Small Business Loan Calculator

Starting or expanding a small business can be a very difficult task. Most small business owners do not have the funds to lift their businesses off the ground without additional help. Small business loans allow new business owners to fund daily business operations and pursue new business ventures. Depending on what you need the money for, there are a variety of small business loans to choose from, as well as different types of lenders. Use our business loan calculator below and choose the type of debt and lender that best suit your needs.

Small Business Loan Calculator
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Types of Small Business Loans

There are several types of lenders you can choose from when pursuing one. Each lender will have its own advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, each lender will offer different types.

- Banks

Conventional bank produts can be very appealing as they generally have the lowest interest rates. Additionally, the approval process does not involve a federal agency. This means that the approval process can be carried out much more quickly.

On the other hand, bank options have several downsides. First, they often have shorter repayment terms than other types. Moreover, conventional bank obligations can be very difficult to get approved for. However, if you are able to get approved, banks are often the best option available.

- SBA

The SBA, or Small Business Administration, offers a variety of funding programs for small businesses. Rather than lending money to businesses, the SBA partners with banks and other institutions and sets guidelines that reduce the risk for lenders. These guidelines generally cover 75% to 90% of the balance, essentially guaranteeing that it is paid back.

Disadvantages include:

• More fees
• Excessive paperwork
• Long approval times
• Strict requirements

- Alternatives to SBA

Alternative lenders include pretty much any institution that is not a bank and does not operate through the SBA. Alternative lenders may directly extend you money, or they may pool multiple smaller debts from a lending marketplace.

One of the main attractions of these alternative lenders is that they can have incredibly fast approval times. Many alternative lenders offer online applications and make their approval decision in a matter of hours. From this point, you can expect to receive your money in just a few days. Furthermore, the requirements for these are often very lenient and can be used for a variety of expenses.

However, be sure to be scrutinous when reading over the terms of these options. Many alternatives have much higher interest rates than bank options or SBA. As the requirements for alternative options are not generally strict, they are much riskier for the lender.

Types of Small Business Loans

The types of small business debts available depend on which lender you choose. As such, it is important to be aware of your options before choosing a lender.

- Professional Practice

Professional practice products only apply to certain businesses. These are meant for small businesses that provide a service such as healthcare, legal, accounting, veterinary, and other services. Professional practice options are generally offered to people who intend to purchase a new practice, refinance debt, purchase equipment, or buy real estate.

- Working Capital

These are designed to be used to fund standard business operations. They are short-term solutions that are available from both banks and alternative lenders. Working capital notes allow small businesses to keep their companies afloat as they look for alternative funding solutions. Be wary of the high-interest rates and short repayment terms that are often accompanied by these.

- Franchise Startup

Franchise startup options are typically used to pay franchise fees, build new locations, purchase equipment, or to fund business operations. These are designed for people who need funding to start their own franchise.

- Credit

Lines of credit are meant to help small businesses fund daily business operations, much like working capital obligations. Depending on what is offered by your lender, they can be short- or long-term solutions. However, they are not meant to be used for large purchases. This type is typically unsecured and can help you improve your credit. However, credit can also dramatically increase your business’ debt if you are not mindful about what it is being used for.

- Equipment

Equipment debts help small businesses purchase necessary office equipment and supplies. These can be used to buy things such as computers, copiers, desks, machinery, and other equipment. Rather than paying for these items at once, businesses can make monthly payments on their equipment. These can be very easy to be approved for as the equipment being purchased is often what is used as collateral.

Types of SBA

- 7(a)

This is the SBA’s primary program. 7(a) are the most common and flexible type offered by the Administration. These can be used as working capital, to purchase equipment, to buy real estate, to refinance debt, and a plethora of other things. 7(a)are generally available in amounts up to $5 million and can be repaid in up to 25 years. The repayment terms depend on what the money is being used for.

- Disaster

Disaster obligations are pretty much exactly what they sound like. Business owners can use SBA disaster option to repair property, equipment, or inventory that was damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. These are typically very low-interest and are offered in amounts up to $2 million.

- Microloans

Microloans are offered to new small businesses to pay for supplies, furniture, equipment, machinery, or to be used as working capital. However, microloans cannot be used to purchase real estate or refinance debt as others can. Microloans are offered in amounts up to $50,000 and can be repaid in periods up to six years. Your payment terms may be dependent on your needs, what you intend to use the money for, how much you need, and other requirements determined by the lender.

- Equipment and Real Estate

Businesses can obtain long-term, fixed-interest obligations through the CDC/504 Program offered by the SBA. These can be used to purchase existing real estate, refinance debt, purchase new machinery, renovate property, and other large purchases regarding the expansion of your small business. Generally, you will cover 10% of the cost with the SBA covering 40% and a lender covering the remaining 50%. These are offered in amounts up to $5.5 million and cannot be used for inventory or working capital.

How to Apply for a Small Business Loan

First, you need to determine your eligibility for an SBA options. Eligibility requirements include:

• A 680+ credit score for all primary business owners.
• While SBA products do not always require a lot or any collateral, it will make it easier for you to get approved.
• You will need to make a down payment of 10% or more to purchase a business or real estate.
• You need to demonstrate that you have the cash flow to cover your debt(s).
• Your business needs to be profitable and you cannot have any defaults or delinquencies on debts owed to the government.
• It is more difficult to be approved if your business has not operated for at least two years.

