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Business loans provide borrowers with the capital they need to get a new venture off the ground, expand a current business, or help cover everyday operating expenses. In exchange for financing from a lending institution, businesses agree to repay the money that is borrowed over time, plus interest and fees.There are many different types of small business loans, each with their own eligibility requirements, costs, and repayment schedules.
What Is a Business Loan?
A small business loan is money that is loaned to a small business owner by a bank, credit union, or online lender, and it must be repaid. The money can be used for any business-related expense that will aid the growth and continued operation of the business. Some owners need loans for everyday transactions, while others are looking for loans for business expansion.Here are some examples of what a small business loan can be used for:
Commercial real estate
Operation expenses
Debt consolidation
Equipment purchases
Equipment repairs
Refinancing
Inventory purchases
Startup costs
Research and development
Launching a new division or product line
Marketing and advertising
Types of Business Loans
There are various types of business loans and it’s important to understand how each one works, so you can choose the best option for your business. Here’s a look at some common small business lending options.
Small business line of credit
A business line of credit is similar to a credit card. You can borrow up to a certain limit and you only pay interest on the amount of money you borrow. If you take out a small business line of credit, you'll be able to draw funds and repay them as often as you'd like as long as you don't go over your credit limit.
Accounts receivable financing
With accounts receivable financing, also known as invoice financing, you use your unpaid invoices as collateral to get a cash advance. Typically, invoice financing companies advance you a large portion of the value of your invoices. You receive the remaining percent (minus fees) when your invoices are paid. This can provide you with quick cash, but can be costlier than other forms of financing.
Working capital loans
If you just need a small amount of cash to keep your business operating smoothly, a working capital loan may be a good fit. However, keep in mind that repayment periods are short and interest rates can sometimes be higher than with other types of business loans.
Small business term loans
Term loans let you borrow a set amount of money that’s paid back with interest on a predetermined schedule. Both long-term and short-term small business loans are available. Which type will work best for you will depend on your business’s needs.
SBA small business loans
These term loans are offered through a lender that is insured through the SBA. Should the borrower default, the SBA will repay the lender a majority of the debt. Because SBA loans are government-backed they come with lower interest rates and better terms for borrowers. However, they can be hard to qualify for.
Equipment loans
If you’re looking to purchase a new piece of equipment or machinery, you might consider equipment financing. With this type of small business loan, you typically get a quote for the equipment you’d like to buy, and a lender will front you a significant portion of the cost. The asset you purchase with the loan acts as collateral for the loan.
Small business credit cards
A business credit card is similar to a personal credit card, except it may provide you with reporting features so you can categorize and track your spending, as well as a rewards program that can help you save on common business expenses. There are also some 0% APR credit cards that offer no interest for a fixed period (often longer than a year).
How to Find the Right Business Loan
There are many kinds of loans on the market. In order to find one that meets your needs and qualifications, here are some important things to consider.
Requirements to qualify
Understanding a lender's minimum requirements and qualifications can increase your chances of getting approved for a small business loan. While some lenders may be flexible, many require that borrowers meet a minimum credit score, annual revenue, and number of years in business.Loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) tend to have the strictest requirements, while small business loans from direct online lenders and peer-to-peer lending sites are often less stringent.
Key terms to know
Before you start comparing business loans, it’s important to understand a few key business loan terms. Here are a few to become familiar with.
Repayment term: the amount of time that a borrower has to pay back the loan.
Fees/penalties: extra costs on top of the interest that you may need to pay, such as application fees, origination fees, and late fees.(All small business loan fees are usually listed in the loan agreement.)
Eligibility requirements: conditions the bank or lender requires the borrower to meet in order to qualify for financing.
Interest rates: what the lender charges for giving you access to the money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Principal: the total amount of money you are borrowing (not including interest).
Time to funding: how long it will take for the lender to distribute funds to the borrower.
Types of Lenders That Offer Business Loans
Direct online lenders
You can apply directly with an online lender instead of working through a traditional bank. The benefit of doing this is that many online lenders have advanced technology that enables them to quickly approve borrowers and transfer funds. The drawback is that it’s not uncommon to get charged higher rates when working with a direct online lender as opposed to a traditional bank.
