Small Business Resources
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Your guide to small business loans
As a small business owner, securing your big idea with the right loan can help your business launch, grow and thrive.
Here are quick links to resources on this page.
Explore business loan types
Learn about the different kinds of loan products available for your small business.
Average business loan rates and loan amounts
Compare recent lending trends to help put your lending decision in perspective.
Government resources, helpful insights and calculators
Explore SBA loans and use our calculators to breakdown your future payments.
Explore small business loan types
Equipment financing
Equipment financing is a term loan that allows you to fund big purchases, like vehicles or machinery. The equipment is often used as collateral for the loan.
Working capital loans
Working capital loans are a form of short-term financing that help cover day-to-day business needs, like payroll or inventory.
Invoice factoring
Instead of waiting on unpaid customer invoices, invoice factoring allows you to sell those invoices to a third party for quick access to capital.
Business lines of credit
With a line of credit, you’re granted access to a set limit of funds that you can draw on as needed, and you’ll only pay interest on what you borrow.
SBA loans
Partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans are often cheaper and easier to qualify for than traditional bank loans.
Merchant cash advances
Merchant cash advances provide upfront funds in exchange for a percentage of future sales. They are one of the most widely accessible, but expensive, financing options.
Compare your loan options
| Best for… | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment financing | Buying equipment, machinery or technology |
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| Invoice factoring | Business-to-business companies with slow-paying customers |
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| SBA loans | Established businesses with strong credit |
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| Working capital loans | Covering short-term operating expenses |
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| Business lines of credit | Ongoing or unpredictable expenses |
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| Term loans | One-time, planned investments |
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| Merchant cash advances | Businesses with high card sales |
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Average rates and loan amounts
The small business landscape is always changing. Check out the most recent data on average loan amounts, loan interest rates and line of credit interest rates.
SBA loans and government resources
Partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans are the gold standard of small business lending. With long repayment terms, they can be a great fit for a wide range of business needs. The SBA also caps interest rates, keeping borrowing costs low for small business owners.
Common SBA loan programs
Many of LendingTree’s partners offer SBA loans. Some are even preferred lenders, meaning they can make financing decisions on behalf of the SBA. That speeds up the lending process, getting you the money you need, when you need it.
7(a) Loans
The SBA’s primary loan program, 7(a) loans offer financing up to $5 million that can be used for a wide variety of small business expenses.
504 Loans
With repayment terms lasting as long as 25 years, 504 loans are a great option to finance fixed assets like equipment or real estate.
Microloans
Microloans tend to be easier to qualify for than other loans, with values up to $50,000.
LendingTree’s SBA loan payment calculator can help you understand which term length and loan size is right for you.
Ready to start your business? Make sure you understand these government regulations first.
Tools and calculators
Cash flow is crucial for small business owners. Before taking on new debt, use our calculators to see how a new monthly payment will impact your budget.
Expert guides and reviews
Small business lender reviews
QuickBridge
QuickBridge offers a fast application process with quick financing, but doesn’t offer a lot of transparency around rates and terms.
Fundbox
Fundbox offers financing to newer businesses with low annual revenue, making them an option for startups.
SBG Funding
If you have fair credit and need same-day financing, SBG Funding could be a great fit.
Chase Business Loans
With a nationwide presence and variety of funding options, Chase Bank could be a solid choice for established businesses.
TD Bank
If you’re on the East Coast, TD Bank offers a variety of funding options with an emphasis on in-person communication.
Ready to compare?
Here’s how LendingTree can help you choose the right small business loan
Small business owners already wear many hats — financial guru doesn’t have to be one of them.
LendingTree can make shopping for a business loan fast and easy:
1. Tell us about yourself
Fill out a short form with information about you, your business and your financing needs. It’s easy and secure.
2. Review your options
Based on your business’s financial profile, you’ll be able to review potential offers and apply directly with a lender — or work with an account manager who can guide you through the financing process.
3. Get funding. Fast
After completing the process, you can receive financing in as little as 24 hours.
Qualifying customers have the chance to work with LendingTree’s concierge team — account executives who provide personalized guidance through the entire application process, giving you the best chance at approval.
After completing our form, you may be matched with an account manager who can help you choose and apply for the loan product that’s best for your business.
LendingTree’s small business concierge service connected more than 5,000 businesses with over $300 million of loans in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Many lenders consider your time in business when making funding decisions, so startups can be at a disadvantage when trying to get a business loan. However, alternative lenders often have more lenient lending criteria, making them a go-to option for startup business loans.
They can be. The rate you pay will depend largely on your business profile and credit history. More established businesses may be able to apply for longer-term, cheaper financing at a traditional bank or SBA-preferred lender. However, if you need fast financing or are a newer business, you’ll have more luck with an alternative lender — but you’ll pay for the convenience.
Business loans allow entrepreneurs to start, expand and manage day-to-day operations. They’re most commonly structured as term loans with fixed payments, lines of credit that let you draw funds on an as-needed basis or merchant cash advances that provide financing in exchange for future sales.
When applying for a business loan, you typically must provide:
- Business records like income statements and cash flow analysis
- How long your business has been active
- Your annual revenue
- Business (and sometimes personal) credit history