Taking out a business loan can be a powerful tool to grow, stabilize, or even save your business — but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before you apply, it’s essential to step back and ask yourself the right questions. Here are seven to consider: 1. What’s the purpose of the loan? Are you investing in growth (equipment, expansion, inventory), or covering...

Being denied a business loan from a traditional bank can feel like a devastating roadblock, but for the modern entrepreneur, it's increasingly just a minor detour. The reality is that only a small percentage of small business loans are approved by big banks, which often have stringent requirements for time in business, perfect credit scores, and extensive collateral. If a conventional lender...