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By: Oscar Muñoz
For decades, immigrants have driven the economy of the United States. Some figures prove it. A report by the New American Economy found that in 2011 28 percent of new small businesses were run by immigrants.
And there is more: between 2000 and 2013, 48 percent of the growth in ownership of US companies was attributed to immigrants. These data suggest there is a huge potential in the impact that this population can have on the foundation of small businesses, and on the economy of the country in general.
Starting and running a business in the United States is a challenge, even for citizens. And if you are not an American citizen, it’s even harder to access capital to sustain your business. While there are cultural and linguistic barriers that make it difficult to understand certain processes and requirements, actually starting a business is just as easy for those who don’t have a Social Security Number like US citizens do. The problem and the real difficulty lies in the possibility of accessing capital. Are there specifically any business loans for immigrants? The truth is, the sources of capital are more limited to the undocumented: as we will see later, many financial institutions are reluctant to lend capital to undocumented immigrants without an SSN.
However, it’s not impossible, and there are financing opportunities for immigrants to turn their American dream into a reality. There are organizations and companies that understand the challenges associated with being an immigrant entrepreneur in the US. They are aware of their potential, so they are willing and excited to work with them.
As an immigrant, can I get a business loan in the US?
Yes, both documented and undocumented immigrants can access credit. Depending on the lender, an immigrant will be asked to provide a form of identification (e.g. driver’s license), social security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) in order to receive credit. In some cases, your application should also be signed by a guarantor, if you don’t have a credit score yet.
Camino Financial is an alternative lender that offers business loans for immigrants with a Social Security Number as well as only an ITIN.
Requirements to apply for a loan as an immigrant
Lenders who are willing to extend business loans to immigrants may require applicants to prove they are legally living in the U.S. The most common requirements are:
What is an ITIN?
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN is issued to people who need an identification number as taxpayers, but who are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number.
To request an ITIN number you must fill out a form. Then, you must mail it, or process it in person at an IRS taxpayer help desk. You can also take it to an acceptance agent authorized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Attached to the application form you must include a proof of identity, like your passport or driving license. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a letter from the IRS with your ITIN number in about six weeks.
Learn how to submit an ITIN application in five steps, and discover other advantages.
Camino Financial is one of the few lenders willing to grant you credit only with an ITIN. This is a great opportunity for undocumented immigrants who need to capitalize their businesses. If you only have an ITIN number and want to apply for a loan, read how to get ITIN loans to finance your business.
And above all, keep in mind the following: the requirements mentioned here refer only to the documents necessary to prove your identity. Any lender will require another set of requirements to access a business loan.
Access here a complete list of the most common requirements for a business loan.
Get here a complete checklist of the documents that you must present to your lender.
Do I need a credit history to apply for a loan?
In order to grant a loan, banks verify the credit history of the borrower, but this kind of background is impossible to prove in the case of loans for immigrants. In other words, those who have never applied for a loan before or don’t have a credit card because they are new immigrants in the United States don’t have a credit history yet.
An immigrant in a new country must start building a credit history from scratch. That’s why it can be difficult to access credit, mortgages or credit cards until you’ve worked in the country for several years and have proof of a stable income.
In addition, the higher the credit score, the better. You’ll have more chances of accessing a loan and receive more favorable terms and interest rates.
Building a credit history takes time. Follow these tips to achieve it faster:
Types of business credit and loans for immigrants
Those lenders that offer credit and business loans for immigrants have different options designed for your specific challenges and particular needs. You can use these loans for different purposes, from covering your basic needs to financing your own business. These are the most common business loans for immigrants:
Short-term loans. The time to repay a short-term loan, as the name suggests, is short: usually less than 18 months, and in some cases less than a year.
The requirements for this type of credit are not as strict as those for longer-term loans, making them a very good option for immigrants without a credit history.
Although they can be ideal for new entrepreneurs, the frequent payments and higher interest rates can affect the finances of new companies that don’t have a stable cash flow.
