Tag: Merchant Cash Advance

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How to Start And Fund An Online Boutique

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, opening a boutique seems like a dream. After all, how many people can say they’re making the world a little more stylish all while bringing in an income? In the past, boutique owners faced lots of challenges, such as finding retail space and acquiring necessary business licenses, but the internet has made opening a boutique easier than ever.

Of course, it still takes hard work and a little know-how to successfully set up, fund, and operate an online boutique. Whether you’ve delved into the world of online business before or you’re new to entrepreneurship, this post is for you. We’ll break down the critical steps to setting up an online boutique, explore how to secure funding for your new business, and give other tips for running your online store. Let’s dive in!

Decide What To Sell

In order for your online boutique to be a success, you have to make sales. Obviously. However, before you can start bringing in money, you need to first decide exactly what your boutique will sell. In other words, you need to find your niche.

It may be tempting to go overboard and carry a little something for everyone. However, especially in the early stages of starting an online boutique, it’s wise to start small and hone in on one particular area. If your focus is on designer clothes, plan to carry only women’s clothing or only children’s clothing. Or maybe you want your boutique to feature custom jewelry and accessories. In that case, don’t muddy the waters with random sweaters and leggings.

Once you’ve got a broad overview of the customers you want to attract, it’s time to narrow down your niche further. For instance, do you want to carry affordable yet trendy styles for the 13-18 crowd, or would you rather sell high-end, classic pieces for professional women? Remember, you want to start small. If your boutique becomes a success and you see a demand for other products, add them. For now, though, take the time to find out what’s a hit … and what’s a miss.

Deciding what to sell will not only help you determine what inventory to keep on hand and what products to promote, but it will also help you determine your branding strategy, from the colors you use on your website to the design of your logo.

Create A Business Plan

Whether you operate a traditional retail store or an online boutique, there’s one thing all businesses need: a good business plan. Think of a business plan as a map of your business, outlining your goals and the steps you’ll take to reach those goals. A solid business plan is critical for new businesses seeking financing from investors or traditional lenders like banks and credit unions.

Your business plan should include information such as:

  • Executive Summary
  • Company Description
  • Market Overview
  • Sales & Marketing Strategy
  • Operating Plan
  • Organization & Management Team
  • Financials

Source Inventory

With your niche selected and your business plan in place, you’re getting closer to opening your boutique. However, before you launch your website and begin to make sales, you have to find and purchase inventory that will be used to stock your online store.

There are a few ways to source inventory. One of the most common ways to source your inventory is by using a wholesaler. Through a wholesaler, you can purchase items in bulk at a reduced rate. Typically, the more you purchase, the more you save. Wholesale suppliers can easily be found in the U.S. and overseas with a quick online search.

Keeping your niche in mind, search online and create a list of possible wholesalers to use for your business. Keep an eye on available items, pricing, minimum order requirements, and shipping costs to determine which wholesaler will be the best partner for your business.

One of the biggest benefits of purchasing from a wholesaler is that you will have more control over shipping your products to customers. You’ll be able to control how products are shipped, as well as the packaging that your customers receive. This offers a better opportunity for branding your business.

However, purchasing your inventory through a wholesaler also has its drawbacks. This option may be more expensive based on minimum purchasing requirements. Packaging and shipping your own items could add on to your expenses. You may also incur additional overhead costs for the storage of your inventory.

If you don’t want to work with a wholesaler, dropshipping is another option to consider for your boutique. With dropshipping, a third-party supplier fulfills the orders of your customers. Your customer places an order, the order is manually or automatically sent to your supplier, and the supplier is responsible for packing and shipping the order to your customer.

There are a few drawbacks associated with dropshipping. The supplier or manufacturer handles packaging and shipping, so you won’t be able to personalize the packaging and branding of your shipped orders. You may also encounter some issues with inventory. If you house your own inventory, you’ll be able to better account for what’s in stock. A miscommunication with your dropshipping supplier could result in canceled orders or backorders, which could lead to unsatisfied customers.

Also, you have to consider that if something goes wrong, you are ultimately the face of your brand and you will be liable. If the wrong item is sent or there’s another issue with an order, this reflects poorly on you, even if it’s the supplier’s fault.

No matter what route you take, it’s important to properly vet any supplier you’re using for your boutique. Request samples to check out the quality of products, find out if you’ll have a dedicated contact to reach when there is a problem, and work with reputable businesses with a history of success in their industry.

Register Your Business

Before you start peddling boutique items, you’ll need to register your business. For an online boutique, the process isn’t too difficult.

Choose Your Business Structure

When you start your business, you’ll need to select your business structure. For an online boutique, your best options are to operate as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). An individual can operate as a sole proprietorship without having to file paperwork. However, it’s often wise to take a few extra steps to set up an LLC, which will protect you in most cases from being held liable for your business’ debt. You may also opt to operate as a corporation, which may be a good idea if you plan to bring on outside investors.

File State Paperwork

To form an LLC or corporation, you’ll file paperwork with the state. For most business owners, this will be the state where you live and the business is formed. You’ll not only file documents within this state but also pay a filing fee, which varies by state.

Take Care Of Finances

Before you start making money, you have to obtain a federal tax ID number from the Internal Revenue Service. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you can use your Social Security Number.

If you don’t have one already, you also need to open a business bank account to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances.

Meet Sales Tax & Licensing Requirements

As an online seller, you’ll have to collect and pay sales tax for transactions that occur within your state. You can learn more about the requirements in your area by calling your state tax department.

You should also consult with city or county authorities to find out about business license requirements in your area.

Choose An eCommerce Platform

To boost your odds of running a successful online boutique, it’s important to choose the right ecommerce platform. Your shopping cart software serves as a storefront for your customers while also providing you with the backend tools you need to keep your business operating smoothly.

Most entrepreneurs opt for a Software as a Service, or SaaS, platform. The benefits of a SaaS platform is that you don’t have to download, host, or install anything on your own server. Instead, you pay a monthly subscription fee that covers hosting and software updates.

There are multiple platforms to choose from, and you can narrow down your choices by considering what factors are most important to you, such as pricing, add-ons and features, ease of use, and design options.

Unsure of which ecommerce platform is right for you? Take a look at our picks for the best ecommerce platforms for your small business.

Shopify BigCommerce 3dcart Ecwid Wix

3dcart

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Monthly Cost

$9 – $299

$29.95 – $249.95

$19 – $229

Free – $99

$25 – $40

Core Features

Great

Excellent

Excellent

Good

Good

App Store

Very Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

Small/Moderate

Ease Of Use

Very Easy

Easy

Moderate

Very Easy

Easy

Web Design

Great

Good

Good

OK

Excellent

Customer Support

Great

Great

Good

Good

Good

Build Your Website

What do you think when you walk into a brick-and-mortar store that’s cluttered and disorganized? Does it make you want to spend hours shopping there, or do you immediately run for the door? The same principle applies to your online boutique. No customer wants to browse a website that’s a complete mess.

The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced web designer to get a professional-looking website. There are plenty of great website builders available online.  You can even set up your store in just minutes with your ecommerce software.

Platforms like Shopify have tools that make it easy for anyone to build their online store, even if they have no design experience. With SaaS platforms, you can take advantage of features including drag-and-drop interfaces, mobile optimization, color and font customization, and your choice of store theme.

When building your website, keep in mind your branding and your audience. You want your website to reflect the type of items you sell in your boutique. If you cater to the professional male, a pink floral theme will completely miss the mark.

You want to make sure your website is user-friendly. Categorize your products so they’re easy to find. Add in high-quality photos of your products and detailed descriptions. In a brick-and-mortar store, customers are able to touch, try on, and inspect items before they purchase. With online shopping, customers have to rely on photos and descriptions to ensure they’re making the right purchase. Make sure your customers know exactly what they’re purchasing to keep customer satisfaction high.

Another important step in creating your website is selecting the right domain name. There are a few key points to remember here. First, you want to make sure your company name is front and center. You also want to keep your domain name as short as possible. Avoid adding numbers and hyphens. Keep it simple to make it easier for customers to find you.

When setting up your website, you’ll also need to determine how you’ll ship your orders. Will you offer only domestic shipping, or will you ship internationally? Do you plan to offer a flat rate, or will you charge by weight? Will customers be able to choose from several shipping options (such as next day), or will you offer just one option?

You also need to set up your payment processor. This allows your customers to pay for the products in their shopping carts. Many ecommerce platforms come equipped with tools for shipping and payments, including shipping calculators, built-in payment processors, and dropship integration.

Finally, make sure that your contact info is prominently featured on your website. If your customers have questions about your products or have a problem with an order, they need a way to get in touch with your business. Include your business phone number, email address, and links to your online boutique’s social media websites. You may even consider adding additional features such as a live chat option as your business grows.

Before you go live with your boutique website, test it out. Make sure all links are working and there are no broken images. Hire a proofreader (or take on the job yourself) to make sure there are no typos in your copy or product descriptions. Take the time to make sure your website looks professional and is easy to navigate. Now, it’s time to go live and unveil your boutique to the world!

Secure Funding

Starting an online boutique is more cost-effective than opening a brick-and-mortar store, but it doesn’t come without its costs. Sure, you don’t have to lease commercial space or purchase a point-of-sale system, but your business will have startup and operational costs.

Unfortunately, as a new online business, you’re going to run into some obstacles when it comes to loans and other financial products. Traditional financing routes like bank loans will be unavailable to you because of time in business and annual revenue requirements. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck funding everything out-of-pocket, though. Read on to learn more about the funding options for your online business.

Personal Savings

While you don’t have to pay for your startup costs out-of-pocket, you certainly can by tapping your personal savings. By going this route, you don’t have to worry about paying interest to a lender or being stuck on a repayment schedule. You also don’t risk going into default if you don’t pay back the loan. Using your personal savings isn’t without its risks, though. If your business fails, you’ve lost your savings.

Friends & Family

Pitch your online boutique to a friend or family member with money to invest in a new business. Just because you know this person, however, doesn’t mean that you should just casually ask for money. Instead, prepare your pitch and have your business plan ready. If you decide to move forward with a loan, make sure to have a contract with all details in writing. All parties need to agree to all terms of the contract before signing.

What stands out about this option is that you are able to work out the borrowing amount and repayment terms that work best for you. And, of course, it goes without saying that you treat your friend or family member as you would any other lender by following the terms of the contract and repaying your loan.

ROBS

If you don’t want to go the traditional loan route and want to bypass paying interest or making monthly payments, consider a Rollover for Business Startups plan, also known as a ROBS. If you have a qualifying retirement account, you could leverage these funds to finance your startup expenses.

Taking out your retirement savings early could result in financial penalties, but a ROBS offers a way to avoid paying these penalties. A ROBS can help you get the funding you need in just four easy steps:

  • Create a new C-corporation
  • Create a qualified retirement plan
  • Roll over the retirement funds into the new C-corp plan
  • Access your funds by purchasing stock in the corporation

Using a ROBS to fund your business is legal if done correctly. This is why business owners who choose this type of financing hire a ROBS provider to ensure everything is done by the book. With a ROBS provider, you typically have to pay a setup fee, as well as a monthly maintenance fee.

Be aware: You won’t have to repay a lender or worry about interest charges, but if your business is unsuccessful, you do risk losing your retirement savings. Think carefully before moving forward with this option.

Recommended Option: Benetrends

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  • Varies based on the type of financing you seek.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 660 or above.
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Benetrends is a ROBS pioneer, launching its innovative Rainmaker Plan in 1983. With this plan, you can cash in on your retirement plan to get the funding you need for your online boutique.

To qualify for a ROBS Rainmaker plan, you must have an eligible retirement account with at least $50,000. Most accounts qualify. However, Roth IRAs, 457 plans for non-governmental agencies, and distribution of death benefits from an IRA other than to the spouse do not qualify. There are no time in business, annual revenue, or credit score requirements.

Because this isn’t a loan, there are no interest rates or repayment terms. However, to set up a ROBS Rainmaker plan, a setup fee of $4,995 is required. You’ll also pay a monthly maintenance fee of $130, which covers audit protection, compliance, and other features.

Personal Loans

If you have at least a fair credit score, you may qualify for a personal loan that can be used to cover business expenses. Because this is a personal loan — not a business loan — you won’t have to worry about your business credit score, time in business, and annual revenue requirements. Instead, approval will be based on your personal income, credit score, and credit history.

Recommended Option: Lending Club Personal Loans

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  • Time in business: N/A
  • Business revenue: N/A
  • Personal credit score: 600
  • Credit history: 3 years
Borrower requirements for personal loans (click to expand)
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Through Lending Club, you can borrow $1,000 to $40,000 with repayment terms of 3 or 5 years. Interest rates start at 5.32% and go up to 30.99% based on your personal credit profile. An origination fee of 1% to 6% of the total borrowing amount is deducted from your loan. No collateral is required to receive a Lending Club personal loan.

To qualify for a Lending Club personal loan, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a solid debt-to-income ratio
  • Have a credit history of at least 3 years
  • Have a credit score of 600 or above

You can receive funds as quickly as 3 days after applying. However, there may be delays if additional documentation or information is required during the application process.

Lines Of Credit

As you get your online boutique off the ground, you’ll encounter recurring expenses — think web hosting, SaaS subscriptions, and inventory. While your incoming cash flow should cover these expenses, it’s not uncommon to come up a little short. When this happens, having a flexible line of credit in place will give you a financial boost when you need it.

How does a line of credit work? It’s simple. A lender provides you with a set credit limit, similar to a credit card. When you need additional cash, you can make draws from this credit limit. When you initiate a draw, the money is deducted from your available funds and transferred to your business bank account. With many lenders, you can receive funds as quickly as the next business day. You’ll repay the loan each week or month, along with interest and/or fees. As you repay the loan, funds will become available to use again.

A line of credit is a good thing to have because you can initiate draws as needed. If an emergency expense pops up or you have a sudden influx of orders that deplete your inventory, you’ll have on-demand access to the cash you need for your business.

Recommended Option: Fundbox

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  • No time in business requirements, but must have used a compatible accounting or invoicing software for at least 2 months, or a compatible business bank account for at least 3 months.
  • Business revenue: $50,000 per year
  • No specific personal credit score requirement
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Through Fundbox, you can receive a line of credit up to $100,000. Repayment terms are 12 weeks or 24 weeks. Fees start at 4.66% of the draw amount. You only pay for the funds that you use, and remaining fees are waived when you pay your balance off early.

It’s easy to qualify for a Fundbox line of credit. All you need to be approved is:

  • A business checking account
  • Business bank statements from the last 3 months
  • At least $50,000 in annual revenue

You can be approved just minutes after filling out Funbox’s application, and you can initiate draws immediately once approved.

Purchase Financing

If you need extra time to pay your vendors, consider applying for purchase financing. With purchase financing, you can get the money you need to purchase inventory, equipment, or other business necessities immediately while breaking the total amount into smaller, flexible payments.

With this type of financing, the lender sends a payment directly to your vendor. You’ll then repay the lender the balance — plus any fees and/or interest — on a weekly or monthly repayment schedule. You won’t have to pay the total amount upfront, and paying over a longer period of time may be more financially feasible for your new business.

Recommended Option: Behalf

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  • No specific time in business, revenue, or credit score requirements.
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Through Behalf, you can pay your eligible vendors between $300 and $50,000. You will have up to 6 months to repay your loan, and you can make payments on a weekly or monthly basis. Monthly fees start at 1% and are based on your creditworthiness. There are no hidden fees, no maintenance fees, and no costs to apply.

To qualify for financing through Behalf, there are no time in business or annual revenue requirements. Although the lender does not have minimum personal credit score requirements, credit history is taken into account and a hard pull will be performed to determine your eligibility.

Vendor Financing

If you make sales on a platform like Shopify or PayPal, you may qualify for vendor financing. With vendor financing, the performance of your business is the most important qualifying factor. Often, there are very low or no personal credit score requirements, so this may be a good option if you don’t have a solid credit history.

With vendor financing, you’ll receive a lump sum of money based on the performance of your business. In exchange for receiving the loan right away, you’ll agree to give the lender a portion of your future sales until the loan plus fees and/or interest is repaid.

The only drawback to this option is that you must be making sales in order to qualify. If you need financing for startup costs and haven’t yet made any sales, you’ll need to explore one of the other options discussed in this article.

PayPal Working Capital

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  • Time in business: 3 months
  • Business revenue: Minimum $15,000 per year if you have a PayPal Business account, or $20,000 per year if you have a PayPal Premier account
  • Personal credit score: N/A
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If you accept PayPal payments, you may qualify for PayPal Working Capital. Through PayPal Working Capital, you can receive a loan of up to 35% of your annual PayPal sales. Repayments are based on a percentage of your future sales. Repayments are made daily when you have sales. If you don’t have sales, a payment will not be made.

However, you must pay a minimum of 5% or 10% of your loan amount every 90 days to remain in good standing.
You’ll pay just one fixed fee for receiving your loan. Your fee is determined by:

  • Amount of your loan
  • Repayment percentage
  • PayPal sales history of your business

PayPal Working Capital does not perform a credit check, and you can pay your loan off early with no prepayment penalties. You must be a PayPal seller to qualify for this loan program.

Recommended Option: Shopify Capital

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Shopify monitors your account and extends a financing offer if your business is eligible. To qualify, you must:

  • Be located in the United States
  • Have Shopify Payments enabled
  • Have a profile that is considered low-risk
  • Process a certain amount of gross merchandise volume (GMV)
Borrower requirements (click to expand)
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Shopify users may qualify for the Shopify Capital program. Through Shopify Capital, you can receive a merchant cash advance (MCA).

Shopify Capital is available by invitation only to qualified Shopify users. Once you receive an invitation, you’ll be able to view your funding options. You can receive up to $500,000 through this loan program based on the performance of your business. Once you select the amount you’d like to borrow, you’ll receive the loan, which is repaid through a fixed percentage of your daily sales until the loan plus fees are repaid.

There are no minimum credit score, annual revenue, or time in business requirements, but you must receive an offer from Shopify in order to apply.

