Erica Seppala

To obtain a small business loan, lenders often require the borrower to pay a percentage out of pocket as a down payment. But why do you have to pay money upfront when you need to borrow money? Is there a way around this apparent catch-22? What loans require down payments, and what are your options if you don’t have the funds to pay it?

SBA loans are popular with small business owners due to their competitive rates and terms. Many small businesses, including franchises, are eligible for these funding opportunities.

Some loans, such as long-term installment loans and SBA loans, are difficult to qualify for and have lengthy application and approval processes. However, there are other loans like short-term loans, lines of credit, and merchant cash advances that are easier to qualify for, even if you have a short time in business, low revenue, or poor credit.

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A microloan is defined as a small loan that is typically for $50,000 or less. Microloans offer an alternative to traditional bank loans. These loans are for smaller amounts, so they are easier to qualify for, opening up options to small businesses that aren’t eligible for conventional loan options, either due to low revenue or lack of establishment.

High-risk business loans may have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms. But high-risk loans also have minimal borrowing requirements and are easier to obtain than loans from traditional lenders like banks.

Short-term loans and merchant cash advances are typically the easiest to get. Certain business credit cards and lines of credit may also be easy to get. One thing to note that many business loans that are fast and easy to obtain come with shorter repayment terms and higher rates and fees.

If you have questions about completing your loan application, you can always ask your SBA-approved lender. If you haven’t yet found a lender to work with, SCORE is a great resource. This nonprofit organization provides resources and services including free business mentors that can help you through every step of the process.

The Small Business Administration provides invaluable resources to small business owners, from educational materials to low-interest loan programs. One of those programs is CAPLines, which provides qualified business owners with a flexible line of credit up to $5 million. 

The SBA launched the SBA Community Advantage loan program to help businesses in underserved areas receive low-interest financing with reasonable terms. Business owners that can’t receive financing through traditional loan programs can take advantage of competitive rates and terms through this SBA pilot program.