14 Small Business Financing Options to Get You The Funding You Need

Have you ever needed financing to start, maintain, or grow your business as a small business owner? If so, you’re not alone.

Financing is a crucial aspect of running a small business, and understanding the various available options is key to making informed decisions about the best suited for your company.

Before we even get into the details, you should know that there are plenty of options, but how do you know which is right for you?

And once you’ve found the right option, what are the key factors before making the right decision?

Look no further; we give you the most informative article about your business financing options.

Business Financing with a Loan or a Line of Credit: Here’s What you need to know

Debt financing involves borrowing money from any lender.

This lender can be a bank, credit union, or online lender.

But how do you choose between a business loan and a line of credit?

And what impact will the interest rate and fees have on your business?

Here are some key differences between the two options:

• Business loan: A business loan is a one-time lump sum of money you borrow from a lender and agree to pay back over a set period of time, with interest. Business loans are typically used for large, one-time expenses, such as purchasing equipment or real estate.
• Line of credit: A line of credit is a flexible financing option that allows you to borrow and repay money as needed, up to a certain limit. Lines of credit are often used for ongoing or unpredictable expenses, such as managing cash flow or covering seasonal costs.

Interest rates on a business loan and lines of credit can vary based on several factors, including your credit score, business revenue, and the lender’s policies.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing option before you commit to ensuring that you understand the full cost of borrowing.

Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s get you set on a business financing option:

Type of Financing	Description	Funding Amount	Interest Rate	Repayment Term	Approval Time	Credit Criteria
Equity Financing	Involves raising capital by selling a stake in a business to investors in exchange for funding. Gives up ownership in the business.	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Grants	Financial awards given by governments and organizations to fund specific projects or initiatives. Do not need to be repaid.	Varies	N/A	Varies	Varies	Varies
Personal Savings	Using personal savings to finance a business. Can impact personal financial situation and carries risk.	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Small Business Loans	Guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.	$2,000 – $5 million	3.75% – 13%	Up to 25 years	30 days – 6 months	FICO SBSS required
Traditional Bank Loans	Straightforward traditional loans with	$250,000+	5% – 10%	Up to 20 years	2 – 4 months	Strong personal/business credit required
Online Loans	A quicker option for those who need funds as soon as possible	$25,000 – $500,000	7% – 30%	Up to 5 years	2 days – Varies	Varies
Microloans	Smaller loans available if unable to secure other types of funding.	$500 – $50,000	8% – 15%	Up to 5 years	1 – 3 months	May be more flexible
Merchant Cash Advances	Receiving a lump sum upfront in exchange for a percentage of future sales.	$200 – $250,000	15% – 150%	3 months – 1 year	1 – 7 days	May not be stringent
Cash Flow Loans	Designed to help businesses with fluctuating cash flow.	$200 – $100,000	Up to 90%	6 months – 1 year	Minutes – 3 days	May not be important
Invoice Financing	Using outstanding invoices as collateral to obtain funding.	Based on outstanding invoices	1% – 3% per month	30 – 90 days	24 hours – 3 days	May not be stringent
Crowdfunding	Private individuals who invest in small businesses in exchange for ownership equity.	$25	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

#1 Equity Financing

This type of business funding involves raising capital by selling a stake in a business to investors in exchange for funding.

Instead of borrowing money and paying back a lender with interest, the business owner gives up a portion of ownership in the company, so it’s essential to carefully consider the terms and conditions of any such arrangement.

#2 Grants

Grants are financial awards governments and organizations give to fund specific projects or initiatives.

Small businesses may be eligible to apply for grants to help fund various activities, and grants do not need to be repaid.

However, grants may have specific eligibility requirements and application processes that businesses must meet to qualify.

#3 Personal Savings

Using your personal savings to finance your business can be a good option if you don’t have access to other funding sources.

Still, it’s important to carefully consider whether it is the best use of your funds.

