Small business is an area that is always growing and changing, which means business owners are privy to even more options than ever before. At least half of these businesses have financing from nonbank sources, owner investments, and more. Seeking capital as a small business can be challenging, which also means that it’s important to choose the right type for the needs of the company. Alternative financing is one of those options and carries with it many benefits.

In many cases, businesses look for financing when they run into a challenge or have an opportunity that is too good to pass up. It can be difficult to keep a cash surplus around for these moments, so having a way of gaining the cash when it’s needed is crucial. Traditional financing is one option, but there are many others, and some are better suited for particular situations than others.

Alternative financing is perfect for a business that is expanding to a new location. It’s also an exceptional option if you are in the midst of buying out a partner or avoiding having to take on a partner who will own a large chunk of profits as long as the business exists. In addition to those two uncommon scenarios, this type of financing can also be a great source of money when you need to purchase new equipment, raw materials, or discounted inventory when the price is right.

As well as offering money for opportunities like the above, this funding type can also help when you find yourself in challenging business situations. Maybe the weather is horrible and your business has to stay closed for a few days for the safety of workers and clients. Perhaps changes in the economy affect your bottom line more than expected. Even something like a major piece of equipment breaking or needing money to process materials can lead to a need for alternative lending.

When deciding what type of financing is right, you need to consider the timing of the situation and what needs the funding. With alternative lending, you have repayment flexibility and options like paying daily based on sales. That said, this type of lending can have a higher interest rate due to the way they operate. They take on risk and have to absorb losses if something goes wrong.

No matter what type of business you run, considering your situation will help you decide what financing sources you should consider. Always think through your options, as you want to gain access to capital but not at the cost of your business and its survival.