Equipment loans. This financing alternative focuses on businesses with a high demand for equipment and tools, such as workshops, restaurants, manufacturing companies or beauty salons.
These loans are very convenient for immigrants who are just starting their businesses since the collateral needed is the piece of equipment itself. This means you will not have to offer your personal assets as collateral.
To apply for an equipment loan you will have to submit a quote including the price of the piece of equipment you intend to buy, your credit history and other business documents. The term of these loans is determined by the useful life of the equipment.
Merchant Cash Advances. Although it is not considered a loan in itself, with this type of financing, a company grants you access to cash. In return, you will have to pay a percentage of your sales made with credit and debit cards, plus a fee.
They are a quick way to get money to finance your business expenses in the short term. You don’t need to put up collateral or have a high credit score.
You can apply online. You’ll be required to submit a copy of your driving license, your bank statements, tax returns, and your credit score, among other documents.
Although the application and approval process is simple, cash advances are one of the financing products with the highest costs.
Personal loans. You can also use a personal loan to finance your business. As we have explained before, personal loans are a quick and easy alternative to obtain funds that you can invest in your company, although you should consider whether the amount of capital (which is usually quite less than in other types of financing) is enough to cover your needs.
What are the best lenders for immigrants?
We have just seen the different types of credit that can best fit the specific situation of immigrants, but, where do you actually go to apply for a loan? In other words, as an immigrant, what are the best lenders for you?
Credit unions are a good option. They provide assistance to immigrants, who normally avoid turning to banks for their stricter requirements, including a Social Security Number. Besides other resources offered by credit unions are you can also find business loans for immigrants: the requirements are usually basic, such as submitting your rent records or bills for public services, in addition to an ITIN.
Online lenders are another increasingly popular alternative. It can be a faster and more convenient option than a bank since its requirements are more flexible. It is possible to compare rates and request a loan from the convenience of your home and get an answer in a matter of minutes. Also, you can the funds directly into your bank account in a few days. At Camino Financial the process is fast and completely online. You don’t need a Social Security Number: your ITIN is enough.
Business grants for immigrants
One way to access funding sources as an immigrant is through business grants. Usually, they are granted by non-profit organizations or state governments. Fundings can be used to start a business, and are available to individuals or groups.
These grants are more attractive than a loan because the beneficiaries do not have to pay back the money. But this also means there’s a lot of competition to access these financial aids and that the application process can be difficult.
Some of the business grants for immigrants are:
Wilson / Fish Alternative Program for Refugees. This is an assistance program of the US Department of Health and Human Services, which promotes initiatives to provide employment, cash and other assistance to immigrants in certain countries. These grants are delivered through the states, voluntary resettlement agencies, and nonprofit resettlement organizations. To receive assistance from this program, immigrants must prove their immigration status, or submit a letter of asylum.
Microenterprise Development Program for Refugees. This program is also run by the Department of Health and Human Services and was created to help immigrants start or expand their own businesses. In addition to providing money, this program also offers training in key areas for companies, such as accounting, marketing, and administration.
Rural business development grants. Administered by the US Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, this program focuses on rural areas, and on those who do not necessarily work in the agriculture industry. The program offers assistance through working capital, training, and real estate, among other resources. Only companies with less than fifty employees and whose income does not exceed $1 million can access this grant.
Consider a business loan from Camino Financial
At Camino Financial we have experience working with business loans for immigrants. The process to apply for a small business loan with us is very easy: as an immigrant, you only need to present your ITIN. In addition, you don’t need to put up collateral or to have a credit history.
Our loans range between $5,000 and $400,000 to fit any of your business needs. Our loan terms range from 24 to 60 months, so you can choose the term you feel most comfortable with. One additional benefit of our loans is that after 9 months of making timely payments, you can graduate to another loan with better terms and interest rates. With advantages like these, it’s really possible to grow your business in the U.S.
These are the steps to follow to apply for a business loan with us:
4. Sign the loan contract and receive the money directly to your bank account. You will receive the funds you need within 2 and 10 business days!
See Original Article at Camino Financial