Business & Personal Credit Cards

A business credit card is a flexible financing option if you want access to financing without having to wait for a lender’s approval. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a credit card with a set credit limit. You can then use your credit card anywhere it’s accepted to purchase inventory, software, or pay for other business expenses.

Once you’ve used your credit card, you’ll repay the borrowed portion of the funds, plus interest, on a monthly basis. As you pay down your balance, it will once again become available to use again. Some credit cards come with 0% introductory rates, bonus offers for new cardholders, and rewards programs, which can provide you with cash and other benefits just for using your card.

When applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to include information about your online boutique, including your business name, federal tax ID number, and annual revenue. If you’re just getting started or don’t yet have your business set up, you can apply for a personal credit card. With a personal credit card, you’ll sign up under your name using your own income — no business name or annual revenue required.

Recommended Option: Chase Ink Business Cash

Chase Ink Business Cash


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Annual Fee:

$0

 

Purchase APR:

15.49% – 21.49%, Variable

Required credit: Good, excellent

Bonus offer: $500 cash back if you spend at least $3,000 in the first three months of opening your account

Purchase intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Rewards:

  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone purchases each account anniversary year
  • 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Notable Perks & Benefits: 

  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • Travel and purchase coverage
More card details (click to expand)
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If you have excellent credit, Chase Ink Business Cash is a card you should consider. With Chase Ink Business Cash, you’ll receive 5% cash back for the first $25,000 spent on internet, cable, and phone services and office supply purchases each year. You’ll receive 2% cash back for the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each year. You’ll also receive 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Chase Ink Business Cash has no annual fee and an introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months. After the introductory period, the card has a variable APR of 15.24% to 21.24%.

Final Thoughts

With careful planning, strategic financing, and a little hard work, you can start and operate your own online boutique. Take the time to learn about local regulations, build your brand and website, and curate a collection of high-quality products, and you’ll soon be on the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

If you want to learn more about starting an online store, download our free ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Starting an Online Store. Then, when you’re ready to scale your business, take some helpful tips from The Advanced Guide to Growing Your Online Store.

The post How to Start And Fund An Online Boutique appeared first on Merchant Maverick.

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SmartBiz VS National Business Capital

Smartbiz vs National Business Capital

SmartBiz National Business Capital

$30,000 – $5,000,000

Borrowing Amount

$10,000 – $5,000,000

Up to 25 years

Term Length

Up to 25 years

Up to 4%

Borrowing Fee

Unknown

While it’s nice to have choices, sometimes it can be difficult to narrow your search down to a single, best option. It’s no different when you’re looking for business financing. SmartBiz and National Business Capital both promise to save time and headaches by allowing you to effectively apply to multiple lenders with a single application. Note that neither directly originates loans.

But while they’re both loan aggregator services, there are some notable differences between the two that may help you decide between them.

SmartBiz is heavily specialized toward SBA loans. If you aren’t familiar, the Small Business Administration has a number of programs wherein they’ll guarantee a portion of a business loan for qualified applicants. This can help you access better rates and terms than you may otherwise be able to get without the SBA guarantee. The tradeoff is a longer and more complex application, as well as a longer time to funding. SmartBiz helps you navigate through the red tape while also connecting you to SBA-approved lenders.

National Business Capital can also connect you with SBA loans, but they’re a bit less specialized, also offering unsecured small business loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, equipment financing, and startup business funding.

So in this battle of depth vs. breadth, which lender is the better middle man?

SmartBiz National Business Capital

2 years

Time In Business

6 months

N/A

Minimum Sales

$15K per month

650 (personal)
150 (business)

Minimum Credit Score

N/A

Qualifying

Winner: National Business Capital

To qualify for an SBA loan through SmartBiz, you’ll need to have been in business for two years, and have a personal credit score over 650 and a business credit score of 150. You must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident. You also can’t have defaulted on any government-backed loans, have any tax liens, or had a bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last three years.

Since they aren’t dealing exclusively with SBA loans, it’s a lot easier to qualify for National Business Capital’s loans. You’ll only need to have been in business for 6 months and take in at least $15,000 per month in revenue. There are no explicit credit requirements. Even if you don’t meet that benchmark, National Business Capital may still be able to work with you through one of their alternative programs. National Business Capital can work with businesses in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the U.K.

Overall, it’s a lot easier to meet the minimum qualifications of National Business Capital, but if you’re looking for an SBA loan you’ll have to meet guidelines similar to those of SmartBiz.

Fees

Winner: SmartBiz

Since we’re talking about third parties, you’re going to want to know what the convenience they offer will cost you.

SmartBiz charges two fees, beyond those charged by those normally associated with an SBA loan (0 – 3.75 percent guarantee fee and around a $450 fee from the lender): a one-time referral fee, and a one-time packaging fee. Each can cost up to 2 percent of the loan’s amount.

National Business Capital doesn’t divulge much information about their fees, and it’s difficult to get a straight answer from a rep when you ask about them.

Loan Terms

Winner: Tie

The SBA itself sets the acceptable terms for SBA loans, so you won’t find a ton of variation between lenders. Since SmartBiz deals exclusively in SBA loans, there’s not much to compare here. If you’re looking for a non-SBA loan or other financial product, National Business Capital can offer that.

Application Process

Winner: SmartBiz

Both SmartBiz and National Business Capital promise an easy, simplified application process, and both companies deliver. I’m giving SmartBiz the nod here for one reason: their screening process will let you know ahead of time whether or not you’re qualified for their service. This saves you the time of filling out an application only to be rejected down the road. Since National Business Capital is less specialized, they’re more likely to be able to help you, but in rare cases, customers may be well into the process before they discover that NBC can’t help them.

Time To Funding

Winner: National Business Capital

SBA loans can only be funded so quickly. If you need money immediately, SmartBiz won’t be able to do much for you. On the other hand, National Business Capital’s versatility allows them to offer faster products, often within the span of a couple days.

Transparency

Winner: SmartBiz

When it comes to online lenders–and let’s be honest, the financial sector in general–transparency is in short supply. Signing up for a loan is risky. Even submitting your basic information can lead to a future full of annoying cold calls. If possible, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you even make contact.

SmartBiz lays out most of what you need to know in a convenient FAQ on an easily searchable website.

National Business Capital, on the other hand, throws around lot of general information about financial products but comes up short on actual rates and fees. There are some calculators you can play with, but they’re not necessarily representative of the terms you’ll be offered.

Customer Service

Winner: SmartBiz

Customer service is usually one of the most divisive topics when it comes to alternative lenders. Satisfied customers will usually be very happy with the service they received, while angry customers will describe it in the most uncharitable terms.

While both companies seem to suffer from some communication issues, overall SmartBiz’s customers have fewer beefs with customer service.

Negative Reviews & Complaints

Winner: Tie

Both SmartBiz and National Business Capital receive generally positive reviews from customers and other review sites, usually within a point or two of each other. Complaints about both companies are typical for alternative lenders, including fees, rejections, and communication problems.

Complaints specific to SmartBiz include unhappiness with the amount of paperwork customers had to fill out. For National Business Capital, a common theme was aggressive marketing calls.

Positive Reviews & Testimonials

Winner: Tie

You’ll find no shortage of satisfied customers for both companies.

Fans of SmartBiz liked the personal touch offered by their representative, the relative speed (for SBA loans) of funding, and the company’s transparency.

Happy National Business Capital customers appreciated the wide variety of options offered, the customer service, and the quick turnaround time on their loans.

And The Overall Winner Is…

smartbiz logo

Specialization has its advantages. When it comes to a third party service for SBA loans, it’s hard to do better than SmartBiz. They take a long, complex process and make it a little less grueling for small businesses while offering a refreshing level of transparency.

Of course, if you’re looking for something other than SBA loans, National Business Capital can help you in ways SmartBiz simply can’t. This is especially relevant if time is a factor.

If you want a deeper look at SmartBiz or National Business Capital, check out our comprehensive reviews.

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  • Must be in business at least 2 years.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 650 or above.
  • Must have a business credit score of 150 or above.
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How To Secure A $10,000 Loan Online For Your Business

Even the most prepared business owners will face a financial shortage from time to time, whether it takes the form of a holiday uptick in your retail business, a slow season for your construction business, or unpaid invoices that have brought your incoming cash flow to a screeching halt. Unexpected or emergency expenses can arise out of nowhere in any industry, and they have the potential to have a devastating financial impact your business.

If your cash flow begins to suffer from seasonal slumps, late-paying customers, or emergency expenses, know that there are options available to you. Online small business loans and financing products can help you overcome any financial hurdle.

On the other hand, maybe things are going well for your business, and you just need a little boost to help expand your facility, hire new employees, and take your business to the next level. Online business loans can help with that, too.

If you need $10,000 for your business — for whatever reason–, you’re in luck. There are many loan products available to you, from traditional installment loans to short-term loans, invoice financing, or lines of credit. Best of all, you don’t have to have a perfect credit score or high annual revenues to qualify. With some online lenders, you can be approved in just minutes, and in some cases, you may even receive the financing you need within 24 hours.

Many online lenders can fund your loan or financial product without the delays or heavy paperwork requirements imposed by banks or traditional lenders. You’ll pay higher rates and fees for this convenience, but if you need cash fast, an online loan is the way to go. Depending on the lender you select, you may get approved and funded simply by supplying basic information about yourself and your business and a few recent bank statements.

Ready to secure a $10,000 online business loan? Read on for our top lender picks.

1. BlueVine

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For invoice factoring:

  • Time in business: 3 months
  • Business revenue: $100,000 per year
  • Business type: Business-to-business
  • Personal credit score: 530

For business lines of credit:

  • Time in business: 6 months
  • Business revenue: $120,000 per year
  • Personal credit score: 600
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One lender that makes it easy to get $10,000 for your business is BlueVine. With two different financing options, you can receive up to $5 million to cover your business expenses.

The first financial product offered through BlueVine is a revolving line of credit. You can receive between $5,000 and $250,000 with simple interest rates starting at just 4.8%. Through BlueVine, the application process is simple, and you can be approved for an unsecured line of credit in just minutes. You’ll be able to make draws from your account as needed up to the credit limit assigned by the lender. Repayments are made weekly or monthly over 6 or 12 months. Interest is only charged on the borrowed amount, and your funds will be replenished as you make your payments.

To qualify for a BlueVine line of credit, you must have:

  • A minimum personal credit score of 600
  • A time in business of at least 6 months
  • At least $100,000 in annual revenue.

The application requires you to supply information about yourself and your business, as well as business bank statements from the last 3 months.

If unpaid invoices are dragging your business down, BlueVine also offers invoice factoring. You can receive up to $5 million for your qualifying invoices with rates starting at just 0.25% per week. You’ll receive up to 90% of the total balance of your invoices upfront and the remainder once the invoices are paid, minus fees charged by the lender.

To qualify for BlueVine’s invoice factoring, you must:

  • Operate a B2B business
  • Have a personal credit score of at least 530
  • Have a time in business of at least 3 months
  • Earn at least $100,000 in annual revenue

2. Credibly

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  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $15,000 per month.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 500 or above.
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Credibly offers three financing options for business owners seeking $10,000 in capital. If you need a loan to cover daily operating expenses, Credibly offers a working capital loan. With this product, you can apply for up to $250,000. Instead of interest rates, these loans come with a factor rate. The most qualified borrowers can receive factor rates as low as 1.15. Working capital loans are repaid daily or weekly over a period of 6 to 17 months. An origination fee of 2.5% of the loan amount is deducted from your loan.

To qualify for a working capital loan from Credibly, you must have:

  • A credit score of at least 500
  • A time in business of at least 6 months
  • An average of at least $15,000 per month in deposits to your business bank account.

If you need $10,000 to expand your business, consider a business expansion loan from Credibly. You can apply for up to $250,000 to be repaid weekly over 18 or 24 months. Interest rates for the most qualified borrowers start at 9.99%. An origination fee of 2.5% of the total loan amount will be deducted from your loan proceeds.

To qualify for a business expansion loan from Credibly, you must have:

  • A credit score of at least 600
  • A time in business of at least 3 years
  • Average monthly bank deposits of at least $15,000
  • An average daily balance of $3,000

If you don’t meet the revenue or credit score requirements of Credibly’s other financial products, consider applying for a merchant cash advance. With this type of financing, you sell a percentage of your future receivables. Credibly will take a set percentage of your sales each day until your loan plus any fees are repaid. Factor rates start at just 1.15 and repayment schedules are available up to 14 months. Through this type of financing, you can apply for up to $150,000. A one-time 2.5% origination fee is added to your loan balance, and Credibly also charges a $50 monthly admin fee.

To receive a merchant cash advance, you must have a credit score of at least 500 and at least $15,000 in average monthly bank deposits. Your business must also be in operations for at least 6 months to qualify. You can be approved for your loan in as quickly as 24 hours.

3. Fora Financial

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  • Time in business: 6 months
  • Business revenue: $5,000 monthly in debit and credit card sales (for a merchant cash advance) OR $12,000 monthly in gross sales (for a short-term loan)
  • Personal credit score: Unknown
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For quick working capital loans, consider applying for financing through Fora Financial. If you want a flexible working capital loan with no restrictions, this lender offers small business loans in amounts from $5,000 to $500,000. Repayment terms are available up to 15 months.

To qualify for a working capital loan through Fora Financial, you must have:

  • A time in business for at least 6 months
  • At least $12,000 in gross sales
  • No open bankruptcies on your credit report

You can also apply for a merchant cash advance of up to $500,000 through Fora Financial. There are no set terms and no restrictions. Payment amounts are based on the revenue of your business.

To qualify, you must be in business for at least 6 months and have no open bankruptcies. You also must have at least $5,000 in credit card sales to be eligible.

4. Fundbox

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  • No time in business requirements, but must have used a compatible accounting or invoicing software for at least 2 months, or a compatible business bank account for at least 3 months.
  • Business revenue: $50,000 per year
  • No specific personal credit score requirement
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Another flexible line of credit comes from Fundbox, where you can receive up to $100,000. You’ll make equal weekly payments for 12 or 24 weeks to pay off the loan, plus the flat fee charged by the lender. Fees start at just 4.66% of the draw amount.

To qualify for a line of credit from Fundbox, you must have:

  • A business checking account
  • At least $50,000 in annual revenue
  • A connected business bank account

There are no minimum credit score requirements.

Fundbox Credit is another option to explore if you have unpaid invoices. This is an invoice financing product that provides you with up to $100,000 for qualifying invoices. Advance fees start at 4.66% with repayment terms up to 24 months.

To qualify, there are no minimum credit score or time in business requirements. You must also connect your accounting software that shows activity from at least the last 2 months.

5. IOU Financial

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months. 
  • Must make at least $120,000 per year and have an average daily balance of $3,000 over a 3-month period.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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With IOU Financial’s core small business loan, you can receive between $5,000 and $150,000 in extra capital for your business. These loans come with terms of 6, 9, or 12 months, and fixed payments are made daily.

To qualify for a small business loan from IOU Financial, you must:

  • Be in business for at least 1 year
  • Own at least 80% of your business (this requirement drops to 50% if you own your business with your spouse)
  • Make at least 10 deposits per month into your business bank account
  • Bring in annual revenue of $100,000

If you need more capital at a later time, IOU Financial also offers a mid-market loan of $70,000 to $300,000. Terms for these loans are 12, 15, or 18 months, and payments are made on a daily or weekly schedule.

6. Kabbage

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months and make at least $50,000 annually (or $4,500 for the last 3 months).
  • No specific credit score requirements.
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Kabbage offers flexible lines of credit that can be used to cover any business expense. If you’d like access to money on-demand, Kabbage’s lines of credit allow you to make draws as needed up to your credit limit.

Through Kabbage, you can be approved for a line of credit up to $250,000. With each draw, you’ll receive terms of 6 or 12 months, with payments made monthly. Kabbage charges fee rates between 1.5% and 10% based on the performance of your business.

If you have a low personal credit score but your business is doing well, Kabbage may be the right option for you. There are no minimum credit score requirements to receive a Kabbage line of credit.

However, to get a line of credit from Kabbage, you must:

  • Be in business for at least 1 year
  • Bring in annual revenue of at least $50,000

If you don’t meet this revenue requirement, you must show that you’ve brought in at least $4,200 per month for the last 3 months.

What makes Kabbage stand out from other lenders is that it offers the Kabbage Card. Typically, with a line of credit, you initiate the draw and receive your funds in your business bank account as quickly as the next business day. With the Kabbage Card, however, you have instant access to your funds. Use this card wherever Visa is accepted without having to wait for funds. Kabbage will then create a new loan with the same rates and terms as its traditional draws.

7. LoanBuilder

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  • Time in business: 9 months
  • Business revenue: $42,000 per year
  • Personal credit score: 550
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If you want a business loan with one fixed fee and terms that are easy to understand, consider Paypal’s LoanBuilder. Through this lender, you can customize your loan to get the payments that are right for you. You can apply for anywhere from $5,000 to $500,000 and receive your funds as quickly as the next business day. Repayment terms of up to 52 weeks are available and are based on the amount of the loan. Payments are made weekly until your loan plus the lender’s fee are repaid. Fees range from 2.9% to 18.72% of the borrowing amount.

To qualify for a LoanBuilder loan, you must have:

  • A personal credit score of at least 550
  • A time in business of at least 9 months
  • At least $42,000 in annual revenue
  • No active bankruptcies on your credit report

8. OnDeck

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  • Time in business: 12 months
  • Business revenue: $100,000 per year
  • Business industry: Must not be in a restricted industry
  • Personal credit score: 550
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OnDeck offers several financing options if you need $10,000 for your business. With a short-term loan, you can receive up to $500,000 with repayment terms of 3 to 12 months. The lender charges a simple interest rate starting at just 9% for the most qualified borrowers. Long-term loans are also available with repayment terms of 15 to 36 months with annual interest rates starting at 9.99%. Daily or weekly payments are automatically deducted from your bank account with both loan options.

To qualify for a term loan from OnDeck, you must:

  • Be in business for at least 1 year
  • Have a minimum of $100,000 in annual revenue
  • Have a credit score of at least 500

An origination fee up to 4% of the borrowing amount will be charged to service and process your loan.

