There’s a lot more legwork involved in getting a small business loan compared with a personal loan. You’ll need to stay organized, have a clear idea of your needs, and be tenacious if you’re turned down. Here are some tips for getting the best small business financing:
No. 1: Clean Up Your Personal Credit
When you’re trying to get a loan for a fledgling business, your credit score is as important as it is when you’re trying to get a personal loan. If you have a low credit score, your lender is likely to perceive you (and your business) as a greater risk. Try to boost your personal credit before applying for loans. It’s not a quick process, but it can save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.
And if your business is very small or new, you may want to consider taking out a personal loan to use for business purposes. This will mean your own financial health is all that’s under the microscope (and on the hook if things go south). Your loan amount will probably be lower, but the process — and lending criteria — usually won’t be as involved. If you want to check out your best options, see our guide on the Best Unsecured Loans.
No. 2: Have a Business Plan (and a Sales Pitch)
If you want a large chunk of change from your lender, don’t be secretive. Tell your lender exactly why you need the money. Present your plan for the future, and tell the lender how its funding figures into your plan.
Stay well organized: You’ll need a wide range of documents, including bank statements and tax returns. Be sure to lay out what makes your business a better bet than others. This is especially important if you think you might not be a strong candidate. Remember, for your business to sell, first you have to sell your business.
No. 3: Take Your Time, and Compare Several Options
Lenders hold more of the cards when it comes to small business loans, but you should still shop around before you start a lengthy application process. Consider trying your own bank first, especially if you have a long, responsible relationship with that lender. Banks that know your backstory might be more sympathetic to your needs. Also consider credit unions that make small business loans — they might have more flexible criteria and more willingness to listen to you make your case.
Sites like Lendio can match you with lenders who are more willing to make you a deal. After you answer questions about your business and your needs, you’ll receive the names of lenders that might be a good fit, all without picking up the phone.
If you’re targeting specific lenders online, be sure to compare interest rates, terms, and eligibility requirements. Fundtastic’s small-business loan calculators can help you make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
No. 4: Target the Right Loan Sources
Bigger banks tend to make bigger loans to more established businesses. If you and your spouse have run a business online for just a year and only need $20,000 to fill orders, it probably doesn’t make sense to target a conventional loan from a large bank. SBA loans or online lenders might be a better bet. Ask around and see whether there are particular lenders who make a lot of loans in your industry, especially if yours doesn’t have a high success rate.
On the flipside, if you have an established, low-risk business with a long track record of healthy profits, it doesn’t make sense to expect a rock-bottom rate from most online lenders when you would be a good candidate at a large bank.
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