How do I beat the bank runaround?

I have been in the business world for 16 years and I've never borrowed money in order to survive. I own my entire inventory, which is valued at more than $100,000. I currently have more business than I can handle.

I want to expand my business, and I need $200,000 to do so. But the banks want me to take out lines of credit, which are expensive and usually fall short of the capital I need. This money would allow me to consolidate what debt I do have and open two more stores.

A lot depends on your personal and business credit, as well as what you are using the loan dollars for specifically. There's not enough information in your question to give much insight, but I would work with your business accountant and ensure your financial statements are in order to support expansion and perhaps better rates. Other alternatives to bank financing are finding other types of lenders, but often they will be even more expensive.

In this economy, banks are still lending but they are tightening their requirements.