What Does it Take to Get a Small Business Loan?

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As a small business owner it’s tough to be profitable right away, especially when you need to invest in the right tools and resources.

A small business loan may be just what you need to get started.

A small business loan can give you the capital you need to launch your business or expand what you’ve already established. If you’ve never applied for outside funding, you may wonder about the process and what it entails. Perhaps you also want to know where you can get a small business loan and what it takes to get approved.

If you’re curious about what it takes to get a business loan, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for more information.

Business loans on your terms

Name

Min. Loan Amount

Max. Loan Amount

Requirements

Read our Review

$5,000

$250,000

Minimum 1 years in business
$102,000
Minimum credit score of 560

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More details

OnDeck offers two types of products. Small business term loans and small business lines of credit
There is one application and the end of you can you will be presented with the options that you have available to you.
Term Loans are from $5000-$50,000 on 3-36 month termsLine of Credit go up to $100,000 on payback over 6 months (these are revolving so you can pay it back and then reuse when needed)
Application takes a few minutes, you can apply online or call 1009809809809
To apply you will only need your basic business information and 3 month bank statements. This is the case with most lenders so it is good to have this on hand anyway.
OnDeck will do a soft credit check (which doesn’t hurt your credit score), you will need a score of over 640 to be able to qualify for with them
Minimum Requirements:

- - 1 year in business (no start ups)
  - $100,000 in gross annual income

Name

Min. Loan Amount

Max. Loan Amount

Requirements

Read our Review

$10,000

$300,000

Minimum 0.5 years in business
$300,000
Minimum credit score of 560

Go to Site Will I be accepted?

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Where can you apply for small business loans?

The Canada Small Business Financing Program

If you’re a small business owner in Canada, one of the first places you can look into is The Canada Small Business Financing Program. This program offers funding for small businesses that meet certain requirements.

For example, companies that have a gross annual revenue of $10 million or less may be eligible for a small business loan. Under this program, small business owners can work with local financial institutions to get a loan of up to a million dollars, though restrictions may apply.

A loan through this program, however, does have limitations on what you can use the funding for. For example, loans can be used for purchasing land, buildings, and equipment; and buying vehicles and technology software. You can’t, however, use this loan for working capital, inventory, or research and development.

If this is a good fit, then there will be either a variable or fixed interest rate, depending on the financial institution. Eighty-five percent of the loan is backed by the Canadian government, and there are different rates and repayment options that you may be eligible for.

An Online Lender

What if you need funding for working capital? If this is the case, you’ll likely need to seek another type of small business loan. While going straight to the bank may be your first inclination, banks often have strict eligibility requirements, as well as limits as to what you can do with the funding. What if you need something with a little more flexibility?

If you need capital quickly for your business – without as many hoops to jump through – consider small business loans from online lenders.

At LendingArch, we provide small business loans that can offer the capital you need whether it’s for renovations, marketing, inventory, or expanding your business. The good news is you can compare various options in a matter of minutes and get funding straight into your bank account. Not only that, but there’s an easy application process and no collateral required upfront either. On top of that, LendingArch has flexible repayment terms that can meet your business needs.

So, if you’re looking for an alternative small business loan that’s more accessible to you, check out these options.

Microloans

There are also smaller-scale microloans that you may be eligible for. For example, some microloans are offered to specific types of small businesses based in certain regions. Community Micro Lending, for instance, offers a startup loan of up to $5,000 and an expansion loan for up to $10,000.

Other Options

On top of microloans, small business loans from banks and funding through online lenders like LendingArch, you may want to consider crowdfunding, borrowing from relatives and credit cards to get additional financing.

Of course, these other options may not be ideal. Credit cards, for instance, often have high interest rates, whereas borrowing money from friends and family can come with its own issues.

As a small business owner, it’s up to you to look at all the financing options available. From there, you can decide which small business loan is the best fit for your business goals.

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What you need to apply for a small business loan

Now that you know where to look for small business loans, now it’s time to apply for one.

In order to prepare for your small business loan application, it’s important to note that each financial institution or lender may have different eligibility requirements. With this said, you can generally expect to provide lenders with the same basic information in order to qualify for a small business loan.

Here’s what you’ll typically need in order to be eligible for a small business bank loan:

You operate a Canadian business
You have good credit, with no serious issues
You are the age of majority
You are profitable and have proof of revenue
Your gross revenue meets any minimum or maximum requirements
Your business is not religious in nature or based on charity
You plan on using the loan for specific purposes that are approved by the lender

To make the process easier, you can gather your basic information and paperwork prior to applying. It’s also a good idea to have your business plan ready, tax information handy, and information available on your revenue, current debt, and any other financials. Essentially, any lender will want to verify your personal information and check out your current financial situation to make sure you’re creditworthy and on the right path to pay back a small business loan.

As you prepare your paperwork, be aware that some lenders will want to know how long you’ve been in business.

Here’s a pro tip for applying…

Applying for a traditional small business loan through a bank may require a lot of paperwork with no promise of getting approved. You’ll generally have a better chance of immediate approval through an online lender.

At LendingArch, for example, small business loans are available through one easy online application. To apply, you can create a business profile, fill out your personal information, and then see which small business loan options are a best match for your needs. The loans offer competitive rates, flexible repayment terms and no upfront collateral. Plus, LendingArch doesn’t have any hidden fees or surprise costs.

Bottom line

If you’re ready to launch a small business or want to expand your existing company, getting a small business loan can be worthwhile. While there are a variety of funding options available, it’s important that you find a small business loan with good rates and a repayment schedule that works for you.

Once you have everything ready to apply, it’s time to get your funding. This way you can grow your business and achieve your goals. Want to learn about online small business loans? Check out LendingArch options!