If you want a more flexible financing option, OnDeck provides lines of credit to qualified borrowers. Lines of credit from $5,000 to $100,000 are available, with APRs starting at 13.99%. Automatic payments are deducted weekly from your business bank account.

To qualify for a line of credit from OnDeck, you must have:

  • A time in business of at least 1 year
  • $100,000 or more in gross annual revenue
  • A personal credit score of at least 600

You must also be the majority owner of your business.

9. QuarterSpot

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  • Time in business: 12 months
  • Business revenue: $200,000 per year
  • Average daily balance: $2,000 or above
  • Bank account activity: At least 10 revenue-producing deposits per month
  • Personal credit score: 550 or above
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Through Quarterspot, you can receive up to $250,000 in funding for your business in as quickly as 24 hours. Repayment terms of 9, 12, and 18 months are available with factor fees starting at 12.5 cents per dollar borrowed. With a Quarterspot loan, you can repay early to save on interest and fees.

To qualify for a loan from Quarterspot, you must have:

  • A credit score of at least 550
  • A time in business of at least 1 year
  • Monthly revenue of $16,000 or more
  • At least 10 sales every month
  • An average daily bank account balance of $2,000

You must also live in the United States, although applicants located in the states of North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont are ineligible to receive funding through QuarterSpot.

Online Loans For Business Startups

You’ve reviewed all of your options, and there’s one major problem standing in your way: you’re running a brand-new business or startup. Most online lenders require your business to be in operations for at least one to two years in order to qualify for a business loan. While getting the capital you need for a new business may be more challenging, it certainly isn’t impossible. In some cases, you may even have to get a little creative with your financing options.

One option to consider is a personal loan for business. If your personal credit score is solid and you meet income requirements, you can receive a personal loan to use for business expenses. The lenders below offer personal loans for business with reasonable rates and fee:

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Min. Credit Score Next Steps

$2K – $25K 2 – 4 years 15.49% to 30% 600 Apply Now

$1K – $50K 3 or 5 years 8.16% – 27.99% 620 Apply Now

$2K – $35K 3 or 5 years 6.95% – 35.99% APR 640 Apply Now

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 $1K – $40K 3 or 5 years 5.32% – 30.99% 640 Check Rate

Another way to get $10,000 online to grow your new business is with crowdfunding. Through crowdfunding, you have a platform to pitch your business in front of multiple investors. Whether you want to expand your business or bring a new product to market, you can launch a campaign to raise the capital you need. One such platform to consider is Kiva US.

Kiva US

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  • No requirements for time in business, revenue, or credit scores.
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Through Kiva US, you can receive up to $10,000 for your business. The best part is that you’ll be charged 0% interest on your loan. However, financing through Kiva doesn’t work like a traditional loan. With a traditional loan, you submit your application, the lender considers your business history and credit profile, and if you’re approved you’ll receive your payment.

With Kiva US, you’ll fill out an application once you’re pre-qualified. Then, for 15 days, you use the platform to get friends and family members to lend money to you. Once you’ve raised money from people you know, your campaign will go public to over 1.6 million people for 30 days. After you’ve raised the funds you need, you have up to 36 months to pay back your interest-free loan.

Unlike other loans, there are no credit score, time in business, or annual revenue requirements. To qualify, you must live in the United States, be at least 18 years old, and use the loan for business purposes.

What To Do If You Have Bad Credit

Let’s be honest: securing a loan with bad credit can be a challenge. Traditional options like bank loans and SBA loans are typically completely off the table with a poor credit score, even if your business is successful.

Before you apply for a business loan, it’s always important to know where you stand credit-wise, even if you know you have a great score. The internet makes this easier than ever, and there are multiple sites that allow you to view your credit score at no cost. If you have credit challenges, review your report for any errors that can be disputed with the credit bureaus.

Once you know your score, you’ll be able to better gauge what types of loans and which lenders you can work with. If you have a score that is in the low 600s or even lower, know that your financing options may be more limited.

Before you apply, also understand the cost of borrowing. A low credit score shows lenders that you’re a risky borrower, so not only are your financing options limited, but you’ll face higher fees and interest rates than more creditworthy borrowers. When you do apply for a loan or other financing, make sure to evaluate the full cost of the loan to ensure it makes sense for your business. Your loan should help your business — not drag you into uncontrollable debt.

The wisest financial move is to take steps to boost your score before applying. However, if you need a loan immediately, improving your score over months (or even years) may not make sense for your business. If this is the case, short-term loans, business credit cards, invoice financing, and lines of credit may be your best options. Some of the lenders on this list, such as OnDeck and Kabbage, work with borrowers with all credit types. Crowdfunding is a low-interest option you can also explore if you’re facing credit challenges.

Final Thoughts

Getting $10,000 for your business is easy when you know where to look, even if you have past credit challenges, operate a new business, or have annual revenue that falls below traditional lending requirements. However, having access to quick loans also makes it easier to push your business further into debt.

Be smart. Shop around with lenders, evaluate all of your options, and calculate the return-on-investment to ensure you’re making a sound, responsible financial decision for your business.

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Where To Find Fast $5,000 Loans For Your Business

When most people hear the term “business loan,” they immediately think about the large amounts of capital used to purchase real estate, buy bulk inventory, or hire a new team of employees. But even though business loans can be used to cover big expenses, sometimes all you need a small loan to assist with day-to-day cash flow, deal with an unexpected emergency, cover payroll for a few weeks, or help you get through a seasonal slow-down.

If you need $5,000 fast, a small business loan can help you clear your financial hurdles. The good news is that with a loan this small, you have your pick of online lenders that can get you funded as soon as the next business day. Paperwork requirements are also minimal for these smaller loans. With some lenders, a little basic information and a few bank statements are all you need to get approved.

However, not all online lenders issue $5,000 loans. Some lenders have much higher minimum borrowing amounts. Instead of spending hours weeding through search engine results, kick off the loan process with one of our picks. The following lenders offer loans, lines of credit, and other financial products that can help you get the $5,000 you need fast.

Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!

1. LoanBuilder

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  • Time in business: 9 months
  • Business revenue: $42,000 per year
  • Personal credit score: 550
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If you want to “build” a loan that’s customized to your business, consider applying with PayPal’s LoanBuilder. Thanks to the LoanBuilder Configurator, you can get a quick overview of your financing options and pick the borrowing amount, terms, and payments that work best for your business.

LoanBuilder small business loans are available in amounts from $5,000 to $500,000 and have a single fixed-fee structure, with fees starting at 2.9%. Weekly payments are made over 13 to 52 weeks depending on the amount borrowed. In some cases, you can receive your funding as quickly as the next business day.

To qualify, you must be in business for at least 9 months, have at least $42,000 in annual revenue, and operate in an eligible industry.

2. Accion

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To qualify, you must:

  • Have a credit score of 575 or above (550 in some places)
  • Be no later than 30 days overdue on any bills
  • Have had no bankruptcies in the past 12 months
  • Have had no late rent or mortgage payments in the last 12 months
  • Have no foreclosures for the past 24 months
  • Have no mortgage adjustments during the length of the loan

Startups also must:

  • Have less than $500 in past-due debt
  • Have a business plan with a 12-month cash flow projection
  • Have a partner referral (like SCORE or SBDC)
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Accion specializes in term loans in amounts from $300 to $1 million. Term lengths vary based on the loan products you are qualified to receive. Typical APRs are between 7% and 34%. An origination fee of 3% to 5% is required.

To qualify, you must have a credit score of at least 575. Depending on the state you’re in, credit score requirements may be as low as 550. There are no time in business requirements, but you must have sufficient cash flow to repay your loan. You must also be no more than 30 days overdue on any bill, have no bankruptcies within the last year, no late rent or mortgage payments within the last year, and no foreclosures within the last 2 years.

If your business is a startup, you must have less than $500 in debt that is past due, have a referral, and provide a business plan with future cash flow projections.

3. Credibly

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  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $15,000 per month.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 500 or above.
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Credibly offers three business financing options: working capital loans, business expansion loans, and merchant cash advances (MCAs). With Credibly’s working capital loans, you can receive up to $250,000 that is repaid over 6 to 17 months. Instead of interest rates, Credibly uses factor rates that start at 1.15. Learn more about factor rates and how they affect the cost of borrowing. Payments on working capital loans are automatically deducted daily or weekly.

Requirements for Credibly’s working capital loans are at least 6 months in business, a credit score of at least 500, and at least $15,000 in monthly bank deposits.

If you need money to grow your business, consider Credibly’s business expansion loans. These loans are available in amounts up to $250,000 with term lengths of 18 or 24 months. Interest rates are as low as 9.99% and payments are made weekly.

Qualifying for a business expansion loan is a bit more difficult. To receive this product, you must have a time in business of at least 3 years and a personal credit score of at least 600. You must also have an average of $15,000 in monthly deposits to your bank, as well as an average daily balance of at least $3,000.

If you don’t qualify for Credibly’s working capital or business expansion loans, a merchant cash advance may help you get the extra capital you need for your business. You can receive up to $150,000 through the purchase of your future receivables. This means that Credibly will deduct a percentage of your sales daily from your credit card processor or bank account until the cash advance plus fees are paid off. With an MCA, repayment terms are set at 3 to 14 months and factor rates start at 1.15.

To qualify, you must have at least $15,000 in monthly bank deposits. Your business must be in operations for at least 6 months, and you must have a personal credit score of at least 500.

4. QuarterSpot

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  • Time in business: 12 months
  • Business revenue: $200,000 per year
  • Average daily balance: $2,000 or above
  • Bank account activity: At least 10 revenue-producing deposits per month
  • Personal credit score: 550 or above
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Through QuarterSpot, you can receive small business loans up to $250,000. Repayment terms are 9, 12, or 18 months. With interest and fees, you may pay as little as 12.5 cents on the dollar to receive your loan. You can also save on interest and fees when you pay off your loan early.

To qualify for a QuarterSpot loan, you must meet several requirements. First, you must be in business for at least 1 year. You must also have a credit score of 550. Your business must make at least 10 sales per month and bring in monthly revenues of $16,000. Your average daily balance must be $2,000 to receive a QuarterSpot loan.

5. Fora Financial

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  • Time in business: 6 months
  • Business revenue: $5,000 monthly in debit and credit card sales (for a merchant cash advance) OR $12,000 monthly in gross sales (for a short-term loan)
  • Personal credit score: Unknown
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Like other lenders on our list, Fora Financial offers more than one way to get extra capital for your business. First, this lender offers small business loans from $5,000 to $500,000 with terms up to 15 months.

Fora Financial also offers MCAs for qualified borrowers. There are no set terms, and payments are remitted based on the revenue of your business. You can borrow between $5,000 and $500,000 with this product.

Fora Financial’s small business loans and MCAs both have factor rates between 1.1 and 1.3 and origination fees between 1% and 4%.

To qualify for a small business loan, you must have no open bankruptcies, a time in business of at least 6 months, and at least $12,000 in gross sales.

To qualify for Fora Financial’s MCAs, you must have no open bankruptcies, a time in business of at least 6 months, and at least $5,000 in credit card sales.

6. IOU Financial

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months. 
  • Must make at least $120,000 per year and have an average daily balance of $3,000 over a 3-month period.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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IOU Financial’s core small business loan allows you to receive anywhere from $5,000 up to $150,000 for any business expense. With this loan, you’ll have repayment terms of 6, 9, or 12 months. Repayments are fixed and are made on a daily schedule. For larger capital needs, IOU Financial also offers loans of $70,000 to $300,000 with repayment terms up to 18 months.

To receive an IOU Financial loan, you must own at least 80% of your business. If you co-own your business with your spouse, you must own 50% of the business. You must have a time in business of at least 1 year, at least 10 deposits per month in your business bank account, annual revenue of at least $100,000, and an average ending balance of $3,000 in your business bank account.

7. BlueVine

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For invoice factoring:

  • Time in business: 3 months
  • Business revenue: $100,000 per year
  • Business type: Business-to-business
  • Personal credit score: 530

For business lines of credit:

  • Time in business: 6 months
  • Business revenue: $120,000 per year
  • Personal credit score: 600
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If a flexible line of credit would better fit your business needs, BlueVine has an option for you. Through this lender, you can receive a line of credit of $5,000 up to $250,000 with rates starting at 4.8%. There are no prepayment penalties or monthly maintenance fees.

With your line of credit, you can make multiple draws up to your total credit limit. You only pay fees on the borrowed amount, and your account will be replenished as you repay. Payments are made weekly or monthly over a period of 6 to 12 months.

To qualify for a BlueVine line of credit, you must have a personal credit score of at least 600, $100,000 in annual revenue, and a time in business of at least 6 months.

If unpaid invoices are affecting your incoming cash flow, consider applying for BlueVine’s invoice factoring service. You can receive a factoring line up to $5 million with rates starting at 0.25% per week.

To qualify, you must have unpaid invoices, a credit score of 530, and $100,000 in annual revenue. You must also have a B2B business that has been in operations for at least 3 months.

8. Kabbage

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months and make at least $50,000 annually (or $4,500 for the last 3 months).
  • No specific credit score requirements.
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Another option for flexible lines of credit is Kabbage, which offers up to $250,000 to qualified small business owners. With Kabbage, you can make draws (up to your credit limit) as needed to use as working capital for your business. You only pay for what you’ve used, and fees range from 1.5% to 10%. With Kabbage, you can select from 6-month and 12-month terms based on the amount you withdraw.

Kabbage looks at the performance of your business to determine if you qualify. There are no minimum personal credit score requirements. To qualify, however, you must be in business for at least a year and have at least $50,000 in annual revenue. (If you fail to meet this revenue requirement, you can still qualify if you’ve had $4,200 in revenue per month for the last three months.)

The application process with Kabbage is easy and requires you to provide some basic information about yourself and your business. You will also link your business accounts to get the maximum line of credit based on your business performance.

You can also use the Kabbage card. This works just like a credit card and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. With this card, you can make instant purchases, and Kabbage will create a new loan with the same rates and terms as its traditional draws.

9. Fundbox

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  • No time in business requirements, but must have used a compatible accounting or invoicing software for at least 2 months, or a compatible business bank account for at least 3 months.
  • Business revenue: $50,000 per year
  • No specific personal credit score requirement
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Through Fundbox, you can receive a line of credit up to $100,000 based on the performance of your business. Payments are spread out over a 12- or 24-week schedule and include Fundbox’s flat fee. Fees start at just 4.66%.

To be approved for a Fundbox line of credit, you must have a business checking account, at least $50,000 in annual revenue, and a business based in the United States. You must also provide business bank account statements from the last 3 months.

In addition to its lines of credit, Fundbox also offers invoice financing to qualified businesses. You can receive up to $100,000 with your unpaid invoices with fees starting at 4.66%. You must have qualifying invoices to receive this product, and you also must link your accounting software with activity from the last 2 months.

10. OnDeck

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  • Time in business: 12 months
  • Business revenue: $100,000 per year
  • Business industry: Must not be in a restricted industry
  • Personal credit score: 550
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With OnDeck, you can receive a line of credit up to $100,000 to use for any business purpose. APRs start at 13.99% for the most qualified borrowers, and payments are automatically deducted each week. There’s a $20 monthly maintenance fee, but this fee is waived if you draw at least $5,000 within 5 days of opening your account.

To qualify for an OnDeck line of credit, you must be in business for at least 1 year, have at least $100,000 in annual revenue, and a personal credit score of 600.

If you don’t meet the requirements for a line of credit, or you’re interested in another option, OnDeck also has fixed term business loans. You can receive up to $500,000 with annual interest rates starting at 9.99%. OnDeck has two different options for its loans: short-term loans with terms up to 12 months and long-term loans with terms up to 36 months. Repayments are made daily or weekly.

To qualify, you must be in business for at least 1 year and have $100,000 in annual revenue. Your credit score must be at least 500 to qualify for OnDeck’s term loans.

11. Kiva US

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  • No requirements for time in business, revenue, or credit scores.
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If you want to bypass traditional and alternative lenders and avoid high interest rates, give Kiva US a try. This crowdfunding platform allows you to borrow up to $10,000 at a 0% interest rate.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? However, getting funded through Kiva US isn’t quite as easy as other loan options. But with a little extra work, you can receive an affordable loan for your business. Here’s how it works.

First, you fill out the application on the Kiva US website, just as you would any other loan application. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll prove that you’re creditworthy by getting your friends and family members to loan money to you through the platform over the next 15 days. Once you’ve passed this stage, you’ll be able to use the public Kiva platform to reach over 1.6 million people worldwide to raise your funds over the next 30 days. Once you’ve reached your goal, you’ll receive your money and up to 36 months to repay your loan.

To qualify, you must live in the United States and be at least 18 years old. You must also use your loan for business purposes. There are no time in business, personal credit score, or annual revenue requirements to qualify.

How Fast Can I Get A Business Loan?

The time it takes to receive your business loan varies by lender. For small loans of just $5,000, you could be approved in just minutes and receive your funds as quickly as the next business day. For lines of credit through lenders such as Kabbage and Fundbox, you can make draws immediately after being approved, with funds typically reaching your business bank account within 1 to 3 days.

The key to getting your business loan as quickly as possible is to make sure that you provide accurate information and upload all requested documentation. In some cases, your lender may require additional information or documentation to approve your loan. Make yourself available to answer any questions from the lender and provide the required documentation needed to approve and fund your loan.

What To Do If You Have Bad Credit

If you have bad credit, there are business loan options open to you. Some of the lenders previously mentioned, such as Kabbage and Fundbox, do not have minimum credit score requirements and consider the performance of the business when approving loans. Therefore, if you have steady revenue, you may still qualify for funding.

Business credit cards often have less stringent requirements, so these may be an option if you have a low credit score. Depending on your score, you may be able to qualify for an unsecured card. However, if your credit score is very low or you haven’t yet established credit, you may qualify for a secured card which is backed by a cash deposit. As you make on-time payments, you’ll build your credit score and qualify for unsecured cards and other financial products in the future.

