Commercial Real Estate Loans
CRE loan types, qualification requirements, and best lenders compared
Articles
Business Loans in Tennessee: Funding Options for TN Small Businesses
A comprehensive guide to business loans in Tennessee covering SBA lending, Pathway Lending, state programs, and financing for Nashville, Memphis, and TN businesses.
Business Loans in Maryland: Financing Options for MD Entrepreneurs
A guide to business loans in Maryland covering SBA lending, state programs like MSBDFA and TEDCO, and financing options for MD small business owners.
Business Loans in Virginia: A Complete Guide for VA Entrepreneurs
A complete guide to business loans in Virginia covering SBA loans, state programs like VSBFA, industry-specific financing, and resources for VA small business owners.
How Federal Reserve Rate Changes Affected Business Loans in 2026
An analysis of how the Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 affected small business loans including SBA rates, lines of credit, and equipment financing costs.
Bank Loans vs Online Lenders: Choosing the Right Business Financing
Bank loans vs online lenders: an honest comparison covering rates, speed, requirements, and when each option is the right fit for your business financing needs.
Holiday Hiring: How Working Capital Loans Fund Seasonal Staffing
Learn how working capital loans fund seasonal hiring for the holiday rush. Covers staffing costs, payroll timing, and how to calculate your seasonal financing needs.
SBA Loans vs Conventional Loans: Which Is Right for Your Business?
An objective comparison of SBA loans versus conventional business loans. Covers rates, terms, qualifications, processing time, fees, and when each option is best.
Renovation and Remodeling Loans for Small Businesses: A Complete Guide
A complete guide to renovation and remodeling loans for small businesses. Covers SBA 504 and 7(a) loans, term loans, and industry-specific renovation strategies.
SBA 7(a) Loans in 2026: Rates, Limits, and What Has Changed
A complete overview of SBA 7(a) loans in 2026 including current rates, limits, eligibility, and application tips for small business owners.
E-commerce Business Funding: Loans and Capital for Online Sellers
Discover the best financing options for e-commerce businesses in 2026, from inventory loans and revenue-based financing to platform-specific lending programs.
Trucking Company Financing: Loans for Truckers and Fleet Owners
Explore financing options for trucking companies in 2026, including truck loans, fleet expansion funding, and working capital solutions for owner-operators and fleet owners.
Healthcare Practice Financing: Loans for Doctors, Dentists, and Medical Professionals
A guide to healthcare practice financing for doctors, dentists, and medical professionals. Covers acquisition loans, equipment financing, and working capital.
Business Loans with Bad Credit: Your Options in 2026
A practical guide to getting a business loan with bad credit, covering available loan types, what lenders look for beyond credit score, and strategies to improve your approval odds.
Working Capital Loans Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about working capital loans: types, uses, qualification requirements, costs, and how to choose the right product for your business.
SBA Loans vs. Alternative Lending: Which Is Right for You?
A comprehensive comparison of SBA loans and alternative lending, covering loan types, pros and cons, qualification criteria, and guidance on choosing the right option for your business.
Complete Guide to Business Loans 2026: Types, Rates, and Requirements
A complete guide to business loan types in 2026: SBA loans, term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, invoice factoring, and MCA — with rates and requirements.
Common Questions
What is the difference between secured and unsecured business loans?
A secured business loan requires collateral — business equipment, real estate, inventory, or accounts receivable that the lender can seize if you default. Unsecured loans require no collateral but carry higher interest rates because the lender assumes more risk. Most SBA loans are secured; many online lender products are unsecured. Secured loans typically offer better rates and higher limits.
How does business credit differ from personal credit?
Business credit is built in your company's name using your EIN, while personal credit is tied to your SSN. Business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business) track payment history with vendors and lenders. Strong business credit can qualify you for loans without a personal guarantee, higher limits, and better terms. Business credit takes 2-3 years to establish from scratch.
What is a DUNS number and do I need one for business loans?
A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to track your business credit file. It's required to apply for SBA loans, government contracts, and to build a PAYDEX score. Getting a DUNS number is free at the D&B website and takes 30 days for standard registration or 24-48 hours for expedited. Apply before you need financing.
What is accounts receivable financing?
Accounts receivable (AR) financing uses your outstanding invoices as collateral for a credit line — you borrow against what your customers owe you. Unlike factoring, you retain ownership of the invoices and collection responsibility; the lender simply holds a lien. AR lines typically advance 70-85% of eligible receivables at rates of 1-3% per month. It's best for B2B businesses with creditworthy customers and consistent invoice volume.
What is the difference between a business loan broker and a direct lender?
A direct lender (bank, credit union, online lender) provides the funds themselves from their own capital. A business loan broker connects you with multiple lenders, helps package your application, and submits it to lenders most likely to approve — in exchange for a referral fee (typically 1-5% of the loan, paid by the lender). Brokers are useful when you don't know which lenders fit your profile, but always verify the broker's fee structure upfront.
Key Terms
Real Estate as Collateral
Commercial or residential property pledged to secure a business loan, with the lender taking a mortgage lien. Real estate provides strong collateral security given its stable value and public record of ownership.
Commercial Credit Report
A detailed report on a business's credit history, payment behavior, public records (liens, judgments), and financial data compiled by business credit bureaus. Commercial credit reports are a primary underwriting tool for business lenders.
UCC Filing (Uniform Commercial Code)
A public notice filed by a lender claiming a security interest in your business assets. A UCC-1 blanket lien covers all business assets; specific liens cover named assets only. Multiple UCC filings make subsequent borrowing harder because later lenders have subordinate claims.