Financing Options for Small Businesses - NerdWallet (2024)

Business financing is money that helps you start, run or grow your business. You can get business financing by taking on debt, like small-business loans from traditional banks and online alternative lenders, or by offering investors equity. The right financing for your business will depend on factors such as: why you need capital, how fast you need it and your business’s qualifications.

To help you find a good fit, here’s an overview of the most common financing options for small businesses — and where to get them.

How does financing a business work?

Financing for small businesses usually involves some form of debt; however, there are zero-debt options as well. With debt-based financing, you’ll have to pay back the funds you borrow over time, usually with interest. Zero-debt financing can come in the form of small-business grants or gifts from friends and family, or as equity financing, where you give investors equity or ownership in your company in exchange for their financial support.

Financing options for small businesses

Bank financing

Bank business loans typically have low interest rates and competitive terms, but can be hard to qualify for. You’ll likely need strong personal credit, established business revenue and two or more years in operation to access bank financing.

Even if your business doesn’t have a strong enough track record or enough assets as collateral to qualify for financing from a bank, talking to someone at a traditional bank can help you figure out what application documents you need and what your best options may be.

SBA loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers its lenders, mostly traditional banks, a federal guarantee on your loan. This makes it less risky for banks to lend you the capital you need to be successful. In guaranteeing the loans, the SBA also connects you with favorable rates offered by traditional lenders.

There are multiple types of SBA loans available, including SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans and SBA microloans. The most popular of the SBA loan programs, 7(a) loans can be used for a wide variety of purposes and are available in amounts up to $5 million.

Although SBA loans can be easier to access compared to bank financing, you’ll still generally need to meet top criteria — a good credit score (FICO 690 and up), strong annual revenue and at least two years in business — to qualify. Plus, the application process isn’t easy; you may find yourself trapped under a heap of documents while you work through the appropriate forms.

Online loans

With traditional banks limiting access to capital, online lenders have seen an increase in popularity, especially among business owners who are facing credit challenges. In 2022, 37% of medium- or high-risk credit applicants applied to online lenders and 14% applied to nonbank financial companies, according to the annual credit survey from the Federal Reserve.

Online lenders also offer fast cash, with several of them able to approve and fund applications within 24 hours. These lenders offer a variety of small-business financing options, including term loans, lines of credit and invoice financing. The cost of borrowing, however, is generally higher; annual percentage rates can range anywhere from 10% to 79%.

Credit union financing

Like banks, credit unions offer favorable rates and loans backed by the SBA. Unlike banks, credit unions have increased their small-business lending. According to Federal Reserve data released in October 2022, lending by credit unions to small businesses increased by over 50% from 2017 to 2021.

In addition to SBA loans, credit unions can offer a range of financing options, including lines of credit, traditional term loans and business credit cards.

You’ll likely have to be a member to qualify for financing. But the co-op nature of credit unions often ties them to the community, so you may also reap the benefits of more personal relationships and name recognition.

Zero-debt financing

If you want to avoid taking out a business loan, or simply can’t qualify for any debt financing options, there are several ways to fund your business that don’t require debt.

Where to find financing for small businesses

Banks

Start by contacting a bank with which you have an existing relationship. Big-name banks, like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, all offer a variety of business financing options.

If you don’t have an existing relationship with a large bank or one that offers business financing, you can search for local banks in your community.

These institutions, in particular, are a great resource for small-business financing because they often have a strong interest in economic development in the community. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Small Business Credit Survey, business loan applicants report higher approval rates with smaller banks than big-name institutions, as well as greater overall satisfaction compared to large banks and online lenders.

SBA lenders

Most SBA loans are issued by banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Similar to bank loans, you can start your search for an SBA loan with a lender you’ve previously worked with, or a local bank in your community. National banks like Chase, Wells Fargo and Bank of America issue SBA loans as well.

The SBA website also offers a lender match tool to help connect you with financial institutions in your area.

Online lenders

There are a variety of small-business lenders out there that offer online loans — and the best option for your business will depend on the type of financing you need and what you can qualify for.

For example, if your business has strong qualifications but prefers an expedited process, Funding Circle is a great option for traditional term loans. For businesses that want a flexible line of credit, Bluevine, OnDeck and Fundbox each offer competitive products.

Credit unions

Since credit unions are often community-based, you’ll want to find a local option. You can use MyCreditUnion.gov to browse credit unions in your area.

Some credit unions also offer membership based on your employer or organizations you may be affiliated with.

For example, Navy Federal Credit Union is a national credit union that offers membership to members of the U.S. armed forces, Department of Defense and National Guard as well as their families. Navy Federal members can apply for a variety of business financing.

Grant programs

Small-business grants are offered by federal and state agencies, as well as private corporations. In addition to Grants.gov, one of the most well-known online databases for grants distributed by government agencies, your local Economic Development Administration branch or Small Business Development Center may also help you find grant programs and similar financing opportunities.

For grant options focused on different types of business owners, check out the following lists:

Online financing platforms

Equity financing can be found through a number of online platforms. Kickstarter, GoFundMe and Indiegogo are good choices for rewards-based crowdfunding. For equity crowdfunding, platforms like Republic, CircleUp and Fundable are all viable options. If you’re looking for angel investors, sites like Angel Capital Association and AngelList can connect you with accredited angel investors.

What type of financing for small businesses should you use?

How you should finance your business depends on what you want to accomplish with that funding, as well as what you can qualify for. You may have a tough time getting a business loan before you’ve been in operation for at least a year, for instance.

Here’s how to figure out what business financing options might be best for you.

Rosalie Murphy contributed to this article.