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Small Business Loans

Grow your small
business the right way.


Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)

SoFi’s marketplace is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp. Expand for Advertising Disclosures.


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Advertising Disclosures: The preliminary options presented on this site are from lenders and providers that pay SoFi compensation for marketing their products and services. This affects whether a product or service is presented on this site. SoFi does not include all products and services in the market. All rates, terms, and conditions vary by provider. See SoFi Lending Corp. licensing information below.


  • One simple search

    Explore your options in one place with no impact to your
    credit score.

  • Get up to $2 million

    Large or small, grow your business with funding that’s a fit for you.

  • As soon as the same day funding1

    Receive funds as soon as the same day you’re approved.

  • Save time

    Shop and compare your financing quotes in minutes.


Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)

SoFi’s marketplace is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp. Expand for Advertising Disclosures.


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Advertising Disclosures: The preliminary options
presented on this site are from lenders and providers that
pay SoFi compensation for marketing their products and
services.
This affects whether a product or service is
presented on this site. SoFi does not include all products
and services in the market. All rates, terms, and conditions
vary by provider. See SoFi Lending Corp. licensing information below.


{/* Easily find small business financing in three easy steps. */}

Easily find small business financing
in three steps.


  • Shop in one place.

    Use our marketplace search to look for small business
    financing quotes.


  • Find a quote that works for you.

    We’ll match you up with a provider with the financing that suits your goals.


  • Get funded.

    You could receive funds as soon as the same day you’re approved1


Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)

{/* Peeking Carousel hidden for launch */}

Access the capital your small business
needs with one simple search.



Grow your business and take it to its next stage.

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Finance the equipment or machinery you need to run your business.

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heading=”Equipment loans”
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Support and manage everyday operational expenses for your business.

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Cover business payroll and invoices on time with payroll financing.

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Launch your business with initial capital needed.

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Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)

{/* Testimonial */}

What is SoFi’s marketplace?

SoFi’s marketplace is our service to help members shop
and find business financing. While SoFi doesn’t provide
business loans directly, our marketplace can help you
quickly find the financing solutions you need for your
business. Explore your options from a provider in minutes
with one simple search.


Search for financing


(without impacting your credit score)

{/*small business loan*/}

What is a small business loan?

A small business loan or commercial loan is financing for qualified businesses, specifically for business-related activity. This can include funding operating costs, purchasing inventory, managing cash flow, starting a business, or even refinancing existing business debt.

Loans for small businesses are available for both long-term use up to 10 years and short-term use as brief as three months.

Finding the best small business loans for your company may depend on your business needs, qualifications, and structure.


Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)

{/*types of SMB loan*/}

What are some types of small business loans?

Not every small business loan is built the same. Here are common types of small business loans to consider:

Business term loans are the most common type of small business loan. Borrowers get a lump sum of money and repay with interest over a set period. Banks and alternative lenders vary loan amounts based on business loan type, borrower qualifications, and loan terms and conditions. Both long- and short-term business loan options are available.’,
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text: ‘SBA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and offered by approved sources, including banks and specific online lenders. SBA loans can be as large as $5 million, and are available for everything from working capital to commercial real estate investments. They often have lower interest rates and more flexible terms than other financing.’,
title: ‘Small Business Administration (SBA) loans’
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text: ‘Microloans are business loans usually given by nonprofit organizations or mission-based lenders. Loan amounts are typically $50,000 or less. Microloans can help start a business or support newer businesses in underserved communities. They may have comparatively lenient eligibility requirements.’,
title: ‘Microloans’
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text: ‘Equipment loans allow businesses to purchase or upgrade necessary equipment. The equipment acts as collateral for the loan, and the length of the loan often equals the expected lifespan of the equipment. Rates depend on equipment type and borrower qualifications.’,
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text: ‘Business lines of credit provide access to cash up to a set credit limit and charge interest only on the amount businesses borrow. Most lines of credit are revolving, like a credit card. Others may end after borrowers spend the total credit line amount and pay it off.’,
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text: ‘Merchant cash advances offer borrowers up-front cash but require payments with a percentage of future credit card sales. This means the payment amount will fluctuate as the percentage is based on the borrower’s business revenue. Merchant cash advances are for businesses with credit profiles needing improvement.’,
title: ‘Merchant cash advance’
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text: ‘Invoice financing lets businesses use outstanding invoices as collateral on a cash advance from a lender. Invoice financing can help businesses with long payment cycles unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices.’,
title: ‘Invoice financing’
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text: ‘Invoice factoring allows businesses to get fast cash up front in exchange for unpaid customer invoices. Invoice factoring can help business-to-business (B2B) companies that deal in customer invoices, though it comes with additional fees.’,
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text: ‘Commercial real estate loans are for purchasing or improving a structure or property used for business purposes only. They can help a small business expand and build equity. While it resembles a mortgage loan, a commercial real estate loan carries different protections.’,
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{/*FAQ*/}

