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Pros explained

• Capital to meet business needs: Use the loan for various purposes, including payroll, inventory, rent, equipment and other business-related costs.
• Maintain company ownership: With a business loan, you don’t promise a portion of your profits as you do with equity financing. You maintain full company ownership and control.
• Can build a separate credit profile for your business: Some lenders report to business credit agencies, providing a way for your company to establish a separate profile and score.

Cons explained

• Repayment costs: Debt typically has costs in the form of interest charges and/or fees, increasing overall expenses.
• Increases your business debt burden: Your business loan is reported on your balance sheet, which can affect your business’s financial stability and cash flow.
• Can impact your personal credit if you default: Many business lenders require a personal guarantee, meaning the creditor can come after your personal assets if you default on the debt. Additionally, a default might be reported on your personal credit report.

How to compare small business loans

A good business loan should help you meet your goals while being affordable. Compare three to five of the best small-business loan lenders to determine which might be the best fit for your needs.

As you compare business loans, keep these factors in mind:

Rates

Comparing business loan interest rates can be challenging because many lenders use a factor rate, which is expressed as a decimal instead of a percentage. 

A factor rate is multiplied by your original loan amount to determine the total amount you repay. These rates are often used for short-term loans and revenue-based financing. Factor rates of 1.0 to 1.5 are common. They can translate into relatively high APRs, however. 

Eligibility requirements

You often need to demonstrate that you’ve been in business for a set period and generate a certain amount of revenue. For example, you might have to be in business for one year and generate $10,000 in monthly revenue. 

Determine whether you meet the criteria and if you might have a better chance of qualifying for one loan instead of another.

Repayment terms

Most business loans are short term, meaning you must repay them within two years. Some lines of credit require repayment in as little as 12 months. Compare maximum repayment terms to determine whether you might have a more flexible timeline with one lender versus another.

Funding amount

Verify that the lenders you compare can meet your capital needs. Some lenders offer as much as $1.5 million, while others might offer only $250,000. 

Reports to business credit bureau

If you hope to build your business credit separate from your personal credit, you need a business credit report. A lender that reports to a business credit bureau can help you establish a credit history that can qualify you for more funding at better rates later.

How to get a small-business loan

Before you apply for a business loan, ensure you have the required information available. You’re likely to receive a quicker decision and faster funding when everything is ready to go.

• Business information: Know how long your business has been active, its annual and monthly revenue and your employer identification number. If you have a business bank account, have that information readily available.
• Bank statements: Many small-business loan lenders require at least three months of business bank statements.
• Tax return information: If you have Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) documents, have them available, along with your personal tax return.
• Personal information: As with any loan, you need your Social Security number, address, phone number and other identifying information. 

If your business lender offers a phone number you can call to connect with a specialist, use it to determine the additional documentation you might need.

Once you’re approved, provide your business bank account information to receive the funds and begin repaying the loan.

Alternatives to small-business loans

You don’t need to get a business loan to fund your small business or expand your offerings. If you can’t qualify for a business loan or if you’re concerned about the cost, consider these options:

• Small-business credit card: In some cases, you might be able to get a business credit card before qualifying for a loan. Consider using a business credit card for smaller purchases and recurring bills. If the credit card issuer reports to a business credit bureau, good habits might help you qualify for a business loan later.
• Crowdfunding: See if you can get people in your network to help you fund your business. By offering non-monetary incentives, such as a product, you might be able to raise enough money to take your small business to the next level.
• Friends and family: Consider whether you can borrow what you need from a friend or family member or if they’re willing to provide the capital for your business idea or expansion.
• Personal loan: In some cases, you might be able to access better terms with a personal loan. Costs might be lower, and you could have a longer repayment period with smaller monthly obligations, especially if you have good credit. Some lenders exclude business purposes from their personal loans, however.
• Savings: Consider saving up to start a business, or set aside money in a business savings account to cover unexpected costs. This can reduce your need to borrow.

Pros explained

• Streamline payments: Making multiple payments can feel overwhelming. Business debt consolidation brings everything under one loan and one payment, which can be easier to manage. The monthly payment might be lower and improve your business cash flow.
• Can improve your credit score: When a business lender reports to credit bureaus, making on-time payments can improve your business score. Some business debts (such as business credit cards) are reported to personal credit bureaus. Consolidating business credit cards could boost your credit score by improving your credit utilization.
• Can get out of debt faster: Depending on your situation, you might be able to get out of debt faster with a short-term loan that is more manageable.

Cons explained

• Potential higher long-term cost: Even if you end up with a lower rate, you could see a higher long-term cost. A lower monthly payment might result in a more manageable budget, but if you’re in debt longer, it could mean higher costs.
• Might not solve underlying issues: Consolidating business debt doesn’t solve potential cash-flow issues related to revenue and spending. Consider the realities of your business while tackling your debt.
• Risk of collateral: You might need to secure your business debt consolidation loan with equipment or property. Missing payments could result in the loss of the collateral provided.

6 steps to consolidating business debt

Getting a small-business debt consolidation loan works similarly to applying for other loans. 

1. Determine how much debt you have

Add up your business debt. Include business credit cards and other business loans you have. Understand how much you need to borrow to pay off all your smaller debts.

2. Make sure you meet qualifications

Double-check the requirements for the type of loan you plan to apply for. Some lenders require minimums for time in business and annual revenue. You might also need to meet personal and business credit criteria. 

3. Compile required documentation

Gather documents that prove your identity and show your financial and business situation. You might need to provide bank statements, tax returns, articles of organization and other documents as requested by the lender. 

4. Review and compare lenders

Get quotes from three to find lenders. Many online business lenders offer prequalification with a soft credit check. Determine which lender offers the best deal and is most likely to help you reach your financial business goals.

5. Complete your application

Fill out the application for your first-choice lender and upload the required documents. Double-check that all the information is accurate. Some lenders can provide approval within minutes. You’re more likely to get a faster decision when all the information is documented.

6. Review your loan agreement and sign

Once you receive approval, review your loan agreement. Verify that the terms and conditions are what you expect. Sign the agreement and confirm where the money will be sent. Once you receive the funds, pay off your other debts with the proceeds of the loan and begin making payments to the new lender.

Tips for comparing debt consolidation loans

As you compare business debt consolidation loans, pay attention to the following factors:

• Cost: Understand how much your loan will cost. Some types of debt consolidation loans might quote you a factor rate instead of an interest rate. Pay attention to how much the loan is expected to cost overall as you make your decision. Check for origination, administration and prepayment fees as well.
• Repayment terms: Many online business lenders offer short-term business loans and lines of credit that must be repaid within two years. If you need a longer loan term, continue comparing business loans from traditional banks and credit unions. 
• Funding time: How quickly you can get your money matters if you’re in a crunch. Fast funding for business loans often results in higher costs. If you can wait a little longer, trying to qualify for an SBA loan might make sense. 
• Daily, weekly or monthly payments: Payment frequency can impact your business cash flow. For business debt consolidation, consider whether a monthly or weekly payment would better meet your needs.