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How To Get a Business Loan: A Complete Guide
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What you'll learn in this guide
From SBA loans to online lenders, this guide walks you through every step of the business loan process, including credit requirements, documents needed, and where to find the best rates.
11 min to complete
Getting a business loan can provide the capital you need to launch, grow, or stabilize your company. But the process involves more than just filling out an application. Lenders want to see a clear purpose, strong financials, and evidence that you can repay what you borrow.
This guide breaks down the entire business loan application process into clear steps, from figuring out what type of loan fits your needs to submitting your application and getting funded.
1. Figure Out Why You Need the Loan
Before you start comparing lenders, get specific about what the money is for. "I need capital" is not a loan purpose. "I need $75,000 to purchase a CNC machine that will increase production capacity by 40%" is.
Lenders evaluate risk based on how you plan to use the funds. A loan for revenue-generating equipment is a different risk profile than a loan to cover payroll shortfalls.
Common reasons businesses seek loans include:
- Purchasing equipment or machinery
- Increasing inventory to meet seasonal demand
- Hiring and onboarding new staff
- Expanding to a new location or market
- Acquiring another business
- Refinancing existing high-interest debt
- Covering working capital gaps during slow periods
2. Check Your Credit Before Lenders Do
Your credit profile is one of the first things any lender reviews. Knowing where you stand before you apply gives you time to fix issues and set realistic expectations about which lenders will approve you.
Personal credit score: Request free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Most business lenders want a personal FICO score of at least 650, though SBA and bank lenders often prefer 680 or higher.
Business credit score: Check your Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX score and Experian Business score. For SBA loans, the Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) score matters. The SBA threshold was raised to 165 in April 2025, though many lenders require 175 or higher for approval.
If your scores need work, take these steps before applying:
- Pay down existing balances. High credit utilization (above 30%) drags your score down and signals risk to lenders.
- Dispute errors on your reports. Mistakes happen more often than you think. Correcting a single error can boost your score by 20 to 50 points.
- Avoid opening new credit accounts. Each hard inquiry temporarily lowers your score. Space out applications if possible.
- Make every payment on time. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score. Even one missed payment can drop your score significantly.
3. Understand Your Business Loan Options
Not all business loans work the same way. The right type depends on how much you need, how fast you need it, and what you can qualify for.
| Loan Type | Typical Rates | Amounts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
SBA 7(a) Loans | 11.25% - 14.75% APR | Up to $5 million | Established businesses with strong credit |
Bank Term Loans | 7% - 12% APR | $25,000 - $1 million+ | Businesses with 2+ years history |
Online Lenders | 15% - 50%+ APR | $5,000 - $500,000 | Fast funding, lower credit scores |
Business Line of Credit | 8% - 60% APR | $1,000 - $250,000 | Ongoing working capital needs |
Equipment Financing | 4% - 45% APR | Up to 100% of equipment cost | Purchasing specific equipment |
Invoice Factoring | 1% - 5% per month | Up to 90% of invoice value | Businesses with outstanding invoices |
Merchant Cash Advance | Factor rate 1.1 - 1.5 | $5,000 - $600,000 | Businesses with strong daily card sales |
SBA loans offer the most competitive rates because the Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing lender risk. The 7(a) program is the most popular, covering up to $5 million for most business purposes. The 504 program focuses on major fixed assets like real estate and heavy equipment. The downside is speed: SBA loans typically take 30 to 60 days from application to funding.
Bank term loans provide predictable fixed or variable rates with repayment terms of 1 to 10 years. Banks are the cheapest option after SBA loans but have the strictest qualification requirements. Expect to show at least 2 years in business, $250,000+ in annual revenue, and a credit score above 680.
Online lenders like OnDeck, Fundbox, and Bluevine fill the gap for businesses that cannot wait weeks or do not meet bank requirements. Approval can happen in minutes, with funding in 1 to 3 business days. You pay for that convenience through higher rates.
Business lines of credit work like credit cards. You draw what you need, pay interest only on what you use, and replenish the available balance as you repay. This is ideal for managing cash flow fluctuations rather than one-time purchases.
4. Write a Business Plan That Lenders Actually Read
A business plan is not just a formality. It is the document that tells lenders you understand your market, your numbers, and your path to repayment. SBA and bank lenders scrutinize this closely. Online lenders may skip it for smaller loans.
