ClickCease

Understanding Small Business Loans

Understanding Small Business Loans

Understanding Small Business Loans
10
Aug 2020
11
Aug 2026

What is a small business loan?

Generally speaking, a business loan is borrowed by a business owner or a company in order to finance and manage its operations including, but not limited to, purchasing equipment or inventory, investing in expansion, hiring new employees, and more. A business loan has terms and conditions directing how and where the money can be used, what the interest rate is, and what would be the repayment schedule. Every financial institution has its own criteria and requirements for lending and offering the best business cash advance loans; each will assess your credit rating differently in order to estimate how risky it is to lend you money and will offer you several lending options.  A small business loan is fundamentally the same, where the money borrowed for small business needs to be used to purchase equipment or hire employees. For entrepreneurs who are looking to get their venture off the ground, the small business start-up loans are a great alternative. New business owners say that the biggest challenge in starting a business is to get financing. In this case, private lenders and government programs offer financing options to help out new businesses.  At the federal and provincial levels, Canada offers startups various financial aid programs within specific sectors and regions. For instance, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) offers loans to entrepreneurs to set up a new business, build or renovate facilities, buy equipment, develop new products, expand into new markets, improve IT infrastructure, and even sell the business.

Getting approved for your business loan

In order to get approval for small business loans in Canada, the owner has to provide a business plan as well as have all their documents in order. Firstly, you should ask yourself the following questions which will help you with your loan application:

  • Why does your business need the money?
  • What is the right type of loan for you?
  • What type of lender should you approach?
  • Do you think you qualify? If unsure, how can you improve your situation?
  • Do you have all the documents required by the bank?

Financial institutions are reluctant to provide business loans unless there is sufficient security or collateral to guarantee the loan. Numbers show that less than 25% of small startup business loan applications are approved by major lenders. That is why private lenders have become such a practical financing option in the last decade. Unlike venture capital or angel investors, they do not require you to put up a percentage of your business. Moreover, it is easier to obtain a business loan from private lenders as they are more flexible with the loan terms. The paperwork is not as difficult and loans approvals happen faster than in major financial institutions.  Below are a few types of small business loans and financing options:

  1. Lines of credit
  2. Peer to peer (P2P) loans
  3. Merchant advances
  4. Investor loans
  5. Term loans
  6. Commercial Bank Loans
  7. Equipment Loans for Startup Businesses
  8. Online Invoice Financing
  9. Traditional Equity Financing
  10. Personal Loans

Types of startup business loans

Startup needs differ from established and even small business needs. Moreover, the startup most likely generates zero or negative revenue in the beginning. Entrepreneurs who are looking to borrow money for their business are usually asked for personal guarantees and collateral. This means that the business owner may put up his house or any other assets as collateral for the loan. That said, start-up business loans may not be the best option – especially if there are not enough assets available. As mentioned above, small business start-up loans from private lenders are better alternatives. Whether obtained through crowd-funding, private lenders, or the government, small loans can help a business owner pave the way for his business. Currently, equipment loans for startups are very popular. These are relatively small loan amounts, so the equipment that is purchased can be put up as security. Merchant cash advances and peer to peer funding can help small businesses with their cash flow and managing operations. Business lines of credit (LOC), sometimes called corporate credit loans, are like credit cards but for businesses. It is a revolving credit system, where the business owner can withdraw the amount of money they need, up to the credit limit allowed by the lender. The borrower only pays interest on the amount that is borrowed. A business LOC can help a small business owner meet its cash flow requirements and manage their debt effectively.

A merchant cash advance for start-up businesses

Known as a “business cash advance”, merchant cash advances work on different terms compared to traditional loans. Unlike bank loans, a merchant cash advance does not evaluate credit score. Small business owners can typically receive up to $300,000 startup business Cash advance, without having to offer security for the loan! Under a merchant cash advance, the business receives a lump sum of advanced cash with the condition that the lender will receive a percentage of your future sales. Therefore, the merchant cash advance is a simple and fast way of getting capital right away. A merchant cash advance for startup businesses is a great financing option, allowing flexibility in repayment. For instance, if your sales in one month are lower, then the repayment amount will be lower; similarly, if your business performs very well the next month, your loan repayment will be higher. The private lender also takes care of repayments, ensuring there are no delays in payments from your end. Most of them have agreements with major payment processors, so private lenders can set up repayments based on your daily sales received by credit cards, which eliminates any headache of repayments on your end.   For business borrowers who need the money as soon as possible, merchant cash advances are one of the fastest ways of getting cash flow. Once the business loan is approved the cash advance is directly deposited into your account within one or two days. If you think it might be a good solution for you, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Related articles

May 26, 2021
September 20, 2026

5 Reasons Why Successful Businesses Also Borrow Money

There's a huge misconception in the world of business. People tend to think that if a company (that's not a startup) has to borrow money, it's not successful. Yes, in certain situations, you do need some capital to get up and running from a few bad months. However, usually, it isn't bad for your company. It can be a huge boost for your business and take your sales to a new height that you didn't know existed. Here are five reasons why successful businesses needs to borrow money.