Crowdfunding has also grown in popularity among small business owners. Sites such as Kiva US allow business owners to raise the capital they need without paying high interest rates. Crowdfunding is also a great resource for new businesses and startups that don’t meet time in business or annual revenue requirements of other lenders.

If you have bad credit, it’s inevitable that you’ll hit roadblocks on the path to funding. Not only will your options be more limited, but you’ll miss out on low-interest, long-term loans. To qualify for the best funding opportunities, you must have a solid credit score. Go online to pull your free score, review your credit report, and take steps to build your credit. Pay off all debt obligations as agreed, keep your credit utilization down, and dispute erroneous items on your credit report. Though this method takes time, boosting your credit score opens the door for more affordable loans and financial products in the future. Learn more about how you can raise your personal credit score.

Final Thoughts

Finding a $5,000 loan for your business shouldn’t be too difficult. However, you should go into the process knowing that smaller loans come with shorter repayment terms and may also be accompanied by high fees and interest rates.

Calculate the affordability of the loan to ensure that taking out a loan is a smart financial move. If you’re new to applying for small business loans, educate yourself before you start submitting applications to lenders. Finally, be sure to shop around to ensure you get the most affordable financing products that work best for your business.

The post Where To Find Fast $5,000 Loans For Your Business appeared first on Merchant Maverick.

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Business Loans For Food Trucks: Best Financing Options

Food trucks are rolling out across cities and towns across the nation, bringing delicious dining options to businesses and events. These mobile businesses don’t just benefit hungry diners, though. Restaurants-on-wheels also open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs. With operating costs that are only a fraction of what it would be to open and maintain a traditional restaurant, food trucks are a more affordable way to bring your tasty food to the masses.

Even though your costs are cut, that doesn’t mean they’re nonexistent. You still have to consider the cost of supplies, equipment, POS software, and the truck itself. Whether you already own a food truck business and want to expand or you’re ready to launch your business, these expenses add up quickly … and if you’re like most business owners, you don’t have the funds just sitting in your checking account.

The good news is you don’t have to be a millionaire to start or expand your food truck business. There are plenty of financing options available for your business expenses, from purchasing a new food truck to upgrading equipment and hiring employees.

Ready to roll out your food truck business? Read on to learn more about the types of financing available to you, how to apply, and our recommended options.

Financing Need Best Loan Type Recommended Lender
Purchasing Or Renting A Food Truck Equipment Financing Lendio
Working Capital SBA Loan SmartBiz
Supplies & Inventory Line Of Credit Fundbox
Hiring & Covering Payroll Installment Loan StreetShares
Cash Flow Shortages Short-Term Loan OnDeck
Emergency Funds Business Credit Card Chase Ink Unlimited

Purchasing Or Renting A Food Truck

It’s no surprise that one of the most important pieces of your food truck business is the food truck itself. Your truck is your mobile restaurant, allowing you to peddle your tasty treats all over town. Without a food truck, you simply don’t have a business.

Unfortunately, the truck will also be one of your biggest expenses. A custom truck stocked with all of the equipment you need to make your edible creations could cost upwards of $200,000 — an expense that just isn’t financially feasible for most entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re investing in your first food truck or adding to your fleet, there are two options to consider: purchasing and renting/leasing. Let’s explore the differences between loans and leases to determine which option is best for your business.

Vehicle Loans VS Leasing

If you want to purchase a food truck, commercial auto loans or equipment loans are your best financing options. These loans can help you buy an expensive food truck without having to pay the full purchase price out of pocket.

When you receive an equipment or vehicle loan, you’ll be required to pay a percentage of the purchase price as a down payment. This is typically 10% to 20% of the total cost, although this can vary by lender. In most cases, the higher your credit score, the lower your down payment requirement will be. However, you may want to consider putting a larger amount of money down to reduce the amount of your loan and decrease your monthly payment.

After making the down payment, the lender will loan you the remaining balance so that you can take possession of the vehicle immediately. Then, you’ll repay the loan through monthly payments for a set period of time. Your monthly payment will be applied to the balance of your loan, as well as to interest charged by the lender. Once you’ve made all loan payments as agreed, you’re the owner of the food truck and can keep it, trade it in for a new truck, or sell it outright if you choose.

If you have an established food truck business, a loan may be the best option for you. Once you pay off your loan, you’ll own the vehicle free and clear and can use it in your business as long as you need.

If you don’t have collateral, it’s no problem. For most equipment and vehicle loans, the equipment being purchased — in this case, your food truck — will act as the collateral.

On the other side of the coin is food truck leasing. When you lease a food truck, you’re essentially renting it. A lease does have a few similarities to a vehicle or equipment loan. With a lease, you are required to pay a down payment. After paying your down payment, you can put the food truck into service.

When you sign a lease, you agree to make monthly payments over a period of time — usually 2 to 3 years. Once your lease ends, you can return the vehicle and sign a lease on a new truck. Some lenders may also give you the option to pay a lump sum at the end of your lease to purchase the truck.

When should you consider a lease over a loan? If you’re new to the industry, a lease may be the better option for you. If things go pear-shaped and you decide to not move forward with your business, you can simply return the truck at the end of your lease. A lease is a good option when you’re not yet sure if you’re in this business for the long haul.

If you’re short on funds for a down payment, a lease may also be the better choice. In many cases, leases have lower down payment requirements. You may also score lower monthly payments with a lease.

However, if you do plan to use your food truck for a longer period of time, purchasing your equipment with a loan is a wise move. While a lower down payment and lower monthly payments are more cost-efficient over the short-term, a lease is often more expensive over the long term.

Still stuck between a loan and a lease? Learn more about equipment loans and leases to make the right decision for your business.

Recommended Option: Lendio

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  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $10,000 per month.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 550 or above.
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Lendio is an online loan aggregator that connects you with a network of lenders that best fit your financial needs. One of the options that you can apply for through Lendio is equipment financing.

With equipment financing, you can receive between $5,000 and $5 million for the purchase of your food truck. Interest rates through Lendio’s network start at 7.5% for the most creditworthy borrowers. The proceeds from your loan can be used to purchase a new or used food truck. You can also use equipment loans to purchase other equipment for your business, such as a new grill or a point-of-sale system.

To qualify, you must have a credit score of at least 650. If your score is lower, you may still be able to receive equipment financing through Lendio provided you can show proof of solid cash flow and revenue over the last 6 months. You must also have a minimum of $50,000 in annual revenue and a time in business of at least 12 months.

Working Capital

You just can’t operate a successful business without working capital — money that is used to cover your daily operating expenses. Even though the average daily expenses of a food truck — think fuel for your vehicle, payroll, and other operating expenses — are far less than the operating costs of running a restaurant, they can still pile up.

The money you make from selling your food should cover your daily operating costs and add to your profits, but what happens when you fall a little short? Unexpected expenses, a slow season, or other hurdles can pose a challenge to your business and leave you short of the working capital you need.

If you need working capital, there are a variety of financing options to consider, but one of the most affordable is a loan from the Small Business Administration.

SBA Loans

SBA loans come with low interest rates and favorable, flexible terms for small business owners. Even if you’ve been turned down for a traditional bank loan in the past, you may qualify for an SBA loan. The SBA guarantees portions of each loan. This takes the risk off SBA lenders — known as intermediaries — and opens up affordable business loan options for entrepreneurs.

SBA loans are a preferred choice for many small business owners because they have low interest rates, long repayment terms, high borrowing limits, and can be used for nearly any business purpose, including working capital.

Recommended Option: SmartBiz

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  • Must be in business at least 2 years.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 650 or above.
  • Must have a business credit score of 150 or above.
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One of the drawbacks of applying for an SBA loan is how lengthy and difficult the process can be. Finding the right lender, gathering the required documentation, and waiting for approval can take weeks — or in some cases months.
If the challenge of receiving an SBA loan has held you back from applying, there’s an easier option to consider: SmartBiz. This online lender specializes in simplifying SBA loans from the prequalification stage to approval and funding.

Through SmartBiz, you can apply for SBA working capital loans from $30,000 up to $350,000. These loans have a variable interest rate — the base rate plus 2.75% to 3.75% –, making the total interest rate between 8% and 9%.
Your working capital loan can be used in many ways, whether you need to purchase inventory or equipment, hire staff, cover operating costs, or even refinance existing debt.

To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must also have a time in business of at least 2 years and show proof that you have sufficient cash flow to cover your monthly loan payment. All borrowers applying through SmartBiz must also have a credit score of at least 640. Your credit report should be free of bankruptcies or foreclosures within the last 3 years, defaults on government loans, and outstanding tax liens.

SmartBiz offers a prequalification tool that makes it easy to see if you’re eligible for an SBA loan. The form takes just 5 minutes and will automatically tell you if you qualify to apply. If you do, you can proceed with the application and receive funds as quickly as 7 days after completing your application. If you don’t qualify, SmartBiz can connect you with lenders that offer non-SBA loans that could help with your working capital challenges.

Supplies & Inventory

KDS Kitchen Display System

Running a food truck requires keeping supplies and inventory on-hand at all times. From paper products to food, there are a number of supplies that you need to keep your business operating smoothly. These expenses are recurring, and while your profits should be enough to pay for supplies and inventory, this isn’t always the case.

Whether you have a seasonal increase in sales that require more supplies and inventory or you have cash flow issues that have left your bank account lower than usual, sometimes you need a financial boost. If you need financing to cover the costs of supplies and inventory, a line of credit can help.

Lines Of Credit

A line of credit is a flexible financing option to cover business expenses. When you receive a line of credit, a lender will provide you with a credit limit — the maximum amount you can borrow. You can make multiple draws up to and including this credit limit. Once you initiate a draw from your line of credit, the funds are transferred to your bank account. Most lenders transfer funds immediately, and you can access them as soon as the next business day. Some lenders even have options that give you access to your funds within just minutes.

Once you’ve made a draw on your line of credit, you will make regularly scheduled payments to the lender, which will be used to pay off the balance as well as fees and/or interest charged by the lender. As you pay off your balance, funds will become available for you to use again.

You can use a line of credit to purchase your inventory and supplies as needed. Whether you’re facing a planned expense or a completely unexpected emergency, a line of credit gives you the flexibility you need to make sure you can continue to serve your customers without a hitch.

Recommended Option: FundBox

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  • No time in business requirements, but must have used a compatible accounting or invoicing software for at least 2 months, or a compatible business bank account for at least 3 months.
  • Business revenue: $50k/year
  • No specific personal credit score requirement.
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Fundbox is a popular option for businesses seeking a line of credit because of its lenient requirements. Even if you’ve had credit challenges in the past, it doesn’t matter with Fundbox. This company takes the performance of your business into account when issuing lines of credit.

Through Fundbox, you can be approved for a line of credit up to $100,000 that can be used for any business purpose. If you have a low personal credit score, it isn’t a problem. There are no credit requirements to qualify for a Fundbox line of credit. However, you do need to have at least $50,000 in annual revenue, a business checking account, and a business that is based in the United States. Additionally, you must grant access to your accounting software so Fundbox can analyze the performance of your business. If you don’t use a supported accounting software, you can also submit business bank statements from the last 3 months.

Once you’ve been approved for a line of credit, you can initiate draws into your business checking account. With each draw, a fee will be charged. Fees start at 4.66% of the amount drawn. You will receive your funds in your account as quickly as the next business day. Repayment terms are 12 or 24 weeks, and payments are made weekly through ACH debits. If you repay your loan early, all remaining fees are waived.

Hiring & Covering Payroll

Hiring new employees means that your business is expanding, but this expansion comes at a cost. Or maybe you’re facing a completely different situation and you’re struggling to meet your current payroll. Whether you’re adding to your crew or just trying to overcome a financial hurdle to cover payroll, there are financing options to consider, including installment loans.

Installment Loans

An installment loan provides you with a lump sum of money that is paid back through regular payments over a set period of time. Each payment will be applied toward the balance of your loan, as well as toward fees and/or interest charged by the lender.

Your fees and/or interest will vary based on the lender you select and factors such as your personal credit score. The more creditworthy you are, the more affordable your loan will be. Repayment schedules may be daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the policies of your lender.

If you choose an installment loan to cover hiring or payroll costs, you need to run some calculations before you apply. Since you receive a lump sum, calculate how much you need to cover payroll or how much it will take to hire new employees to ensure you request enough money. If you’re unsure of how much money you need, consider applying for a line of credit or another form of flexible financing.

Recommended Option: StreetShares

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $25,000 per year (sometimes StreetShares will make exceptions for high-earning businesses at least 6 months old).
  • Must have a personal credit score of 620 or above.
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If you need an installment loan, you can apply for $2,000 to $250,000 through StreetShares. Repayment terms are between 3 and 36 months with APRs of 7% to 39.99%. A closing fee of 3.95% to 4.95% is added to the cost of your loan. Repayments on your loan are made weekly.

If you want a more flexible option, you can also receive a line of credit from StreetShares. You can receive between $5,000 and $250,000 with repayment terms between 3 and 36 months. A draw fee of 2.95% is charged for your loan, and APRs are between 7% to 39.99%.

To qualify for a term loan or line of credit with StreetShares, you must be in business for at least 1 year. A minimum revenue of $100,000 per year is required, as well as a personal credit score of at least 620.

Cash Flow Shortages

A cash flow shortage can negatively affect your entire business. Without sufficient cash flow, you’re unable to cover your daily operating expenses, pay your bills, or serve your customers. You lose profits, resulting in even more cash flow problems. Before you know it, your cash flow issue has spiraled out of control.

Cash flow shortages can occur at any time. In the food truck industry, for example, colder winter weather may affect the number of customers you have. Fewer customers mean less cash … and an increased chance of cash flow shortages.

Before you get to that point, take control of your finances by covering cash flow shortages with a short-term loan.

Short-Term Loans

With a short-term loan, you receive the cash that you need quickly and pay it back through regular payments over a set period of time. While some short-term loans come with repayment terms of 12 months or less, some lenders offer up to 3 years to repay your loan.

Many lenders do not use a traditional interest rate for short-term loans. Instead, these lenders opt to use a factor rate. This is a multiplier that determines the fixed fee added to your loan. Let’s say that you borrow $10,000. The factor rate is 1.3. Multiply the borrowing amount times the factor rate to find the total repayment. In this example, the total is $13,000. This means that your fixed fee for borrowing is $3,000. Learn more about factor rates and how they’re used to determine the cost of your loan.

A short-term loan is a good option when you know exactly how much money you need. If you need a more flexible option, consider applying for a line of credit or business credit card.

Recommended Option: OnDeck

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $100,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 500 or above.
  • Must not be in one of OnDeck’s restricted industries.
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With OnDeck, you can apply for business loans up to $500,000. There are two different options to consider: short-term loans and long-term loans.

OnDeck’s short-term loans have repayment terms of 3 to 12 months with simple interest rates as low as 9%. This means that your interest rate is calculated as a percentage of your loan amount. For example, if your loan of $20,000 has 10% simple interest, you will pay $2,000 in interest.

OnDeck also has long-term loans with repayment terms of 15 to 36 months. Annual interest rates start at 9.99%.
An origination fee is also added to the cost of your loan. For your first loan, you will pay 2.5% to 4% of the total loan amount. Second and subsequent loans qualify for lower origination fees. All loans are repaid daily or weekly through automatic ACH withdrawals.

To qualify, your company must be in business for at least a year. You need at least $100,000 in annual revenue. Your personal credit score must be at least 500.

If you’re looking for a more flexible financing option, OnDeck also offers lines of credit up to $100,000 with APRs starting at 13.99%. To qualify, your company must be in business for at least a year and have $100,000 in annual revenue. You must also have a credit score of at least 600 to receive an OnDeck line of credit.

Emergency Funds

Your food truck is in need of repairs. Your equipment has suddenly given out and needs to be replaced. An unexpected expense has come out of nowhere and has turned your finances upside down. When an emergency arises, don’t panic. Know that there are emergency loans and other financing options available to help you overcome financial hurdles.

In an emergency, you need access to funds quickly. You don’t have days or weeks to wait for a loan approval. In these situations, a business credit card could help.

Business Credit Cards

Once you’re approved for a business credit card, you can put it into action immediately. You don’t have to wait for approval from the lender each time you use your card. If a sudden emergency pops up, your credit card is ready to use. You can use it to pay your suppliers or vendors, pay a bill, cover food truck repairs, or for other business expenses.

When you receive a credit card, the issuer will set a credit limit. You can spend up to and including this limit anywhere credit cards are accepted. Each month, you’ll make a payment that will be applied toward the principal balance and the interest charged by the lender. As you pay off your balance, your credit will become available to use again.

If you apply for a credit card for your business, make sure to compare interest rates and to read all of the fine print. Many cards come with introductory APRs that increase at a later date so make sure you’re aware of all terms for your card. You may also consider applying for a rewards card, which provides you with cash back or points to use for perks and benefits each time you use your card.

Recommended Option: Chase Ink Business Unlimited

Chase Ink Business Unlimited

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Annual Fee:

$0

 

Purchase APR:

15.24% – 21.24%, Variable

Required credit: Good, excellent

Bonus offer: $500 cash back if you spend at least $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Purchase intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR: 0% for the first 12 months

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Rewards: 

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on all purchases

Notable perks & benefits:

  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • Travel and purchase coverage
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With Chase Ink Business Unlimited, you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back with every business purchase. This card comes with a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months, followed by a 15.24% to 21.24% variable APR. There’s no annual fee, and you can even receive $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account.

To qualify for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited, you must have good to excellent personal credit. Unsure if the Chase Ink Business Unlimited is right for you? Check out other credit card options:

  • Compare Chase Ink Business Credit Cards
  • Best Business Credit Cards For Good Credit
  • Top Business Credit Cards For Fair Credit

When You Want To Start A Food Truck Business

The financing options previously discussed are great for established businesses, but what about food truck startups? Time in business requirements, annual revenues, and business credit scores are required for many loans, so what’s your next move if you fall short of these requirements?

New businesses and startups may not have as many financing options as established businesses, but there are options out there if you know where to look.

