Traditional banks or financial institutions are not the only source of lending. Private lenders provide financing to various businesses. You can establish a small business that lends capital to start-ups or a corporation that targets companies with more than £325,000 in annual gross revenue. As a private lender you will probably not become very involved with management decisions.

Develop a business plan that describes your company's strategies, guidelines and short- and long-term goals. Indicate if you plan to focus on a particular type of company, such as energy or technology start-ups. Quantify expected revenue, such as loan interest and fees, along with expected expenses, such as those related to employees, overhead and write-offs. Describe how you will evaluate risk, by conducting extensive credit and criminal background checks for all applicants.

  • Traditional banks or financial institutions are not the only source of lending.
  • Indicate if you plan to focus on a particular type of company, such as energy or technology start-ups.

Secure capital. You will not be able to get a loan from a bank so that you can loan money to other companies. Sources of capital vary--they may include friends, family members and colleagues. Cultivate investors from among wealthy individuals or venture capital businesses to create a pool of money. You need a relatively liquid source of funding, so avoid storing money, such as in long-term certificates of deposits.

Advertise your business. Place ads in a local business journal or chamber of commerce. However, such advertising can cause you to be inundated with inquiries or loan requests. If you have a limited advertising budget, rely on word-of-mouth awareness, and limit public outreach. By hosting a student or community entrepreneur grant competition, you will receive multiple proposals while building recognition about your company. Join professional organisations like the National Business Incubation Association.

  • You will not be able to get a loan from a bank so that you can loan money to other companies.
  • However, such advertising can cause you to be inundated with inquiries or loan requests.

Analyse loan applicants carefully. Assess years in business, credit scores and assets. If five people apply as partners for a single loan, check each applicant's background. Determine whether any applicant has defaulted on a loan. Review projected sales and costs as well as supporting evidence. For example, a person might approach you for a loan and claim that the company costs are under £6/product. Request evidence that demonstrates total cost. Evaluate whether a market exists for the product or service and assess any competitiors.

  • Analyse loan applicants carefully.
  • Evaluate whether a market exists for the product or service and assess any competitiors.

Prepare and record a legal contract with each approved loan application. Although some oral contracts are binding, create a written agreement that reflects the lending terms. Consult with a certified accountant and a licensed attorney to address your company's financial and legal exposure through taxes and other liabilities.

TIP

Private lenders invest in different ways. Make sure to identify your target audience (small businesses, start-ups, student loans) to avoid overextending yourself.

WARNING

Private lenders make money by charging high interest rates on risky loans. By demanding equity or ownership in start-up companies, you can impact business decisions such as votes about expansion plans or additional debt.