While there are many loan options to consider for small businesses in Ohio, many turn to SBA Loans, and with good reason. Before applying for an SBA loan in Ohio, business owners should be aware of the various types of SBA loans offered. Note that each has its own set of requirements so do your due diligence to protect your valuable time. While SBA loans can come with extremely favorable offers and protections, the application process for SBA loans in Ohio can be more complex and time-consuming than for other types of loans. Hence why you may be asking what the easiest SBA loan to get approved for is. If you’re in a rush, try an SBA Express loan.
This program offers a more streamlined application process when compared to other SBA loans and faster access to funds. However, it does have some drawbacks, including higher interest rates than other SBA programs and a cap of $500,00 for small business funding. On the brightside, the government can back up to 50% of an express loan and interest rates are capped at the prime rate plus 4.5% to 6.5% depending on the loan amount and qualifications of the borrower. To apply for an SBA loan visit the SBA’s website or an SBA approved lender for more information.
Understanding your business credit score and risk assessment can make applying for any business loan easier. To unlock valuable insights, visit mySMBscore. It’s a resource you’ll be thankful you discovered as it can make a significant impact on your businesses financial future.
While the exact requirements for a small business loan in Ohio can differ depending on the lender and loan type, most lenders typically have a set of general requirements they consider when evaluating a small business loan application. To better understand how a lender evaluates a business for a loan, visit mySMBscore for a personalized view.
Here are some general minimum requirements you’ll likely encounter when applying for a small business loan in Ohio:
While your personal credit score may be taken into account, lenders will also be interested in your business credit score. This score is typically available after 6 months to a year in business. While there are funding options for borrowers with bad credit, more favorable offers are usually extended to those with a higher credit score.
Most traditional bank lenders like to see a score of 700 or higher, SBA lenders qualify borrowers in the mid 600’s, and online lenders accept scores as low as the mid 500s.
For information on your business credit data and lender insights, visit mySMBscore today.
Most traditional lenders do have requirements as to how long your business has been in operation. There are alternative lending options available for start-up businesses. The time in business requirement is usually 1-2 years at a minimum, but can vary.
Unsecured loans are available and can be based on the above-mentioned factors along with your business revenue, and the specific industry in which it operates. However, secured loans are available as well and may qualify your business for higher loan amounts and grant flexibility with credit score requirements. To qualify, the business must have sufficient collateral to secure the loan. This could be in the form of property, equipment, inventory, or accounts receivable.
Ohio business owners have access to a variety of small business loan options. From traditional local banks to online lenders, there are plenty of sources to request a loan from. Making financial decisions though is no easy task. Investing the time into understanding all options for a small business loan, including the various types, can help put you on the path to success. Here are some types of small business loan options business owners in Ohio can pursue.
While there are some lenders who work with bad credit, it can be challenging to obtain a small business loan with a credit score of 500. If you do find a lender willing to work with bad credit, you can expect to see less favorable loan offers. It is recommended to improve your credit before applying for financing. MySMBScore will help you view your business credit data through the eyes of a lender, so you can gain valuable insight into how to approve your credit standing.
Starting a business in Ohio can have varying costs depending on factors such as the type of business, location, and industry. Generally, the expenses can include registering the business with the state, getting licenses and permits, renting or buying a commercial space, buying equipment and inventory, marketing, and hiring employees. Research shows that the average start-up cost for small businesses in Ohio is around $30,000. Check with your local city government for licensing and other regulations.
There is no standard loan amount for financial institutions across the board, but generally speaking, business loans in Ohio can range from a few thousand dollars, all the way up to $5 million. Creditworthiness, along with the financial health of your business will typically determine the amount you qualify for. Small business loans generally refer to the size of the business, not the size of the loan. When referring to the loan amount, small loans are usually referred to as microloans.
As long as you have a decent credit score, a good track record of revenue for your business, and a solid business plan, it shouldn’t be difficult to qualify for a small business loan in Ohio. However, if you are faced with any credit challenges, are a new business, or have a poorly proposed business plan - obtaining funding can be considerably more difficult. While funding options may be available, loan terms will be less desirable. At mySMBscore you can access credit data that can help you evaluate how difficult it might be to qualify for a loan given your current financials. Should you choose to apply, we can connect you with trusted lenders that can help. Should you choose to wait, we can provide insights that can help you improve financial readiness for a loan.
Once you’ve compared offers and chosen your preferred lender, it’s time to formally apply with them directly. For a small business loan in Ohio, you’ll likely need to have your financial statements, tax returns, and other documentation ready, along with a well-crafted business plan. After submitting your application, the lender can review during the underwriting process to ensure you in fact do qualify for the loan. While there are plenty of other steps, in general this is a snapshot of what you can expect.
Ohio offers many resources to small business owners, such as free one-on-one advising, training, and resources through Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), free mentoring and workshops through SCORE, and business-related services through the Ohio Secretary of State's office.
To secure a small business loan in Ohio, you should start by defining your business needs and loan purpose. Then, check your business credit score and credit profile at mySMBscore to evaluate personalized loan offers from reputable online lenders such as Fora Financial, Credibly, Fundation, Kapitus, Kickfurther, On Deck, and Rapid Finance. MySMBscore's AI technology continuously evaluates real-time and historical data, including accounting records and macroeconomic data from over 1,200 sources, to offer you customized loan options that fit your financial situation and help you achieve your business goals in Ohio.