For example, you may not qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, but you could get a smaller loan through the SBA Microloans program. Through nonprofit intermediary lenders, you could receive up to $50,000 to cover startup costs for your new food truck business. Although the maximum borrowing amount is $50,000, the average loan distributed through this program is $13,000, so this is an option that is best for startups with lower capital needs.

Sometimes, you may even have to get a little creative with your financing. Consider crowdfunding to raise money for your business. With crowdfunding, you’ll use an online platform to raise money to fund your startup costs. Investors will invest money in your food truck business in exchange for equity or a reward of your choosing. Your crowdfunding campaign can be a success if you effectively spread the word about your business through social media and other online outlets and offer equity or rewards that are enticing to investors.

If you have good credit, look beyond business loans and consider taking out a personal loan. Your personal income and credit score will be the main qualifying factors with a personal loan. With this option, you can receive very competitive interest rates and terms on a personal loan that can be used to fund your new food truck business. Learn more about using a personal loan for business.

Friends and family that are willing to invest may also be a financial option for your new business. If you receive a loan from your friend or family member, make sure that everything is in writing and that you pay as agreed, just as you would with any other lender.

Bad Credit? Your Best Food Truck Financing Options

Chart of Accounts

If you have a low personal credit score, your financing options are limited. Your low score will also result in higher interest rates and a higher overall cost of borrowing. Instead of being stuck with these higher costs and less desirable financing options, the smartest financial move is to build up your credit.

Know where you stand by applying for your free credit score and report online. Review your credit report for any errors and dispute any erroneous information to have it corrected or removed. Continue paying all loans, credit cards, and other debts as agreed. With a few easy steps, you can boost your credit score. With a higher score, you’ll be able to qualify for better, more affordable loans and financing.

If you’re in a hurry to receive money, waiting for months (or even longer) to build your credit score may not be an option for you. If you need financing quickly, there are options, but be aware that these options come at a higher cost.

If you have bad credit but your business is performing well, consider applying for a line of credit. Lenders like Fundbox and Kabbage consider the performance of your business — not your credit score — as the most important qualifying factor. With these lenders, simply fill out a short form with your personal information, then link your business accounts and/or accounting software to see how much you qualify to receive. Once approved, your line of credit is available to use immediately.

Another type of financing available to borrowers with bad credit is a merchant cash advance. When you receive a merchant cash advance, you receive a lump sum of money in exchange for future revenue. The merchant cash advance company uses a factor rate to add a fixed fee to the total amount borrowed. The money is then repaid through daily ACH withdrawals, although some providers offer weekly or monthly repayments.

With MCAs, you may have fixed or variable repayments. With some providers, the amount you pay never changes. With others, the amount you pay is based on a percentage of your sales. When you have higher sales, your payment is higher. When sales are down, your payment is lower. What you pay depends on the agreement you sign with your provider.

It’s important to proceed with caution when receiving an MCA. Financial experts advise against this type of financing due to the high costs and short repayment terms, which could lead to more debt. If you have a low credit score and no other financing options, carefully weigh out the pros and cons before signing a contract with an MCA provider.

There are also alternative lenders online that are willing to work with borrowers with credit challenges. Shop around, compare your options, and make sure that your return on investment justifies the cost of taking out an alternative loan.

What You Need To Apply For Food Truck Financing

When you apply for food truck financing, what you need to apply is based on the type of loan you’re applying for and the lender you’re working with. At the very least, you’ll need to fill out an application providing personal information including:

  • Full Legal Name
  • Legal Business Name
  • Contact Information: Phone number, email address, mailing address
  • Federal Tax ID
  • Social Security Number
  • Annual Revenue

For some types of financing, like lines of credit and business credit cards, little more is needed. However, loans such as equipment financing and SBA loans may require additional information and documentation, including:

  • Business & Personal Bank Statements
  • Business & Personal Income Tax Returns
  • Balance Sheet
  • Profit & Loss Statement
  • Business Plan
  • Financial Projections
  • Resumes For All Business Owners
  • Debt Schedules

Requirements vary and a complete list of all required information and documentation will be provided by your chosen lender.

Final Thoughts

Running a food truck can be extremely lucrative, but like any other business, you may encounter financial challenges. When this occurs, just know that there are loans and financing that can be used to cover unexpected expenses, expand your business, or even start a new business.

Understand the types of financing available to your business, shop around for the best rates, and make all payments as agreed to open up future financing opportunities and to prove yourself as a responsible borrower and business owner.

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The Best Business Loan And Financing Resources For Washington Small Businesses

Washington State is known both for its breathtaking typography and for being one of the biggest tech hubs in the nation (outside of Silicon Valley). With the Seattle metro area experiencing explosive growth, it’s a great time to be doing business in the Evergreen State. Of course, keeping a business running smoothly requires money — sometimes money that you don’t immediately have in hand.

Luckily, Washington is one of the easier states in which to get small business funding. It is well-served by lenders ranging from banks, to credit unions, to alternative online lenders.

We’ll take a look at some of the types of lending available to you in Washington state, as well as some specific lenders you may want to consider.

The Best Online Business Lenders For Washington Businesses

Most online lenders operate nationwide, making them an option for the vast majority of businesses in the United States. Whether or not they’re the right option for you is another matter.

What online lenders offer is speed, convenience, and more lax lending standards than their traditional counterparts. As you might expect, online lending has a somewhat controversial reputation. The truth is there are online lenders with transparent processes and reasonable rates and there are predatory ones who will hide their fee structure and charge usurious rates. Weeding out the bad ones and honing in on the funders who can give you a good deal can be time-consuming.

Washington does regulate the maximum interest that can be charged on a “loan.” What this means for online lending is that lenders who depend on charging very high-interest rates may not offer some (or any) of their products within the Evergreen State. Note that regulations governing loans usually only apply specifically to loans and not to loan-like products like merchant cash advances.

Fundera

If you’re new to the world of online lending, you may have a hard time narrowing down your options. Matchmaking services like Fundera can do that labor for you. You simply fill out one application and Fundera will try to pair you with one of their lending partners. Fundera isn’t the only matchmaking service out there, but there are a couple factors that help them stand out. The first is that there’s no direct fee for using the service (it’s paid by the partner you’re matched with). The second is that they carefully curate their lending partners.

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LoanBuilder

LoanBuilder is a loan service offered by PayPal. With reasonable rates, customizable term lengths, and weekly payments, LoanBuilder is one of the better options in Washington state when you’re in the market for a short-term loan or similar product.

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  • Must be in business at least 9 months with a revenue of $42,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 550 or above.
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BlueVine

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, it might be worth taking a look at BlueVine. BlueVine offers funding in the form of short-term lines of credit and invoice factoring. Invoice factoring lets you sell your invoices in advance for a small fee.

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For invoice factoring:

  • Must be in business at least 3 months with a revenue of $100,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 530 or above.
  • Must own a B2B business that invoices customers. 

For business lines of credit:

  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $120,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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Lending Point

Washington may be known for hosting innovative businesses, but financing your risky business venture can be extremely challenging. Lending Point offers traditional installment loans in small amounts to individuals with good credit. This is great if you need a little more money to get things off the ground.

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  • Time in business: N/A
  • Business revenue: N/A
  • Personal credit score: 600 – 680
  • Personal income: $20,000
  • LendingPoint does not operate in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
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OnDeck

OnDeck is one of the bigger names in online lending, offering a mix of short-term loans and lines-of-credit to businesses that need money quickly. They’re willing to work with businesses with fairly poor credit, while offering transparent and relatively reasonable terms.

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $100,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 500 or above.
  • Must not be in one of OnDeck’s restricted industries.
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Washington Banks & Credit Unions

Online lending might be shiny and new, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your best option. Banks and credit unions still offer the best rates, provided you can meet their more stringent qualifications.

Where online lenders are largely unmoored from geography, banks and credit unions usually serve specific markets. Even large, national banks will typically require you to apply for business loans at a local branch. Many will also require you to be a checking/savings account customer as a condition of extending you credit.

If you have a good relationship with your local bank or credit union, be sure to inquire about their business products. National banks with branches in Washington include:

Chase Bank

America’s biggest bank has a healthy presence in Washington State. Despite their size and market share, they’re still pretty traditional when it comes to business loans, so you’ll have to seek out a branch in your area.

If you can meet their requirements and don’t mind dealing with an enormous lender, Chase offers some of the best business loan rates out there.

Borrower requirements:
• Must have excellent credit (high 600s)
• Must have access to a Chase Bank branch
Read our Chase Bank review

Wells Fargo

Widely considered one of the more small-business-friendly big banks, Wells Fargo also has one of the most modern application processes (as far as banks g0). If you need speed combined with traditional banking perks, or don’t have a branch nearby, take a look at what Wells Fargo can offer from a distance.

Just be aware that the bank has been plagued by scandals and poor earnings recently, so factor that into your risk calculations.

Borrower requirements:
• Must have $1.50 in cash flow for every dollar borrowed.
• Must have a personal credit score of 640 or above.
Read our Wells Fargo review

 

US Bank

US Bank is one of the smaller of the big national banks, with a reputation for being a bit more personable and flexible. Their branches are a little scarce in Washington once you get away from the I-5 corridor, however.

Borrower requirements:
• Must be located in a state served by U.S. Bank
• Must have been in business for two years
Read our U.S. Bank review

 

Credit Unions

If you’re looking for the absolute best rates on loans, it’s hard to beat credit unions. As non-profits, they can (at least in theory) offer perks to their members that wouldn’t be possible from an institution concerned about their bottom line. The downside of credit unions is that they tend to be extremely local, with limited branch presence. Though less common than in the past, some credit unions may have restrictions on who can join.

Credit unions offering business loans are uncommon, but many offer personal loans that can be used for smaller business expenses.

Some of the more accessible credit unions in Washington State include:

  • Alaska USA Federal Credit Union 
  • Boeing Employees Federal Credit Union (BECU)
  • First Technology Federal Credit Union
  • OnPoint Community Credit Union 
  • Wings Financial Credit Union

Bad Credit? Your Best Options

According to conventional wisdom, if you have poor credit, you’re out of luck when it comes to financing. These days, that’s not really the case. While good credit will definitely make it easier to find funding, there are numerous lenders and financial products that are more concerned with your cash flow and business fundamentals than they are an abstract number.

If your credit is bad, consider:

  • Online Lenders: The online lending industry grew in the ashes of the 2008 market crash, with many specializing in lending to businesses with good fundamentals but bad credit. Some of the lenders use predatory practices and should be avoided at all costs, but there are many that have established transparent and reasonable lending practices.
  • Non-traditional Products: Loan products like invoice factoring aren’t very concerned about your credit history. If you’re in real estate, hard money is also an option, but keep the risks in mind.
  • Credit Cards: This is not a loan per se, but one of the easier ways to build your credit back up is to get a credit card and pay it off every month. Even if you don’t qualify for the sexiest business credit cards out there, many companies are willing to extend small credit lines to risky customers. In the worst case scenario, there’re still secured credit cards.

What To Consider When Choosing A Lender

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It’s easy to get into the mindset of having to make yourself look good to a potential lender. But make no mistake, you’re “buying” a product from them. It’s most important that they meet your needs and standards.

Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking a lender:

  • Your Industry: Some lenders specialize in lending to specific industry. Others can’t or won’t lend to certain industries. If they can’t write you a loan, cross them off your list.
  • Borrowing Amount: If you need $5,000, you’ll be looking at different lenders than if you need $5 million. Choose the right tool for the job.
  • Rates & Fees: How much is it going to cost you? Are the lender’s rates in line with the industry standard? Do they tell you what additional fees they charge, or do they hide them?
  • Time To Funding: Do you need the money right away or next quarter? Choose a lender that can work with your timetable.
  • Term Lengths: You’ll want to know how quickly you have to pay the money you’re borrowing back. Make sure you can afford the loan over the long-term.
  • The Type Of Expense Being Financed: Some financial products are limited in what they can be used for. Do you need a lump sum of cash? Or do you need a line of credit that you can draw upon periodically?
  • Collateral: Secured loans and lines of credit require some form of collateral, usually in the form of an asset, real estate, or cash deposit. If you don’t have collateral to put it, you’ll want to look at unsecured loans.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, we’ve helped you get a better sense of the funding options available to businesses in Washington State. Whether you’re just starting or expanding, there should be a lender out there who can fit your needs.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Want to see more options? We can help you compare lenders and credit cards.

Just starting out? Check out our resources for startups.

The post The Best Business Loan And Financing Resources For Washington Small Businesses appeared first on Merchant Maverick.

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The Best Business Loans For Good Credit

As a business owner with good credit, you’re in a great position when it comes to loans and other financing options. A good credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when assessing risk. In fact, a solid credit score is one factor that puts you in the “low risk” category. That means you’re more likely to qualify for loan and financing options with lower rates and better terms.

However, having good credit isn’t the only piece to the financing puzzle. Before applying for a business loan, it’s important to go into the process knowing more about lender requirements, types of loans available, and what you need to apply for a loan. Read on to learn more about the business loans available for borrowers with good credit and which options are best for your financial situation.

What Is Good Credit?

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If you’ve ever applied for a personal or business loan or any kind of financing, you know how important credit scores are to lenders. Your credit score is a measure of your risk. A good credit score shows that you’re low risk. You pay your debts on time each month, your credit history is free of major blemishes like bankruptcies, charge-offs, and defaults, and you’re a reliable borrower. Because of that, more creditors are willing to work with you.

So, what makes a good credit score? Generally, a score of 700 or above is considered “good” on a scale of 300 to 850, although some lenders may view a score in the high 600s as a good score.

Having a high credit score helps you qualify for more financing options with lower rates, improved terms, and a lower overall cost of borrowing. As a business owner, having a good credit score is extremely important. Whether you want to hire more employees, acquire a business, build new facilities, or receive cash for an unexpected emergency, you’ll have more options with a good credit score.

In this article, we’ll focus on the best loan options for business owners with good credit scores. If your score is holding you back from receiving these loans, however, you still have options. Check out loan options for bad credit to find financing that’s the right fit for you.

Best Loans For Purchasing Equipment

equipment financing

No matter what type of industry you’re in, there typically comes a time when you need equipment. Whether you need tools to manufacture your products, require a delivery or company vehicle, need new appliances, or must purchase a point-of-sale system, all equipment has one thing in common: it costs money. If you need to purchase equipment to expand your business or to replace outdated or broken equipment, and you don’t have the cash up front, there’s a funding option for you: equipment financing.

If you apply for an equipment loan, a lender provides you with the cash needed to purchase equipment. All you have to pay is a reasonable down payment. With good credit, you may even qualify for $0 down financing. After receiving your loan and making your purchase, you can put the equipment into use for your business immediately. Then, you simply pay your lender back through fixed installments that are applied toward the loan principal and the lender’s interest and fees. Once you make all payments as scheduled, the equipment belongs to you.

If you need to upgrade equipment frequently, you may consider another type of equipment financing. With an equipment lease, you sign a lease for a period of time — on average about two years. You agree to make scheduled payments to the lender through the duration of the lease. Once the lease period ends, you can return the equipment and choose a new model. You’ll then sign another lease. You’ll never take ownership of the equipment unless you pay a lump sum at the end of your lease.

Recommended Lender: Lendio

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  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $10,000 per month.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 550 or above.
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Lendio is a loan aggregator that connects borrowers with equipment loans from $5,000 to $5 million. Repayment terms for equipment loans are from 1 to 5 years, and interest rates for the most creditworthy borrowers start as low as 7.5%.

Equipment financing can be used to purchase any type of equipment, including software, furniture and fixtures, commercial vehicles, and even solar panels for your facilities. To qualify for equipment financing, you must be in business for at least 1 year, have a credit score of at least 650, and have at least $50,000 in annual revenue.

Best Loans For Business Expansion

Expansion is a huge milestone for your business. Expansion means that you’re growing bigger and getting better at what you do. Unfortunately, opening another office, upgrading your existing facilities, or purchasing a new commercial building doesn’t come cheap. Instead of cleaning out your bank account, fund your expansion with a Small Business Administration loan.

The Small Business Administration has made it easier for businesses to get affordable loans. Even if you’ve been turned down for a traditional loan, you may be eligible to receive a loan through an SBA intermediary lender. Portions of SBA loans are backed by the government, taking some of the risk off of lenders and opening up more low-interest financing options for small businesses.

Recommended Lender: SmartBiz

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  • Must be in business at least 2 years.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 650 or above.
  • Must have a business credit score of 150 or above.
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Through SmartBiz, you can receive SBA 7(a) commercial real estate loans from $500,000 to $5 million. Your loan can be used to purchase a commercial property or refinance your existing property.

If you’re expanding your business in other ways, SmartBiz also offers working capital and debt refinancing loans from $30,000 to $350,000. These funds can be used for hiring employees, purchasing inventory or equipment, marketing, and other business expansion plans. Interest rates for SmartBiz’s SBA loans are between 6.75% and 9% with repayment terms from 10 to 25 years.

To qualify, you must be an eligible business based in the US and must meet the requirements of a small business as defined by the SBA. You must be in business for at least 2 years. To qualify for a 7(a) commercial real estate loan, your credit score must be at least 675. For working capital and debt refinancing loans, a minimum credit score of 650 is required. Your credit report must be free of recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, settlements, charge-offs, and defaults on government loans. For commercial real estate loans, the real estate that’s purchased must be at least 51% owner-occupied.

Recommended Lender: Fundera

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You can also apply for SBA loans through Fundera. With Fundera, you can receive between $5,000 and $5 million with repayment terms between 5 and 25 years. Interest rates begin at 6.75%, and you can receive funding as fast as 3 weeks after applying.

Most borrowers that are approved for an SBA loan through Fundera have a credit score of 680, annual revenue of at least $180,000, and a time in business of over 4 years. When applying for an SBA loan through Fundera, the lender will walk you through the process and help you select the SBA program that’s right for you, including 7(a) loans, CDC/504 loans, or Microloans.

