Thinking about taking out a business loan? Stay informed with our free guides on loan basics, business loan types, and how to apply and shop for a loan.

A term loan is money that a bank or lender gives you, which you agree to pay back over a set period. Instead of paying it all back at once, you make regular payments each month that include both the money you borrowed and some extra called interest. People often use term loans to buy big things, like a house, car, or equipment for a business. It is like borrowing now and slowly paying it back in a way that is easier to manage.

term-loans

A line of credit is an agreement with a bank or lender that lets you borrow money up to a set limit. You can take money out whenever you need it and pay it back over time. Interest is only charged on the amount you borrow, not the total limit. This makes it useful for emergencies or managing everyday cash needs.

A short-term loan is money you borrow that must be paid back quickly, usually within a year. People often use it to cover sudden expenses or to get through a short cash shortage. Because the repayment time is short, the monthly payments are often higher. It is a quick way to get money but should be used carefully.

When your business needs immediate capital but traditional loans aren't an option, a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) from Swish Funding can provide the quick funding solution you need. Based on your future sales rather than credit scores or collateral, Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer a unique financing approach for businesses with consistent revenue streams.

Learn more about the different business loan types and their unique features to determine the right option for you.

Loans work by letting you borrow money from a bank or lender with the promise to pay it back later. You pay back the amount you borrowed, called the principal, along with extra money called interest. Payments are usually made in smaller amounts over weeks, months, or years, depending on the loan. This helps people afford big purchases or cover costs without needing all the money at once.

Loan shopping means comparing different loans before deciding which one to take. You look at things like interest rates, fees, and how long you must pay the money back. This helps you find the loan that costs the least and fits your needs best. Taking time to shop for a loan can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Applying for a loan means asking a bank or lender to give you money that you promise to pay back. You usually need to share personal details like your income, job, and credit history so the lender knows you can repay. The lender then reviews your information to decide if you qualify and how much you can borrow. If approved, you agree to the terms and start making payments as planned.

Getting a business loan is a lot like buying a bike. You wouldn’t buy the first bike you see—you would compare prices, features, and quality before choosing. A loan works the same way. Each offer has different costs, and picking the right one can save your business a lot of money.

When applying for a business loan, the first place many people begin their search at is their local bank. However, there are many other sources of business funding that are now available, ranging from older establishments to newer institutions looking to modernize the funding landscape.

Starting your own small business is exciting, because you get to be your own boss and build something you care about. But along with the fun comes responsibility, and one of the most important responsibilities is paying taxes.

Financial institutions provide funding to small businesses.. They provide services including loans and bank accounts. Business owners can improve their finances and expand their companies by understanding the differences between banks, credit unions, and other lenders.

You know how it feels to dive into a huge swimming pool without knowing how to swim? That is how starting your own business feels. The good news is that you do not have to do it all by yourself. The government genuinely cares about your company’s success and has a wealth of free resources that most people are unaware of.

Small business marketing resources include social media scheduling tools, email automation platforms, and content creation guides that help entrepreneurs maintain visibility, send targeted campaigns, and improve search engine rankings. Analytics dashboards provide marketers with data to track ROI, while local SEO directories help small businesses increase visibility in search results.