Small business loans can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, offering the financial boost needed for growth and stability. However, securing one isn't as simple as walking into a bank and filling out an application. One of the most critical factors that lenders scrutinize is your business's revenue.
Revenue requirements vary depending on the lender, the type of loan and sometimes even the industry your business operates in. Some may require a minimum annual revenue of $100,000, while others focus on profitability over a specific period, like two years.
Knowing the revenue benchmarks specific to your industry and the lender's criteria can help you target the right loan options and position you as a credible borrower. Before applying for a small business loan, make sure you have a solid grasp of your revenue numbers and how they align with potential lenders' requirements.
Why Revenue Matters for Small Business Loans
Understanding revenue requirements is more than just a box to tick off when applying for a small business loan; it's a critical factor that significantly influences your loan terms. Lenders use these requirements as a lens through which they view your business's financial health and stability.
Risk assessment
Lenders are in the business of minimizing risk. When you meet or exceed the revenue requirements, you're essentially signaling to the lender that your business has a consistent income stream. This makes you a less risky borrower. For instance, a restaurant with steady monthly revenue over the past two years is likely to be considered lower risk compared to a seasonal business with fluctuating income.
Loan amount
Your revenue affects not only whether you'll get a loan but also how much you can borrow. Lenders often use revenue multiples to determine the maximum loan amount. For example, if your business has an annual revenue of $100,000, a lender offering a loan amount up to 1.5 times your annual revenue would be willing to loan you up to $150,000.
Interest rate
Meeting or exceeding revenue requirements can also help you get better interest rates. Lenders reserve their best rates for borrowers they consider low-risk. If your business has substantial revenue, you may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate, which can save you a significant amount of money over the life of the loan.
THE DEBT-SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO
Lenders use the debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) to evaluate the ability of a business to cover its debt obligations, including both principal and interest payments. Calculated by dividing a business's net operating income by its total debt service, the DSCR offers a nuanced picture of financial health beyond just revenue.
Lenders often have a minimum DSCR requirement. Falling below this threshold could result in a rejected application. For instance, if a lender's minimum DSCR is 1.25 and your business has a DSCR of 1.1, you may need to either seek a smaller loan or improve your financials to meet the lender's criteria.
Minimum Revenue Requirements for Small Business Loans
When it comes to securing a small business loan, revenue is often front and center in the lender's evaluation process. It's not just a measure of your business's success; it's a key indicator of your ability to repay the loan.
While revenue requirements can vary widely depending on the lender and type of loan, the lowest revenue requirement you'll generally encounter is around $25,000 to $50,000 in annual revenue. Here's a breakdown of minimum revenue requirements by lender:
Traditional banks
Typically, you'll need at least $100,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue. Banks are risk-averse and look for businesses with a strong track record, making their revenue requirements higher than alternative lenders.
Online lenders
These platforms often have lower revenue requirements, starting at around $25,000 to $50,000 annually. Online lenders are generally more flexible but may offset the lower revenue requirements with higher interest rates.
The minimum revenue requirements by loan type are:
- Term loans: Minimum revenue requirements for term loans typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue, depending on the lender and loan size.
- Lines of credit: For business lines of credit, the minimum annual revenue requirements often start at around $50,000 but can increase for higher credit limits.
- SBA loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t set a minimum annual revenue requirement for loans. However, SBA lenders may have their own benchmarks.
- Equipment financing: The minimum revenue requirement is usually more flexible, starting at approximately $50,000 as the equipment itself serves as collateral.
- Merchant cash advances: A merchant cash advance is based on your credit card sales and typically requires a minimum of $30,000 to $150,000 in annual credit card revenue.
- Working capital loans: These loans often require a minimum annual revenue of $100,000, although some lenders may offer more lenient terms for businesses with strong credit histories.