Best Loans For Working Capital

merchant cash advance industry

You can’t operate a successful business without working capital. While your incoming cash flow should cover daily expenses in theory, sometimes you may fall a little short. This is when a working capital loan can help.

A working capital loan gives you the money you need to cover your operating expenses, from payroll to debt payments. These short-term loans give you access to the money you need right away and are paid back through regularly scheduled payments.

Recommended Lender: BlueVine

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For invoice factoring:

  • Must be in business at least 3 months with a revenue of $100,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 530 or above.
  • Must own a B2B business that invoices customers. 

For business lines of credit:

  • Must be in business at least 6 months with a revenue of $120,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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BlueVine offers two financing options for business owners. The first is a line of credit from $5,000 to $250,000. Proceeds from your line of credit can be used as working capital or to fund any business expense. Repayment terms are set at 6 months or 12 months with rates as low as 4.8%. Monthly or weekly payment options are available.

To qualify for a BlueVine line of credit, you must have a credit score of at least 600. You must be in business for at least 6 months and have at least $100,000 in annual revenue.

Another financing option available through BlueVine is invoice factoring. If your working capital has been affected by unpaid invoices, invoice factoring offers a solution. BlueVine has factoring lines up to $5 million with rates starting at 0.25% per week. The lender provides 85% to 90% of the total of your unpaid invoice up front. Once the invoice is paid, you receive the remaining amount, minus the lender’s fees.

To qualify, you must be a B2B business with a minimum credit score of 530 and $100,000 in annual revenue. You must also be in business for at least 3 months to qualify.

Recommended Lender: Breakout Capital

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $10,000 per month.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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Another financing option to boost your working capital is a business loan from Breakout Capital. This lender issues loans up to $250,000 with repayment terms up to 24 months. Rates start at 1.25% per month, and you can select from daily, weekly, or monthly repayment schedules. A one-time origination fee of 2.5% of the total loan is charged by the lender. Prepayment rebates are also available if you choose to pay off your loan early.

To qualify, you must be in business for at least 1 year and have a personal credit score of at least 600. Monthly revenue of at least $10,000 is required to receive a Breakout Capital loan.

Breakout Capital also offers FactorAdvantage, an invoice factoring service. Through this service, you can receive up to $500,000 for your unpaid invoices. There are no time in business, personal credit score, or monthly revenue requirements to qualify.

Best Loans For Marketing & Advertising

You have an existing client base, but in order to scale your business and boost your profits, you need more customers. The best way to draw in new customers and clients is with a marketing and advertising campaign.

Unfortunately, effective marketing and advertising cost money — money that may not be in your budget. Instead of putting off marketing your business, consider a term loan to help you fund your marketing and advertising expenses.

A term loan is a loan that provides you with a set amount of money up front which is later paid back through regular installments. Repayment terms are typically spread out over a few years, and payments are made daily, weekly, or monthly toward the principal loan amount and fees and interest charged by the lender.

Since a term loan is for a specific amount of money, it’s important that you know exactly how much you need before applying. Take the time to calculate your marketing and advertising costs to ensure you receive the money you need for your campaign.

Recommended Lender: OnDeck

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $100,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 500 or above.
  • Must not be in one of OnDeck’s restricted industries.
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OnDeck offers several financing options for your marketing and advertising needs. This lender has short-term and long-term loans available up to $500,000. Short-term loans are repaid within 3 to 12 months and have simple interest rates as low as 9%. Long-term options are available with repayment terms from 15 to 36 months with annual interest rates as low as 9.99%.

To qualify for OnDeck term loans, you must be in business for at least 1 year. A personal credit score of 500 and $100,000 in annual revenue are also needed to qualify. Origination fees of up to 4% are added to your loan, and you can sign up for fixed daily or weekly payments.

If you want a more flexible financing option, OnDeck also has lines of credit up to $100,000 with APRs starting at 13.99%. To qualify for a line of credit, you must be in business for at least 1 year, bring in $100,000 in annual revenue, and have a personal credit score of at least 600.

Best Loans For Cash Flow Problems

No business is immune to cash flow problems. Maybe it’s a slow season or an emergency expense affected your incoming cash flow. Regardless of your financial challenges, you need cash flow to keep your business operating as it should.

If temporary cash flow issues are impacting your operations, consider a financing option such as a merchant cash advance (MCA) a short-term loan to receive the money you need quickly. Merchant cash advances have a reputation for being one of the most expensive forms of financing. However, a financial product like American Express Merchant Financing can provide the benefits of MCAs without the notoriously high fees.

Recommended Lender: American Express Merchant Financing

American Express OptBlue

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  • Time in business: 24 months
  • Business revenue: $50,000 per year, at least $12,000 per year from debit and credit card sales
  • Personal credit score: Good to excellent
  • Other: Must accept Amex cards
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Through American Express Merchant Financing, you can receive between $5,000 and $2 million that is repaid over 6, 12, or 24 months. A fixed fee between 1.75% and 20% is charged based on your creditworthiness and other factors, including term length. Your loan is repaid through daily debits or through your receivables, including American Express transactions.

To qualify for American Express Merchant Financing, you must have at least $50,000 in annual revenue and at least $12,000 in annual credit and debit receivables. Your business must accept American Express cards, and you must be in business for at least 2 years.

Recommended Lender: IOU Financial

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months. 
  • Must make at least $120,000 per year and have an average daily balance of $3,000 over a 3-month period.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 600 or above.
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If you don’t qualify for American Express Merchant Financing, another short-term option to consider for resolving cash flow problems is a small business loan from IOU Financial. You can apply for $5,000 to $300,000 with repayment terms between 6 and 18 months. A factor rate of 1.15 to 1.31 is charged by the lender.

To qualify, you must sign a personal guarantee. You also need at least 10 deposits each month in your business checking account. A personal credit score of 600, a time in business of at least 12 months, and annual revenue of $120,000 are requirements to qualify for IOU Financial’s short-term business funding.

Best Loans For Cash Shortages

You need to make payroll, but your business banking account is running low. You have upcoming expenses, but the cash just isn’t there. If you’re facing cash shortages in your business, a line of credit can fill in the gaps.

A line of credit is a flexible form of revolving credit. Once approved, your lender will set a credit limit. You can make multiple draws up to and including your credit limit. Most lenders initiate transfers immediately, so you’ll receive the cash you need in your account as quickly as the next business day. You won’t have to wait for approval with each draw, so you’ll quickly and easily receive the money your business needs.

Fees and interest are only charged on the used portion of your credit line. As you make payments, funds will become available to withdraw again as needed.

Recommended Lender: Kabbage

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months and make at least $50,000 annually (or $4,500 for the last 3 months).
  • No specific credit score requirements.
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Kabbage issues lines of credit up to $250,000. Repayment terms are 6 months or 12 months, and your payment is automatically withdrawn each month. Kabbage charges fee rates between 1.5% to 10% for each month you carry a balance.

To qualify for a Kabbage line of credit, you must be in business for at least 1 year. Revenue requirements are: $50,000 annually or $4,200 per month for the last 3 months. There is no minimum credit score required to qualify. Loan approval and your credit limit are based on the performance of your business.

One standout feature of this lender is the Kabbage Card. In addition to taking traditional draws, you can use your Kabbage Card for instant access to capital. Once you use your Kabbage Card, a new loan will be added to your account with the same rates and terms as traditional draws.

Best Loans For Supplies & Inventory

Supplies and inventory are critical for the success of your business. Without your required supplies, your business won’t run efficiently. Without inventory, you won’t be able to service your customers. Your operations may slow down … or even come to a screeching halt.

While your incoming cash flow will often cover the costs of supplies and inventory, there may be times when this just isn’t enough. An emergency expense that comes at the wrong time or a seasonal uptick in sales are just two scenarios where it becomes difficult to handle the burden of purchasing supplies and inventory alone. When this occurs, consider the benefits of inventory financing.

Inventory financing is a loan or line of credit that is used to purchase supplies or inventory to keep your business operating as it should. You’ll receive the upfront cash you need to make your purchase, then repay the loan through regularly scheduled payments. This is an affordable way to purchase your supplies and inventory when your bank account is running low or you don’t want to tie up all your funds.

Recommended Lender: StreetShares

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  • Must be in business at least 12 months with a revenue of $25,000 per year (sometimes StreetShares will make exceptions for high-earning businesses at least 6 months old).
  • Must have a personal credit score of 620 or above.
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StreetShares offers several financing solutions for the purchase of supplies and inventory. Through StreetShares, you can receive a Patriot Express line of credit between $5,000 and $250,000 with repayment terms of 3 to 36 months. Interest rates are between 6% and 14%, with a draw fee of 2.95%. Your line of credit is repaid weekly.

Installment loans between $2,000 and $250,000 are also available through StreetShares. You can borrow up to 20% of your annual revenue. These loans come with terms of 3 to 36 months. Interest rates are between 6% and 15% with closing fees up to 4.95%.

To qualify for a StreetShares installment loan or line of credit, you must be in business for at least 1 year and have annual revenue of at least $25,000. A personal credit score of at least 620 is required to receive a StreetShares line of credit.

Best Loans For Emergency Funds

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An emergency always strikes when we least expect it and brings with it expenses that just aren’t in our budgets. Emergency funding needs can put a dent in your bank account and temporarily derail your operations.

If you’re stuck without an emergency fund and shuffling around your finances isn’t a viable option, it’s time to consider a business loan. There are multiple financing options that will work for you  — such as credit cards, lines of credit, and short-term loans — but regardless of what you choose, you need financing and you need it fast.

Recommended Lender: American Express Business Loans

American Express OptBlue

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  • Time in business: 24 months
  • Business revenue: $50,000 per year
  • Personal credit score: Good to excellent
  • Other: Must be an Amex business cardholder
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With an American Express business loan, you can receive $3,500 up to $50,000 with repayment terms of 12, 24, or 36 months. Amex loans come with fixed interest rates starting at 6.98% up to 19.97%. Amex loans can be approved within seconds and funds sent within 3 to 5 business days.

To qualify, you must be the cardholder on an eligible American Express Business Card and be a US citizen that’s at least 18 years old. You must also be pre-approved in order to apply.

Recommended Lender: FundBox

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  • No time in business requirements, but must have used a compatible accounting or invoicing software for at least 2 months, or a compatible business bank account for at least 3 months.
  • Business revenue: $50k/year
  • No specific personal credit score requirement.
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If you don’t qualify for an American Express business loan, another fast financing option for small business owners is Fundbox. You’ll receive a credit decision for a Fundbox line of credit in just minutes. Once approved, you can make your first draw instantly and receive a deposit as soon as the next business day.

Through Fundbox, you can apply for flexible lines of credit up to $100,000. The lender charges fees starting at 4.66% of the draw amount. Repayment terms are set at 12 or 24 weeks.

To qualify, you must have an active business checking account and at least two months of activity in Fundbox-supported accounting software. If you don’t work with accounting software, you can supply bank statements from the last three months. You should also have a minimum annual revenue of $50,000, and your business must be based in the US.

Best Loans For Starting A Business

All of these financing solutions work well for established businesses, but what if you need money to get your business up and running? Time in business and annual revenue requirements could hold you back from receiving a loan, even if you have a high credit score.

Put your good credit to use by applying for a personal loan to use for business. Because it’s a personal loan, factors such as your time in business or revenues won’t be a factor for approval. Instead, the lender will consider your own personal credit history and income when approving your loan. If you have good credit and enough income to support a loan payment, you can receive a very affordable loan that can be used to launch your business or cover startup costs.

Recommended Lender: LendingPoint

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  • Time in business: N/A
  • Business revenue: N/A
  • Personal credit score: 600 – 680
  • Personal income: $20,000
  • LendingPoint does not operate in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
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You can receive up to $25,000 with a LendingPoint personal loan. Repayment terms are 24 to 48 months. APRs for LendingPoint personal loans range from 15.49% to 35.99%. Lending Point charges origination fees between 0% and 6% of the total loan amount.

To qualify for a loan, you must reside in one of the 43 states where LendingPoint operates. Applicants in Washington D.C. are also eligible to apply. Additional requirements include a minimum income of $20,000, a verifiable bank account in your name, and a credit score in the 600s.

Recommended Lender: Prosper

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  • Personal credit score: 640
  • Credit history: 2 years
  • Personal debt-to-income ratio: Below 50%
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Prosper personal loans are available in amounts from $2,000 to $40,000. APRs range from 6.95% to 35.99%. Repayment terms are 3 years or 5 years.

To qualify for a Prosper loan, you must have a credit score of at least 640. You must also have a debt-to-income ratio below 50%. You must have a source of income, although there are no minimum income requirements. Your credit report must have less than five credit bureau inquiries within the last 5 months, no bankruptcies within the last 12 months, and at least three open trades.

Recommended Lender: Upstart

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  • Personal credit score: Minimum 620
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Upstart personal loans are available from $1,000 to $50,000. Repayment terms are 3 years or 5 years with fixed rates between 8.89% and 35.99%.

To apply for an Upstart loan, you must be at least 18 years old. Applicants in Iowa or West Virginia are ineligible to apply. You must have a personal bank account with an institution located in the US, and you must have a full-time job, a job offer within the next 6 months, a part-time job, or another source of income. A minimum personal credit score of 620 is required to qualify.

Further credit requirements include no delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, or public reports. You must have less than 6 credit inquiries from the last 6 months, although student loans, mortgages, and vehicle loans are excluded. Upstart will also consider your DTI when approving your loan.

What To Consider When Choosing A Lender

Now that you have an idea of the types of loans available for your business, the next step — if you choose to move forward — is to find your lender. Maybe you’re torn between a few lenders, or you want to do your own research to find the most affordable loan option. When you’re searching for a lender, ask yourself the following questions.

How Much Money Do I Need?

This simple question will help you narrow down the playing field. If you need $100,000 but a lender has maximum loan amounts of $10,000, move on to the next option. Before you apply, know the amount that you need — and make sure it coincides with the amount that you can afford.

Do I Meet All Requirements?

Even if you meet the credit score requirements of the lender, make sure you meet all other requirements as well. Get the most up-to-date view of your credit score by receiving your free credit score online. Most lenders have basic requirement for age and citizenship. However, others have minimum requirements for your annual income and revenues, time in business, and DTI ratio.

How Will I Use The Loan?

Some lenders have restrictions on how loan proceeds are used. For example, an equipment loan can’t be used as working capital. It can only be used to purchase equipment. Plan how you will use the loan to determine which type of loan best fits your financial needs. Then, find a lender that offers this type of loan.

What You Need To Apply For A Business Loan

Improve Business Loan Application

By this point, you should know the amount of money you need (and can afford) and the type of loan that’s best for your business. You may even have a list of lenders that you’re considering. Before you apply, know what to expect before heading into the application process.

For all loans, you’ll need basic information about yourself and your business. This includes:

  • Business Name
  • Legal Name
  • Contact Information: Email address, phone numbers, address
  • Annual Income
  • Annual Revenue
  • Federal Tax ID
  • Social Security Number

Depending on the type of loan and the amount you’re seeking, you may have to provide additional information and documentation, including:

  • Business & Personal Income Tax Returns
  • Profit & Loss Statements
  • Balance Sheets
  • Debt Schedules
  • Voided Check
  • Business Plan
  • Driver’s License

Requirements vary by lender, so make sure to review and submit all documentation requested during the application process. Also, be sure to keep in contact with your lender to provide additional information and documentation as needed until your loan is approved and funded.

Final Thoughts

Having a high credit score will help you obtain a business loan, but don’t lean solely on your solid credit. Research your lenders, know your options, and find products suitable for your financial needs to ensure you get the low-interest, affordable loan your business deserves.

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How To Finance A Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Financing any small business is a headache, but acquiring funding for a medical marijuana dispensary can be even more of a challenge. Medical — and recreational — marijuana is legalized in states across the nation, but it is still illegal under federal law. These laws make it more difficult for owners of medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for loans, open merchant accounts, or receive other types of financing to cover operating expenses or to scale their businesses.

However, even though financing may be limited, there are options out there. To fund your business, you have to know where to look and even get a little creative when other options don’t pan out. Whether you need money to expand your business or you’re seeking funding for your startup, we’ll review the financing options available to you and how to qualify. Read on to learn more and to move toward financing your medical marijuana dispensary.

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  • Must be in business at least 9 months with a revenue of $42,000 per year.
  • Must have a personal credit score of 550 or above.
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Medical Marijuana Dispensary Funding Challenges

Obtaining funding for any business is no easy task. You have to find a lender that offers the best rates and terms to receive the most affordable loan. Once you’ve identified your lender, you go through the underwriting process, making sure you have all of your paperwork in order to prove that your business is qualified to receive financing. Challenges may pop up throughout the process. Depending on the lender you work with, it may take weeks or even months to receive financing, from start to finish.

With a medical marijuana dispensary, there are even more hurdles you have to clear on the race to financing. Even though more states are legalizing medical marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law. Most lenders want to avoid the potential legal repercussions of working with businesses in the cannabis industry, as these businesses are considered high-risk. Even opening a checking, savings, or merchant account for most medical marijuana dispensaries is a hassle, while receiving financing through traditional lenders is nearly impossible.

And if you do find a financial institution that will allow you to open accounts, there are many associated costs, including fees for background checks and for regular reports to the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Businesses that don’t have merchant accounts and work with cash have additional business expenses to protect their earnings — think high-tech video surveillance systems and reinforced windows and doors.

In other words, medical marijuana dispensaries have the same expenses as regular businesses (utility bills, property leases, etc.) as well as additional expenses to keep their business protected. These expenses pile up quickly, but due to legal issues, traditional financing is often not an option. Therefore, medical marijuana dispensaries either have to make enough capital on their own to keep the business moving forward, or these business owners have to seek out other means of financing.

See our guide on best practices for using personal credit cards for business expenses

Can I Get A Dispensary Loan From A Bank?

Banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. A bank that works with companies that violate federal law will not be insured by the FDIC. This includes medical marijuana dispensaries. Instead of taking on this risk, most banks opt to simply avoid working with businesses in the cannabis industry.