Your business plan should cover:
- Executive summary covering your business model, the loan amount you are requesting, and exactly how the funds will be used.
- Company overview with your legal structure (LLC, S-Corp, sole proprietorship), founding date, location, and number of employees.
- Market analysis showing you understand your industry, your competition, and your target customers. Use data, not opinions.
- Products or services description including pricing, margins, and competitive advantages.
- Financial projections for the next 3 to 5 years, including revenue forecasts, expense budgets, and cash flow projections. Be conservative. Lenders will question overly optimistic numbers.
- Repayment plan showing exactly how loan payments fit into your monthly cash flow.
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Compare business loan providers here!5. Gather Your Documents Before You Apply
Having your paperwork ready before you start applications saves time and prevents delays. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons business loan applications stall.
Here is what most lenders require:
- Personal and business tax returns for the past 2 to 3 years
- Financial statements including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
- Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months (both personal and business accounts)
- Business licenses and registrations proving your business is legal and active
- Articles of incorporation or organization and any partnership agreements
- Collateral documentation if applying for a secured loan (property deeds, equipment invoices, vehicle titles)
- Personal financial statement listing your personal assets, liabilities, and net worth
- Business debt schedule showing all current outstanding debts and monthly payments
6. Compare Lenders and Find Your Best Match
The lender you choose affects your interest rate, loan terms, speed of funding, and overall experience. Here is how the main options compare:
- Traditional banks offer the lowest rates (7% to 12% APR) and longest repayment terms, but require excellent credit, strong financials, and 2+ years in business. Approval can take 2 to 4 weeks. According to the 2025 Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, small banks approved 57% of applications compared to just 14.6% at large banks.
- Credit unions work similarly to banks but are member-owned. They sometimes offer more flexible terms and lower fees for members, especially for local businesses.
- SBA-approved lenders process government-backed loans with rates between 11.25% and 14.75%. The SBA guarantee reduces lender risk, which means you may qualify even with a thinner credit file. Apply through the SBA Lender Match tool to find participating lenders in your area.
- Online lenders provide the fastest path to funding (1 to 3 days) and accept lower credit scores (as low as 500 to 625). The tradeoff is higher rates. About 29% of small businesses now use fintech lenders, up from 17% in 2020.
- Microlenders like Accion and Kiva offer loans under $50,000 to startups and underserved businesses. These programs are specifically designed for businesses that do not qualify with traditional lenders.
7. Submit Your Application
With your documents ready and lender chosen, it is time to apply. Most applications (especially online) can be completed in under an hour if you have everything prepared.
The application will typically ask for:
- Business details including legal name, EIN, industry, years in operation, number of employees, and annual revenue
- Ownership information for anyone with 20% or more ownership stake, including Social Security numbers for personal credit checks
- Loan request specifying the amount, purpose, and desired repayment timeline
- Financial documentation that you already have gathered from Step 5
- Collateral details if applying for a secured loan
After submitting, expect to wait anywhere from 24 hours (online lenders) to several weeks (SBA and bank loans). The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that the median decision time for traditional business loans is about 4 business days, though SBA loans can take 30 to 60 days.
During underwriting, lenders may request additional documents or clarification. Respond quickly. Delays on your end extend the timeline.
What To Do if Your Application Is Denied
Getting denied is common and not the end of the road. According to Federal Reserve data, only about 57% of small business loan applications at small banks get fully approved, and the rate drops to 14.6% at large banks.
If you get denied:
- Ask for the specific reason. Lenders are generally willing to explain why. Common reasons include insufficient cash flow, low credit scores, limited time in business, or insufficient collateral.
- Fix the issue and reapply. If credit is the problem, spend 3 to 6 months improving your score. If revenue is too low, wait until your financials are stronger.
- Try a different lender type. If a bank denied you, try an SBA lender or an online lender. Each has different qualification thresholds.
- Consider alternative funding. Invoice factoring, merchant cash advances, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing all have different qualification criteria than traditional loans.
How To Get a Business Loan for a Startup
Getting a startup business loan with no revenue is one of the hardest challenges for new entrepreneurs. Most traditional lenders require at least 1 to 2 years of operating history and proven cash flow.
Here are your best options as a startup:
- SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000 through nonprofit community lenders. These are specifically designed for startups and newer businesses. Average microloan size is about $13,000.
- Personal loans for business use. If you have strong personal credit (700+), you can use a personal loan to fund business expenses. This is common for businesses under 1 year old.
