Business Loans

Small business owner reviewing loan documents at desk
21 MIN READ

How to Get a Business Loan in 7 Steps?

Securing business financing requires more than filling out forms. Lenders scrutinize credit, revenue, and repayment capacity before approving loans. This comprehensive guide covers evaluation criteria, application steps, loan type selection, and strategies to improve approval odds for 2026

Olivia Stratfor
Olivia StratforLoan Insurance & Financial Protection Writer
MAR 18, 2026
Homeowner reviewing mortgage and home equity loan documents at a table
Is a Home Equity Loan a Second Mortgage?
Mar 19, 2026
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10 MIN
Most home equity loans are second mortgages, but the answer depends on lien position. Understand how mortgage priority works, when equity borrowing becomes a second lien, and what the subordinate position means for rates, approval, and foreclosure risk
Fresh
Small business owner meeting with a bank representative about SBA financing
SBA 7a Loan Guide for Small Business Owners
Mar 18, 2026
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16 MIN
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the Small Business Administration's flagship financing product, helping small businesses access capital through government-guaranteed loans. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, terms, allowed uses, and how to determine if a 7(a) loan fits your needs
Bakery owner standing near commercial ovens with business financing documents
Business Term Loan Guide for Small Business Owners
Mar 18, 2026
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18 MIN
A business term loan delivers a lump sum with fixed repayment terms. This guide explains eligibility requirements, interest rates, short vs long-term options, repayment schedules, and strategic uses to help business owners make informed borrowing decisions in 2026
Small business owner reviewing cash flow and financing needs in a workspace
Working Capital Loan Guide for Businesses
Mar 18, 2026
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14 MIN
Working capital loans bridge the gap between paying bills and collecting revenue. This guide covers how they work, when they make sense for your business, repayment structures from term loans to merchant cash advances, true costs including hidden fees, and qualification requirements to help you choose the right financing
Business owner reviewing SBA loan documents in a modern office
SBA 7a Loan Requirements Guide
Mar 18, 2026
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12 MIN
The SBA 7(a) loan program remains the most popular financing option for small businesses in 2026, but qualifying requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Learn the credit requirements, business size standards, down payment rules, and documentation needed to successfully apply for an SBA 7(a) loan
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In focus
Small business owner comparing secured and unsecured loan options at an office desk
Is a Small Business Loan Secured or Unsecured?
Mar 18, 2026
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14 MIN
Small business loans come in two forms: secured loans requiring collateral and unsecured loans based on creditworthiness. Understanding the difference affects your approval odds, interest rates, loan amounts, and what you risk if your business struggles
Small business owner comparing fixed and variable loan rates at a desk
Is a Small Business Loan Variable or Fixed Rate?
Mar 18, 2026
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12 MIN
Small business loans come in both fixed and variable rate structures. Fixed rates lock in your payment for the entire term, providing stability but starting higher. Variable rates fluctuate with market conditions, starting lower but carrying payment risk. The right choice depends on your business stability, loan term, and risk tolerance
Small business owner reviewing loan application documents at office desk
Business Loan Requirements Guide
Mar 18, 2026
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17 MIN
Securing business financing requires meeting specific benchmarks lenders use to assess risk. Learn what credit scores, revenue levels, operating history, and documentation lenders require—plus how requirements vary by lender type and common reasons applications get denied
Business owner reviewing a loan agreement at an office desk
Business Loan Terms Explained for Small Business Owners
Mar 18, 2026
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15 MIN
When you sign a business loan agreement, you're entering a legally binding contract filled with specific terminology that determines how much you'll pay, when you'll pay it, and what restrictions you'll operate under. Understanding these terms protects you from unexpected obligations
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