Discover The Qualifications For Small Business Loans

With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, including 14 years of offering small business loans and managing a consumer loan portfolio for five years, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to secure financing in various market conditions.

In “Qualifications For Small Business Loans,” I draw from this extensive background to provide a detailed guide that lays out the essential criteria and best practices for securing a small business loan.

This article is not just a list of qualifications; it’s a compilation of insights and advice shaped by years of hands-on experience and interaction with countless business owners facing financing challenges. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, understanding these qualifications can make the difference between a successful loan application and a missed opportunity.

Let’s explore what lenders like me are looking for together, using the knowledge and expertise I’ve cultivated to help you better prepare for and navigate the loan application process.

What are the Qualifications for Small Business Loans

If you’re starting a new business or have an established, strong business, a small business loan could help you expand your growth and earnings by providing the financial wherewithal to establish or grow your business, acquire inventory, or advertise your small business. So, how does a small business loan benefit you in real terms? It starts before you begin looking to fund your business for business expansion. The process of seeking capital loans forces you to ask yourself several questions.

What Business Loan Can I Get?

Do I want an SBA loan from the Small Business Administration and their SBA lenders, or should I seek financing from traditional lenders and credit unions who offer bank loans?

You might need to consider an alternative lender. This exercise forces you to focus on the business loan application process and requirements and the financial and business documents you need beforehand.

Qualifications for Business Loans

Depending on the source of the funds and the lender’s requirements, this can include:

• The last 3 years of personal and business income tax returns
• Financial statements, including your P&L (Profit and Loss) and Balance Sheet
• Bank account statements, including personal and business bank checking accounts and business savings account
• Copy of your driver’s license Business licenses
• Copy of your lease agreement
• Articles of incorporation
• Proof that you can do business in your state
• Business plans

Do you need to provide collateral or assets? Do you need to check your credit? Who can qualify for a small business loan? The bigger question is, will I qualify for a business loan? The real question is, what are the minimum qualifications? How flexible is the lender? Can you offset one area of weakness with a solid business and strong annual revenues even though you may have poor or even bad credit?

Have you been in business long enough to meet banks’ requirements?

What Small Business Loans Are Available?

Small Business Loans and business lending are a lot like shoes. They come in a bunch of styles, colors, and sizes. One common type of business loan is commercial real estate loans.

Commercial real estate loans are typically for those who either own a commercial piece of property as owner-occupied or look to acquire commercial property for investment purposes. While there are tremendous benefits to this type of loan, it will not typically help a small business owner with challenges in their day-to-day operations.

A business credit line (also known as a business line of credit) is a fixed, pre-determined amount of credit (money made available to you) that a company could draw from as demands occur.  This is traditionally called “working capital” and can be secured or unsecured.

A small business loan is a certain amount of money borrowed by a business owner who desires to start or run his/her business. Various small business loans are offered by the government (SBA loans), banks (bank small business loans), or alternative small business lenders.

Again, these may be secured or unsecured. The loan amounts can vary depending on a number of variables. Generally, you can expect between $10,000 and $2 million from the top alternative lenders like Sunwise Capital. The loan proceeds are deposited in hours or a day or two from nontraditional lenders, while banks and traditional financial institutions may need close to three months to fund your account.

Unsecured small business loans are typically offered by an alternative lender (and not a bank) based on your current company’s cash flow and, to a lesser degree, your personal credit score (FICO scores of 550 or better with exceptions to go as low as 500). The lender’s protection is your cash flow or cash receivables. On the other hand, if you are willing to “secure” the loan or personally guarantee the small business loan, you will be offered better rates and terms.

However, your lender will need a decent credit score (FICO score of 640 or better), a clean credit history, and a steady and stable cash flow.

Are Business Loans a Good Idea?

Getting a small business loan for your new or existing business could bring relief in many ways. A small business loan permits you to grow and expand your business without the financial stress of having too much month at the end of the money. Maybe you need money for payroll or taxes. Do you need to renovate or buy more equipment or inventory?

What if the competitor right above or below you were to go out of business? Maybe you’d like to purchase their assets or customers. The uses for working capital are only limited by your imagination.

6 Types of Online Business Loans

Online lenders have become a pivotal resource for small businesses seeking alternative financing options that are often more flexible and accessible than traditional bank loans. Here’s a list of the top alternative loans offered by online lenders, complete with descriptions, pros, and cons for each:

Online Term Loans

Online term loans provide a lump sum of money with a scheduled repayment plan over a set period. They are similar to traditional bank loans but are facilitated entirely online.

• Pros: Quick application and funding process, often within a few days. They usually offer competitive interest rates for qualified borrowers.
• Cons: Might require a personal guarantee. Interest rates can be higher for less creditworthy borrowers compared to traditional banks.

Lines of Credit

A business line of credit provides access to a specific amount of funds to be drawn from as needed. You only pay interest on the amount you use.

• Pros: Flexibility in using and repaying funds is great for managing cash flow or unexpected expenses.
• Cons: Can come with maintenance or draw fees. Interest rates may be higher than for traditional loans, especially if the line of credit is unsecured.

Invoice Financing

This financing option allows businesses to borrow money against the amounts due from customers, providing immediate cash flow based on outstanding invoices.

• Pros: Quick access to cash without waiting for customers to pay their invoices. Does not require excellent credit since the invoices secure financing.
• Cons: Can be expensive as fees accumulate the longer customers take to pay. It might affect relationships with customers if the financing company handles collections.

Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)

MCAs provide a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future sales, typically from credit card transactions. The advance is repaid via daily or weekly deductions based on sales volume from the business’s bank account.

• Pros: Fast access to funds and easy qualification process. Repayment adjusts with your sales, providing flexibility during slower business periods.
• Cons: One of the most expensive forms of financing. The frequency of repayments can strain cash flow.

