs facing short-term financial challenges or seeking to capitalise on time-sensitive opportunities. By providing quick access to capital, it can help businesses navigate critical periods and achieve their financial goals.
Key Uses of Bridging Finance for SMEs:
Overcoming Cash Flow Shortfalls:
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Bridging finance can provide the necessary funds to cover immediate expenses like payroll, rent, or supplier payments when cash flow is temporarily tight.
Facilitating Business Transitions:
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During significant business transitions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or relocations, bridging finance can help cover costs and maintain operations while the transition is underway.
Seizing Time-Sensitive Opportunities:
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If a business encounters an unexpected opportunity, such as a lucrative contract or the chance to acquire a competitor's assets, bridging finance can provide the capital needed to act quickly before the opportunity is lost.
Supporting Growth Initiatives:
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Securing the land is the first step in any development project. Development finance provides the capital to acquire the necessary land.
Key Characteristics of Bridging Finance:
Short-Term:
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Bridging loans typically have a short repayment term, usually ranging from a few months to a year.
Higher Interest Rates:
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Bridging finance often carries higher interest rates compared to traditional loans due to the short-term nature and higher perceived risk.
Secured or Unsecured:
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The loan may be secured against assets, such as property or equipment, or unsecured based on the business's creditworthiness.
Flexible Repayment Options:
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Repayment structures can be tailored to the specific needs of the business, such as interest-only payments during the initial period.
Speed and Flexibility - Preserving Cash Flow - Supporting Growth