Small business loans are essential for businesses looking to start, grow, or maintain operations. They provide vital capital for various needs like covering operational costs, staffing, or real estate expenses. As 2023 ends, it's important to note that loan costs have risen, and high-interest rates are expected to continue into 2024. This makes it crucial for business owners to carefully prepare their loan applications and compare offers from different lenders to secure the best terms.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Understanding Small Business Loans
• 3. Top Small Business Loans in the USA
• 4. How to Prepare for a Small Business Loan Application
• 5. What Credit Score is required for a Small Business Loan?
• 6. Who is Liable for Small Business Loans?
• 7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

If you're starting a business, freelancing, or running a small company, you know how important money is to keep things moving. We're here to help you figure out how to get that money through loans. First, we'll explain what small business loans are and how they work. Then, we'll show you the best loan options in the USA. We'll also give you tips on how to get ready for a loan application, including the kind of credit score you need and who's responsible for paying back the loan.

We explore five key types of loans: Term loans, Equipment loans, Commercial Real Estate loans, Microloans, and Franchise loans. By the end of this Blog, you'll have a clear idea of how to approach getting a loan for your business.

Our aim is to help you find the right loan for your business needs, considering the current financial landscape. Let’s dive in and make financing simpler for you!

2. Understanding Small Business Loans

A small business loan provides essential funding for business owners to manage and expand their operations. Similar to personal loans, these loans are available from various sources, including traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Some online options are supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are versatile and can be used for a range of purposes, from bolstering working capital and acquiring equipment to major investments such as real estate.

How Do Small Business Loans Work?

Small business loans are essential for companies to fund significant acquisitions and manage operational expenses. Typically, loans are provided as a one-time sum for specific purchases or cash flow management and are repaid over time with interest. Additionally, other forms of financing such as - lines of credit, Merchant cash advances, and invoice financing - offer quicker, more flexible access to funds.

The ideal loan for a business varies based on several considerations, including the business's credit standing, the required loan amount, the intended use of the funds, and the urgency of needing the loan proceeds

3. Top Small Business Loans in the USA

There are a variety of loan options that suit different business needs. Here’s an overview of nine types of small business loans.

1. Term loans

Term loans are a popular option for small business financing. They involve a lump sum of cash provided upfront, which is then repaid over a set period. The repayments are usually made monthly and consist of both the principal amount and interest. These loans offer flexibility in usage, allowing businesses to cover everyday expenses, purchase equipment, or meet other financial needs

2. SBA loans

SBA loans, backed by the Small Business Administration, are an attractive choice for business owners seeking a low-cost, government-supported loan. However, they are known for their lengthy application process, which can extend the time it takes to receive funding, often up to three months. If immediate funding isn't a necessity and you're looking to take advantage of lower interest rates and fees, SBA loans could be a suitable option.

3. Business lines of credit

Business lines of credit offer a flexible financing solution, functioning much like a credit card. They provide a revolving credit limit, often accessible via a checking account. You can utilize funds up to the set limit, repay, and then withdraw again as needed. This option is ideal for businesses unsure of their exact funding requirements, as interest is only incurred on the withdrawn amount. Unlike term loans, where interest is charged on the full loan amount regardless of how much is used, lines of credit offer more financial flexibility. Additionally, many business lines of credit are unsecured, eliminating the need for collateral

4. Equipment loans

Equipment loans are a practical solution for financing significant equipment purchases when capital is limited. These loans are specifically tailored to help businesses afford costly items such as machinery, vehicles, computers, or furniture, which typically hold value. In most scenarios, the equipment bought serves as collateral for the loan, providing security to the lender in the event of non-repayment.

5. Invoice factoring and invoice financing

Invoice factoring and invoice financing are suitable options for business owners facing delays in receiving payments. Invoice factoring allows you to sell unpaid invoices to a lender and receive a portion of their value immediately. In contrast, invoice financing uses these unpaid invoices as collateral, providing you with an advance on the amount due.

The key distinction between the two lies in the control over payment collection. With factoring, the lender assumes responsibility for collecting payments on the invoices. In the case of invoice financing, however, your business retains the responsibility of payment collection, necessary to repay the borrowed amount.

