It is now apparent that the stimulus loans offered by the government are not as readily available and/or workable, as funding options for needy entrepreneurs.
While the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) of the CARES Act immediately grants $10,000 to successful applicants, many encountered difficulties in preparing and obtaining documents required for speedy and successful processing of their stimulus loan application.
When it became apparent that as the 2020 health crisis will drag on, it became clear for many entrepreneurs that the fastest way they can secure a loan is through fintech lenders. Small businesses have come to realize that in order to survive, they need to immediately bring their business online, incorporate e-commerce technologies as well as launch promotional and marketing campaigns.
However, they need to have additional personal financial resources, if they need to spend extra on restarting their business online.
The PPP charges only 1% of the unforgiven loan balance in case business owners do not meet the requirements to qualify for the forgiveness of loan balance. Yet for entrepreneurs whose need for funding is immediate, competing with the multitude seeking to obtain a PPP loan can be a long and arduous task. That is why many turned to fintech lenders instead.
Who are the Fintech Lenders?
Fintech lenders are companies that utilize Artificial Intelligence, big data, the power of the Internet and partnerships with traditional financial institutions in offering personal or even mortgage loans. Through innovative technologies, fintech lenders have eliminated the need to process loan applications using outdated and complicated methods.
Some examples of today’s leading fintech lenders include:
TALA – Santa Monica, California
Through a consumer-lending app, TALA underwrites loans based on data provided by app-users’ smartphones or smart devices. Examples of data used in determining a Tala loan-applicant’s credit-worthiness include bill payments, social media connections and activities. So far, TALA reports that the company has assisted more than 3 billion new users in obtaining personal loans that will help them build their credit. .
AVANT – Chicago, Illinois
Using its fintech technologies, AVANT offers consumers the Avantcard that enables customers to obtain credit for small shopping purchases or larger loans for emergency needs, home repair or a vacation trip.
BRAVIANT HOLDINGS – Chicago, Illinois
Like TALA and AVANT, Braviant Holdings uses technology and big data analytics in verifying and processing applications that allow the company to make quick decisions. Unlike other fintechs, Braviant Holdings cater mostly to under-banked people, providing them with credit cards to use like Balance Credit and Chorus.