Compare top small business lenders and SBA loan programs. Expert guidance on getting the best rate for your business — from same-day online loans to government-backed SBA financing.
Compare Business Loan Rates →A small business loan is a financial product that provides capital to businesses for operations, growth, equipment, real estate, or working capital. Unlike personal loans, business loans are underwritten based on the health of the business — revenue, cash flow, time in operation, and industry — alongside the owner's personal credit.
The small business lending market is diverse: from the SBA's government-backed programs with rates as low as 10% to online lenders with same-day funding at higher rates. Matching your business profile to the right lender type is the key to getting the best terms.
| Loan Type | Best For | Amount | Speed | Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Most purposes, best terms | Up to $5M | 30–90 days | 10–13% APR |
| Term Loan | One-time investment | $5K–$500K | 1–5 days | 15–99% APR |
| Business Line of Credit | Cash flow management | $6K–$250K | Same day | 10–80% APR |
| Equipment Financing | Buying equipment | $5K–$500K | 2–5 days | 4–20% APR |
| Invoice Financing | B2B cash flow gaps | 80–90% of invoice | 1–2 days | 10–60% APR |
| Merchant Cash Advance | Revenue-based, last resort | $5K–$500K | Same day | 40–150% APR |
| Lender | Min Credit | Min Revenue | Funding Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnDeck | 625 | $100K/yr | 1 business day | Fast term loans |
| BlueVine | 625 | $480K/yr | Same day | Business line of credit |
| Fundbox | 600 | $100K/yr | Next business day | Invoice financing, LOC |
| Lendio Marketplace | 550 | $50K/yr | Same day–5 days | Comparing multiple offers |
| SmartBiz | 650 | $50K/yr | 7–30 days | SBA loans |
SBA loans offer the best terms in small business financing — rates of 10–13% APR, terms up to 25 years, and amounts up to $5 million. The SBA guarantees 75–85% of each loan, letting approved lenders offer terms they couldn't otherwise provide. The trade-off: stricter requirements (2+ years in business, 650+ credit score, 2 years tax returns) and longer approval timelines (30–90 days).
For businesses that qualify, SBA loans are worth the extra effort. On a $200,000 loan, the difference between a 12% SBA rate and a 35% online lender rate is approximately $1,900/month — or $22,800/year. Over a 5-year term, that's $114,000 in savings.
Most lenders approve businesses for 10–30% of annual revenue. A business generating $500,000/year can typically borrow $50,000–$150,000 from online lenders. SBA and bank lenders consider total assets, profitability, and collateral — potentially higher amounts. The specific amount also depends on what the loan is for — equipment purchase (with collateral) allows higher amounts than working capital loans.
Everything you need to make a confident decision
Compare top small business lenders and SBA loan programs. Expert guidance on getting the best rate for your business — from same-day online loans to government-backed SBA financing.
Compare Business Loan Rates — Free, No Obligation →