LegalZoom Partners with BusinessLoans.com to Offer Small Businesses Greater Access to Capital

Rhea-AI Summary

LegalZoom, a leading online platform for small business formations, has partnered with BusinessLoans.com to offer streamlined access to capital for small business owners. This collaboration addresses a critical need, as 38% of small businesses fail due to insufficient capital. LegalZoom customers can now access various funding options such as secured loans, business credit cards, and credit-building products directly through the LegalZoom platform. This partnership aims to simplify the loan application process and provide personalized funding solutions, enhancing the financial foundation for small businesses and facilitating their growth.

Positive

• LegalZoom partners with BusinessLoans.com to provide streamlined access to capital.
• Offers secured loans, business credit cards, and credit-building products.
• Simplified loan application process through the LegalZoom platform.
• Addresses a major issue as 38% of small businesses fail due to lack of capital.
• Aims to enhance financial foundation and growth opportunities for small businesses.

Negative

• Traditional banks' requirements for loans are too stringent for many small businesses.
• Only 35% of small business owners obtain business loans or credit cards within the first year.

Insights

Financial Analyst

LegalZoom's partnership with BusinessLoans.com could potentially drive revenue growth for both companies. Since LegalZoom already has a significant customer base, integrating loan services directly into their platform will likely increase their customers' engagement and satisfaction. For BusinessLoans.com, this partnership opens a new channel to access small business owners who are eager for funding options.

Revenue growth might be fueled by increased transaction volumes as more businesses seek loans. Furthermore, this partnership may attract new users to both platforms due to the convenience and accessibility it provides. However, the exact impact on revenue will depend on the conversion rate of users utilizing these new services.

From a financial perspective, the collaboration reduces the customer acquisition costs for BusinessLoans.com, leveraging LegalZoom's established customer base. Investors should monitor quarterly earnings for any noticeable upticks in transaction volumes or revenue directly attributed to this partnership.

Short-term impact may include increased operational costs as both companies integrate their systems and manage customer service for the new offering. Long-term benefits could be substantial if the model proves successful, leading to higher customer retention and diversified revenue streams.

Market Research Analyst

This partnership addresses a significant pain point for small businesses: access to capital. Given that 38% of small businesses fail due to cash flow issues, LegalZoom's integration of lending services can be seen as a proactive solution to a pervasive problem.

The move aligns with market trends where alternative lending platforms are gaining traction due to their flexibility and accessibility compared to traditional banks. BusinessLoans.com’s role as a marketplace further allows for a diversified range of loan products, which can be tailored to meet the various needs of small businesses at different stages of their development.

For retail investors, this integration could translate into enhanced customer loyalty and potentially a larger user base for LegalZoom, as it positions itself not only as a business formation service but also as a comprehensive business support platform. This could help LegalZoom differentiate itself from competitors in the crowded small business services market.

Understanding the effectiveness of this integration will require keeping an eye on customer feedback and adoption rates of these new financial products, as well as any potential disruptions caused by the integration process.

A promising solution for small businesses, empowering them with the capital needed to succeed

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LegalZoom.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: LZ), the No. 1 choice in online small business formations, is announcing its newest partnership with BusinessLoans.com to provide more streamlined access to capital for small business owners.

“Customers consistently say that getting a business loan is critical to making their dreams a reality,” said Kathy Tsitovich, Chief Corporate Development and Partnerships Officer of LegalZoom. “By partnering with BusinessLoans.com, we’re eager to see how customers respond to this new addition within the LegalZoom ecosystem and how that early access to additional funding can make a difference in their journey.”

According to Forbes Small Businesses Statistics of 2024, “Data shows that 38% of [small] businesses fail due to exhausting their cash reserves or the inability to secure additional capital.” LegalZoom empowers businesses to instantly access trusted funding services that can help accelerate business growth, solving a significant problem for many small businesses. Based on LegalZoom’s customer research, access to capital is the second most common active need for existing LegalZoom customers after business formation and structuring.

For many customers, access to funding early on in their business journey is difficult with traditional banking requirements - some of which require at least 12 months of operation before eligibility applies. Additionally, certain traditional banks’ requirements for obtaining loans - such as established credit scores, business plans, collateral, and revenue - are too high of an entry point for many customers and require them to look elsewhere for financial support. In fact, only 35% of small business owners obtained either a business loan or credit card for their business within the first year of operation to support improvement, expansion, and marketing. However, many more entrepreneurs seek out capital but most have limited knowledge of how to access this necessary financial support.

BusinessLoans.com, positioned as a marketplace across lenders, provides small businesses with options such as secured loans, business credit cards, and credit-building products tailored to their stage, all within the LegalZoom platform. By focusing on credit-building strategies, BusinessLoans.com helps enhance personal and business credit profiles, enabling entrepreneurs to secure essential funding and build a solid credit foundation for future funding and growth opportunities. Each product is designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses, ensuring they have access to the financial resources necessary for success and expansion.

“We’re excited about this partnership with LegalZoom,” said Andrew Gonzales, Co-Founder of BusinessLoans.com. “With LegalZoom’s established brand, we can reach millions of customers looking for one-stop solutions, which includes best-in-class services and the right tools to manage and grow their business.”

Through the embedded partnership, customers can launch a BusinessLoans.com application that will match them with funding options available without having to leave the LegalZoom site. In addition, LegalZoom’s simplified questionnaire and guided process delivers a customized experience that makes it easy for customers to save time and improve accuracy.

In addition to this new offering, LegalZoom works with other partners to improve access to financial and banking resources, including checking accounts, insurance, and online payment tools.

About LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the leading online platform for business formation in the United States. Driven by a mission to unleash entrepreneurship, LegalZoom delivers comprehensive legal, tax and compliance products and expertise for small business owners through easy-to-use technology. From free business formations to business management solutions and professional advisory services, LegalZoom supports millions of small business owners and their families throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Founded on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to legal and financial expertise, LegalZoom empowers entrepreneurs to make their dream a reality. To learn more about LegalZoom, visit www.legalzoom.com.

About BusinessLoans.com
BusinessLoans.com is a leading online platform dedicated to connecting small businesses with the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. Utilizing proprietary form technology and advanced matching algorithms, BusinessLoans.com simplifies the borrowing process by offering a wide range of loan and credit building options from trusted lending partners. These innovative tools ensure businesses of all sizes can find the right financial solutions tailored to their unique needs. With a commitment to transparency, speed, and personalized service, BusinessLoans.com empowers entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions and achieve their business goals.

CONTACT: press@legalzoom.com

FAQ

What is the recent partnership of LegalZoom about?

LegalZoom has partnered with BusinessLoans.com to offer streamlined access to capital for small business owners.

When was the partnership between LegalZoom and BusinessLoans.com announced?

The partnership was announced on June 25, 2024.

What services will BusinessLoans.com provide through LegalZoom?

BusinessLoans.com will provide secured loans, business credit cards, and credit-building products tailored to small businesses.

Why is this partnership important for small businesses?

The partnership addresses a critical need for capital, as 38% of small businesses fail due to insufficient funding.

How does this partnership benefit LegalZoom customers?

LegalZoom customers can now access various funding options directly through the platform, simplifying the loan application process and providing personalized financial solutions.