Government contracts can be a great way of expanding a small business. Agencies at the federal, state and county levels outsource every good and service they use. If your company is involved in goods and services, there is a chance the government might need it.
A resolution passed by the Congress requires government agencies to work with small businesses. This is meant to create opportunities for small business and level the field of government contracting. Government contracts are open to all eligible small businesses. However, most companies are unable to deliver and fulfill the contracts due to financing.
Even though small businesses seek government contracts to expand their operations, the contract can create financial problems. Some government contracts can be overwhelming for some small businesses, unless they are adequately prepared. Few small businesses consider that most government payments take between thirty to sixty days. These delays can cause a significant dent in finances. Therefore, before binding for the government contracts, the cash flows in your business should be able to handle regular expenses such as paying employees and vendors. Below are some viable ways of financing government orders.
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
One of the best ways small businesses can finance government orders is through SBA. It was created in 1953 to provide capital, counseling, and contracts to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The agency has several financing products suited for small and midsized companies. For instance, the microloans option can reach a limit of up to fifty thousand dollars, depending on the state. The loans are ideal for startups because they are easier to get compared to the regular bank loans. On the other hand, bigger businesses can consider the CAPline loans that extend up to five million dollars. It is important to note that SBA does not provide money directly but works with banks that are willing to underwrite the loan to small businesses.
- Accounts Receivable/ Invoice Financing
Small businesses can finance government contracts through account receivable financing and invoice factoring programs. These types of funding allow firms to use receivables such as outstanding invoices to get finances. The financing options are advantageous to small businesses because they are flexible and easier to get, especially when government contracts are involved. Setting up the loans can take less than two weeks depending on the lender.
- Purchase Order Financing
Purchase order (PO) financing is a type of funding for businesses that are unable to meet purchase orders due to lack of funds. Small businesses can use a PO financing program to cover the supply cost associated with government contracts. Sometimes the program is an advanced solution and does not cover the entire amount involved. However, in some cases, the company can qualify for full financing. Unfortunately, PO financing is only suitable for wholesalers who resell products. Also, most financing institutions prefer orders that have higher profit margins.
- Supplier Financing
This type of funding is suitable for manufacturing companies and distributors. Small businesses with government purchase orders can take advantage of this financing to pay their suppliers. Unlike other financing options, supplier financing can help to expand the financial capabilities of a company. Also, it is compatible with other financing solutions such as account receivable.
There are many lending institutions such as pool loan companies that provide contract financing to small businesses. Government contracts are guaranteed even though they are not paid immediately. The lending institutions offer advance money to firms that are in contract with the government for day-to-day operations before payments are initiated. Unlike conventional financing, contract financing is designed to help businesses that require advance funds on ongoing contracted work.
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