Once you have determined your eligibility, you need to get your paperwork in order. You will need:

• Business financial statements
• Personal financial statements
• Profit and loss statements
• Projected financial statements
• Income tax returns
• Debt application history
• Resumes
• Business overview
• Ownership and affiliation records
• Business lease
• Business certificate and license(s)
• And any other documents required by the lender

Once you have these documents, you can begin your application. The application can be found on the SBA website. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your reasons for applying, what the funds will be used for, who your owners and management are, and other inquiries.

Applying for Banks and Alternative Lender Products

Applying for a conventional bank product or an option from an alternative lender requires much of the same paperwork as an SBA option. You will need to provide a complete financial history of your small business, as well as your personal financial records. You will have to demonstrate financial competence and your ability to repay your balance. Additionally, you need to show how the money will aid your growth plans for your business.

Moreover, you need to explain exactly what the money will be used for. If you plan to purchase equipment and supplies, you should submit quotes for how much the items in question will cost.

When applying for an alternative options, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you need to consider interest rates. Your interest rate is the main determinant when evaluating the long-term cost of your debt. Be mindful of variable-interest rates which can seem appealing at first, but may drastically increase over time. Only take on an interest rate which you can afford right now. Do not agree to an interest rate which grows over time that you do not expect to be able to afford in the future.

You will likely also be subject to credit checks to ensure your financial responsibility. The required credit score will vary from lender to lender, however, the 680+ required by the SBA is a good benchmark to aim for before applying for bank or alternative options.

Tips for Applying for a Small Business Loan

- Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval is a great way to get started when looking for any choice. This primarily applies to conventional bank and alternative options. SBA produs, on the other hand, have fairly straightforward requirements and terms.

Pre-approval can help you get preliminary offers. You can use these to get a better idea of what you can expect and what you can afford. Taking this step can help you narrow down your list of potential lenders before investing too much time in lenders that do not suit your needs.

- Plan Your Investments

As previously mentioned, you will likely be required to submit a detailed outline of what you plan to purchase with your money. Having a detailed list of the items you plan to purchase and what they cost can make it much easier to get approval. It can also help you be sure that you do not borrow more than you need to expand your small business.

- Have a Growth Strategy

Not only do lenders want to know what you plan to purchase, but they also want to know how it will help your business become more profitable. At the end of the day, lenders only care about being repaid. A solid growth strategy can help convince potential lenders that a small business product will help your business turn a larger profit and pay them back in a reasonable timeframe. You need to explain exactly how your investments will generate growth opportunities for your business.

- Compare Offers

As the approval process can be time-consuming, it can be tempting to take the first reasonable offer. However, it is important to do your due diligence before selecting one. You should carefully examine all offers and payment terms to ensure that the one you choose is favorable to you and your business. Many choices are attractive as they offer low-interest rates up front, however, they often include significant fees and fast-growing interest rates you might not be prepared to take on.

Best Small Business Loans

Choosing the right ender can be a difficult choice. Ultimately, it comes down to what you can afford, how much you need, and what you need the money for. For example, the SBA disaster is a very specialized option which you may not be able to obtain from alternative lenders.

While choosing the right lender depends on a variety of factors, there are a few things to consider. First of all, you should be aware of potential interest rates to ensure that you can pay off your balance as quickly as possible. This will help you avoid accumulating excessive interest charges. Additionally, you should be aware of how a lender’s repayment policies will affect your available cash flow. Lastly, be sure to read ratings and reviews of various lenders to ensure that your lender is reliable. Try looking for lenders that have a high rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Use our business loan calculator above and choose the type of debt and lender that best suit your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

- Does it Cost Money to Apply for a Small Business Loan?

This is entirely dependent on your lender’s policies. Some lenders will charge you for your application. Furthermore, some lenders may not charge you to apply, but will charge for certain items in the application process. For example, you might be responsible for the costs of running a credit check or appraising assets. Talk to potential lenders before applying to make sure that you are aware of any and all application fees.

- What if I am Denied?

If you are not approved for a small business product, you might have a few other options.

Applying for a business credit card might be an option if you are unable to obtain a traditional choice. Business credit cards can help you cover operating expenses while you pursue other financing options. Business credit cards give you access to revolving credit and may offer rewards. While they are easier to get than traditional choies, they typically have much higher interest rates. As such, a traditional route is generally a better option if possible.

Additionally, you might consider taking out a personal obligations. Personal optionsallow you to use the money on whatever you need. You will not be limited on what it can be applied to, but you need to be in good financial standing to obtain a favorable personal options. Moreover, you will likely have to put up an asset or assets as collateral.

Lastly, you may be eligible for a small business grant. If your business performs scientific research, for example, you may qualify for federal grant programs. Furthermore, there are small business grants available exclusively to women and minorities who want to own and operate a small business. In some cases, these grants even include business mentorship and workshops to help your business be successful.

- How Long Does it Take to Be Approved?

Again, this depends entirely on your lender. Alternative lenders, in particular, typically have very fast turnaround times for approval.

In most cases, you can expect a response in a matter of a few days, but many lenders will actually respond within hours of your application.

- When Will I Receive My Funds?

If you have already been approved and signed an agreement, you can expect to receive your funds very quickly. Most lenders will disburse funds within a few business days post-approval.