Ultimate Guide to Small Business Subordinated Debt

Additional Resources

by Daniel Rung and Matthew Rung

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Navigating the world of subordinated debt can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. To further enhance your understanding and decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources. These tools, readings, and information sources can provide deeper insights into subordinated debt and help you make informed choices for your small business. Whether you’re looking to crunch numbers, dive into case studies, or stay updated on the latest trends, these resources will serve as your guide beyond this article.

Recommended reading

To deepen your understanding of subordinated debt and its role in small business financing, consider exploring the following recommended reading materials:

1. “Financing Your Small Business: From Venture Capital and Credit Cards to Common Stock and Partnership Interests” by James Burk Attorney at Law and Richard Lehmann Attorney at Law

Secure your business’s future using the right financing for you, be it venture capital, bank loans, or equity. When it comes to your chances of receiving financing and doing it right, Financing Your Small Business provides you with all the answers you need. It helps you find ways to combine various types of financing and shows you how to get the money you need.

2. “How to Finance a Business – A Step by Step Guide to Financing a Small Business” by Meir Liraz

This is a practical guide that will walk you step by step through all the essentials of financing a business. The book is packed with guides, worksheets and checklists. These strategies are absolutely crucial to your business’ success yet are simple and easy to apply.

3. “Unlimited Business Financing” by Trent Lee and Dr Chad Lee

The truth about how to get up to $250,000 (or more!) in cash to invest in your business… without risking your personal credit history. Using these techniques, you can safely build a business credit history separate from your personal credit.Cash is the life-blood of every business; it fuels your business growth. Most business failures are caused not by a shortage of good ideas or know-how but by a lack of operating capital.

4. “Mezzanine Financing A Complete Guide” by The Art of Service – Mezzanine Financing Publishing

This Mezzanine Financing Guide is unlike books you’re used to. If you’re looking for a textbook, this might not be for you. This book and its included digital components is for you who understands the importance of asking great questions. This gives you the questions to uncover the Mezzanine Financing challenges you’re facing and generate better solutions to solve those problems.

5. “Introduction to Private Equity, Debt and Real Assets: From Venture Capital to LBO, Senior to Distressed Debt, Immaterial to Fixed Assets (Wiley Finance) 3rd Edition”by Cyril Demaria

Building on and refining the content of previous editions, Introduction to Private Equity, Debt and Real Assets, Third Edition adopts the same logical, systematic, factual and long-term perspective on private markets (private equity, private debt and private real assets) combining academic rigor with extensive practical experience.

6. “FINDING CAPITAL: Strategic Guide for Equity, Debt, Hybrid, Alternative, Private Capital, Bonds, Grants and more.” by James G Greear

In this captivating guide, we unravel the complexities of acquiring funds and present you with an engaging path to follow. Imagine yourself navigating through the waters of venture capital, deciphering the mystery behind angel investors and maneuvering through the challenges of bank loans. All with a guide by your side. This book goes beyond information; it’s a treasure trove of insider knowledge, clever insights, and real-life anecdotes that will simultaneously enlighten and amuse you.

7. “Small Business Financing: How and Where to Get It (Business Owner’s Toolkit series)” by Alice H. Magos

Securing adequate funding for a business venture can be one of the most difficult obstacles faced by entrepreneurs. This resource instructs readers on the best ways to raise money for growing or starting a small business by discussing each source of public and private debt and equity capital, from bootstrapping and IPOs to commercial loans and SBA-guaranteed programs. Covered are methods for determining how much capital is needed, planning successful applications and presentations, and choosing an appropriate source and type of financing. Sample forms are integrated into the text to facilitate learning the details and data-gathering skills needed for the financing process.

8. “Fund Your Business: Smart Strategies to Secure Financing” by The Staff of Entrepreneur Media

Starting a business is a journey. From the moment you come up with an idea for the next great product or service to the ribbon cutting and grand opening, you will travel a long, sometimes winding, road toward success. And like any other trip you take in life, this one costs money. While many startups begin with cash already in the bank (lucky them!), most aspiring entrepreneurs have to somehow come up with the cash to build their dreams, whether they choose to borrow, bootstrap, crowdfund, or go with venture capital.

Click to view Key Takeaways & Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Diversify your reading to gain a well-rounded understanding of subordinated debt.
  • Look for books that offer practical advice tailored to small businesses.
  • Complement subordinated debt-specific resources with broader financial literacy materials.
  • Stay updated with recent publications to keep abreast of current trends and regulations.

Tips

  • Start with books that match your current knowledge level and gradually progress to more advanced texts.
  • Look for case studies and real-world examples in the books to better understand practical applications.
  • Consider joining a business book club or discussion group to share insights and perspectives on these readings.
  • Supplement book learning with online courses or webinars for a more interactive learning experience.
  • Keep a notebook or digital document to jot down key concepts and questions as you read through these resources.