There are also legal issues that a bank could potentially face when working with businesses in the cannabis industry. For example, a bank could be charged with money laundering for accepting deposits from a medical marijuana dispensary. Although the odds of this law being enforced are slim, lenders simply don’t want to take that risk.

For those reasons, most banks will not loan money to medical marijuana dispensaries or other businesses in the cannabis industry. While a FinCEN report showed that over 400 banks in the U.S. operated accounts with marijuana businesses in early 2018 — up 20% from early 2017 — marijuana businesses still do not have access to a full range of banking and financial services offered to other businesses, such as loans, credit cards, and merchant accounts.

When most business owners can’t receive funding from banks, they turn to another great resource: the Small Business Administration. The SBA provides educational materials, training, and low-interest, long-term loan options when small businesses can’t receive traditional loans. Do medical marijuana dispensaries receive access to these same loans?

Unfortunately, the SBA does not work with medical marijuana dispensaries. A policy went into effect on April 3, 2018, that prohibits SBA intermediary lenders from providing loans to businesses in the marijuana and hemp industries.

Though this news may be understandably frustrating if you’re seeking an affordable loan, there are financing options available to you. You just won’t find them at a bank or through the SBA.

Equity Financing For Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

business line of credit loan

One option that you may consider to fund your medical marijuana dispensary is equity financing. With equity financing, an investor or group of investors will provide you with the capital your company needs in exchange for ownership interest in your business.

Debt refinancing — traditional loans, lines of credit, and other financial products — requires you to make regular payments along with interest and fees. With equity financing, you’ll receive the money you need without having to make these regular payments. However, the tradeoff is that your investor will own a stake in your company. Once your business becomes profitable and successful, your investor will be able to take a percentage of your profits for the life of your business, unless you buy them out.

The benefit of equity financing is that you won’t have to worry about paying interest or regular payments right away. The drawback is that you are giving up ownership, and in some cases, the investor may be able to have a say in the operations of your business. For example, if later down the road you decide to make a large purchase to expand your business, the equity investor may disagree. With equity financing, you no longer have full control over your business.

The Best Loans For Marijuana Businesses

If equity financing isn’t for you and traditional bank financing and SBA loans are off the table, how do you get financing for your medical marijuana business? Alternative lenders have made it easier than ever to receive funding. While rates and terms may not be as favorable as traditional financing, solid revenues and a high credit score can help you score affordable loans to fund operations or expansion of your business.

While you may find alternative lenders are more willing to work with your business, just know ahead of time that some lenders may have restrictions on financing businesses in the cannabis industry. Before applying, do your research to find lenders that work with medical marijuana dispensaries and other high-risk businesses.

You also need to consider what type of financing you need for your business. Whether you need a flexible line of credit or financing to purchase new equipment, alternative lenders have options available for you.

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  • Must have a personal credit score of 550 or above.
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Short-Term Loans

When you receive a short-term loan, you’ll receive one lump sum that can be used for any business purpose. A short-term loan can be used as working capital, to purchase equipment, for hiring new employees, or for other business expenses.

Although some short-term loans are true to their name and have shorter terms of 12 months or less, some lenders have repayment terms up to 3 years. Depending on the lender you choose, you may have daily, weekly, or monthly payments.

One way that short-term loans differ from other loan options is that most do not have an interest rate. Instead, a multiplier known as a factor rate (or factor fee) is used by the lender. This factor rate is a one-time fee that is added to the cost of the loan and replaces traditional interest. Like interest rates, your factor rate is typically determined by a combination of factors such as the performance of your business and your personal and business credit histories.

One of the benefits of short-term loans is that you often receive money quickly. Some lenders provide funding in as little as 24 hours, while others may approve and fund your loan in 3 to 5 days.

Equipment Financing

If you need capital to purchase new equipment, equipment financing is an option that’s available to you. With equipment financing, you can purchase nearly any type of equipment for your business, from vehicles to point-of-sale systems to furniture and fixtures.

There are two types of equipment financing. The first is an equipment loan. When you receive an equipment loan, you’ll pay 10% to 20% of the total cost of the equipment. The lender will pay the rest of the costs so that you can take possession and put the equipment into use immediately. If you have good credit, you may qualify for $0 down financing. However, putting at least a small percentage down, even when it’s not required, helps lower the cost of borrowing and your payment amounts.

After you’ve received your equipment, you’ll pay the borrower on a scheduled basis — typically weekly or monthly. Your payments will go toward the balance of the loan as well as the interest charged by the lender. Once you have made all payments as scheduled, you take full ownership of the equipment.

The second type of equipment financing is an equipment lease. With an equipment lease, you may also have to pay a down payment. Once you make the down payment, you can use the equipment through your lease period. Once the lease period ends, you return the equipment and sign a new lease for updated equipment.

With an equipment lease, you never own the equipment unless you pay the remaining balance at the end of your lease. A lease may be a good idea if you plan to upgrade any of your equipment regularly. Equipment leases may also come with lower down payment requirements and lower monthly payments. However, you’re essentially renting the equipment and you may end up spending much more over the long term with leasing.

Lines Of Credit

If you need a flexible form of financing, a line of credit is an option to consider. With a line of credit, you don’t receive just one lump sum. Instead, the lender will set a credit limit for your account. You can make multiple draws from your line of credit up to and including the credit limit.

With a line of credit, interest or a fixed fee will only be charged on the borrowed amount. Fees and interest vary by lender and are usually based on your creditworthiness or business performance.

Even if you have credit challenges, you may qualify for a line of credit. Some lenders base their approvals solely on cash flow and other performance factors.

A line of credit is good for any small business because it is so flexible. Funds can be used for any business purpose, and you won’t have to wait for approval. Once you initiate the draw, the lender typically transfers the funds to your banking account immediately, and you can access your funds as soon as the next business day.

Lines of credit are also flexible in how they’re used. You can use funds to cover operating expenses, hire new employees, handle an emergency situation, or for any other business purpose.

Merchant Cash Advances

If you haven’t been in business long, have a low credit score, or don’t qualify for other loan options, you may consider applying for a merchant cash advance.

Even though you can receive funding quickly through a merchant cash advance, these loans often have high interest rates and short repayment terms. This is why it’s more important than ever to do your homework to find a lender with the best rates and terms.

When you take a merchant cash advance, you agree to sell future revenue to the lender. The lender pays you a lump sum amount, and a factoring fee is added to the amount of the loan. Other fees may also be added.

The lender will then withdraw money from your account on a regular basis. Most lenders take payments daily, while others may have weekly or monthly schedules. These withdrawals will be made until the loan balance and all fees have been repaid.

Some merchant cash advances have fixed payments. Others deduct a specific percentage of your sales. When sales are up, your payment is higher. When sales are down, your payments are lower.

The funds from merchant cash advances can be used for any business purpose, including the purchase of supplies, inventory, and equipment or for use as working capital.

Crowdfunding Your Medical Marijuana Dispensary

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Another option for financing your medical marijuana dispensary is crowdfunding. With the rapid growth of the internet, crowdfunding has become a popular option for many small businesses, even those in controversial industries.

Crowdfunding is a way to raise money from multiple investors in exchange for equity or rewards. With crowdfunding, you’ll promote your campaign online by sharing with friends and family and posting links to social media. Anyone can donate to help you reach your fundraising goal.

There are two types of crowdfunding campaigns. The first is equity crowdfunding, which is when you give up equity in your business in exchange for investments. The second is non-equity crowdfunding. With this type of campaign, you won’t give up ownership of your company but will instead offer a reward or benefit to investors.

The tricky part of crowdfunding is that medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited from posting on many of the most popular crowdfunding platforms. However, there are a few platforms that allow businesses in the marijuana industry to launch and promote campaigns.

One crowdfunding platform to consider is Fundable. Through Fundable, you have the option of launching a rewards campaign, an equity campaign, or both. It’s important to note that equity campaigns on Fundable can take years to complete. There is no limitation on the length of your equity campaign. However, you must pay a hosting fee of $179 per month through the duration of your campaign.

The Best Financing Options For Startups

As we’ve already established, finding financing for your medical marijuana dispensary can be a challenge. While there are options available for established businesses, what if you’re brand new to the industry or haven’t even opened your doors yet?

If you need financing to get your business off the ground, there are funding options for startups. The first step is to determine what expenses you’ll have and how much money you’ll need before exploring your financing options.

The Costs Of Starting A Medical Marijuana Dispensary

A medical marijuana dispensary has many of the same expenses as any other startup business, with a few added expenses since this is still such a new and controversial industry.

Before you even get your business started, you will have to apply for licenses and permits. Application and licensing fees range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. In the state of Colorado, for example, licensing fees are $20,000. One of the first things you should do before starting your business is to learn about the laws, requirements, and fees specific to your state.

Because you’ll operate a storefront, you’ll need to rent, lease, or purchase commercial space. If utilities aren’t included in your monthly rent, these additional expenses will add to your total startup costs. You may have to do some remodeling to make the space suitable for your business, which will add in more costs.

Even if you plan to run a very small dispensary, you’ll still need staff. Whether you’re hiring one person or ten, you’ll need to consider the costs of hiring and training staff members and managers.

Additional purchases for your dispensary include a POS system, furniture, fixtures, and a high-tech security system. One of the most important expenses is your inventory, which is a recurring cost you should consider when calculating your total business expenses.

When planning how to fund these expenses, there are a few financing options to explore. One option may work well to best fit your needs, or you may consider combining a few options to fully fund your startup business.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a way to raise funding for your startup business. For a medical marijuana dispensary, an equity-based campaign is typically the best option. Even so, it may take several months or longer to raise the money you need to start your business.

Unlike other businesses, you can’t just go to any crowdfunding site. Marijuana dispensaries are prohibited from using some of the most popular crowdfunding platforms. However, as I mentioned above, Fundable is one option to consider. You can also explore options that are centered solely on the cannabis industry, such as Fundanna and CannaFundr. These are relatively new options, so it’s important to do your research, explore all associated fees, and know what you’re getting into before signing up.

Alternative Lenders

Alternative online lenders could help you receive the money you need to fund your medical marijuana dispensary. These lenders are typically more flexible to work with than traditional lenders, although interest rates and fees may be higher and terms not as favorable. Alternative lenders provide a variety of financing options for you, including short-term loans and lines of credit.

Before applying, make sure that you choose a lender that works with businesses in the cannabis industry and other high-risk businesses. Some lenders have restrictions on lending to medical marijuana dispensaries, so make sure to choose a lender that is willing to work with you. There are even online lenders that specialize in financing businesses in the cannabis industry.

Personal Loans For Business

If you have a solid credit score and steady income, you may qualify for a personal loan that you can use to finance startup expenses.

This is an option that many startups choose because the revenue, time in business, and business credit score aren’t taken into consideration for loan approval. However, you do have to disclose how the funds will be used. Some lenders may not loan money due to the industry you’re in, so you may have to shop around for a lender willing to work with your situation.

Investors

One way to finance your startup is to find an investor. Seek out private equity firms, venture capitalists, or angel investors that will provide the funds you need in exchange for a stake in your company.

Credit Cards

A business credit card is a good option for any business. A credit card can be used to pay recurring expenses, cover an emergency, or pay for startup expenses. There are plenty of great credit card options for good and fair credit borrowers. If you have bad credit, you may also qualify for unsecured or secured credit cards, although your credit limit will be lower and interest rates higher.

What You Need To Qualify For Medical Marijuana Dispensary Business Financing

The requirements needed to qualify for medical marijuana dispensary financing are similar to requirements for any other type of business.

Your requirements will vary based on the lender you select, as well as the type of financing you seek. For example, applying for a business credit card may require basic information, such as your name, the name of your business, contact information, and annual revenue. Applying for a loan or line of credit may require additional information and documentation.

Before you gather your documents, though, there is some prep work that can be done on your end. Calculate how much money you need for your business. Then, figure out if your business is able to afford the loan.

Next, pull your free credit score online. If you have credit challenges, working to build your credit may help you qualify for more options at better rates. If you’re in a time crunch to receive your financing, there are bad credit loan options available, but you should expect higher fees and interest and a more expensive overall cost of borrowing.

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Once you’ve established how much money you need (and can afford) and where you stand in terms of credit, it’s time to start shopping for lenders. After you’ve narrowed down your selection, understand the requirements of each lender. Again, this varies but you should generally expect to present the following:

  • Personal Information: Name, Social Security Number, and contact information
  • Business Information: Business name, address, and Federal Tax ID
  • Business & Personal Credit Score
  • Personal Background Check
  • Business Licenses & Permits
  • Business & Personal Bank Statements
  • Profit & Loss Statement
  • Income Statement
  • Balance Sheet
  • Detailed Business Plan

Final Thoughts

Operating or opening a medical marijuana dispensary comes with its challenges. While many options available to other businesses aren’t open to you, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find financing. With a little research and creativity, you can find a lender that is willing to work with you to help make your business a success.

Want to get started with a loan for your medical marijuana business right away? Try LoanBuilder.

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What Is A Confession of Judgment? Should I Sign One?

As you might expect, any financial agreement will be a trek into the frightening realm of legalese. If you aren’t up on your jargon–and even if you are–you’re likely to run into some unfamiliar terms. One of the more ominous ones you may encounter in the alternative lending world is the confession of judgment.

Is it as bad as it sounds? At the risk of spoiling the big reveal of this blog post, “yes.” While this post is no substitute for legal advice, we can provide some basic information about what a confession of judgment is, where you’re likely to encounter one, and whether it’s usually a good idea to sign one. Read on and we’ll try to break it down for you.

Collateral & Personal Guarantees

When you apply for a loan or cash advance, your funder needs to prepare for the possibility that you will be unable or unwilling to pay back your balance in full. Usually, they will require some form of collateral. With traditional secured loans, this usually means putting up an asset you own, ranging from real estate to heavy equipment to a cash deposit. If you default on your loan or advance, your funder can then recoup some of their loss by keeping your collateral.

A confession of judgment isn’t collateral, per se. In fact, it’s usually paired with a form of unsecured “collateral” called a personal guarantee. A personal guarantee is essentially a promise to pay back your loan or MCA with personal assets should your business be unable to. If that gives you pause, it should; putting your personal assets at risk raises the stakes for you as a borrower since it’s removing the distinction between yourself and your business. Sounds like a pretty good deal for your funder, though, right?

On paper, it looks like a solid win, but enforcing a personal guarantee can be an ordeal for lenders. In many cases, they’ll need to bring a lawsuit against the guarantor to recoup their losses. That’s where the confession of judgment comes in.

Confession Of What?

So let’s say a funder is taking on a high-risk borrower for an unsecured loan or MCA. They think there’s a reasonable chance the borrower will default, but they don’t want to sink the money and time into a lawsuit to enforce the personal guarantee. As a condition for the loan or MCA, the borrower may have to sign a confession of judgment.

A confession of judgment allows the funder to go after the borrower’s personal assets as though they’d successfully received a judgment against them in court. That means the funder bypasses most of the due process the borrower normally be afforded: no trial, no hearing, no opportunity for the borrower to defend himself or herself. The funder simply needs to file the confession of judgment with their county clerk or appropriate agency. The courts will then inform the borrower that a judgment has been made against them.

As you can imagine, confessions of judgment are controversial. Not every state uses them (they’re more prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic states) and even among those states they may not be applicable to all financial contracts in your jurisdiction (most of those state only allow them for commercial transactions). They may be valid only for specific types of debt and for a specific amount of time. A confession of judgment can apply to debts currently outstanding or those that will become due in the future. Be sure to speak to a lawyer about any specific questions you have about how your jurisdiction adjudicates confessions of judgment.

Should You Sign A Confession Of Judgement?

No. Not if you can help it. You should always think long and hard before signing any of your legal rights away, and a confession of judgment is no different. Depending on your jurisdiction, it can severely impede your ability to protect yourself from collection efforts.

On the other hand, if you’re able to pay off your loan or MCA without any issues, the confession of judgment won’t ever really come into play. It’s only filed if your funder is unable to collect on your debt. If there’s no need to start a collection action against you, it’s simply another piece of paper you signed.

But again, you should really avoid signing one if you can possibly help it.

What If I’ve Already Signed One?

Don’t panic! If you’re making your payments on time, it’s unlikely that you’ll even need to think about your confession of judgment again. A confession of judgment has specific triggers that need to be met before it’s valid. In most cases, this trigger will be missing payments.

If your funder has actually filed a confession of judgment against you, the picture isn’t as rosy. In most states, however, you’re not completely out of options even if you reach this stage. You may still be able to negotiate a settlement with your funder, for example, or even have your confession of judgment vacated. The latter may require proving that the terms required to trigger the confession of judgment were never meant. It’s also possible for the borrower to be negligent in making it clear that you’re signing important rights away when they initially presented the confession of judgment to you. Be sure to speak with a lawyer to find out what solutions are possible in your case and your state.

How Do I Avoid Signing A Confession Of Judgement?

While personal guarantees are pretty common in the alternative lending market, confessions of judgment are significantly less so. It’s generally funders that deal with high-risk borrowers who will employ them, and even then they may not require them for every borrower. If your funder tries to get you to sign one, make sure you’ve exhausted all your other options before waiving your legal rights and putting your personal assets at risk.

Even if your credit rating or the age of your business has limited your options to merchant cash advances, you can still take your business to a funder who won’t lock you into quite so punishing terms.

Need some other options? We can get you started.

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Interest/Factor Rate Req. Time in Business Min. Credit Score Next Steps

$5K – $500K 13 – 52 weeks x1.029 – x1.1872 9 months 550 Apply Now

$5K – $500K 3 – 36 months x1.003 – x1.04/mo 12 months 500 Apply Now

$2K – $5M Varies As low as 2% 6 months 550 Apply Now

$20K – $500K 1 – 4 years 7.99% – 29.99% APR 2 years 660 Apply Now

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19 Reasons To Get A Business Loan (And How To Get Started)

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There are so many good reasons to get a business loan that you probably haven’t even considered half of them. For example, have you ever thought about taking out a loan to hire a new employee or getting a loan for the sole purpose of building your business’s credit? Those are both valid reasons to apply for business financing, and there are many other reasons that might not have ever crossed your mind.

