Learn About

General Small Business Articles

Back to Page 1

Best Short-Term Business Loans and How to Get One

Short-term business loans trade speed for cost — you get cash fast, but pay more for it through higher rates and a frequent repayment schedule.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

Secured Business Loans: Best Lenders, Rates & How They Work

Secured business loans can be a good option for borrowers with substantial physical assets who are confident in their ability to repay a loan.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
2
Randa Kriss, Karrin Sehmbi

How Black Entrepreneurs Can Find Funding and Fuel Business Growth

Funding your business can feel like an uphill battle. Here’s how Black entrepreneurs can take control and find support.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

Best Fast Business Loans for Quick Cash in 2026

Fast business loans offer flexible requirements, streamlined applications and quick access to cash.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

Small-Business Taxes for Beginners: A 2026 Guide

If anything, remember you’ll make tax payments more frequently than you file tax returns.

Hillary Crawford's profile picture
Hillary Crawford

Use This Script to Ask Your Lender for a Pause in Loan Payments

Lenders are often willing to consider a request to pause business loan payments for a good reason and with advance notice.

Karrin Sehmbi's profile picture
Karrin Sehmbi

How to Avoid Burnout and Keep Your Business Thriving

Finding work-life balance isn’t a luxury, it’s a business strategy.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

Should You Use a HELOC to Fund Your Business?

It depends. A HELOC can come in handy if you’re just starting out, but you could lose your home if you can’t make payments.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

What Is a Business Lending Marketplace — and Should You Use One?

A business lending marketplace can be a good choice for borrowers with lower credit scores, new businesses or anyone who wants a faster way to compare loan options.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

9 Things That Automatically Disqualify You From an SBA Loan

A number of factors can automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan, but you do have other financing options if any of these apply.

Karrin Sehmbi's profile picture
Karrin Sehmbi

Commercial Real Estate Loan Rates for 2026

Interest rates range from around 5% to 12.5% for commercial real estate loans. But your specific rate will depend on lots of factors, such as the loan type, property and your creditworthiness.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

How the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Small-Business Owners

The bill offers tax breaks that can benefit small-business owners — but it may have additional impacts that aren't so favorable.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

What’s the Easiest Business Loan to Get Approved for?

The easiest business loans to get approved for provide fast access to capital, but there are trade-offs for their speed and convenience.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

Use This Script to Talk to a Business Loan Broker

A reputable loan broker will drive the call with questions about your business and funding needs. You should come prepared with your business info and questions of your own.

Karrin Sehmbi's profile picture
Karrin Sehmbi

What Happens If You Miss One Business Loan Payment?

Missing one business loan payment is manageable if addressed promptly — but additional missed payments can lead to serious consequences.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

How to Get a Business Loan With Bad Credit

It’s not impossible to get a business loan with bad credit. But your options will be limited. Here’s how to boost your chances of getting approved.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

How to Finance Used Equipment

Financing used equipment can be a more budget-friendly option compared with financing new equipment, but it often comes with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss

How to Pay Yourself Without Killing Your Business

Running your own business is hard. Paying yourself shouldn't be. Here's when and how to start.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Tariff?

You could face penalties, interest and delays — but there are steps you can take to plan ahead.

Ryan Brady, CFP®'s profile picture
Ryan Brady, CFP®

Can You Get an Interest-Free Business Loan?

Although legitimate interest-free business loans do exist, options are few and far between.

Randa Kriss's profile picture
Randa Kriss