Large commercial banks
Large commercial banks are known for issuing loans with lower interest rates than their peers, but the drawback is that they tend to have strict qualification requirements that can be difficult to meet. If you’re a new business, large commercial banks may be outside of your reach.
Large community banks
Community banks are locally owned and operated. Since they tend to be smaller than commercial banks, they can often provide you with more individualized service. These banks may also look at other aspects of your business besides your credit score.
Peer-to-peer lending sites
With peer-to-peer lending sites, any money you receive comes from a group of investors as opposed to a single lender or a bank. Peer-to-peer loans are often easier to qualify for, but tend to cost more in the long run due to fees and higher interest rates.
SBA-backed banks
SBA loans are backed by the Small Business Administration. Since they present less risk to the lender, these loans tend to come with lower interest rates and longer terms. However, they also typically come with strict eligibility requirements.
How to Compare Lender Offers
All business loans are not created equal. Here are some things to consider when comparing business loans.
Interest rate need-to-knows
Some loans have fixed interest rates, while others come with a variable interest rate.A fixed business loan carries a set interest rate that remains the same over the life of the loan. Your loan payments will be the same each and every month until the loan is paid off.An adjustable rate business loan starts with a set interest rate that changes based on current market rates at a predetermined date. After that date, your monthly payments could be more, or less. Before choosing which one you want, it can be a good idea to do some research on average small business loan interest rates.
Early payment penalties
Some lenders charge a prepayment penalty if you pay off your loan early, while others do not. A loan with higher interest rates but no prepayment penalties could potentially be a better deal if you think there is a high chance you will pay the loan off early.
Late payment penalties
Find out what the fee is for making a late payment. How long do you have before you’re charged a late payment fee?
What does the lender consider a default?
It’s a good idea to find out what a lender considered a loan “default.” In some cases, it only takes a small change in cash flow to potentially put your business in jeopardy. Of course, if you are ever in danger of defaulting, it’s always a good idea to speak with your lender early on, as they may be able to help.
Applying for a Business Loan
Once you find a loan that you are interested in, the next step is to fill out an application. When you apply for a small business loan, you typically need to provide the following paperwork:
I.D.
Bank statements
Proof of Ownership
Balance sheet
Personal tax returns
Business tax returns
Profit and loss statements
Voided business check
Once you have all your documents in order, how you’ll actually apply for the small business loan will depend on the lender. With online lenders, you can typically do everything (not surprisingly) online. More traditional financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, however, may require you to apply at a branch or over the phone.Either way, make sure to double-check that your business loan application includes everything the lender asked for and in the appropriate format. This can help reduce any unnecessary back and forth, so you can get a decision as quickly as possible.
Pros and Cons of Business Loans
Like any financial product, there are pros and cons of small business loans that you may want to consider before signing any loan agreement. Here’s a look at how they stack up.
Pros of Small Business Loans
Cons of Small Business Loans
Speed up your company’s growth
May have to sign a personal guarantee
Help your company with initial start-up costs or cash flow issues
Interest rates may be high if you don’t have a strong credit profile
Allow you to get financing without giving up equity
Could lose business or personal assets if you default on payment
Some loans don’t require collateral
Application process can be time-consuming
Wider eligibility requirements than other types of loans
Many small business loans require making a downpayment
The Takeaway
Business loans are a form of credit offered by lenders to businesses. In exchange for this money, lenders require repayment of the principal with interest and fees added. Usually, business loans require the borrower to make regular payments on a set schedule, but repayment terms and interest rates can vary depending on the lender and your business’s qualifications.If you’re interested in finding out what type of loan you may qualify for, Lantern by SoFi can help. With our easy-to-use online tool, you can learn about an offer from a small business lender without any obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income is needed for a business loan?
What are the rules for business loans?
How do you pay back business loans?
How long are business loan terms?
Can you get a business loan with no down payment?
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About the Author
Lauren Ward
Lauren Ward is a personal finance expert with nearly a decade of experience writing online content. Her work has appeared on websites such as MSN, Time, and Bankrate. Lauren writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SoFi, including credit and banking.
