Small Business Loans

Most established, for-profit U.S. businesses can qualify. Lenders look at cash flow first — whether the business earns enough to cover the payment — then credit, time in business and collateral. Banks usually prefer about two years of history; SBA sets no minimum time in business, and a startup puts in at least 10% of the project as equity. Some businesses are not eligible for SBA loans, such as lenders, passive real estate investors and businesses engaged in illegal activity. We arrange business loans from $25K.

It depends on the loan type, counted from a complete application. Equipment financing and online loans: often a few days. Business lines of credit: about 1–2 weeks. Bank term loans: about 2–6 weeks. SBA 7(a): 30–60 days; SBA 504: 60–90 days. To move faster, have 3–6 months of bank statements, your latest tax returns and a business license ready when you apply. An advisor contacts you within one business day.

As of September 2026: SBA 7(a) 8.5–11.5% (Prime 7% plus a spread SBA caps by loan size), SBA 504 6.25–7.25%, bank term loans 7.5–11%, bank lines of credit 8.75–11% and equipment financing 6.5–20%. Online lenders quote APRs of about 14–45%, fees included. Your rate depends on credit, cash flow, collateral and time in business — compare the APR and total cost, not just the rate.

It varies by loan type. Banks and SBA lenders typically look for 680+; SBA itself sets no minimum score. Equipment financing and online lenders work with lower scores, at higher rates. Cash flow, time in business and collateral matter as much as the score, and checking your options with us does not affect your credit.

You never pay us to apply or to get advice. Lenders may charge origination fees, closing costs or third-party costs depending on the product. When a loan closes, BestLoanUSA may receive part of the broker fee paid on it — disclosed in writing, with every other fee, before you sign. There is no obligation to accept any offer.

Banks charge less — 7.5–11% for term loans and 8.75–11% for lines of credit — but want stronger credit, a longer history and full financials, and take about 2–6 weeks. Non-bank and online lenders decide faster and accept newer businesses or lower scores, at about 14–45% APR with shorter terms. We compare both so you can see the cost of speed before you choose.

We arrange business loans from $25K. SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5 million; SBA 504 adds up to $5 million from SBA ($5.5 million for small manufacturers) alongside a bank loan for a building or major equipment; commercial real estate loans run from $250K to $50M+. Within those limits, lenders size the loan so your cash flow covers the payments — often about 1.25 times — and against collateral for secured loans.