How to Meet Revenue Requirements
Meeting revenue requirements is a testament to your business's financial health and sustainability. Failing to meet them can not only limit your access to capital but also signal underlying issues in your business model. To ensure you meet or even exceed these revenue benchmarks, consider following these actionable tips:
Maintain accurate bookkeeping
Accurate bookkeeping isn't just for tax season; it's a year-round necessity that provides you with real-time insights into your revenue streams. Utilize accounting software or hire a qualified accountant to ensure your financial data is accurate and easily accessible. This will make it easier to present a compelling case to lenders.
Increase revenue streams
Relying on a single source of income can be risky and limit your revenue growth. Diversifying your income streams can boost your revenue and make it more consistent. For instance, if you run a retail business, consider launching an online store or offering ancillary services like workshops or consultations to attract a broader customer base.
Cut unnecessary expenses
Reducing operational costs can have a direct impact on your net revenue. For example, renegotiating contracts with suppliers or switching to energy-efficient appliances can result in significant savings. These cost reductions improve your bottom line and make you more attractive to lenders who scrutinize net and gross revenue.
Consult financial advisors
Meeting revenue requirements often involves a multi-faceted approach that can benefit from professional guidance. Financial advisors can provide personalized strategies tailored to your business's unique needs and challenges. They can help you identify growth opportunities and potential cost-saving measures you might have overlooked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating the landscape of revenue requirements for small business loans can be tricky, and even savvy entrepreneurs can make mistakes that jeopardize their chances of securing much-needed capital. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you time, effort and even the future of your business. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overestimating revenue: Lenders often conduct thorough due diligence, and discrepancies can lead to immediate disqualification. Even if you manage to secure the loan, overestimating revenue can result in unsustainable repayment terms, putting immense financial strain on your business.
- Ignoring industry norms: Every industry has its own set of financial benchmarks, including average revenue. Ignoring these can result in applying for loans that are either too ambitious or too conservative for your business type. By understanding your industry norms, you can target the right loans and make for a more compelling case to lenders.
- Not considering seasonal fluctuations: Lenders often look for consistency in revenue, so it's essential to present a full picture that accounts for seasonal highs and lows. One way to do this is by providing monthly revenue reports instead of annual summaries, along with a well-documented business plan that explains these fluctuations.
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of not just securing a small business loan but also choosing one that aligns with your business's financial realities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We compiled a list of frequently asked questions about small business loans to offer clear, actionable insights and help you make informed financial decisions for your business's future.
How do lenders determine eligibility for small business loans?
Lenders look at a variety of factors, including your business credit score, annual revenue and how long you've been in business. Some lenders also consider your personal credit score. Each lender has its own criteria, but a strong financial profile generally makes you a more attractive borrower.
Can I get a loan if my business is less than a year old?
Yes, but your options may be limited. Online lenders and some alternative financing methods like crowdfunding or angel investors might be more accessible for newer businesses. Traditional lenders and SBA loans usually require a business to have at least two years of operating history.
How do seasonal fluctuations in revenue affect my loan application?
Lenders prefer consistent revenue, but if your business is seasonal, that doesn't automatically disqualify you. The key is to provide comprehensive financial data that accounts for these fluctuations. A strong business plan and monthly revenue statements can help paint a fuller picture of your financial health.
Do I need collateral for a small business loan?
While some loans, like equipment financing, naturally come with collateral, others may require you to offer assets to secure the loan. Unsecured loans don't require collateral but usually come with higher interest rates to compensate for the lender's increased risk.
Is it easier to get a small business loan online or through a bank?
Online lenders often have quicker approval processes and more lenient eligibility requirements but may charge higher interest rates. Banks offer lower rates but have stricter requirements and longer approval timelines. Ultimately, the "easiest" route depends on your business's specific financial profile.
How can I improve my chances of getting approved?
Improving your credit score, increasing your revenue and providing a well-thought-out business plan can all boost your chances. Accurate and comprehensive financial documentation is also crucial.
About Christopher Boston
Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.
Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.
sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Loans." Accessed September 12, 2023.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the rates mentioned may have changed. We recommend visiting the lender's website for the most up-to-date information available.
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