Small business funding guides
Comprehensive, plain-English guides to every major funding option — written so you can decide which structure actually fits your business before you apply.
Business Lines of Credit: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Compare business lines of credit with current APR ranges from 8% to 30%+. Learn qualification requirements, typical costs, and when a LOC beats term loans or MCAs.
Equipment Financing: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Equipment financing helps businesses acquire machinery, vehicles, and technology with the equipment as collateral. Learn current rates, qualification requirements, and how to apply.
Invoice Factoring: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Invoice factoring converts unpaid B2B invoices into immediate cash. Learn typical advance rates (85-97%), factoring fees, qualification requirements, and how to apply through SmarterLends.
Merchant Cash Advance: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Learn how merchant cash advances work, typical factor rates (1.1-1.5), holdback percentages, and state disclosure laws. Compare MCAs to business loans and lines of credit.
SBA Loans: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Compare SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs for 2026. Current rates from Prime + 2.25%, terms up to 25 years, and step-by-step application guidance through SBA Lender Match.
Working Capital Loans: How It Works, Costs, and Who Qualifies
Compare working capital loan options with APRs from 8% to 45%. Learn qualification requirements, typical terms, and how state disclosure laws protect borrowers.