- Business credit cards with 0% intro APR offers can provide 12 to 18 months of interest-free funding for smaller capital needs.
- Equipment financing is available even for startups because the equipment itself serves as collateral. Lenders care more about the asset value than your business track record.
- Friends, family, and crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can provide initial capital without credit requirements.
How To Get a Business Loan With Bad Credit
Bad credit (below 580 FICO) limits your options but does not eliminate them. The key is knowing which lenders work with lower credit profiles and what you will pay for the access.
Your best options with bad credit:
- Online lenders like OnDeck (minimum 625), BlueVine (minimum 625), and Credibly (minimum 500) specialize in working with imperfect credit
- Merchant cash advances are based on daily credit card sales volume, not credit scores
- Invoice factoring uses your outstanding invoices as collateral, making your credit score less relevant
- Secured loans backed by real estate, equipment, or inventory reduce lender risk and improve your approval odds
- Co-signers with strong credit can help you qualify for better terms
Expect to pay significantly more. Business loans for bad credit typically carry APRs of 25% to 75% or higher. Factor that cost into your business plan to make sure the loan still makes financial sense.
Business Loan Requirements at a Glance
Every lender sets its own requirements, but here is what you can generally expect across different lender types.
| Requirement | Banks | SBA Lenders | Online Lenders |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal Credit Score | 680+ | 650+ | 500 - 650+ |
Time in Business | 2+ years | 2+ years | 6 months - 1 year |
Annual Revenue | $250,000+ | $100,000+ | $50,000+ |
Business Plan Required | Yes | Yes | Usually no |
Collateral Required | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
Funding Speed | 2 - 4 weeks | 30 - 60 days | 1 - 3 days |
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a business loan?
Most bank lenders require a personal credit score of 680 or higher. SBA lenders typically look for 650+. Online lenders may approve scores as low as 500 to 625, but you will pay higher interest rates. Your business credit score (PAYDEX or SBSS) also factors into the decision.
How hard is it to get a business loan?
It depends on the lender and your qualifications. According to the Federal Reserve's 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, small banks approved 57% of business loan applications, while large banks approved only 14.6%. Online lenders approve more applicants but at higher rates. Having strong credit, solid revenue, and a clear business plan significantly improves your chances.
Can a new LLC get a business loan?
Yes, but options are limited. Most banks and SBA lenders require at least 1 to 2 years in business. New LLCs can look into SBA Microloans (up to $50,000), equipment financing, business credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers, or personal loans used for business purposes. Your personal credit score becomes more important when the business has no track record.
What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 business loan?
It depends on the interest rate and repayment term. At 10% APR over 5 years, the monthly payment would be about $1,062. At 15% APR over 3 years, it would be roughly $1,733. SBA 7(a) loans at 11.25% over 10 years would cost about $693 per month. Always calculate the total cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment.
How long does it take to get a business loan?
Timelines vary by lender type. Online lenders can fund in 1 to 3 business days. Bank loans typically take 2 to 4 weeks. SBA loans take 30 to 60 days from application to funding. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found the median decision time is about 4 business days for traditional lenders.
What types of business loans are available?
The main types include SBA loans (7(a), 504, and Microloans), bank term loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, invoice factoring, merchant cash advances, and online term loans. Each has different rates, terms, qualification requirements, and funding speeds. SBA loans offer the best rates but take the longest to fund.
Can I get a business loan with bad credit?
Yes, though your options are more limited and more expensive. Online lenders work with credit scores as low as 500. Merchant cash advances and invoice factoring focus on revenue rather than credit scores. Secured loans backed by collateral can also improve approval odds. Expect APRs of 25% to 75% or higher with bad credit.
What documents do I need to apply for a business loan?
Most lenders require personal and business tax returns (2 to 3 years), financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow statement), bank statements (3 to 6 months), business licenses, articles of incorporation, and a personal financial statement. SBA and bank lenders will also want a detailed business plan. Having these ready before you apply speeds up the process.
What are current business loan interest rates?
As of 2026, bank term loans range from 7% to 12% APR. SBA 7(a) loans range from 11.25% to 14.75% APR. Online lenders charge 15% to 50%+ APR. Equipment financing starts around 4% APR. Your actual rate depends on your credit score, time in business, revenue, and the amount you borrow.
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