Small business loans that fit your cash flow
Term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing and working capital, all from one application. We look for the lowest-cost option you qualify for first, and tell you plainly what each one costs.
What small business loans are used for
Tell us what the money is for. The use decides the right product, and the right product decides the cost.
Types of small business loans, side by side
The cheapest money is the hardest to get. Here is how the options compare, from lowest cost to highest.
| Option | Best for | Typical term | What it takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA loan | Established businesses that can wait for the lowest rate | Up to 10 years (25 for real estate) | Good credit, 2+ years of tax returns, full financials. Slowest to close. |
| Bank term loan | Profitable businesses with strong credit | 2–10 years, monthly payments | 650+ credit, 2+ years in business, tax returns and financials |
| Line of credit | Ongoing, short-term needs | Revolving; pay interest only on what you use | Steady deposits and fair to good credit |
| Equipment financing | Anything with a serial number | Up to 60 months (72 on some newer heavy equipment) | Application-only on many deals; startups considered |
| Revenue-based working capital | Fast cash when the bank says no | 2–36 months, daily or weekly payments | 3+ months in business, $5K+ monthly revenue, 500+ credit |
| Merchant cash advance | Short-term needs with a clear payback | 2–24 months, daily or weekly | Consistent card or bank deposits; credit matters less |
| Invoice factoring | B2B businesses waiting 30–90 days to get paid | Per invoice | Creditworthy customers and clean invoices |
Terms are typical ranges, not offers. Your rate and term depend on your credit, time in business, revenue and industry.
Before you apply for a small business loan
Turned down by your bank? What to do next.
ABC 10 News “Banking on Business”: when a cash advance makes sense.
Four small business loan myths
Why business owners work with Liberty Capital
What it takes to qualify
- Time in business: 3+ months for revenue-based programs; most term loans want 1–2 years
- Revenue: $5,000+ a month; better options open up at $15,000+ with 3–5 deposits a month
- Credit: 500+ for revenue-based programs; 650+ for bank-style term loans and SBA
- Documents: one-page application, 3–4 months of business bank statements, driver’s license, proof of ownership
- Over $150,000: tax returns plus a current P&L and balance sheet
Small business loans for startups
- Pre-revenue: equipment financing or leasing is the most realistic path
- 650 minimum credit for startups, with personal guarantees from all owners
- No bankruptcies in the last 7 years and no open tax liens or judgments
- Once revenue starts, term loans, working capital and SBA open up
How to get a small business loan
- Get a free quoteUse the online quote for a no-obligation estimate.
- Apply in 3 minutesOne application with a soft credit inquiry. Upload your bank statements.
- Compare offersWe walk you through each option, its total cost and its payment.
- Get fundedWorking capital can fund in 24–48 hours; term and SBA loans take longer.
Small business loans: FAQ
What credit score do I need for a small business loan?
It depends on the product. Revenue-based working capital starts around 500. Bank-style term loans, SBA loans and startup financing generally need 650 or higher. Stronger credit gets lower rates and longer terms.
How fast can I get a small business loan?
Revenue-based working capital and cash advances can fund in 24–48 hours. Equipment financing often takes a few days. Bank term loans take 1–3 weeks, and SBA loans take longer.
Can a startup get a small business loan?
Yes, but options are limited before revenue. Equipment financing is the most common path for startups, with 650 minimum credit and personal guarantees. Once you have steady deposits, more programs open up.
Does applying affect my credit?
No. We pre-qualify with a soft inquiry. Some products, such as equipment financing, may use a hard inquiry at final approval.
What documents do I need?
A one-page application, 3–4 months of business bank statements, a driver’s license and proof of ownership. Requests over $150,000 also need tax returns, a current P&L and a balance sheet.
Is a merchant cash advance a small business loan?
No. A merchant cash advance is a purchase of future sales, not a loan, and it usually costs more. We recommend it only when a loan or line of credit isn’t available.
Find the right small business loan
Apply once and see what you qualify for, with a soft pull.
Educational information only; not legal, tax or accounting advice. All approvals, rates and terms are subject to credit, time in business, cash flow and lender guidelines. Liberty Capital Group, Inc. NMLS #2009539. CA DFPI #60-DBO49692.