While many small businesses are debt-averse — afraid to apply for financing because they don’t think they have good enough credit, or unsure if they can afford repayments — it’s a simple fact that you need money to make money. In some ways, living debt-free can actually hinder your business’s growth or even its ability to stay afloat. You might also be surprised at the wide variety of financing products available for almost any type of business pursuit.

Even if you’ve never applied for financing before, a business loan is definitely something to think about if you are short on funds or are considering a new opportunity or investment that could advance your business.

Read on for a look at 19 reasons you might want to take out a business loan.

Or, skip down to the “Types of Business Loans” section to see if what type of loan you should pursue for your particular business need.

1. Start A Business

Want to get your brand-new business off the ground with a running start? A startup loan can help you do just that. A few startup-friendly lenders will lend to brand-new businesses with no time in business, while others will want to see that you have 6 months’ worth of revenue.

However, startup loans are not by any means easy to get for spanking new businesses lacking in experience, especially if your business is still in the “idea stage.” If this sounds like you, you might consider a crowdfunded loan or small business grant in lieu of traditional financing.

2. Increase Working Capital

Working capital—the money required for day-to-day business operations—is a big reason businesses might need to apply for financing. For myriad reasons, your business may simply be short on cash. Sporadic cash flow, business growth spurts, and seasonal sales fluctuations are just a few reasons businesses apply for a working capital loan.

In many circumstances, you might not know exactly how much money you need, but expect you’ll need some extra working capital in the near future. In such cases, you might be wise to apply for a short-term business line of credit that you can draw from as needed.

3. Purchase Inventory

Businesses new and old, large and small, commonly apply for financing to cover the cost of purchasing inventory or raw materials to make products. A healthy inventory allows you to have enough product on-hand to meet demand and keep customers happy.

Retail businesses, in particular, often require financing to replenish stocks, particularly is your store sees a big sales up-tick during certain seasons. For example, a company that sells a popular holiday gift might take out a short-term loan to purchase product ahead of the holiday season, and then repay that loan with the proceeds of their seasonal sales.

4. Purchase Equipment

Almost all businesses require equipment of some sort — especially businesses involved in manufacturing, as well as those in the food and service industries. Whether you need professional gym equipment or even a business vehicle, such assets can represent a major expense to a new, struggling, or expanding business.

Purchasing equipment may necessitate a business loan, or perhaps you’d rather charge it on your business credit card if your credit limit is high enough. One popular way to buy business equipment is equipment financing, as this type of loan typically does not require any collateral other than the equipment itself.

5. Hire New Talent

According to the National Small Business Association, data going back as far back as 1993 shows a strong connection between businesses’ ability to hire employees and their ability to get financing. Indeed, payroll is a significant expense businesses must contend with, including not just wages, but healthcare and other benefits, as well as employee training. In some cases, businesses even have to reduce their number of employees or scale back employee benefits if they don’t have sufficient access to financing.

While taking out a loan to hire someone is always a risk, it’s true that employees are a business’s greatest asset; if the employee is worth their salt, they will eventually justify the expense of the loan.

6. Expand Products/Services

Businesses in the growth stage, as well as stable businesses trying to increase revenues and/or stay competitive with peers, will need to expand their offerings from time to time. Regardless of how you’re going to achieve a product or service expansion, an installment loan or another type of business loan can help you make the necessary investments to keep your offerings fresh and relevant.

7. Open A New Location

Your business is growing fast and you need to open a new location. Expanding to a new location is a major undertaking requiring a lot of capital, but one that can pay off tremendously in time.

If you have at least two years’ time in business, you may be eligible for a long-term business expansion loan with low interest rates. Businesses purchasing real estate to open a new location be eligible for a commercial real estate mortgage such as those offered by the SBA through the  SBA CDC/504 program. There is even such a thing as real estate crowdfunding for businesses.

Or, say you own an online business and want to establish your first physical location, you might consider a startup loan to help get your new operations up and running.

8. Pay Taxes

Ideally, you will set aside enough money throughout the year to pay your business taxes when the tax man comes a knockin’. But alas, life doesn’t always work out that way, which is why small businesses frequently take out loans to pay taxes.

Rather than get in trouble with the IRS for not paying your taxes, you are much better off using a business loan or even a cash advance to pay your taxes.

9. Create A Safety Net

A safety net is a cash or credit “cushion” you can use to fall back on during slim times. Perhaps you own a seasonal business or simply have cash-flow problems from time to time; even though you don’t require any extra working capital at the present moment, you feel good knowing it’s available if and when you need it.

You’re probably especially aware of the need for a safety net if you’ve been caught without one in the past, and had to pay overdraft bank fees or get an expensive short-term loan to cover unforeseen shortfalls.

A revolving line of credit, working capital loan, or even a business credit card can all help provide a safety net for a future rainy day. If there are no rainy days on the immediate horizon, you will have some peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for anything.

10. Refinance Another Loan

While it may seem strange to take out a loan to pay off another loan, debt refinancing is a popular and sometimes necessary reason to take out a business loan. You might choose to refinance your business debt because you are offered a loan with better rates and fees, or you might choose to consolidate multiple loans into one loan.

If you’re considering refinancing a loan you are currently paying on, check out our Complete Guide To Refinancing Small Business Debt.

11. Buy A Business

A business acquisition loan, or a loan to buy a business, is another popular category of business loans. You can take out this kind of loan to expand your current business’s offerings with the purchase of another business, or to buy a business even if you don’t have an existing business (in which case you will probably need a startup loan).

Depending on your business credentials, the health of the business you want to purchase, and other factors, you may be able to get a business acquisition loan through a bank or the SBA. You might also finance your business purchase through a business expansion loan or a startup loan from an online lender. There are also franchise loans available to individuals looking to purchase a new or existing franchise.

12. Buy Out A Partner

business loan vs personal loan

Sometimes it just doesn’t work out with a business partner. But just because your partner agrees to be bought out doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily have the money to do so. In these circumstances, you can get a business loan to execute a partner buyout.

There is not really a specific type of loan for partner buyouts but you can use many standard business loans for this purpose, including an SBA standard 7(a) loan.

13. Cover Construction Costs

Perhaps you want to expand or improve your physical business location(s) with renovations or improvements, or maybe you want to construct a brand-new building for your business. Either way, a commercial real estate loan—also called a commercial mortgage or commercial construction loan—is the type of financing you need.

You can use a commercial construction loan, typically obtained through a bank or credit union, to pay for construction costs such as labor, materials, and land development. Hard money loans are another option to pay for business construction.

14. Cover Unpaid Invoices

Businesses with a lot of outstanding invoices can free up pending earnings using a type of loan called invoice factoring.

The financer fronts you the money that your customers owe you, and then you repay them as the customers pay off their debts. With this type of financing, your business does not necessarily need to have good credit, as the invoice factor is more concerned with your customers’ credentials than with your business’s.

15. Buy Insurance

Insurance is a major business expense. Business insurance requirements vary by state and industry. Liability insurance, property insurance, employee healthcare insurance, malpractice insurance, and flood insurance are just a few types of insurance your business might need. For certain business loans, you even need insurance in order to get the loan in the first place. For example, you may need life insurance and various other types of insurance to qualify for an SBA loan.

While, ideally, insurance costs will be included in your budget as a percentage of your gross sales, a business loan or line of credit can help your business pay your insurance policy during times you cannot afford to do so.

16. Cover An Unexpected Expense

Remember that safety net we talked about earlier? Well if you don’t have it, you could have no choice but to take out a loan after-the-fact to cover an unexpected business expense that you didn’t budget for. This could be anything from replacing some expensive equipment that failed unexpectedly to making repairs after a natural disaster. Fortunately, an emergency business loan can help your business cover the expense of just about anything life can throw at ya.

17. Advertise Your Business

Marketing/advertising is a business expense that can cost a lot of money upfront but will hopefully pay off in the long run. SEO and online advertising, commercials, billboard advertising, radio ads, and promotional materials are all types of marketing for which you could need a loan, especially if you’re hiring a marketing agency to try to achieve big results.

18. Build Credit

A lot of small businesses don’t have much of a business credit history, even though the business owner herself might have good credit. Taking out a business loan is one way of establishing a business credit history rather than using your personal credit for your business. Building business credit will allow you to separate your personal and business credit profiles, and will also put you in a good position if you need to ask for a business loan in the future.

For more information on this and other ways to build your business credit history read my Ultimate Guide To Improving Your Business Credit Score.

19. Take Advantage Of A Business Opportunity

Every now and again, your business may be presented with an awesome opportunity that is just too good to pass by—even if you can’t afford the whole thing up front. Business success requires a lot of pragmatism and planning, but there is also some degree of risk-taking and, dare I say it, magic. Whatever that special something is, if you get a “spidey sense” that a certain opportunity will help take your business to the next level, it can pay off handsomely to trust your intuition and go out on a limb to make that investment.

Of course, going out on a limb in this case likely means taking out a business loan. Just make sure you’re not so focused on the opportunity that you rush things and say yes to the first loan offer you come across. It’s absolutely essential to compare multiple loan offers to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Types of Business Loans

I’ve discussed many types of business loans in this post, and it can be confusing to sort through all the different loan categories if you don’t know what you need. To help simplify things, I’ve made a chart with brief explanations of different loan types discussed, and below that, I included longer descriptions of some popular loans you should know about.

Resource Description

Startup Loan

Financing for businesses 6 months old or younger.

Crowdfunded Loan

Funds sourced from a network of backers or investors. 

Small Business Grant

Free funds granted to businesses, normally for a specific project. 

Working Capital Loan

Financing to cover daily operating expenses of running a business.

Business Line of Credit

A credit facility from which your business can borrow money at any time. 

Short-Term Loan

Usually a higher-interest loan that you pay back quickly, typically within a year. 

Business Credit Card

Credit card used for business expenses.

Equipment Financing

Self-securing loan to finance major equipment purchases.

Installment Loan

A standard type of business loan also called a term loan, repaid in regularly scheduled installments.

Long-Term Business Expansion Loan

Usually a large, low-interest loan, repaid over 5 or more years.

Real Estate Crowdfunding

Crowdfunded capital to purchase real estate for a business.

Merchant Cash Advance

Expensive but quick source of business financing for merchants who need fast funds.

Business Acquisition Loan

Loan to purchase a business.

Franchise Loan

Loan to open a new franchise or purchase an existing franchise.

SBA 7(a) Loan

Standard business loan backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Commercial Real Estate Loan

Long-term loan to purchase commercial real estate for a business.

Hard Money Loan

Shorter-term real estate loan similar to a mortgage, requiring the property you’re purchasing as collateral. 

Invoice Factoring

Service which converts your small business’s outstanding invoices to cash.

Emergency Business Loan

Fast loans to cover business funding emergencies. 

Installment Loan

Term loans, also called “installment loans” are a broad category of business loans. This type of funding is paid back in periodic installments, with interest. It may be a short- or long-term loan. Higher-quality term loans typically give you a longer amount of time to repay the loan, and let you pay via monthly installments (vs. weekly or daily installments with short-term loans). However, you will need at least 2 years in business, plus good credit and strong revenues, to qualify for a long-term business loan, particularly if you borrow from a bank; online lenders have less strict requirements.

Long- and medium-term loans are useful for established businesses making long-term investments in fixed assets like property or renovations, though they can also be used for working capital.

You can get term loans from a bank or credit union, though the lenders below offer reasonably quick installment loans as well:

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Req. Time in Business Min. Credit Score Next Steps

smartbiz logo

 $30K – $350K 10 – 25 years 2 years 650 Apply Now

$2K – $5M Varies 6 months 550 Apply Now

$25K – $500K 6 months – 5 years 2 years 620 Compare

lending club logo

 $5K – $300K 1 – 5 years 12 months 600 Compare

Short-Term Loan

Short-term business loans—installment loans that are repaid in 3 years or less, or sometimes in a matter of months—usually come in smaller amounts with higher rates when compared to long-term loans. Short-term loans also tend to require weekly or daily repayments. Although they are more expensive and less desirable than long-term loans in a lot of ways, short-term loans are relatively fast and easy to get and don’t have as stringent borrower requirements in terms of credit score, income, or time in business.

Because they have such a short repayment schedule, short-term loans are good for short-term problems, such as one-time expenses/investments.

The following lenders offer good terms and reasonable rates if you need a short-term loan:

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Interest/Factor Rate Req. Time in Business Min. Credit Score Next Steps

$5K – $500K 13 – 52 weeks x1.029 – x1.1872 9 months 550 Apply Now

$5K – $300K 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 months x1.15 – x1.31 1 year 600 Apply Now

$5K – $500K 3 – 36 months x1.003 – x1.04/mo 12 months 500 Apply Now

$2K – $5M Varies As low as 2% 6 months 550 Apply Now

Merchant Cash Advance

Merchant cash advances are not technically loans; rather, they are advances on your future sales or revenue. With a cash advance, you’ll receive a lump sum, which you’ll then begin repaying out of your daily credit card sales.  The interest charged on MCAs is usually calculated in terms of a factor rate rather than interest rate—for example, you might have a factor rate of 1.3, which means you’ll have to repay 1.3x the amount you borrowed. A typical factor rate for an MCA is between 1.2 and 1.4.

An MCA is good for an emergency situation where you need a large sum of money quickly and/or have bad credit, but you have a healthy daily cash flow. It does not help you build business credit because it’s not actually a loan and these lenders don’t usually report to credit agencies.

Generally, we don’t recommend MCAs if you’re eligible for another type of financing, but the following cash advance providers are reputable:

Lender Borrowing Amount Min Credit Score Time To Funding Next Steps

$5K – $500K 550 1-3 Days Apply Now

$2K – $5M 550 1-2 Days Apply Now

$5K – $500K 500 2-5 Days Apply Now

$5K – $250K 500 2-5 Days Apply Now

Business Credit Card

Business credit cards are useful the same way personal credit cards are useful—they allow you to pay for large or small expenses even if you don’t have the cash on hand, while also earning you rewards and building your credit history. Of course, you can get yourself into trouble if you don’t pay off the balance in a reasonable amount of time. With that said, business credit cards are super handy for any type of business expense that doesn’t exceed your credit limit, particularly if you can find a card with a 0% introductory rate, like the ones below.

Credit Card 0% Introductory Period Next Steps
American Express Blue Business Plus 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months Compare
Chase Ink Business Unlimited 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months Apply Now
American Express SimplyCash Plus 0% APR on purchases for the first 9 months Compare
Capital One Spark Cash Select For Business 0% APR on purchases for the first 9 months Compare
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 9 months Compare

Even if you don’t have an expense looming on the immediate horizon, a business card is just good to have in case you need it.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is an amount of money available for you to draw from as needed. You only have to pay back what you borrow (plus interest). Similar to term loans, you can get a line of credit from a bank or online lender. Not unlike a business credit card, a line of credit is useful to have just in case you need to make up for any type of shortfall or gap. An LOC can come in handy especially if you have a seasonal business or a business with occasional cash flow problems. Additionally, a line of credit, like the ones offered by the lenders below, can help you build business credit.

Lender Borrowing Amount Draw Term Draw Fee APR Next Steps

$6K – $100K 6 months None Starts at 13.99% Apply Now

$2K – $5M Varies Varies Varies Apply Now

$5K – $5M 6 months 1.50% per draw 21% – 65% Apply Now

$1K – $100K 12 weeks None 12% – 54% Apply Now

Invoice Factoring

Invoice financing, sometimes called invoice factoring, is when you sell your business’s unpaid invoices to a credit facility. The facility fronts you the amount of the unpaid invoice (minus a percentage they charge as a fee), and you then repay the lender as your customers repay you. Note that you do still need to repay the lender even if your customer never pays you.

Invoice financing is a useful type of financing for businesses with a lot of unpaid invoices that want to free up some cash. The borrower requirements are usually pretty relaxed, as invoice finance companies are more concerned with your customers’ creditworthiness rather than your business’s.

Equipment Financing

Equipment financing is useful for the purchase of any type of equipment or machinery your company needs but can’t afford outright. This type of “self-securing” financing does not require any collateral other than the equipment itself, and you usually don’t need to have excellent credit or much else in the way of borrower credentials. If you default on the loan you could lose the equipment, but if you make all your payments, you will eventually own the equipment.

We recommend the following equipment financers:

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Interest/Factor Rate Additional Fees Next Steps

$2K – $5M Varies As low as 2% Varies Visit Site

$5K – $500K 24 – 72 months Starts at 5% Yes Compare

Up to $250K 1 – 72 months Starts at 5.49% Varies Compare

Do You Need A Business Loan? Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need a business loan, it’s time to take the next steps to secure one.

1. Compare the different types of small business loans discussed above and determine which type of loan best suits your need. Or, read more about common types of business loans.

2. Take a look at our free guide to small business loans.

3. Calculate how much you can afford to borrow.

4. Take a look at our favorite lenders.

Once you complete your initial research by taking these steps, you should have a very good idea of what to look for in a loan and which type or types of financing are best for your situation. You’re now ready to start applying!

To save time applying to multiple loans, you might consider using a lending matchmaker service like Lendio, which allows you to compare multiple loans tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Applying for business financing can be daunting, given all the myriad types of loan products out there, and the possibility of being rejected for financing. You might also be worried about your ability to make payments on the loan.

However, if you have a good reason to apply for a business loan, there is a very decent chance that there is a lender willing to lend to you with feasible, realistic terms. With those funds, you’ll be able to address whatever needs your business has while building up your business credit profile with each repayment.

Lender Borrowing Amount Term Interest/Factor Rate Req. Time in Business Min. Credit Score Next Steps

$5K – $500K 13 – 52 weeks x1.029 – x1.1872 9 months 550 Apply Now

$5K – $300K 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 months x1.15 – x1.31 1 year 600 Apply Now

$5K – $500K 3 – 36 months x1.003 – x1.04/mo 12 months 500 Apply Now

$2K – $5M Varies As low as 2% 6 months 550 Apply Now

The post 19 Reasons To Get A Business Loan (And How To Get Started) appeared first on Merchant Maverick.

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