Bridge Loan is a short-term loan that helps a company meet its immediate financial needs or obligations until it secures a more permanent or long-term financing solution.
A business owner might need the bridge loan definition in two distinct situations: funding a purchase or development of real estate or financing business obligations between capital funding rounds. The meaning of a bridge loan is a short-term, accessible financing option with higher interest rates.
According to the bridge loan business definition, this type of financing is defined by its use as funding for immediate purchases. Commercial bridge loans can “bridge the gap” between a business’s current financing needs and a traditional, long-term financing solution. A bridge loan can be a fast, convenient way for a business to access funds. You should expect to pay higher interest rates in exchange for these short-term loans. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pay this kind of loan off quickly because they often don’t have repayment penalties.
Entrepreneurs might use a bridge loan in these examples:
While bridge loans are one way to get cash fast, a business owner who wants to apply for a bridge loan needs excellent credit, a low debt-to-income ratio, and equity of at least 20%. Additionally, a lender offering a bridge loan typically requires collateral to secure the loan. Because repayment on these loans is due quickly, most entrepreneurs expect to have a windfall or permanent financing before the bridge loan is due.
Bridge loans can provide quick, short-term financing to keep your business running or growing. The advantages of the bridge loan include:
A bridge loan is an excellent option if you need a quick influx of cash to maintain operations or make a purchase.
In exchange for the bridge loan’s convenience, they typically have relatively short terms, high interest rates, and large origination fees. The other disadvantages of a bridge loan include:
While there is a right time for a small business to use a bridge loan, they’re not for everyone. It’s a good idea to consult your attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions that can affect your credit.
Other terms that match the definition of a bridge loan include:
No matter the term you use, a loan falls into this category if you use it for an immediate purchase and expect to repay the debt quickly.
A bridge loan is a short-term, high-interest loan meant to finance an immediate purchase or fill a financing gap. While bridge loans can be an easy way to get cash quickly, they come with risks and costs unique to this type of loan.
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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