Guides
Borrow with your eyes open
How qualifying works, how to compare offers without being misled, and how to use financing wisely. Educational only — we don’t collect your details or push you toward any one lender.
How to Qualify for a Business Loan
The five things lenders actually look at — time in business, revenue, credit, collateral, and your use of funds — and how to strengthen each before you apply.
SBA Loan vs. Line of Credit: Which Fits?
An SBA loan and a business line of credit solve different problems. Here's how they compare on purpose, structure, cost, and speed — and when to use each.
How to Finance Buying a Business
Buying a business follows a clear sequence. Here's how acquisition financing works — valuation, the SBA loan, the down payment, and seller financing.
SBA Down Payment to Buy a Business
How much do you need down to buy a business with an SBA loan? The current rule is a 10% equity injection — here's exactly what counts, including seller notes.
How Business Loan Rates Actually Work
Interest rate, APR, and factor rate aren't the same thing. Here's how business loan pricing works, what drives your rate, and how to compare offers honestly.
SBA Franchise Loans & the Franchise Directory
The SBA Franchise Directory is back as of June 2025 — here's what that means for financing a franchise with an SBA loan, and how eligibility works now.
Seller Financing for Buying a Business
Seller financing is when the business owner lets you pay part of the price over time. Here's how it works, why both sides use it, and how it fits SBA rules.
Business Loan Documents Checklist
A complete, organized file is the biggest thing within your control. Here's the documents checklist most lenders ask for — and how to prepare it.
Lease vs. Buy a Business Vehicle
Leasing a business vehicle means lower payments and easy upgrades; buying builds equity. Here's how to choose, plus the cash-flow and tax trade-offs to weigh.
Business Credit Score Basics
Business credit is separate from your personal credit — and lenders often check both. Here's how business credit works, what affects it, and how to build it.
How Long Business Loan Approval Takes
Business loan timelines range from a single day to a few months. Here's how long each type takes, what slows it down, and how to get funded faster.
How to Finance a Partner Buyout
Buying out a business partner has its own financing path. Here's how partner-buyout loans work, including the SBA's role in a change of ownership.
Loans & Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
There's no special 'women's business loan,' but there are real resources — WOSB certification, Women's Business Centers, grants, and CDFIs. Here's how to use them.
Section 179 Vehicle Deduction Explained (2026)
Section 179 lets a business deduct vehicle costs up front — but the limit hinges on the vehicle's weight. Here's how the 2026 rules work, in plain English.
Loans & Resources for Minority-Owned Businesses
There's no special 'minority business loan,' but real resources exist — MBDA centers, SBA 8(a) certification, and CDFIs. Here's how to use them to access capital.