Apply for a loan
Even as technology creates new ways of raising capital, traditional financing products remain the primary way small businesses fund their operations. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), almost
75% of financing for new firms comes from business loans, credit cards, and lines of credit.
Generally speaking, the small business loans with the most favorable rates and terms are going to be SBA loans and term loans from banks and other financial institutions. To get approved, you typically need to meet requirements like the following:
- You have been in business for 2 years or more
- The business has strong annual revenues (typically at least $100,000)
- Good credit (like a score of 640+)
These aren’t hard and fast rules and will differ depending on the lender. If you don’t qualify for a term loan with a good APR, there are other, albeit more expensive, types of funding available.
If you have outstanding invoices, you could opt for invoice financing to get that money faster. Or, if you need cash for machinery, tech devices, office furniture, or something similar, consider equipment financing.
Before applying for a small business loan, make sure to prepare any
loan documents you’ll need to show ahead of time. You’ll be asked to show a profit and loss statement, balance sheets, tax returns and bank statements. In some cases your personal information may be checked as well.