This decision can significantly impact your personal financial situation, as you may be taking on additional risk by using your savings to fund your business.

It’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits of using your savings to finance your business against the potential risks and to have a plan for managing your personal finances if the business doesn’t succeed.

#4 Small Business Loans

This type of small business loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is available in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5 million. Interest rates for SBA loans can range from 3.75% to 13%, and repayment can be as long as 25 years (monthly payment).

The approval process can take anywhere from 30 days to six months, and a minimum business credit score (FICO SBSS) may be required.

#5 Traditional Bank Loans

Traditional bank loans are typically available for $250,000 or more and can have interest rates ranging from 5% to 10%.

Repayment for bank loans can be as long as 20 years in monthly payments, somewhat shorter than SBA loans, and the approval process can take two to four months, but it all depends on your local bank.

As with all traditional financial institutions, strong personal and/or business credit scores are usually required.

#6 Online Loans

Online lenders offer online loans, typically available in amounts ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, and can have interest rates ranging from 7% to 30%.

Repayment can be as long as five years, and the approval process can take as little as two days.

The credit criteria for online loans can vary depending on the type of financing, and they’reonline lenders always determine them.

#7 Microloans

Microloans are smaller versions of SBA loans that may be available if you’reyou cannot secure other types of funding.

They are typically available in amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000 and can have interest rates ranging from 8% to 15%.

The repayment process can last up to five years, and approval can take one to three months or more.

Credit criteria for microloans may be more flexible than for other types of financing.

#8 Merchant Cash Advances

A lump sum of cash is granted at the start of the deal in return for a percentage of your future sales.

This kind of advance usually comes in amounts between $200 and $250,000, with interest rates ranging from 15% to 150%.

You may have to pay it back in as few as three months and as long as a year.

You can get approved in as little as one to seven days, and credit standards are not as strict as other financing types.

#9 Cash Flow Loans

Loans for small enterprises are specifically created to assist these organizations and are typically offered in sums from $200 to $100,000.

Interest rates can be as high as 90%, and the term of repayment could be from six months to a year.

You can get approval within a few minutes or up to three days, and credit criteria may not be as important as other financing types.

#10 Business Credit Cards

A business credit card is designed for a small business and is available in amounts ranging from $250 to $25,000.

Interest rates for business credit cards can range from 13% to 25%, and repayment is typically 30 days.

Approval can take one to three weeks, and personal credit scores will factor in the decision.

#11 Vendor Financing

With this financing, a company can buy products or services from a vendor and pay for them in installments instead of all at once.

The number of funds accessible can range from $1,000 to $100,000, and the interest rates vary from 0% to 36%.

Payment can be made in as little as ten days or as long as 120 days.

#12 Invoice Financing

With this type of financing, small companies can get liquid funds straight away by selling unpaid invoices to a third-party vendor at a reduced rate.

Generally, the amount of money accessible is equal to the value of the invoices that are being sold, and the interest rate may go from 10% to 20%.

The repayment terms are established upon the payment terms for the invoices being sold, and confirmation of the loan can be given within one day.

Credit criteria may not be as crucial as other financing types, as the value of the invoices being sold is used as collateral.

#13 Equipment Financing

Small business owners can take out a loan to purchase or rent the tools they need to run their businesses or expand their activities.

These equipment loans are usually accessible in amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, and the interest can be anywhere between 5% and 20%.

The repayment term can be as little as twelve months or as long as a decade, depending on the equipment being financed.

It can take one to two weeks to get approval, and the credit score will be an essential factor in the decision.

#14 Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a great way to avoid traditional lenders and raise funds for small businesses by getting contributions from many people rather than experiencing the troubles a conventional bank loan can bring.

That’s why it’s becoming one of the most popular business funding options.

There are different types of business funding platforms, such as rewards-based and equity-based.

As a small business owner looking for alternative funding, it can be a good option, but you should evaluate terms and fees.

