2.1 Flashcards
paper 2
what is internal finance
Internal finance comes from the owner’s capital, retained profit, or the sale of assets
internal sources of finance
what is retained profit
The profit that has been generated in previous years and not distributed to owners is reinvested back into the business
The opportunity cost of investing the money back into the business is that shareholders do not receive extra profit for their investment
internal sources of finance
what is the Sale of assets
Selling business assets which are no longer required (e.g. machinery, land, buildings) generates a source of finance
A sale and leaseback arrangement may be made if a business wants to continue to use an asset but needs cash
The Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Internal Finance
advantages
Internal finance is often free
It does not involve third parties who may want to influence business decisions
Internal finance can usually be organised very quickly and without significant paperwork
Businesses that may fail credit checks (necessary for a bank loan) can access internal finance sources more easily
The Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Internal Finance
drawbacks
There is a significant opportunity cost involved in the use of internal finance
Internal finance may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the business
Using an internal finance method is rarely as tax-efficient as many external methods
what is external finance
External finance is sourced from outside of the business
sources of finance: family
advantages
Usually a very cheap source of funds
May have ‘no strings attached and can be provided to the business on very flexible terms
sources of finance: family
disadvantages
Relationships may be damaged if the finance is not repaid
external sources of finance
Banks
Banks provide several different kinds of loans to businesses e.g. a small business loan
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Bank Loans
Advantages
May offer both short term finance and long term finance if a business qualifies
Banks are often keen to provide free advice and guidance to businesses that use their services
Small sums may be borrowed from unsecured
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Bank Loans
Disadvantages
A business plan is usually required to access bank finance
Banks can be cautious about lending to new, untested businesses
Interest is payable
Businesses must be customers of the bank to access some loans
For larger amounts,** businesses may need to provide security to be granted a loan**
external sources of funding defenition
Peer-to-peer funding
Individuals with available savings pool it with others in a peer investment scheme such as Funding Circle
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Funding
Advantages
Loans can usually be made available to businesses very quickly
Usually has ‘no strings attached (e.g. a share of the business
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Peer to Peer Funding
Disadvantages
Borrowers are charged a small fee to access finance in this way and have to pay interest in the same way as a bank loan
The individuals who made the money available in the first place receive some of this interest as compensation
sources of external finance defenition
Business angels
Some individuals specialise in making investments in start-up or expanding businesses e.g. Dragons Den investors
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Business Angels
Advantages
Business angels tend to be more willing to take a risk than banks
Angels often offer advice and guidance to the businesses in which they invest
Investment is usually for a determined period of time so owners regain shares in the future
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Business Angels
Disadvantages
Finding the ‘right’ business angel (e.g. with appropriate experience, expertise or interest) can be challenging
Networking is vital when entrepreneurs seek this kind of investment
As business angels own a stake in the business, they may be involved in decision-making and will receive a share of business profits
external methods of finance
crowdunfing
Crowdfunding allows businesses to access finance provided by a large number of small investors on online platforms such as Kickstarter
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Crowdfunding
Advantages
Creates an organic customer base and the platform provides a form of free marketing
A good credit rating is not required so new businesses that lack a trading record can attract funding
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Crowdfunding
Disadvantages
Businesses need to provide a persuasive business plan to convince individuals to invest in their product as they will be competing with many other projects online
The potential for negative publicity if the project is not successful in attracting enough crowdfunding capital
external sources of finance
Other businesses
It may be possible for a business to access finance via a joint venture with another business, such as a key customer or supplier
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Finance from Other Businesses
Advantages
May provide access to business processes and market knowledge alongside finance
Can access large amounts of finance
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Finance from Other Businesses
Disadvantages
Profits need to be shared between businesses
Decisions will usually need to be agreed by all of the businesses involved