6. Commercial real estate loans

Commercial real estate loans, also known as commercial mortgages, are designed to assist in financing property-related needs for businesses. These loans are similar to term loans and can be used to acquire new commercial properties, such as offices, warehouses, or retail spaces. Additionally, they offer the flexibility to expand existing locations or refinance current property loans

7. Microloans

Microloans offer smaller amounts of financing, typically up to $50,000, making them an ideal choice for new businesses or those requiring minimal funding. These loans are often available through nonprofit organizations or government entities, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA). To qualify for a microloan, you may need to provide collateral, which could include business equipment, real estate, or personal assets

8. Merchant cash advances

Merchant cash advances are a high-cost financing option where you borrow against future sales. They provide a lump sum of cash that is repaid through a portion of your daily credit card sales or regular bank account transfers. While these advances can be acquired quickly, they come with high interest rates, posing a significant financial risk. Differing from invoice financing or factoring, merchant cash advances use future credit card sales as collateral instead of unpaid invoices.

9. Franchise loans

Franchise loans are a vital resource for aspiring business owners looking to become franchisees. These loans offer the necessary capital to cover the initial costs of opening a franchise, helping you launch your business more quickly and easily compared to starting from scratch. Although you secure these loans through a lender, some franchisors may also offer financial support to new franchisees. This financial assistance can be crucial in getting your franchise operation up and running.

4. How to Prepare for a Small Business Loan Application

When preparing for a small business loan application, it's crucial to gather specific personal and business information to increase your chances of approval. Here’s a simplified guide on what you'll need and a tip to enhance your application:

1. Personal Details: Include your name and address. This helps lenders verify your identity.
2. Tax Identification Number: Provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN). Sometimes, both may be required. This number is essential for tax and legal purposes.
3. Business Information: Clearly state your business name, address, and phone number. This information establishes your business's legitimacy.
4. Business Profile: Specify your industry type and company structure. This gives lenders an idea of your business model and risk profile.
5. Operational History: Indicate how many years you’ve been in business. A longer history can imply more stability.
6. Employee Details: Mention the number of employees. This helps in understanding the scale of your operations.
7. Financial Data:
   1. Annual Revenue: Disclose your business’s annual revenue to demonstrate your financial performance.
   2. Estimated Monthly Spend: Outline your typical monthly expenses. This helps in assessing your financial management skills.
8. Supporting Documents: Prepare to submit your business plan, financial statements, bank statements, and tax returns. These documents offer a comprehensive view of your business’s financial health.
9. Credit Score Check: Be aware that lenders will likely check your personal credit score. This score is a key factor in evaluating your creditworthiness.

Tip: Before applying, review your credit report and correct any errors. A higher credit score can significantly improve your chances of loan approval.

5. What Credit Score is required for a Small Business Loan?

To qualify for a small business loan, you typically need at least a fair to average personal credit score, ranging from 580 to 669. However, this requirement can vary depending on the lender. If you have a good to very good credit score (670 to 799) or an excellent score (800 to 850), your chances of approval improve significantly. A higher personal credit score not only increases your likelihood of getting a loan but also often results in better interest rates and fees.

Although lenders primarily focus on your personal credit score, they may also consider your business credit score. However, unlike personal credit scores, lenders usually don't specify minimum requirements for business credit scores. This means that while your business credit score can be a factor, your personal credit score is typically more crucial in the lender's decision-making process.

6. Who is Liable for Small Business Loans?

As a business owner, you are usually personally liable for a business loan. This means that when you secure a business loan, you often need to provide collateral, which could include both business-related assets (such as business property and vehicles) and personal assets (like your personal car or home). In case your business faces bankruptcy and is unable to repay the loan, these assets, including your personal assets, may be at risk of being seized to cover the debt. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the implications of using personal assets as collateral for a business loan, as it exposes your personal financial security to potential risk in the event of business failure

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, securing a small business loan requires careful preparation and understanding of various requirements. Remember to assess your creditworthiness, understand your personal liability, and gather necessary financial documents.

Circler.io, an AI-driven bookkeeping assistant, streamlines financial record organization, making your application for small loans more efficient. With a clear understanding of loan terms and the support of technology like Circler.io, you can efficiently navigate the financial aspects of growing your business.