What to Take Into Account Before Choosing a Business Financing Option?

In addition to considering the specific terms and requirements of each type of financing, you should weigh a few general factors when deciding which option is best for them. These include:

• Interest rate: This consists of the interest rate or equity percentage, as well as any fees associated with the financing.
• The terms and conditions of financing: This covers the payment plan, the need for security, and any regulations or limitations on using the money or the need to restructure debt.
• The impact on your small business: Financing can affect your business differently, such as diluting your ownership stake or tying up assets as collateral. Before deciding, take some time to calculate the potential impact on your small business.
• Credit score and debt-to-income ratio: Your personal financial situation, including your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, can affect your ability to secure financing and the terms you receive.

Determining How Much Financing Your Business Needs

Determining how much money a business needs is daunting for many business owners.

It involves considering your short-term and long-term financial needs.

Here are some steps you can take to determine how much financing your business needs:

Step 1: Create a detailed business plan

A business plan is a written document that specifies the company’s objectives, target audience, marketing and sales tactics, and estimated financial outcomes.

Including financial projections in your business plan can help you identify potential financing gaps and determine how much funding you will need to bridge them.

Step 2: Identify your short-term and long-term financial needs

Your financial needs will depend on your business goals and the stage of your business.

For example, if you are starting, you may need financing to fund your business’s launch, such as purchasing equipment or marketing your products or services.

If your business is already established, you may need financing to expand your operations, invest in new technology, or enter new markets.

Step 3: Forecast your future cash flow

Cash flow is money coming in and going out of your business.

You can forecast it by creating a financial statement outlining your expected revenue and expenses over a specific period of time.

Step 4: Now add your personal financial situation

Your personal financial situation, including your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, can affect your ability to secure financing and the terms you receive.

If you have a strong personal credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio, you may be able to secure more favorable debt financing terms.

Step 5: Compare different financing options

Once you have a clear idea of how much financing your business needs, you can compare different options to find the one that best meets your needs.

Consider factors such as the amount of pay interest, repayment terms, and any fees or restrictions associated with each option.

By following these steps, you can determine how much financing your business needs and find the best option for your business goals and financial situation.

Whichever Business Financing Options You Choose – Know Your Stats

To qualify for a small business loan and many of the options you need, you typically need to meet specific requirements set by the lender.

These requirements may vary depending on the lender, but some common ones include:

Credit Score

Most lenders will check your credit score to determine your creditworthiness.

A higher credit score generally indicates that a business loan applicant doesn’t have a bad credit history and may be eligible for a higher loan amount.

To qualify for small business loans, you must avoid having a bad credit score, the size of which will impact your access to SBA loan programs.

Income

Lenders will typically consider your income when deciding whether you are eligible for business loans and the size of the loan amount.

You may need to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to show that you have the financial means to repay the loan.

Additional business credit history may be needed.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

This measures how much of your income goes towards paying debts.

A high debt-to-income ratio can make it more challenging to qualify for a loan, as it may indicate that you have a high level of existing debt and may not be able to take on more.

Employment Status

Some lenders may require that you have a stable job or income source in order to qualify for a small loan.

Collateral

When it comes to small loans, lenders often use collateral in repayment conditions.

Collateral refers to something of value that the lender can take possession of should the borrower default on the loan.

The kind of collateral needed will depend on the loan size and can include items such as a car or a piece of real estate.

In addition to these requirements, arm yourself with any documentation that can help your case during the small business administration plan procedures, such as identification, proof of residence, and bank statements.

Rest assured, all financial institutions, especially small business lenders, will want to see receipts to even think about agreeing on business funding a loan program.

Wrapping up

By taking the time to carefully evaluate your financing options, you can ensure that you have the resources you need to achieve your business goals.

We hope this article gave you the information you need so that you can make the best decision and become one of the best business owners out there.

Which one do you think would work best for you? Let us know in the comments, and good luck!