The classic. Often the best conditions, but increasingly difficult to obtain.

What can you expect from bank financing?

The bank is usually the first option that comes to mind when you're looking for financing. Not unfairly, because banks often have a wide range of options for corporate financing. The bank loan is the most well-known and still the most popular option, but feel free to think more broadly than a regular bank loan.

• Straight loan
• Investment credit
• Cash credit
• Opticash (ING)
• Leasing
• Mortgage loan

Today, however, it is no longer so easy to convince your home banker of your plans as an entrepreneur. And each bank offers different business financing products, depending on the company and the funding need. So you should be well prepared to enter your bank branch.

What are the benefits?

A bank loan is still often the first option because it is usually the cheapest form of financing. In addition, you remain in full control of your business.

In addition, there is quite a lot of flexibility, both in terms of product offerings and amounts. But of course, you always have to meet the conditions.

What are the disadvantages?

Banks have become more reticent. On the one hand, this means that they have stricter conditions, such as more personal input and guarantees. On the other hand, it often means longer lead times. The result is that the chances of success are very low without a solidly substantiated file.

What are the challenges with bank financing?

Taking out a bank loan is a tough challenge for entrepreneurs. Banks have never been risk investors, but in recent years, we have noticed that they are becoming more and more risk-averse. As a result, it is more difficult to get bank financing as a starting or growing company.

In addition, your banker will give a loan more quickly when it comes to tangible goods or properties, such as the purchase of a machine or vehicle, than if you are looking for money for more staff or new software. This is because the bank sees more security in tangible goods.

Why seek bank financing via The Harbour?

At The Harbour, we have strong relationships with local bankers. We know our partners and have a direct line with them. For each project, we draw up a rock-solid dossier and they know that.

With a substantiated file, based on historical figures, market analyses and your growth plans, you increase your chances of success in obtaining bank financing. Moreover, such a dossier comes in handy to further expand your financing mix with other forms of financing. By the way, the bank gives you a loan more quickly if other parties also finance your business, such as through crowdlending and private investors.

Finally, we negotiate together and defend your interests. We don't want to just put money into your account, but we look for the best partner with the best acceptable terms.