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What to Know About Investing in Small Businesses Thumbnail

What to Know About Investing in Small Businesses

By Advisor Jim Zahansky Investing

James Zahansky, AWMA®
Principal/Managing Partner, Investment Advisor & Chief Goals Strategist

May 1st through the 7th is National Small Business Week. Did you know that over 50 percent of Americans work in or own a small business, or that nearly two-thirds of jobs in America are created by small businesses? 

Small businesses play a big part in our economy. You may even find your next investment opportunity in supporting a growing business in your area. As a financial advisor to many small business owners, I know the opportunities and benefits that can be had from investing in those businesses. But you’ve still got to be careful to make the right investment choices for you and your goals. If you’re considering investing in a small business, here’s what you should know when making your decision.                                  

    

Gather the Facts

Ask to review things like:                    

  • Profit & loss statements
  • Audited accounting books
  • Marketing plans
  • Overhead costs                    
  • Other partnerships or investor agreements             

Reviewing the facts and figures with your financial advisor can help you make a smart, educated decision regarding your investment. Any business you are considering investing in should be able to provide this information upfront. If not, they may not be at a stage yet in which investing is a wise decision.                     

Understand Owner Intentions                    

When looking for an investment, it may be helpful to discuss what the owner has in mind for the future of their business. If you’re in talks with several potential businesses, ask them about their long-term goals. Things can always change later down the line, but it’s good to get an idea of their vision for their business before making an investment. Do they want to grow their business with the goal of selling to a larger corporation or investors? Or do they want to maintain control over their company long-term?                     

When making your own investment decisions, this information may be helpful in deciding which small business aligns best with your own financial interests. 

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Types of Investments                     

While there are many different ways to arrange an investment deal with a small business, most offerings will fall under two categories: equity or debt.                    

Equity Investment:                  

Making an equity investment in a small business means you’re “claiming” a portion of the business. What you earn will directly correlate to how the business is performing. As an equity investor, you may receive dividends based on a percentage of profits.                    

In some instances, an equity investment is considered riskier than a debt investment. As an equity investor, you are looking to benet from the continued success of the small business. After all, if you make an equity investment, you would be considered one of the owners.            

Debt Investment:                    

A mortgage is an example of a debt investment. A loan is made with the promise that the lender will receive a set amount of money (interest) at regular intervals until the principal amount has been paid back in full.                    

If you make a debt investment in a small business, this may work the same way. You’ve provided a loan to the business, and in return will receive regular payments containing both principal and interest.  

What to Do With Payouts                    

When you invest in a small business, you may receive payouts as the business grows and thrives. You’ll want to consider what to do with those payouts. You may not know the answer yet, but it’s important to keep this question in mind when investing with a small business.      

If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio while supporting local entrepreneurs, investing in a small business could be an exciting opportunity. Your investment advisor may be able to provide you with more information regarding the impact this may have on your financial goals and next steps to take.                    

At Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors we help both individuals and business owners to create long-term strategies for financial success, so we understand the needs and the process from both perspectives. If you're interested in creating or expanding an investment portfolio designed to help you meet your goals, see how our strategic Plan Well, Invest Well, Live Well process can help, and contact us to get started.


Presented by Principal/Managing Partner James Zahansky, AWMA®. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. 697 Pomfret Street, Pomfret Center, CT 06259, 860.928.2341. http://www.whzwealth.com (http://www.whzwealth.com) These materials are general in nature and do not address your specific situation. For your specific investment needs, please discuss your individual circumstances with your financial advisor. Weiss, Hale & Zahansky Strategic Wealth Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing in the accompanying pages should be construed as specific tax or legal advice.