Small Business
Small business loans and credit cards can help launch your startup, cover overhead costs, purchase equipment, refinance debt — and more. Explore your options below and find the right business loan or business credit card for you.
Spotlight articles
Starting a family business: Business ideas and tips
Looking to start a family business? Here are ideas and tips to get started.
Types of LLC loans
Check out our guide to the different types of LLC loans.
How to get a short-term business loan
Bankrate explains how to get a short-term business loan in 5 steps.
Types of startup business loans
As a small business startup, finding the right funding is key to growth.
Loans for small businesses
Small business loans provide capital to help cover just about any business expense.
You have a variety of options to choose from, including working capital, term loans, business lines of credit and equipment loans, just to name a few.
Banks and credit unions are well-known places to get business loans. But eligibility requirements can be strict. Business owners with fair or bad credit will have better luck with online lenders, also known as fintech lenders and nonbanks. And for even more options, community-development financial institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) have a track record of helping minorities and other business owners in low-income communities who struggle to gain access to funds from traditional lenders.Credit cards for small business
Business credit cards are a great way to cover short-term business expenses. Like business lines of credit, you gain access to a pool of funds that you can repeatedly use up to your credit limit, and you’re only charged interest on the funds that you use.
Unlike small business loans, you have a chance to pay off your debt without any interest charges as long as the business credit card offers a grace period and you pay your balance in full each month. usiness credit cards also come with features not found with business loans. This may include free employee cards, cash back or travel rewards for purchases, and business-related perks.
What's new
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What is a business loan agreement?
A business loan agreement is a document you’ll receive from a lender that requires your signature and explains your loan’s terms and conditions.
3 min read Jul 17, 2023 -
How to fill out SBA Form 413
Filling out SBA Form 413 is required for most SBA loans and details your business and personal finances.
5 min read Jul 18, 2023 -
What is invoice financing?
Check out our guide to invoice financing and put your unpaid invoices to work.
6 min read Jul 06, 2023 -
SBA 504 loans: How to qualify and apply
Long-term, fixed financing for assets. Learn more about SBA 504 loans.
5 min read Jul 05, 2023 -
What is a business loan broker?
A business loan broker can make the process of applying for and getting a small business loan less stressful, ensuring you get the right loan for your business’s needs.
5 min read Jul 17, 2023 -
SBA Community Advantage loan: How to qualify and apply
Learn more about this SBA loan for underserved communities.
5 min read Jul 23, 2023 -
Study: Racial biases continue to impact loan approvals for minority business owners
This shows the struggle minority business owners face to gain access to capital.
7 min read Jul 31, 2023 -
What is a business loan proposal?
A business loan proposal is often an essential part of a small business loan application, explaining to lenders what you plan to use the funds for.
4 min read Jul 05, 2023 -
SBA loan collateral vs. guarantee
A personal guarantee or collateral may be required for SBA loans. Learn the differences and requirements here.
4 min read Jul 05, 2023 -
What is debt financing and is it right for your business?
Debt financing is a popular way to fund small businesses, but it might not be the right option for every business.
4 min read Mar 22, 2024