Getting Loans and Investors for Your Healthcare Business

Starting or expanding a healthcare business requires significant upfront costs and ongoing operating expenses. Most entrepreneurs need capital from loans or investors to launch and grow a successful healthcare company. This article provides tips on the best funding options and how to secure financing for your healthcare startup or existing business.

Determine Your Capital Needs

Capital needs depend on your business model and growth plans. Consider costs for staff, facilities, equipment, inventory, marketing, etc. Create detailed financial projections to estimate your capital requirements over the next 1-3 years. Common needs:

• Working capital to cover ongoing operating costs
• Startup costs like licenses, lease deposits, inventory, marketing
• Expansion projects – additional locations, new services/products

Know exactly how much funding you need and what you will use it for. This shows investors you have done your homework.

Prepare a Convincing Business Plan

To get loans or investment, you need a strong business plan. Concisely explain:

• Your management team’s healthcare experience and credentials
• Services and products offered
• Target market and competitive advantages
• Financial history and projections (see example)
• Use of funds from financing

Having a well-researched business plan establishes your credibility with lenders and investors.

Explore Loan Options

Debt financing from loans makes you liable for repayment with interest. Loans allow you to maintain full ownership. Options for healthcare businesses include:

SBA Loans

The Small Business Administration offers various loan guarantee programs to encourage lending. Popular options are:

• 7(a) Loans up to $5 million with low rates and long repayment terms
• 504 Loans for major assets like property and equipment
• Microloans up to $50,000 from non-profit lenders

Bank/Credit Union Loans

Banks want to see good credit, cash flow, and collateral. Expect detailed application forms, financial statements, and business plans. Limits are often $250k or less.

Merchant Cash Advances

These provide a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. Quick to get but very high rates. Use only as a last resort.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Online services like LendingClub match borrowers with individual and institutional investors. Offers convenience and potential cost savings.

Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS)

ROBS lets you use retirement savings from 401k/IRA to fund a business without penalties. Complex but can finance entire startup costs.

Seek Equity Investment

Equity financing sells partial business ownership for capital. Investors get a return through dividends and increased company value. Equity options:

Venture Capital Firms

VCs provide substantial sums ($2 million+) to startups with major growth potential. Very selective – less than 1% of deals get funded.

Angel Investors

Wealthy individuals invest their own money in startups. More accessible than VCs but still extensive due diligence. Typical range $25k – $100k.

Crowdfunding

Online platforms let the “crowd” contribute to campaigns. Gives access to many small investors. Be prepared to offer rewards or equity.

Selling equity shares risks losing some control but brings onboard experienced advisors.

Choose the Best Financing Mix

Most entrepreneurs use a combination of debt and equity financing. Factors to consider:

• Cost of capital – interest rates, expected returns, fees
• Dilution of ownership – equity deals reduce your control
• Repayment schedule – loan terms, investor exits
• Chance of approval – loans have strict criteria

In early stages, favor equity to avoid high debt burden. Once established, use business loans to retain ownership. Adjust your financing strategy as the business grows.

Improve Your Chances

Follow these tips to appeal to lenders and investors:

• Boost your credit score – shows responsibility and ability to repay loans
• Get your business valued – sets expectations for investment deals
• Network constantly – most funding comes from existing relationships
• Perfect your pitch – convey your vision, experience and business viability
• Be transparent – disclose strengths, weaknesses, risks and opportunities

Getting funding is very competitive. Sell yourself, your capabilities, and your business vision.

Choose Healthcare Specialty Lenders

Industry experience matters, so target lenders familiar with healthcare companies. Specialized medical finance companies include:

• Healthcare Finance Partners – term loans and lines of credit
• First American Healthcare Finance – equipment leasing/loans
• Global Healthcare REIT – sale-leaseback real estate financing

Ask healthcare entrepreneurs in your network who they recommend. Local economic development groups also have referrals.

Be Persistent and Patient

Securing business financing requires an investment of time and effort. Most entrepreneurs get rejected multiple times before landing a loan or investor. Don’t get discouraged!

• Follow up on every lead – set meetings, provide requested info
• Learn from rejections – improve weak points in your application
• Build relationships – investors want to work with people they know and trust
• Consider alternatives – crowdfunding, partnerships, vendor financing

With dedication and an unwillingness to quit, you can get the funding your healthcare business deserves to prosper. Let me know in the comments if this overview helped or if you have any other questions!