Frequently asked questions about small business loans.



What can a small business loan be used for?


There are many ways you can use a business loan, as they provide a flexible solution to cover business-related expenses when there are insufficient funds available out-of-pocket. Small business loans are generally used to: launch the business, purchase equipment and inventory, expand or cover daily operations, or to strengthen the firm’s finances. They can also be used to refinance or consolidate existing business debt to better terms and interest rates.




Where can I get a small business loan?


You may seek these loans at banks, credit unions, online small business lenders, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Each type of lender has unique requirements as does each specific lender. To save time, you can sometimes find and shop quotes from multiple providers simultaneously with an online marketplace like SoFi’s marketplace.




What do I need to apply for a small business loan?


Loan requirements vary by type of loan and individual lender. Small business lenders are usually looking for: strong business and personal credit scores, a predictable revenue stream, a low debt-to-income ratio (ideally below 36%), and a business plan. Documentation such as at least four months of bank statements, proof that you are the owner and are legally allowed to run your business, and relevant permits may be required. Lenders will expect a business checking account separate from personal finances.



Learn more: Guide to Getting a Small Business Loan




What credit score do I need to get a small business loan?


Small business loans can be based on personal and/or business credit, depending on the type of loan and other financial criteria that will vary by lender. Generally, the higher your credit score, the better rates and terms you’ll qualify for. Applications for small business loans are all different, and you may find you qualify with certain lenders while you don’t with others.




What are the interest rates for small business loans?


Interest rates vary, depending on the loan size, term, lender, and applicant credit score. Different lenders have different underwriting requirements, which will also impact your interest rate. These factors can include your monthly revenue, your time in business, and even the industry your business occupies.



What’s the average term for a small business loan?


Small business loan terms depend on the type of lender and the kind of loan. Traditional loan terms can range from 3 to 10 years and SBA loan terms can range from 5 to 25 years, depending on the type of SBA loan. Business line of credit terms can range from 6 months to 5 years. Equipment loan terms typically are no longer than 10 years.




Can you get a small business loan with bad credit?


It’s possible to get a small business loan with bad credit, though it could be challenging to qualify. You may have to provide collateral and be willing to take less favorable rates and terms. If your business has sufficient, stable revenue and has been operating for several years, your odds of approval may improve. Eligibility ultimately varies by lender, though online lenders and credit unions may be more willing to work with you.




Can I get a startup business loan?


Some lenders require one or even two years as the “minimum time in business” before considering an application, but not all. There are business loans for startups, especially if you have a strong credit profile and can produce a well-developed business plan. Traditional business loans may be harder to qualify for if you are in the launch stage, but some online lenders may offer capital to owners who have less than one year of business.




Can I obtain financing for my business besides a loan?


Yes. Besides traditional business loans from a bank or lending institution, you can consider other types of small business financing or options outside of the banking sector. Business lines of credit, SBA loans, invoice factoring, merchant cash advances, and business credit cards are all other financing options to consider that may be available from traditional banks or credit unions.



Otherwise you can consider alternative sources such as equity financing, small business grants, crowdfunding, venture capital, angel investing, or even borrowing from friends and family.



