Small Business Loan | SMB Loans (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest small business loan to get? ›

With a fair credit score of 580-669, you'll meet most minimum credit score requirements for a cash advance, invoice factoring, or equipment financing. If your score is 600 or above, you're more likely to qualify for a line of credit or term loan.

Low credit scores are a common reason why it's difficult to get an SBA loan. Banks are risk-averse, and usually, require borrowers to have a FICO score above 650. They may consider both your personal credit score and your business credit score.

What Disqualifies You From Getting an SBA Loan? The three primary disqualifiers for an SBA loan include a poor credit history, insufficient collateral or equity investment, and lack of a solid business plan. These factors can signal to lenders a high risk of default, making loan approval less likely.

Yes, it can be easier to get an LLC loan. Some lenders won't lend to sole proprietors. Establishing your business as a legal entity can make it easier to access financing and could even help lessen lender bias, as a recent study in the Journal of Marketing Research suggests.

This EIN allows your LLC to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and build credit in its own name. An LLC starts with no credit score. Just like an individual, an LLC must build its credit over time by engaging in responsible financial behavior, such as taking out loans and lines of credit and making payments on time.

Many statistics say that large banks approve SBA loans at rates as low as 20-30%, while smaller banks approve SBA loans at around 40% or less. All this to say: SBA loan approval rates hover at half or below all loan applications that are submitted.

The minimum credit score required for an SBA loan depends on the type of loan. For SBA Microloans, the minimum credit score is typically between 620-640. For SBA 7(a) loans, the minimum credit score is typically 640, but borrowers may find greater success if they can boost their credit score into the 680+ range.

Do SBA loans require a down payment? Yes, the minimum SBA loan down payment requirement is 10% for 7(a) and 504 loans, although this amount can vary based on a business's cash flow and collateral. For example, weak cash flow or low-value collateral can increase the down payment requirement to 30% of the loan amount.

What are the downsides of an SBA loan? ›

Minimum Down Payment For SBA 7(a) Loans

For SBA 7(a) loans, the most common loan program, SBA loan down payment requirements often range between 0%-10% based on factors like your credit score, collateral, loan use, and the bank's policy through which you're applying.

SBA Express loans provide small businesses and startups like yours with up to $500,000 — and in record time. Entrepreneurs can get approved in as few as two or three days, making them one of the fastest options for funding out there.

Microloans. Microloans are loans of up to $50,000 that can help startups tackle small funding needs. Because they are geared toward startup businesses, they may not have revenue requirements to apply. Microloans are available from the SBA, as well as other government, nonprofit and peer-to-peer agencies.

Getting a personal loan with a co-signer that has a strong credit score and a solid income can boost your application. Your co-signer – ideally, a family member or close friend – will apply alongside you, and you'll both be responsible for repayment of the loan.

Despite startup business owners often using alternative funding, it's still possible to find multiple business loans that would serve your needs without having to dip into other sources like personal funds. Here's a rundown of the different types of startup business loans you can apply for.