Business Loan Guides

Educate yourself before you apply.

Every guide below answers a single question business owners ask before taking on a loan. What credit score do you actually need? Which lenders fund in 48 hours? Is an SBA loan worth the paperwork? Current numbers from OnDeck, BlueVine, Credibly, the SBA, and major banks. No affiliate-driven rankings, no marketing fluff.

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What Credit Score Do I Need for a Business Loan?

Most business loan lenders look at your personal FICO score, not just business credit. SBA loans typically require 640 t...

Can I Get a Business Loan With No Revenue?

Yes, but your options narrow. Startup loans for pre-revenue businesses typically require a personal FICO score of 680 or...

SBA vs Bank vs Online Lender: Which Business Loan Is Cheapest?

SBA loans offer the lowest rates (Prime plus 2% to 4.75%) but take 60 to 90 days to close. Traditional bank term loans r...

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Business Loan?

At minimum, lenders want two years of business tax returns, three to six months of business bank statements, a profit an...

What Are Current Business Loan Interest Rates?

Business loan APRs in 2026 range from about 6.5% (SBA loans for prime borrowers) to 35% or higher (online lenders for su...

How Long Does a Business Loan Take to Approve?

Online business loans can fund in 24 to 72 hours. Traditional bank loans take 30 to 45 days. SBA loans average 60 to 90 ...

Can I Get a Business Loan With Bad Credit?

Yes. Business owners with FICO scores below 600 can access financing through online lenders, merchant cash advance provi...

Secured vs Unsecured Business Loan: Which Is Better?

Secured business loans use collateral (equipment, real estate, inventory, accounts receivable) to back the loan. They of...

Merchant Cash Advance vs Business Loan: What's the Difference?

A merchant cash advance is not a loan. It's a sale of future credit card receivables at a discount. MCAs use factor rate...

How Do I Apply for a Business Loan?

Start by checking your personal FICO and business credit (free at AnnualCreditReport.com and Nav.com). Gather two years ...

How Much Working Capital Do I Need to Start a Business?

Most new businesses need 3 to 6 months of operating expenses in working capital before opening, plus 10% to 20% contingency...

How Do Equipment Loans Work for Small Businesses?

Equipment loans use the equipment itself as collateral. Lenders finance 80% to 100% of the purchase price, with terms tied...

Working Capital vs Equipment Loan: What's the Difference?

Working capital loans fund day-to-day operating expenses. Equipment loans fund a specific asset purchase and use that asset...

How Much Can I Borrow for Equipment Financing?

Equipment financing typically covers 80% to 100% of the equipment's purchase price. Online lenders cap at $500K to $1M...

Are There State and Local Business Loan Programs?

Yes. Every US state runs at least one small business loan or grant program, and most major cities have CDFI loans with...

Can I Get an Equipment Loan for Used Equipment?

Yes. Most equipment lenders finance used equipment, though terms differ from new. Expect 80% to 90% of appraised value...

Can I Get a Business Loan if I'm Self-Employed?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers (sole proprietors, freelancers, 1099 contractors) qualify for business loans, though documentation...

Business Loan vs Business Line of Credit: Which Is Better?

Term loans give you a lump sum upfront with fixed payments. Lines of credit give you a revolving pool you can draw from...

Business Grants vs Business Loans: What's the Difference?

Grants are free money you don't have to repay. Loans must be repaid with interest. Grants are also much harder to get...

What Happens if My Business Loan Application Is Denied?

A denial doesn't close the door. By federal law, lenders must provide a written reason within 30 days. The reason tells you...

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