Do you want to republish our data visualizations and/or articles?

Contact us

Long Term Business Loan

Loan Guides      Small Business Loans      Long Term Business Loan

Long term business loans are a great option for businesses that need to make large or long-term investments.

Whether it be for expanding your business, purchasing equipment, or other significant expenses, they can give you the funding you need to grow your business.

These typically carry fixed interest rates, repayment terms of up to 10 years, and are usually secured — meaning, you will likely have to put up collateral in order to borrow one.

Borrowing limits vary by lender and can range from $25,000 to $5 million. The more you borrow, the stricter the eligibility requirements will be.

 

 

Long Term Business Loan Benefits

Long term business loans offer a number of enticing benefits including:

  • Flexible limits

  • Flexible terms

  • Financing for important business ventures

  • Fixed interest rates

These benefits, among others, make them a great solution for businesses in need of significant funding.

However, these benefits are reliant on your ability to meet strict financial qualifications. Businesses with a poor credit history or low revenue may not be able to qualify for one with favorable terms.

Requirements

These can be difficult to qualify for. The specific requirements will depend on your lender, so it’s important to review your lender’s requirements before applying.

That being said, some of the basic requirements include:

  • Personal and business credit score of at least 650 (the higher the better)

  • You must run a for-profit business

  • A solid business plan

  • Investment plans

  • Expected return on investment

  • And more

Poor credit history may not prevent you from getting approved, but you may only be able to qualify for high-interest rates.

Where to Get a Long Term Business Loan

These can be obtained through banks, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or alternative lenders.

- Bank Loans

Traditional bank options are a common option for businesses in need of financing.

Banks often offer competitive interest rates, high borrowing limits, and fast approval times. However, bank offerings can be difficult to qualify for — making them a poor option for startups and businesses with poor credit history.

- SBA

The Small Business Administration offers several loan programs to help small businesses get financing with favorable terms.

While SBA products typically offer very enticing interest rates and terms, they can be very difficult to qualify for.

- Alternative Lenders

Alternative lenders include any organization that is not a bank or the SBA. This could include credit unions, venture capitalists, or even family members.

Alternative lenders often have more lenient requirements than banks or the SBA, but typically offer higher interest rates.

How to Apply for a Long Term Business Loan

Applying fis easy. Just follow these steps to get started.

- Build Your Credit Score

The interest rate will be a large factor in determining whether or not you can afford your monthly payments.

To qualify for a competitive interest rate, you need to build a good personal and business credit score.

In most cases, you’ll need a credit score of at least 650 (sometimes higher) to qualify for low interest rates. You can build your credit score by making on-time payments on your outstanding debts over time.

- Find a Lender

If you’re borrowing through the SBA, you can use the SBA Lender Match to find an approved lender.

For banks or alternative lenders, it’s important to thoroughly research your options and compare quotes between lenders to find the best offers.

Be sure to read reviews, get pre-approved, and review each lender’s requirements to find the best option for you.

- Gather The Necessary Documents

To apply for a long-term business loan, you’ll likely need the following documents:

  • Personal and business tax returns

  • Bank statements

  • Business licenses

  • Financial Projections

  • Business Plan

  • Personal Identification

Be sure to check with your lender to find out exactly which documents you need to apply.

- Submit Your Application

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, all that’s left is to fill out and submit your application.

If you have already been pre-approved and given an offer, it’s important to submit your application in a timely manner so that your offer doesn’t expire.

After being approved, review your terms one last time to ensure that you are comfortable with the offer.

Then, you can sign your lease agreement and receive your funding.