See all FAQs

{/* horizon */}

{/* Fast and easy. Search for equipment financing in minutes. */}

Search for small business funding in minutes.

Your time matters. So we’re making business loans as easy as possible by helping you find small business funding fast.


Search for financing

(without impacting your credit score)



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Invest Alts

{/* Invest Alts LP 1/17*/}
{/* sofi.com/invest/alternative-investments/ */}


{/* HERO MODULE */}

Alternative Investment Platform

Diversify your portfolio with
alternative investments.


Invest now

SoFi is presenting its members the potential to diversify their portfolio with alternative investment strategies. Access funds that include commodities, private credit, pre-IPO unicorns and more—all on a user-friendly platform.


Invest now

{/* Access funds from knowledgeable portfolio managers */}

Access funds from
knowledgeable portfolio managers.

Access hundreds of innovative companies in one fund – managed by some of the
most successful asset managers in the space.

kkr

kkr

ark


Invest now


{/* Take your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds. */}

Take your portfolio
beyond stocks and bonds.

Broader portfolio diversification

Alts may produce different returns than traditional investments, even under the same market conditions.

Enhanced potential returns

Alternative assets can help improve total returns potentially bolstering a portfolio’s overall performance across market cycles.

Generate extra income

Earn passive income with alts that are designed to pay out regular dividends.

It is important to be aware that alternative investments may be less liquid, use leverage, have less transparency and charge higher fees including a performance incentive*.


{/* Why trade alts with Sofi? */}

Why trade alts with SoFi?

  • Run by knowledgeable portfolio managers.

    Access funds run by experienced asset managers who have done the research and due diligence.

  • Pick from a range of categories.

    Access commodities, foreign currencies, private credit, hedge funds, venture capital and real estate.

  • Get the all-in-one app advantage.

    Get a full view of every investment to better evaluate risk—on a platform designed for everyday investors.

  • Enjoy low minimums for access.

    Almost anyone can get started, even without being high net worth.


Invest now

{/* Horizon*/}

{/* Access a broad range of categories */}

Access a broad range
of categories.

Here are just a few of the of alternative funds that you can trade on SoFi Invest®.

Commodities

Foreign currencies

Venture capital

Real estate


Invest now


{/* Access funds from knowledgeable portfolio managers */}

Access funds from
knowledgeable portfolio managers.

Access hundreds of innovative companies in one fund – managed by some of the
most successful asset managers in the space.

kkr

kkr

ark


carlyle


franklin


kkr


Invest now


{/* Diversify with different structures */}

Diversify with different structures.

Mutual funds

Invest in professionally-managed funds with a diverse mix of stocks, bonds, and other alternative assets to help build a more diversified portfolio.

Interval funds

Explore unique investment opportunities in venture capital, private credit, and real estate that offer scheduled selling windows for added control.

Money market funds

Access short-term, stable investments like treasury bills and certificates of deposit (CDs), geared toward investors aiming to protect their money while generating income.


Invest now


{/* Learn more about the benefits of alternative investments */}

Learn more about the
ins and outs of alternative investments.








See more


{/*FAQs*/}

FAQs


Are there any fees associated with Alternative Funds and Mutual Funds?


Depending on the specific fund, fees you may encounter include:

•Front-End Load Fees – charged upon purchasing a fund, and will be deducted from your initial investment.
•Back-End Load Fees – charged when you sell/redeem your fund shares.
•Contingent Deferred Sales Charges (CDSC) – assessed if you sell/redeem your fund shares within a specific period.
•Annual expenses (expense ratio) – fees that cover a fund’s management costs – including compensation for fund managers, administration, distribution, and marketing. These fees are automatically deducted from the fund’s assets on a regular basis.


Is there a minimum amount that I have to invest to trade Alternative Funds and/or Mutual Funds?


The minimum trading amount for Alternative Funds and Mutual Funds may vary depending on the specific fund that you intend to purchase. Search for the fund that you are interested in, and the minimum purchase amount will be provided.


Are alts available in IRA accounts?

Yes, IRA accounts are eligible for alternative assets.


Read more
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