How a working capital line of credit can provide flexibility for business owners

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The past few years have brought a few challenges for businesses, as many have reimagined their models and services, while also dealing with financial strains and rising interest rates.

A working capital line of credit (WCLOC) can be a great tool for businesses – both small and large – providing flexibility to cover short-term operational needs and navigate challenges without disrupting daily operations.

Here are ways to leverage a WCLOC to support your business.

Benefits of a Working Capital Line of Credit for Businesses

A WCLOC provides a host of significant benefits to businesses, particularly in a changing environment, including:

• Flexibility: Businesses can access funds as needed, offering flexibility to cover short-term operational needs, manage cash flow fluctuations, and seize opportunities.

 Liquidity: A WCLOC can provide a financial safety net, ensuring that businesses have readily available funds to address unforeseen expenses, emergencies or temporary cash shortages.

 Risk Mitigation: Having a line of credit can act as a buffer against unexpected financial challenges, helping the business to weather economic downturns, industry changes or sudden market shifts.

 Strategic Investments: Businesses can use a WCLOC to fund strategic investments, whether in equipment, inventory or marketing initiatives, unlocking ways to grow your business without depleting cash reserves.

 Maintaining Operations: During periods of slow receivables or delayed payments, a WCLOC ensures that the business can continue operations smoothly without disruption.

 Cost Savings: Interest is only incurred on the funds used, providing cost savings compared to a term loan, where interest accrues on the entire loan amount.

 Building Credit: Responsibly utilizing and repaying a line of credit can positively impact a business' credit history and score, improving its overall creditworthiness.

Seasonal Uses

In addition to its overall benefits, a WCLOC can also provide spring seasonal advantages for businesses, including:

 Adjustments and Demand: Particularly beneficial for seasonal-based businesses, a WCLOC allows them to manage fluctuating demand by providing additional working capital during peak seasons. Many businesses experience increased demand during the spring, and a WCLOC enables businesses to quickly ramp up production, increase inventory and meet higher customer demand without straining their cash reserves.

 Inventory Management: Retailers and manufacturers preparing for spring sales or promotions may require additional funds to stock up on seasonal inventory and a WCLOC can provide the necessary financing to optimize inventory.

 Marketing Initiatives: Businesses often launch marketing campaigns or promotions in the spring to capitalize on the season. A WCLOC can support these initiatives by providing funds for advertising, events or other promotional activities.

 Cyclical Nature of Expenses: Some businesses incur higher expenses in the spring, such as maintenance and landscaping, which a WCLOC can help offset without impacting your cash flow.

Leveraging capital lines of credit can empower small businesses with financial agility and stability in a dynamic market, offer the financial flexibility and resilience needed to adapt to changing market conditions, manage day-to-day operations, pursue growth opportunities and much more.

About the Author – Jeremy Shackleford

Jeremy Shackleford is Senior Vice President, Director of Small Business Sales for WSFS Bank. He joined WSFS in 2018 after 22 years working in banking and financial services, and was most recently Senior Vice President, Regional Manager for WSFS’ Greater Philadelphia Market, where he oversaw 15 Retail Office locations. He also served 10 years as a member of the United States Air Force (AFSOC).