Useful tools and calculators

In the world of subordinated debt, having access to the right tools and calculators can make a significant difference in your decision-making process. These resources can help you evaluate options, estimate costs, and plan your financial strategy more effectively.

  • Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Calculator: This essential tool helps you determine if your business can comfortably manage additional debt payments. It calculates the ratio of your cash flow to your debt obligations, giving you insight into your borrowing capacity.
  • Loan Amortization Calculator: Use this calculator to understand how your subordinated debt payments will be structured over time. It breaks down each payment into principal and interest components, helping you budget more accurately.
  • Interest Rate Comparison Tool: This tool allows you to compare interest rates from different lenders or loan types side by side. It’s particularly useful when weighing subordinated debt against other financing options.
  • Cash Flow Projection Template: While not specific to subordinated debt, a robust cash flow projection tool is crucial for planning how you’ll manage debt payments alongside other business expenses.
  • Break-Even Analysis Calculator: This calculator helps you determine how much revenue you need to generate to cover your costs, including new debt payments. It’s invaluable when considering taking on subordinated debt for expansion or new projects.
  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculator: Monitor your business’s financial leverage with this tool. It’s particularly important when using subordinated debt, as it can significantly impact your capital structure.
  • ROI Calculator: When considering subordinated debt for a specific project or expansion, use an ROI calculator to estimate the potential returns and whether they justify the cost of the debt.
  • Convertible Note Calculator: If you’re exploring convertible subordinated debt, this specialized tool can help you understand the potential equity implications under different scenarios.
  • Tax Implications Estimator: While not a substitute for professional advice, these tools can give you a rough idea of how subordinated debt might affect your tax situation.
  • Financial Ratio Analysis Tools: Comprehensive financial ratio calculators can help you assess your business’s overall financial health before and after taking on subordinated debt.

Remember, while these tools are incredibly useful, they should be used in conjunction with professional financial advice tailored to your specific business situation.

Click to view Key Takeaways & Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Utilizing financial tools and calculators can significantly improve your decision-making process regarding subordinated debt.
  • These resources help in evaluating options, estimating costs, and planning financial strategies more effectively.
  • Tools range from basic loan calculators to more complex financial ratio analysis instruments.
  • While valuable, these tools should complement, not replace, professional financial advice.

Tips

  • Regularly update your inputs in these tools as your business situation changes.
  • Use multiple tools in combination for a more comprehensive understanding of your financial position.
  • Familiarize yourself with the assumptions and limitations of each tool or calculator.
  • Consider sharing the results from these tools with your financial advisor or lender for expert interpretation.
  • Look for tools that allow you to save and compare multiple scenarios to aid in decision-making.

Where to get more information

Expanding your knowledge about subordinated debt is crucial for making informed financial decisions for your small business. Here are some valuable resources to further your understanding:

  1. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA website offers a wealth of information on various financing options, including subordinated debt. Their resource library contains guides, webinars, and articles tailored for small business owners.
  2. SCORE: This nonprofit organization provides free business mentoring and education. They offer workshops and webinars on business financing, including topics related to subordinated debt.
  3. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): FINRA’s website provides educational materials on different types of debt instruments, including subordinated debt, aimed at helping investors and business owners understand complex financial products.
  4. Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): These centers, often affiliated with universities or state economic development agencies, offer free or low-cost advisory services and can provide guidance on subordinated debt and other financing options.
  5. Professional Associations: Organizations like the National Small Business Association (NSBA) or your industry-specific trade association may offer resources, webinars, or conferences covering topics related to business financing.
  6. Business Finance Books: Look for titles specifically addressing alternative financing methods for small businesses. Many of these books include chapters on subordinated debt and its applications.
  7. Online Financial Education Platforms: Online courses on business finance that may cover subordinated debt as part of their curriculum.
  8. Financial Advisors and CPAs: Consider consulting with professionals who specialize in small business finance. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific business situation.
  9. Business Journals and Publications: Periodicals like the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, or Entrepreneur often feature articles on business financing trends and strategies, including the use of subordinated debt.
  10. Networking Events: Attend local business networking events or join online forums where you can connect with other business owners who have experience with subordinated debt.

Click to view Key Takeaways & Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Subordinated debt is a complex financial instrument that requires thorough understanding before implementation.
  • Multiple resources are available to help small business owners learn about subordinated debt.
  • Both online and offline sources can provide valuable information on this topic.
  • Professional advice can be crucial when considering subordinated debt for your business.

Tips

  • Start with free resources like the SBA website before investing in paid courses or consultations.
  • Combine theoretical knowledge from books and courses with practical insights from experienced business owners or mentors.
  • Stay updated on the latest trends in business financing by regularly reading business publications.
  • Consider joining a business owners’ group or forum to share experiences and learn from peers.
  • Before making any decisions, consult with a financial advisor who has experience with subordinated debt in small business contexts.