1. Term Loans

• Overview: Fixed loan amount with a set repayment term, often used for substantial business investments.
• Best for: Long-term growth, large investments, and capital expenses.
• Repayment: Fixed or variable interest rates with monthly or quarterly payments.
• Pros: Predictable payments, good for planned expenses.
• Cons: Requires strong credit and financial history for approval.

2. SBA Loans (U.S. only)

• Overview: Loans partially guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), with competitive rates.
• Best for: Businesses that meet SBA qualifications and can wait for a longer approval process.
• Repayment: Usually long-term, up to 25 years for some loans.
• Pros: Lower interest rates, flexible repayment terms.
• Cons: Lengthy application process, requires good credit history.

3. Business Line of Credit

• Overview: Allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and pay interest only on the funds used.
• Best for: Ongoing cash flow needs, covering unexpected expenses, or seasonal business needs.
• Repayment: Flexible, can vary based on usage and lender terms.
• Pros: Flexible, pay interest only on the amount used.
• Cons: Higher interest rates if credit is not strong; requires good credit for larger amounts.

4. Invoice Financing

• Overview: Lenders advance cash against outstanding invoices.
• Best for: Businesses with unpaid invoices that need cash flow.
• Repayment: Typically repaid as clients pay the invoices.
• Pros: Quick access to cash without taking on new debt.
• Cons: Fees can add up; doesn’t solve long-term cash flow issues.

5. Merchant Cash Advances (MCA)

• Overview: Lenders offer an advance on future sales and take a portion of daily credit card sales for repayment.
• Best for: Retail or service-based businesses with consistent credit card sales.
• Repayment: Daily or weekly deductions from sales revenue.
• Pros: Quick cash with flexible payments based on sales.
• Cons: Higher costs and fees; can impact cash flow.

6. Equipment Financing

• Overview: Specifically used to purchase machinery, vehicles, or other equipment, using the equipment itself as collateral.
• Best for: Businesses in need of expensive equipment.
• Repayment: Fixed monthly payments over the term of the loan.
• Pros: Secured by the equipment, usually with favorable terms.
• Cons: Limited to equipment purchases; if defaulted, equipment can be repossessed.

7. Microloans

• Overview: Smaller loans typically provided by non-profits or community-based lenders.
• Best for: Startups or businesses with modest funding needs.
• Repayment: Shorter repayment terms with manageable amounts.
• Pros: Accessible to newer businesses; lower amounts available.
• Cons: Limited loan amounts; interest rates can vary widely.

8. Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Lending

• Overview: Funding through platforms where multiple investors or backers contribute.
• Best for: Businesses with innovative or community-driven projects.
• Repayment: Varies based on platform; may include equity stakes.
• Pros: Access to non-traditional funding; can build a customer base.
• Cons: Requires significant marketing efforts; may have platform fees.

Each option comes with distinct benefits and requirements, so carefully assess your business’s credit history, funding needs, and repayment capacity before choosing a loan