Equipment Financing

This loan type is specific to purchasing business equipment. The equipment itself serves as collateral for the loan.

• Pros: It allows businesses to acquire necessary equipment without paying the full cost upfront. Interest rates are often lower since the loan is secured.
• Cons: You’re locked into paying off the equipment even if it becomes obsolete or your needs change.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

P2P lending platforms connect borrowers directly with investors without going through a traditional financial intermediary. Loans can be used for various business purposes.

• Pros: Access to a vast pool of investors; can offer competitive loan terms based on the market. Suitable for businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans.
• Cons: Interest rates can vary widely based on creditworthiness and market conditions. Some platforms may charge high fees.

Each of these alternative loans has advantages and challenges, catering to small businesses’ different financial needs and situations. Online lenders often provide more flexible qualification criteria and faster processing times than traditional banks, making them a crucial option for businesses seeking quick or accessible financing. However, the cost of capital can be higher, so it’s vital for business owners to thoroughly evaluate the terms and potential impact on their business finances before proceeding.

What is Business Loan Underwriting?

Next, ask the lender about your concerns regarding the firm’s lending qualifications. This could eliminate any worries you may have before beginning the process. You must think of exactly how your business will use the small business loan. It’s best to understand this before you begin the process. Make sure that you know what’s on your personal (and even business credit) report before you start.

Your credit record score will certainly take a small hit if you have countless credit inquiries from lending companies, which could reduce your credit score in the future (inquiries will fall off after 6 months). Just know that the “inquiries” only comprise ten percent of your total score. The bottom line is that this has the most negligible impact on your overall score.

Make certain your repayment of any outstanding personal or business loans, mortgages, rents, credit cards, invoices, payables, etc., has been made promptly over the previous two years or even more. The nice thing about using an alternative small business loan lender is that they are far more forgiving. They will understand any blemishes you have, including a limited number of monthly bounced checks or NSFs.

Small business loan companies base your approval on over 100 to 900 different metrics, not just your specific credit score, especially if you are getting an unsecured small business loan.

Where to Get Small Business Loan

Obtaining a small business loan for your new or established business could relieve you of not having the capital to grow or expand your business and relieve you of being unable to take advantage of business opportunities. A small business loan enables you to grow your new or established business.

The interest on a small business loan is tax-deductible. Please speak to your tax accountant to determine the impact on your returns. Do some research to find a small business loan company that’s right for you. Check around online for interest rates, small business loan qualifications, other requirements (time in business, credit scores, minimum revenue, etc.), and flexibility of rates and terms.

Some lenders will offer creative small business loan options for your specific circumstances.

Consider these ideas as you search for your small business loan choices. You’ll get on the road to success in no time at all!

Frequently Asked Questions: Qualifications for Small Business Loans

What are the basic qualifications required to apply for a small business loan?

Basic qualifications typically include having a legally registered business, operating for a minimum period (often at least 6 months to 2 years), a minimum annual revenue (specific requirements vary by lender), and a decent business credit score. Additionally, lenders may check the personal credit score of the business owner.

How does my credit score affect my eligibility for a small business loan?

Both your personal and business credit scores play a significant role in determining your eligibility for a small business loan. A higher credit score can increase the likelihood of approval and secure more favorable terms and lower interest rates. Conversely, a lower credit score may limit your options and result in higher interest rates.

Do I need to provide collateral to qualify for a small business loan?

Not all small business loans require collateral, but secured loans do. Secured loans use assets such as real estate, equipment, or inventory as collateral, potentially helping you qualify for better terms due to the lender’s reduced risk. Unsecured loans, while not requiring collateral, typically have stricter credit requirements and may have higher interest rates.

Are there specific financial documents required when applying for a small business loan?

Lenders usually require several financial documents, including recent bank statements, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. These documents help lenders assess your business’s financial health and determine your ability to repay the loan.

Can startups qualify for small business loans?

Yes, startups can qualify for small business loans, although the options may be more limited than established businesses. Startups might need to rely more heavily on the owner’s personal credit score and may be eligible for specific startup loans, microloans, or business credit cards.

What is the importance of a business plan in securing a small business loan?

A well-crafted business plan can significantly impact your loan application. It demonstrates to lenders that you have a clear vision, strategy, and financial projection for your business. A business plan should outline your business model, market analysis, operational strategies, and detailed financial forecasts.

How do different lenders vary in their qualification criteria for small business loans?

Qualification criteria can vary widely depending on the lender. Traditional banks often have stricter credit scores, collateral, and documentation requirements. Online lenders might offer more flexibility but at higher interest rates. Specialty lenders, such as those focusing on microloans or nonprofit lenders, might have more lenient criteria and focus more on business potential or community impact.

What role does my business’s cash flow play in qualifying for a loan?

Cash flow is critical as it indicates the ability of your business to generate enough revenue to cover ongoing expenses and new loan payments. Lenders will scrutinize your cash flow to ensure you can comfortably handle additional debt, particularly for unsecured loans. Along with cash flow is your daily minimum cash balance. This reflects the average amount of cash in your business daily.

Can previous loan rejections impact my current loan application?

Yes, if your loan application was previously rejected, it might affect future applications. Lenders can view previous rejections in your credit report, which may raise concerns about your creditworthiness. It’s crucial to address the reasons for any earlier rejections before reapplying.

How can I improve my chances of qualifying for a small business loan?

To improve your chances, strengthen your credit score, maintain your financial records, optimize your business’s cash flow, and prepare a comprehensive business plan (if necessary). Additionally, understanding the lender’s requirements and tailoring your application to meet them can help significantly.

These FAQs aim to guide you through the complexities of qualifying for loans, emphasizing the importance of financial health, thorough preparation, and an understanding of lender expectations.