What Are the Most Popular Types of Commercial Loans?

When it comes to starting or expanding a business, commercial loans play a vital role in providing financial support. Commercial loans are specifically for business purposes, helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

If you’re dreaming of starting a business but don’t have the capital to make it happen, a commercial loan may be the solution! Still, the world of commercial loans can seem confusing, especially if you’re a new entrepreneur.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular types of commercial loans. The aim is to provide new business owners like you with an easy-to-understand overview of them. So, let’s dive in!

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration backs SBA loans, making them highly sought after. This government agency aims to support small businesses and promotes economic growth.

The SBA does not directly lend money. Instead, they guarantee part of the loan provided by approved lenders, such as banks or credit unions.

This guarantee reduces the risk for lenders. This makes them more willing to provide financing to businesses that don’t meet the criteria of traditional loans.

SBA loans offer several advantages to small business owners. First, they often have more favorable terms and lower interest commercial loan rates. This makes them more accessible and affordable than conventional loans.

Additionally, SBA loans provide flexibility in terms of usage. Entrepreneurs can use the funds for various purposes, such as:

• Starting a new business
• Purchasing equipment
• Expanding operations
• Refinancing existing debt
• Acquiring another business

This versatility allows businesses to address their specific needs and seize growth opportunities. To get an SBA loan, entrepreneurs need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Being a for-profit business operating in the United States
• Having a reasonable equity investment in the business
• Demonstrating the ability to repay the loan

SBA loans may involve more paperwork and documentation than traditional loans. Yet, the benefits they offer make them an attractive option for many business owners.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Commercial real estate loans help businesses acquire, develop, or refinance properties. These properties can include:

• Office buildings
• Retail spaces
• Warehouses
• Industrial facilities

One key advantage of commercial real estate loans is their longer repayment terms, ranging from 5 to 20 years. This allows businesses to spread commercial loan payments over a more manageable timeframe. As a result, the immediate financial burden lessens.

Interest rates on commercial real estate loans are often lower compared to other types of commercial financing. Additionally, these loans may offer fixed or variable interest rates. This provides businesses with the option to choose the most suitable repayment structure.

To secure a commercial real estate loan, lenders assess various factors, including the:

• Property’s value
• Potential income generation
• Borrower’s credit history
• Financial statements
• Business’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to repay the loan

The property itself may also serve as collateral for the loan, providing additional security to the lender.

Hard Money Loans

Hard-money loans come from private investors who lend short-term. Usually, borrowers only have up to 24 months to repay the funds. Additionally, hard money loans carry high-interest rates and up-front fees.

Despite the unfavorable terms, these loans are popular among individuals who flip houses.

Equipment Financing

Businesses often require expensive assets to function effectively and remain competitive. These may include machinery, vehicles, or computer systems. Yet, purchasing equipment can be a significant financial burden, especially for small businesses.

Equipment financing offers a solution by providing businesses with the funds to get or lease the equipment they need. At the same time, they preserve capital for other operational expenses.

One of the key advantages of equipment financing is that the equipment itself typically serves as collateral for the loan. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can repossess and sell the equipment to recover their funds.

Business Lines of Credit

Business lines of credit are a flexible form of financing. They give businesses access to a predetermined amount of funds they can access as needed. This model resembles a credit card because businesses can use it many times.

This popular option is ideal for businesses that need ongoing access to capital. They can use it to manage cash flow fluctuations or cover short-term expenses such as payroll. To save more, compare and re-shop payroll here.

One of the key advantages of a business line of credit is its flexibility. Instead of receiving a lump sum upfront, businesses can borrow funds as needed. This gives businesses a safety net and access to capital whenever required.

Accounts Receivable Financing

Accounts receivable financing allows businesses to access funds based on their outstanding invoices. Instead of waiting for customers to pay their invoices, businesses can sell them to a lender at a discounted rate. Usually, businesses get 70% to 90% upfront.

Later, when the customer pays the full amount, you receive the rest of the payment. However, you will have to pay some fees to the lender.

This type of financing helps businesses bridge the gap between a sale and payment. Accounts receivable financing is particularly useful for businesses with long payment cycles. It also helps those facing cash flow constraints.

Inventory Financing

Purchasing inventory requires large sums of money, and businesses may not have enough capital at their disposal. Inventory financing helps businesses stock their stores with products. Typically, the inventory itself serves as collateral.

Choose Commercial Loans that Meet Your Growing Business Needs!

Commercial loans are essential tools that enable businesses to grow and thrive. By understanding the various types of commercial loans available, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions when seeking financial support.  Remember to use a commercial loan calculator to determine the actual cost of a loan before choosing one!

Would you like to learn more great information that can help your business flourish? If so, read more articles on our website!