What you actually qualify for — and what it'll cost you.
Not sure which category fits you? Qualifai Yourself and Kai will figure it out.
Qualifai Yourself →SBA 7(a) loans are government-backed business loans — the lowest-cost long-term capital available to most small businesses. The SBA doesn't lend directly; it guarantees a portion of what a bank or CDFI lends, which lets lenders offer better terms than they otherwise would. Current rates run 9.75 to 11.75%. Minimum credit score around 680. Funding timeline typically 30 to 90 days. These guides cover how SBA loans work, what underwriters look for, and how to navigate the process.
Working capital products — including merchant cash advances — provide fast access to capital, typically in 1–5 business days. They're underwritten primarily on bank statement cash flow, not credit score. Factor rates currently range 1.15–1.45, meaning a $50,000 advance at a 1.30 factor costs $65,000 total. If you were declined or a deal fell through after acceptance, the guides below cover exactly why and what to do about it.
Before you submit an application, know what lenders are actually looking for — and have your documents in order before they ask. A well-prepared file moves faster, gets fewer stip requests, and has a higher approval rate. These guides cover everything from qualification basics to the specific forms in an SBA package.
Your personal credit score gets you in the door. Your business credit profile — Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business — determines what you're offered once you're inside. Most small business owners don't have a business credit file at all, which leaves money on the table. These guides cover what lenders actually measure and how to improve it before you need to borrow.