Taking out a business loan is a significant financial decision that can impact your company's future. Whether you need funding to expand, manage cash flow, or invest in new equipment, borrowing money comes with responsibilities and risks.

CDFIs provide fair, responsible lending alongside other support services, including technical assistance and business coaching, to ensure borrowers have the tools they need to succeed. 

Let’s dive into what collateral is, why it's important in obtaining a small business loan, what might qualify as collateral, and how it is used to assess loan applications.

Understanding the correlation between personal credit and business financing is crucial for securing the capital you need to grow and expand your company.

Before funding any loan, lenders will assess entrepreneurs’ overall risk and their ability to pay back a loan in a process called underwriting. A helpful guide for entrepreneurs to know is known as the five "C"s of financing: Character, Capacity, Collateral, Cash Flow, and Capital.

In this article, we'll explain what CDFIs are and how working with one can help your business and community grow. Here are just a few of the advantages of working with a CDFI like AltCap.

In this article, we'll explore the key factors every entrepreneur should consider before taking out a business loan. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a loan is right for your business.

Alternative financing options have become increasingly accessible in recent years, offering entrepreneurs different avenues to obtain the capital they need to sustain or grow their businesses.

Small businesses often rely on loans to fund their operations, but securing a loan is not always easy. In this article, we will explore 5 common reasons why small businesses are turned down for loans, and provide tips on how to overcome these challenges.

As an artist entrepreneur, it's crucial to understand the importance of cash flow and how to manage it effectively. Managing your cash flow correctly ensures you have enough money to cover your expenses and grow your business.

Building credit is a critical part of running a successful business. Here are some tips and best practices to help you build strong business credit that can help you secure a small business loan.

A well-written business plan is an essential component of any successful business loan application. Here are 8 different tips and strategies to help you write a comprehensive business plan.

If this is your first time exploring a loan for your business, we understand the loan application process can be intimidating. But with a little prep, you can increase your chances of securing a small business loan. Here are some tips.

There are several alternative avenues entrepreneurs can take to secure financing to fuel their growth, including Small Business Administration loans offered by community-focused financial institutions like AltCap.

With so many financing options available, it's important that entrepreneurs carefully consider several factors before making a decision of what type of small business loan you should pursue.