Business Funding Blog
Short, practical answers to the questions small business owners ask about financing: what lenders look for, what funding costs, and how long it takes.
Comparisons
- Comparisons
Bank vs Online Lender for SBA Loans: Where to Apply and Why It Matters
Compare banks and online lenders for SBA loans. See how approval speed, rates, fees, and borrower fit differ so you choose the right SBA lending channel.
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Business Credit Card vs Business Line of Credit
Compare business credit cards and business lines of credit side by side. Learn which revolving product costs less and fits your cash flow needs.
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Equipment Loan vs Equipment Lease for a $50K Purchase
Compare an equipment loan to an equipment lease on a $50K purchase. See total cost differences, ownership trade-offs, and which structure fits your business.
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Invoice Factoring vs Business Credit Card for B2B Cash Flow
Compare invoice factoring and business credit cards for B2B cash flow. Learn cost structures, qualification differences, and which fits your billing cycle.
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SBA 7(a) vs SBA 504 for Buying a Building
Compare SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for commercial real estate. Learn differences in down payments, rates, terms, and which fits your building purchase.
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Stripe Capital vs Traditional Business Line of Credit
Compare Stripe Capital and a traditional business line of credit side by side to find which option fits your cost structure, cash flow, and growth stage.
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Term Loan vs Revolving Line of Credit: Which Works for Inventory?
Compare term loans and revolving lines of credit for inventory purchases. See which structure fits seasonal stock, bulk orders, and ongoing restocking.
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Cost and Rates
- Cost and Rates
Are Business Loan Payments Tax-Deductible?
Business loan interest is generally tax-deductible, but principal payments are not. Learn what qualifies, the IRS conditions, and key exceptions to know.
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What Fees Should I Expect on a Business Loan?
Business loan fees go beyond the interest rate. Learn about origination fees, closing costs, prepayment penalties, and hidden charges before you sign.
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What Happens If I Pay Off My Business Loan Early?
Business loan prepayment penalties range from 1% to 5% of your balance. Learn how early payoff works, which loans charge fees, and how to avoid surprises.
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What's a Typical Interest Rate for a Business Loan?
Most business loan rates are prime plus a margin. See SBA 7(a) rate caps, how bank and online pricing compare, what moves your rate, and how to compare offers.
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Credit and Qualifications
- Credit and Qualifications
Can I Get a Business Loan with a 500 Credit Score?
A 500 credit score limits your options but does not eliminate them. Learn which loan types and steps can help you qualify for business funding.
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Do Business Loans Show Up on Personal Credit Reports?
Find out when business loans appear on your personal credit report, which loan types trigger reporting, and how to protect your personal score as a borrower.
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How Business Credit Works and How to Build It
Learn how business credit works, how bureaus score your company, and the step-by-step process to build a strong business credit profile for better loan terms.
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What Credit Score Do I Need for a Business Loan?
Learn the credit score ranges lenders look for on business loan applications, plus how to strengthen your profile if your FICO falls below common thresholds.
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What Is the Minimum FICO for SBA Loans?
The SBA sets no minimum FICO score, though many SBA lenders look for about 680. Learn how lenders judge credit now that SBSS screening has ended.
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Industry-Flavored
- Industry-Flavored
Can a Brand-New Ecommerce Business Get a Loan?
A new ecommerce business loan is possible even without years of history. Learn which loan types fit online startups and what lenders actually measure.
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How Do Contractors Get Financing for Materials?
Contractors often front material costs weeks before getting paid. Learn the contractor materials financing options that cover supplies without draining cash.
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How Do Restaurants Get Financing During Slow Seasons?
Restaurant revenue drops during slow seasons, but financing options exist. Learn which loans and credit lines help restaurants bridge seasonal cash gaps.
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How Do Trucking Companies Finance Their Fleet?
Trucking fleet financing explained. Learn how carriers fund new rigs, manage replacement cycles, and choose between equipment loans, SBA programs, and leasing.
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What's the Best Loan for Buying a Food Truck?
Compare equipment financing, SBA loans, and other options for buying a food truck. Learn which loan type fits your budget, timeline, and business stage best.
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Myth-Busting
- Myth-Busting
5 Things Lenders Won't Tell You About Business Loan Approvals
Lenders rarely share the full picture on approvals. Learn 5 business loan approval secrets that affect your funding odds and how to use them.
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7 Myths About SBA Loans That Cost Businesses Money
These 7 common SBA loan myths stop qualified businesses from applying. Learn the truth about credit scores, collateral, timelines, and use of funds.
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Process and Timing
- Process and Timing
Can I Get a Business Loan in 24 Hours?
Yes, 24-hour business loans exist, but funding speed depends on your documents, credit profile, and loan type. Learn what qualifies and how to prepare.
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How Long Does an SBA Loan Take from Application to Funding?
Standard SBA 7(a) loans commonly take 30 to 90 days from a complete application to funding. Learn what affects the timeline and how to speed it up.
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How Long Does Business Loan Approval Take?
Business loan approval can take 24 hours to 90 days depending on the loan type and your preparation. Learn what affects timing and how to speed it up.
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What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Business Loan?
Learn exactly which documents you need to apply for a business loan, from bank statements to tax returns, so you can gather everything you need before applying.
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What Happens After I Apply for a Business Loan?
After you submit a business loan application, lenders review your documents, verify your financials, and issue a decision. Here is what to expect at each stage.
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Risk and Consequences
- Risk and Consequences
Can a Business Loan Affect My Personal Credit?
Find out how business loans can affect your personal credit score, when lenders report to personal bureaus, and how to protect your FICO during the process.
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Do I Lose My Collateral If My Business Closes?
Find out what happens to your pledged collateral if your business closes, how UCC filings affect asset recovery, and steps you can take to protect yourself.
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What Happens If I Default on a Business Loan?
Defaulting on a business loan can mean acceleration, seized collateral, credit damage, and personal liability. Learn how default unfolds and how to respond.
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What Is a Personal Guarantee on a Business Loan?
A personal guarantee makes you liable if your business cannot repay a loan. Learn how guarantees work, when lenders require them, and how to limit your risk.
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Specific Scenarios
- Specific Scenarios
Can a Sole Proprietor Get a Business Loan?
Sole proprietors can qualify for business loans. Learn what lenders look for, how to strengthen your application, and which loan types fit your situation.
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Can an LLC Get a Business Loan in Its First Year?
Yes, a first-year LLC can qualify for a business loan. Learn what lenders look for, which loan types fit newer LLCs, and how to build a stronger application.
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Can I Get a Business Loan If I'm Self-Employed?
Self-employed borrowers can qualify for a business loan. Learn what lenders look for, which documents to prepare, and how to strengthen your application.
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Can I Use a Business Loan to Pay Myself?
Can you use a business loan to pay yourself a salary? Yes, with conditions. Learn how lenders view owner compensation and how to structure draws correctly.
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What's the Maximum Amount I Can Borrow for My Business?
Learn what determines the maximum business loan amount you can qualify for, from revenue multiples to collateral, and how to estimate your borrowing ceiling.
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See What Your Business Qualifies For
Apply online in under 5 minutes with no impact to your credit score, or estimate your funding first with our calculator.