Small Business Loan Rates

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 11 December 2009

About The Author

EconomyWatch Content

Follow The Money

EconomyWatch, Content Team

 

  • Dot Div
  •      

Small business loan rates vary according to lending institutions and depend on factors, such as loan amount, kind of financing, duration of the loan, and whether the lending institution is a private or government entity. The rates usually depend on the detailed company financials, tax returns and financial statements of your business partners. Small business loan rates applicable to small and mid-sized enterprises also depend on collaterals and the length of the loan.

Factors that Influence Small Business Loan Rates

Here are some major factors that affect small business loan rates:

 

·        National Prime Interest Rate: The prime interest rate is set by the Fed to stabilize the economy and promote growth. When the prime rate is low, interest rates on commercial loans will be pushed downwards as well.

 

·        Business Loan Incentives: During an uncertain economy, the Fed generally introduces incentives to promote business and employment growth. When the Fed guarantees a loan, it tells the lender it will purchase the loan if you default. This will reduce your interest rate because the loan becomes less risky for the lender.

 

·        State of the Economy: When the economy shrinks, institutions that have made investments lose money. To protect against this loss, lenders and financial institutions raise interest rates.

 

·        Your business model: You may get a low interest rate if your business model promises to create more jobs or contribute to the local tax base. The government may also offer incentives to minority business owners.

 

·        Your credit history: Show your creditworthiness to get a potential incentive on the interest rate. On commercial loans where your business model is a key consideration, you cannot escape the affect of credit on loan rates. The same is true for government funded or guaranteed loans.

 

How to Find Small Business Loan Rates

Here are some reliable sources for finding small business loan rates:

 

·        Check with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA guarantees your loans and evaluates various interest rates. You can compare rates offered by various companies with the help of an SBA executive. The SBA has chapters in most towns in the US.

 

·        Make a list of different lenders or financial institutions, call each one and compile a list of various interest rates offered.

 

·        Search for interest rates online and compare them to get the best deal.

 


  • Dot Div
  •      

Most Popular in Business Loans

Related Links
blog comments powered by Disqus