Who Qualifies for Business Debt Relief?

Business debt relief programs can provide a lifeline for small business owners struggling with debt. But not every business qualifies. So how do you know if your company is eligible? This article breaks down the key requirements and defenses to help business owners understand their options.

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What is Business Debt Relief?

Let’s start with the basics, business debt relief involves working with a third party to reduce or eliminate some of your business debt. There are a few different types of programs:

• Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into one new loan, ideally with a lower monthly payment.
• Debt settlement negotiates with creditors to pay a percentage of what you owe as full settlement.
• Bankruptcy can eliminate some business debts under court supervision.

The goal of all these strategies is to make debts more manageable for struggling business owners. But each program has its own eligibility rules and implications to understand before signing up.

Main Eligibility Requirements

The exact qualifications vary by program, but most business debt relief options look at these key factors:

1. Business Revenue

Lenders want to see your business brings in enough money to eventually repay any new consolidated debt. Common thresholds include $100,000+ in annual revenue or minimum monthly cash flow.

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2. Time in Business

Programs typically require your business to have been operating for a certain period before qualifying for relief. For example, the SBA requires at least two years in business for its COVID-19 relief options.

3. Credit Scores

Your personal and business credit scores indicate how reliably you’ve repaid debts in the past. Programs often require a minimum personal score between 500-690 and/or an established business credit profile.

4. Relief Amount

How much debt relief you need can also impact eligibility. For example, the nonprofit credit counseling program National Debt Relief requires at least $7,500 in eligible debt to enroll.

What Debts Qualify for Relief?

In addition to business eligibility, your specific debts must meet certain criteria to qualify for relief programs:

• Date Originated: Most COVID-19 relief programs only apply to loans originated on or before a specific cutoff date (often March 2020).
• Loan Type: SBA relief options focus on SBA 7(a), 504 and microloans. Other programs target credit cards, lines of credit, and other small business financing options.
• Loan Status: Loans must typically be current (not delinquent) to qualify for relief programs like the SBA’s 6 months of debt payment assistance.

So when researching relief programs, be sure to check whether your specific debts meet the qualifications.

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Key Defenses Against Disqualification

Even if your business seems to meet the standard eligibility criteria, there are still some potential “loopholes” to qualify for relief:

Recent Declines in Cash Flow

If your annual revenue used to meet program thresholds but has dropped recently, explain this temporary hardship in your application. With supporting documentation, you still may qualify.

Strong Business Prospects

A short time in business can be offset by demonstrating strong growth potential and prospects for profitability. Thoroughly make your case to overcome the tenure requirements.

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Extenuating Personal Credit Issues

If your personal score has been impacted by a crisis like major medical debt or identity theft, highlight this separate from the business’ reliability. With context and proof, it may not disqualify you.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Debt Relief?

While designed to help, business debt relief strategies do come with tradeoffs. Consider these key pros and cons when weighing options:

Potential Pros

• Lower monthly payments
• Reduced or eliminated interest rates
• More manageable debt load

Potential Cons

• Damage to personal credit scores
• Tax implications for cancelled debt
• Limited financing options in the future
• Potential for lawsuits from creditors

And of course, meeting lower monthly payments in the short term increases total interest paid over the loan’s duration. There are also fees to use services managing the debt relief process.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Thoroughly investigating program details is crucial before signing up for business debt relief. Some key questions to ask providers include:

• What types of debt do you specialize in?
• What are your fees, and when are they collected?
• Will the program impact my business or personal credit score?
• What strategies do you use to negotiate debt settlements?
• How often do your settlements successfully eliminate debt?
• Can you connect me with former clients as references?

Reputable providers should readily share information about rates of success and examples of outcomes they’ve achieved. Transparency builds trust when seeking their services.

Finding the Right Relief Options

Navigating business debt relief programs can be overwhelming but is well worth the effort for struggling owners. Take time to thoroughly understand eligibility requirements, weigh pros and cons, and vet providers to find the best fit options for your company’s situation – it could put you back on steady footing. Reach out with any other questions!