Small business loans up to $400,000 ¹

There are many different ways to finance your small business, and each option comes with its own benefits and considerations, depending on your situation and specific goals. For example:

• Banks and alternative lenders both have a variety of small business financing options, with different loan terms, amounts, and qualifications to consider. Alternative lending, versus traditional bank lending, also tends to have a quicker approval process, so may be more favorable if you need funds fast.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans offer low interest rates and long repayment terms, making them an attractive option for many business purposes. However, SBA loans can be harder to qualify for, and require a lengthy application process.
• Business credit cards give you revolving lines of credit that you can draw from and repay as needed, helping you finance ongoing expenses and build business credit. Keep in mind they typically are higher cost and may require a personal guarantee to apply.
• Retained earnings reflect the profit your business earned over the year, and can help you build equity by indicating to future lenders your small business’ financial strength.
• Vendor financing involves negotiating vendor payments for an agreed upon time, to help carry you through unexpected down periods in your business or industry.
• Business lines of credit give you access to funds up to a specified limit, and can provide more flexibility as you only pay interest on money you use. However, they may come with additional costs, such as maintenance fees and draw fees.
• Investors can be very helpful in financing your small business, especially when you’re in the early growing stages—with skin in the game, they see your success as their own.

Small business loans can be a helpful financing tool, providing you with up to $400,000¹ in funds to be put toward almost any business purpose. In order to apply for a small business loan, you’ll need to:

• Determine what you need the funds for. From the loan amount, to interest rates, to length of term, your small business financing option can be tailored to your specific use case. You should also research how much financing you are eligible for, and how quickly you would need the funds, as these considerations may dictate which loan type you pursue.
• Gather application materials. Requirements differ from lender to lender, but may involve:
  • Details about your business, such as the address, phone number, tax ID, and business start date. Keep in mind that many traditional lenders often require two years in business, whereas other options may require only one year.
  • Financial statements demonstrating business revenue. These can include bank statements, tax returns, and in some cases invoices and a business appraisal. The level of detail you need to provide on your business financials will depend on the lender and type of loan you’re applying for.
  • A credit check for you and/or your business to determine your character and ability to make payments on time.
  • A detailed business plan is often required by traditional lenders as part of your loan application.
• Business collateral and/or personal guarantee should your business default. Many lenders may require some sort of assurance in order to get funding.
• Submit application. Always double check your application form and the requirements to reduce any back and forth during the review process.
• Wait for approval. Depending on your lender, a decision on your application can take time, and there may be follow-up information to provide, which is why it’s crucial to consider how quickly you need the funds before applying.

As a small business owner, you have a lot to focus on, and we’re here to make the small business financing process as simple and painless as possible. With SmallBusinessLoans, you only need to fill out a quick form to be connected to a personal funding specialist who will walk you through your options and make sure you get what you need.

Determining if you qualify for a small business loan depends on a few factors: your industry and business size, your personal and/or business credit score, how long you’ve been in business, and your annual gross sales. Based on the lender, other items may be required to qualify, such as a business proposal, collateral or personal guarantee, and further business and financial documentation such as bank statements, tax returns, business licenses, etc.

When you apply for a loan with SmallBusinessLoans, there’s no lengthy paperwork, required collateral, or being bombarded by tons of different lenders—we make it easy to get the small business loan that works for you, and within 24 hours.¹

Small business loans are designed to be flexible, as every business has its own needs and circumstances. When choosing the right loan option for your small business, you should take a few things into consideration:

• Determine what your business needs are. A working capital loan may be a good option if you are looking to simply cover daily expenses or have funds on hand during slow seasons, but perhaps an equipment loan makes more sense if you want to buy and build equity in new equipment. There are many different types of loans for a range of business cases, so it’s important to figure out your needs and do your homework on the terms and qualifications for each.
• Determine how much of a loan you can afford, and what additional requirements there may be to apply. For example, if you don’t have the business history or meet certain financial requirements (such as providing collateral), loan options such as a business credit card or microloan may be a better fit for you.
• Determine how fast you need the money. Traditional business loans from banks and SBA loans may be able to offer the most competitive rates, but also tend to have stricter requirements and a lengthy approval process. Alternative lending options may be more favorable if you can’t afford to wait to get your funds.

Still not sure what the right option is for you and your small business? We’d be happy to help—contact us today.