Small Business Financing Guide

Small Business Resources:
A Comprehensive Guide to Small Business Financing

Understanding small business financing can be challenging. This resource hub brings together helpful articles on topics like business loan types, common terms, and concepts. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to start a small business or alternative funding options, these resources can help.

Terms to know:

Business plan

A formal document that outlines your company’s goals and details the strategies you will use to achieve them.

Cash flow

The total amount of money moving into and out of your business.

Revenue

The entire income a business generates from its sales activities before any expenses are deducted.

Profit margin

A percentage that shows how much profit is made for every dollar of revenue earned.

Target market

The specific group of consumers a company aims to reach with its products or services.

Sole proprietorship

A simple business structure owned by one person where the business and the owner are legally the same entity.

Starting and Growing a Business

Ready to turn your idea into a business? We cover the essentials, from crafting a solid business plan to finding the right funds to launch and grow.

Exploring Business Loans

Business loans don’t have to be complicated. Get clear answers on applications, learn what providers really look for, and understand popular loan options.

Ready to Grow Your Business?

Use our marketplace to search for small business financing quotes. You could receive funds as soon as the same day you’re approved¹

Get started

Managing Business Finances

Smart money management is key to success. Get practical tips on improving cash flow, building business credit, and finding the right tools to manage it all.

Legal and Structural Decisions

Making the right legal choices protects your business and your assets. Learn how to choose a structure, get the right insurance, and understand the impact on your finances.

Small Business Loans by State

Learn all about small business financing in different states.

SoFi receives compensation in the event you obtain a loan, financial product, or service through SoFi’s marketplace. This webpage is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp., licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law, license number 6054612; NMLS number 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). This page is NOT operated by SoFi Bank. Loans, financial products, and services may not be available in all states.

All loan terms, including interest rate, and Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and monthly payments shown through SoFi’s marketplace are from providers and are estimates based upon the limited information you provided and are for informational purposes only. All rates, fees, and terms are presented without guarantee and are subject to change pursuant to each provider’s discretion. Estimated APR includes all applicable fees as required under the Truth in Lending Act. The actual loan terms you receive, including APR, will depend on the provider you select, their underwriting criteria, and your personal financial factors. The loan terms and rates presented are provided by the providers and not by SoFi Lending Corp. Please review each provider’s Terms and Conditions for additional details.

^†Credit score impact: To check the offers, terms, and/or rates you may qualify for, SoFi and/or its network providers will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, the provider(s) you choose will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit. Rates may not be available from all providers.

¹Small Business Loans: Reference to “same day funding” or “funding within 24 hours” describes a general capability of many lenders you can reach through SoFi’s marketplace. Funding or funding timing is not guaranteed. Your experience with any lender will vary based on requirements of the lender and the loan you apply for. To determine the timing of funds availability, you must inquire directly with any lender. In addition, your access to any funds from a loan may be dependent on your bank’s ability to clear a transfer and make funds available.

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