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Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right for Your Business?

An MCA is an advance of cash you typically repay using a percentage of future credit card sales. Consider other types of financing before relying on this expensive option.

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Randa Kriss

50 Best Small-Business Ideas to Start in 2025

Consider your interests, market needs and licensing and capital requirements when choosing a business idea.

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Meredith Wood

Paycheck Protection Program 2.0: How to Apply for a New PPP Loan

The Paycheck Protection Program helps small businesses with payroll and operating costs. Learn how PPP works.

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Elizabeth Renter, Steve Nicastro

SBA Loan Rates July 2026

SBA loans offer some of the lowest rates on the market, but rates can change based on the Federal Reserve's actions.

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Randa Kriss

AmEx vs. OnDeck Business Lines of Credit: Which Loan Is Best for Your Business?

American Express and OnDeck both provide lines of credit for short-term business needs, but which loan you choose may come down to your credit score or how much funding you need.

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Ryan Brady, CFP®

43 Small-Business Grants for Women

From the federal government to economic development agencies, here's a list of business grants for women.

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Randa Kriss, Sally Lauckner

35 Small-Business Grants for Minority Entrepreneurs, Plus Resources

Small-business grants give your minority-owned business access to funding you don't have to pay back.

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Randa Kriss, Sally Lauckner

Small-Business Grants: Where to Find Free Funding

Federal and state agencies, as well as private companies, offer small-business grants. Here's a list of resources.

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Randa Kriss

Small-Business Grants and Loans for Veterans, Plus Resources

Use these veteran business grants and funding resources to launch and grow your business.

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Randa Kriss

Startup Business Loans: Best Options and How to Get One

Startup loans have flexible time in business requirements that make them easier to access for new companies.

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Randa Kriss

SBA Loan Overview: Types, Pros and Cons, How to Apply

An SBA loan is your best choice for affordable financing, unless you can qualify for a bank loan. If you need emergency funding, however, you’ll need to find a faster alternative.

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Randa Kriss, Rosalie Murphy

Crowdfunding for Business: What It Is, Types and Best Platforms

Creating a fundraising campaign on a crowdfunding platform can help you get financing for your business without taking on additional debt.

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Randa Kriss

Small-Business Financing Options

The top sources of small-business financing include loans from banks and online lenders, as well as small-business grants.

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Randa Kriss, Olivia Chen

10 Types of Business Loans

These are the most popular types of business loans, their pros and cons and best use cases.

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Randa Kriss, Olivia Chen

Business Loan vs. Business Credit Card: Which Is Right for You?

Business loans are best for large investments, whereas credit cards are good for day-to-day expenses.

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Randa Kriss

SBA Loan Default: What to Know If You Can’t Pay

If you're struggling to pay your SBA loan, talk to your lender about possible options to avoid default.

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Randa Kriss

Bluevine vs. Fundbox: Compare Business Lines of Credit

Bluevine and Fundbox are both online lenders that can fund up to $250,000. Fundbox has much lower qualification minimums and longer terms, but Bluevine has a lower APR range and can fund faster (for a small fee).

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Karrin Sehmbi

Business Loan Requirements: 7 Things You’ll Need to Qualify

Understanding a lender's requirements before you apply for a small-business loan can help set you up for success.

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Randa Kriss

SBA Disaster Loan: What It Is and How to Get Emergency Assistance

SBA disaster loans can provide financial relief to home- and business owners located in a declared disaster area.

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Randa Kriss

How to Write a Business Plan, Step by Step

A well-written business plan should include details about your business's goals, products or services, and finances.

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Rosalie Murphy