July 27, 2021
Business Loan Guide: All About Small Business Loans
At Fora Financial we want to ensure that you understand how accessible business loans can be. Small business financing doesn’t need to be scary, and can take your business to new heights. In this small business loan guide, we'll thoroughly explain how small business loans work and how to assess your financing options.
Different Types of Small Business Lenders
The three main types of financing providers in the United States are standard bank loans, SBA loans, and alternative financing options.Standard Bank Financing
Business loans guaranteed by large banks and credit unions can provide competitive terms and rates. Interest rates for standard bank loans will be in the middle-to-upper single-digit range. Typically, the loan term will range from 1-10 years, dependent on numerous factors. In this vein, for commercial real estate mortgaging, standard bank loans will offer amortization periods of up to 25 years, similar to a conventional home mortgage. Despite long terms, bank financing comes with strict credit checks, collateral requirements, and cash flow prerequisites. In addition, banks require extensive financial documentation. Typically, this includes:- Three years of financial statements and business tax returns
- Accounts receivable and accounts payable aging schedules
- A debt schedule
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
Small Business Administration (SBA) business loans, are provided by banks, community banks, credit unions, and nonprofit financing institutions. SBA lenders don’t provide financing opportunities directly to the business owner. Instead, the bank provides the loan, and the SBA covers a percentage of the financing. By doing this, the SBA hopes to improve small business lending practices while also mitigating risk to the lenders. Because the SBA is a federal government entity that partners with financial institutions, there are stringent documentation requirements. This includes, but isn’t limited to:- Three years of financial statements and business tax returns
- Accounts receivable and accounts payable aging schedules
- Debt schedules
- Personal financial statements
- Tax returns
Alternative Financing Options
Alternative small business funding can be a happy medium between bank financing and very-high interest opportunities. These business financing options provide affordable short-term loans and medium-term funding to small businesses that may not have the documentation and credit requirements necessary for bank loans. In addition, the funding process is typically faster, with most being completed in one to two weeks. Generally, the required documentation to obtain alternative financing will include:- Credit report
- 3+ months of business bank statements
- Two years of business tax returns
- The previous year’s profit and loss statement
- A debt schedule
- A year of personal tax returns and financial statements
Different Business Financing Options
There are ample business financing options that fall into one or more of the buckets mentioned above. The first is the SBA financing types, almost all of which fall into one of four categories. In addition to SBA loans, there are various funding methods that utilize both conventional and alternative options. These include:- Lines of credit
- Working capital loans
- Equipment loans
- Professional practice loans
- Invoice factoring
- Franchise startup loans
Small Business Administration (SBA) Financing Types
Four main SBA loan types comprise the vast majority of SBA funding options: the 7(a) loan, 504/CDC loan, Disaster loan, and various types of microloans. Each of these types of loans has its own set of rules, limitations, interest rates, and different uses, which we'll examine in the sections below.Real Estate and Equipment Loans
Most real estate and equipment loans are channeled through the SBA’s CDC/504 loan program. This is similar to the 7(a) program in that it’s guaranteed up to $5 million. However, the funds from a real estate and equipment loan will typically be used for just that: concrete capital like operational facilities, land, and machinery. Many SBA 504 loans are processed through specialized lenders and nonprofits. Technically, it’s two loans, one from a bank source of funding, which represents 50 percent. The other piece comes from a Certified Development Corporation (or CDC). The CDC funds another 40 percent, and the remaining 10 percent is the small business’ down payment. Every month, CDCs submit their closed loans to the SBA. Then, the SBA pools them together to sell to investors, who in turn provide the capital necessary to fund loans. The rates for these loans are subject to SBA rulemaking, in which interest rates are based on 5- and 10-year Treasury bonds, plus investor return and fees charged by both the CDC and SBA. These rates are generally fixed, meaning a small business’ loan payment isn’t going to change for the CDC piece. However, the interest rates on the lender’s side are negotiated between the lender and the business requesting the loan. The SBA holds no bearing here, but still, almost all rates fall under 10 percent. For more on the SBA 504/CDC loan program, view our article What is an SBA 504 Loan and How Can You Apply?Microloan Programs
The SBA’s microloan program provides small-time loans that’ll usually cap out at $50,000. These loans are meant to be used for investments like:- Initial business funding
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Working capital
- Supplies
- Furniture
- Inventory
- Equipment
7(a) Loans
The SBA’s 7(a) loan program is their closest thing to a flagship lending option. These are an excellent choice for small businesses, are incredibly flexible, and have a federal guarantee of up to $5 million borrowed. Funds for 7(a) loans are used mainly for:- Equipment
- Working capital
- Expansion projects
- Startup Costs
- Seasonal financing
- Debt refinancing
Small Business Disaster Loans
An SBA disaster loan can be used by business owners (or individuals) affected by a disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or droughts. The Small Business Disaster Loan is the only program the SBA offers in which they’ll lend directly to borrowers in almost every case. Alternatively, the SBA guarantees the loans provided by other lenders. There are many types of SBA disaster loans, which we'll summarize below:- Business Physical Disaster Loans: With business physical disaster loans, small business owners can replace or repair assets like machinery, equipment, or property, as well as inventory, fixtures, or improvements to leased property and assets. They are meant to offset losses that insurance doesn’t fully cover.
