Funding comparison

SBA Loan vs Business Term Loan

Compare published guidelines for structure, timing, credit profile, and common uses. Final terms depend on underwriting and the specific offer.

Compare my options

Side by side

Published product guidelines

These ranges and timing estimates were retained from the legacy Now Biz Fund project. They are not offers or guarantees.

ConsiderationSBA LoanBusiness Term Loan
Range$50K–$5M$25K–$500K
Typical funding speed30–60 days48–72 hours
FICO guideline650+580+
Often considered forEstablished businesses seeking lower-cost, longer-term capitalA defined project with a clear amount and payoff horizon
StructureGovernment-guaranteed term financing, including SBA 7(a) and ExpressA lump sum repaid through scheduled installments over a set term

The short version

SBA Loan

SBA loans can offer longer repayment periods and competitive costs to qualified, established businesses that can support a more involved process.

  • Designed for eligible long-term business uses
  • More documentation and underwriting than faster products
  • Best when cost matters more than immediate funding

The short version

Business Term Loan

A business term loan provides one amount with a defined repayment schedule, making it easier to plan around a specific investment.

  • Predictable scheduled payments
  • A defined term and payoff date
  • Useful for expansion, build-outs, equipment, or refinancing

Decision guide

Which should you consider?

Choose the SBA path when the business can support deeper underwriting and waiting for a potentially lower-cost, longer-term structure. Choose term loan when the stated use and faster timing matter more. Compare total cost, payment cadence, collateral, and guarantees in the actual offers.

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Common questions

SBA loan vs Term loan: practical answers

Which option is usually faster?

Business Term Loan has the faster published timing guideline here, but document readiness and underwriting determine actual timing.

What credit profile is generally considered?

SBA Loan lists 650+; Business Term Loan lists 580+. These are guidelines, not approval guarantees, and other underwriting factors apply.

How should I compare cost?

Request the total repayment, fees, payment frequency, term, prepayment treatment, and any collateral or guarantee requirements in writing. A rate or factor alone does not show the full cost.

Can a business use both?

Sometimes, if each product serves a distinct need and the combined payments remain affordable. Existing obligations affect underwriting, so disclose them before accepting an offer.