US Business Funding Guides
Plain-English guides to lenders, eligibility, and costs — so you can walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
Business Loans
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Equipment and Cash Flow Options: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
Seventy percent of businesses that acquire new equipment through financing report improved cash flow within six months, yet many owners still struggle to understand their equipment and cash flow options.
Equipment and Expansion: Smart Business Growth Through Strategic Asset Investment
Equipment and expansion refers to the strategic acquisition of physical assets, technology, or infrastructure to scale business operations, increase capacity, or enter new markets.
How to Qualify for a Business Loan: Step-by-Step Guide to Lender Requirements
To qualify for a business loan, lenders typically evaluate your personal credit score (usually 670 or above for banks), time in business (at least two years for traditional lenders), annual revenue (often $50,000 to $250,000 minimum), and supporting documents like tax returns and bank statements.
Private Credit vs. Traditional Business Loans: What Main Street Borrowers Need to Know
Private credit refers to loans made by non-bank lenders — such as private funds, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and specialty finance firms — outside the traditional banking system. For Main Street borrowers, private credit often means faster decisions and more flexible criteria than a bank, but it almost always costs more.
Restaurant Business Loans in the US: Working Capital Solutions for Food Service Owners
Restaurant owners face cash flow challenges that can shut down operations within weeks. Working capital loans for restaurants range from $10,000 to $5 million, with funding available in 3-7 business days for qualified applicants.
SBA 504 vs 7(a) Loans: Which Works Better for Real Estate
SBA 504 loans typically work better for owner-occupied commercial real estate purchases due to lower down payments (10%) and fixed interest rates, while 7(a) loans offer more flexibility for mixed-use properties and faster closing times. The choice depends on your property type, down payment capacity, and timeline needs.
SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot: How the New SBA Line of Credit Works
The SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) provides monitored lines of credit up to $5 million for established small businesses with at least 12 months of operating history. Unlike traditional SBA term loans, this pilot program offers flexible access to funds with annual guaranty fees and tiered interest rates starting at base rate plus 3.0% for larger loans.
SBA Microloans for Small Businesses: When a $50K Loan Makes More Sense Than a Bank Loan
SBA microloans offer up to $50,000 with 8-13% interest rates and seven-year repayment terms through nonprofit intermediaries, making them ideal for small businesses that need working capital but don't qualify for traditional bank loans.
Term Loan vs Line of Credit vs Merchant Cash Advance: US Small Business Funding Compared
Term loans provide a lump sum upfront for long-term investments, lines of credit offer flexible access to funds as needed, and merchant cash advances deliver fast cash based on future sales.
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