- EIDL: With this type of loan, the recipient will receive financing that works very much like a standard working capital loan. They’re meant to assist small businesses in meeting financial obligations that would’ve been achieved if not for a natural disaster. These are relegated to small businesses, private nonprofits, and smaller agricultural co-ops.
- Home and Personal Property Disaster Loans: With home and personal property disaster loans, most opportunities will apply to homeowners and not small businesses. However, these loan types apply to those who own and operate rental properties. These loans are used to replace or repair the value of these properties.
- MREIDLs : This financing can be used for meeting operating expenses that would otherwise have been met if a key employee wasn’t called to active duty by the US military. While not technically a “disaster,” this loan type falls under the disaster loan category.
Conventional and Alternative Loan Types
There are an extensive number of both traditional and alternative types of business loans. These are typically methods of funding that aren’t guaranteed by the SBA or provided by major banks.Lines of Credit
Business lines of credit work similar to business credit cards. A small business is provided a number that acts as a maximum credit limit. The small business can then spend up to the limit provided, and make multiple draws against this as needed. Interest is applied to borrowed funds, and the interest is paid back with the principal via scheduled payments. Both secured and unsecured credit lines are available for small businesses. Typically, secured lines are provided to applicants with lower credit scores and startups. Because they’re backed by assets utilized as collateral, if the small business defaults, the lenders can use collateral to pay the debt. Unsecured lines don’t require collateral and are available to borrowers with strong credit histories. Business lines of credit are great options for unexpected expenses or to resolve cash flow shortages. In addition, they can be used to buy inventory or supplies to handle seasonality. Much like credit cards, it’s crucial to use business lines of credit only as needed and to pay back borrowed funds quickly. This will help you avoid having to pay interest.Working Capital Loan
Typically, small business financing options are categorized by their usage. For example, business mortgages act as longer-term loans for properties. In comparison, working capital loans are used to fund everyday, standard business operations. Small businesses can use working capital loans for multiple costs, such as:- Rent
- Debt repayments
- Payroll
- Seasonal expenses
Equipment Loans
The advantage to an equipment loan is that you can utilize it to purchase equipment immediately, but you aren’t required to pay the full cost upfront. Instead, you’ll spend less on monthly, smaller payments, or on some other schedule for loan repayment, and low interest to the lender. Equipment loans are an excellent option for individuals interested in more affordable options to own expensive equipment or machinery. This funding option also works well for business owners with less than stellar credit scores. Typically, there’s no collateral requirement either, as the equipment serves as collateral and can be repossessed upon default. While some credit unions and banks offer different types of equipment loans, online lenders have extensive options available as well. In addition, equipment manufacturers sometimes have their own credit programs for borrowers.
Professional Practice Loan
This type of loan is a fantastic option if you want to increase cash flow to afford costs, such as:- Office renovations
- Acquisitions
- Equipment
- New buildings
- Existing loan refinancing
- Buying into (or buying out) an existing practice