Meet Consumer Demands

If you're running a successful business, you're going to scale over time. Your customers will increase, and your current production capacity won't meet your future demands. Scaling is an important part of the journey, and if you don't speed up production, the sign that says 'out of stock' will run your enterprise into the ground. Taking a merchant cash advance (MCA) could be a great way to upgrade equipment and start meeting consumer demands. It does cost you money upfront, but in the long run, it'll boost your profits tenfold. For a closer look at how this type of funding fits a growing business, read using a merchant cash advance to grow your business.

Stepping Away from a Rough Patch

We mentioned COVID-19 a while ago, and it is a major reason why companies need to be open to the idea of borrowing money. Millions of businesses globally shut down because either their services weren't required by the public or they couldn't maintain enough profits to stay above water. If your company struggled to find ground but still made it to the early post-COVID era we're in right now, you're lucky. However, things might not be such food to you if you can't get yourself back to a certain level of stability. By taking a merchant cash advance, you might be able to hire new personnel, find new contractors to work with, spend more on advertising, and get back to work!

Making Payments on Time

Even some of the top businesses in the world need raw materials to make their products. And, most of the time, payments from customers take months until they're in the pocket of the finance department. To make sure you make all your payments on time, an MCA will help you keep the wheel spinning, and since you already have the money needed to pay it back, you're good to go.

Keeping Up With Competition

No matter what you sell, there's probably some other businesses out there that has been in the same industry for longer than you have. This means that they have a stable grip on the market and have a better cash flow to scale their business. Taking a merchant cash advance is like a quick hack to catch up to your competition and speed up sales much quickly as compared to the other, more traditional routes.

Reducing Personal Investments

If you’re running a small to medium business, it’s always tempting to put in all your personal savings to keep the business afloat. Building a cash reserve is a good way to keep financial problems at bay. However, a recommendable way to save yourself from the pitfall of personal investments is to borrow money. By bringing in the cash you need from other places, you’re keeping your bank account safe and sound.

Closing Thoughts

The word 'debt' is not the final nail in the coffin for your company. With proper planning, it can help you reach heights that you never imagined. That is where we come in. 2M7 Financial Solutions is a company that offers merchants cash advances, which you can return from a specific percentage of your sales. If you're looking for a reliable company to help you outshine your competition, request a quote, we will be happy to assist you.

Read more
August 6, 2026
August 6, 2026

Heavy Equipment Loans vs. Merchant Cash Advances

A broken excavator, an aging truck, or an unexpected opportunity to take on a larger contract can create an immediate need for capital. The problem is that equipment rarely fails or becomes available on a lender’s schedule.

With Canada’s economy coming off two consecutive quarters of contraction, preserving working capital has become even more important for many contractors considering a major equipment purchase.

For Canadian contractors, the right financing option often depends on two factors: how quickly the money is needed and how much flexibility the business requires. A traditional equipment loan may be the best fit for a planned purchase. When the need is urgent, however, revenue-based funding may provide faster access to the capital needed to keep work moving.

Equipment Loans vs. Merchant Cash Advances: What Is the Difference?

Traditional equipment financing is usually tied to the equipment being purchased. The lender evaluates the asset, the business, and the borrower’s credit profile, and the equipment typically serves as collateral. Because of this, the application may involve appraisals, purchase documents, and a more detailed approval process.

That structure can work well when the purchase is planned and there is time to compare terms. It may be less practical when a machine has failed mid-project or a good piece of used equipment is available for only a few days.

A merchant cash advance, or MCA, is not tied to a specific asset. It provides working capital based largely on the business’s revenue and operating history. There is no equipment appraisal, and the funds can generally be used where the business needs them most; a repair, a replacement, a down payment, or another project expense.

‍

When Revenue-Based Funding May Be Useful

Revenue-based funding is generally most useful when timing matters more than obtaining the lowest possible financing cost. Common examples include:

  • Emergency repairs: A key piece of equipment breaks down during a job, and every day of downtime affects labour, scheduling, and project costs.
  • A time-sensitive used-equipment purchase: A suitable machine becomes available at a good price, but the seller will not wait through a lengthy approval process.
  • Preparing for a larger contract: A contractor needs another vehicle or machine before the new project begins generating revenue.
  • Replacing equipment during peak season: Waiting until the off-season is not realistic because current jobs depend on the equipment being available now.

In each case, the decision is not simply about comparing rates. It is also about the cost of delay: lost work, idle crews, rental expenses, missed deadlines, or a contract the business cannot accept.

How Repayment Can Fit a Construction Business

Construction revenue is rarely perfectly even. Weather, permit delays, seasonal slowdowns, and gaps between projects can all affect monthly sales.

With some revenue-based funding structures, remittances rise and fall with sales rather than remaining fixed every month. That can give a contractor more breathing room during a slower period. A traditional loan, by contrast, usually requires the same scheduled payment regardless of current revenue. Because of this rigid structure, it is crucial to compare your financing options carefully before signing anything.

Other Ways Canadian Contractors Finance Equipment

An MCA is only one option. Contractors may also use equipment loans, leases, lines of credit, or leasing and asset-based financing. Each serves a different purpose.

  • Equipment loan: Often best for a planned purchase when the business can provide documentation and wait for approval.
  • Lease: May suit a business that wants to preserve cash or replace equipment regularly.
  • Line of credit: Can provide ongoing access to working capital, although approval standards may be stricter.
  • Merchant cash advance: May be useful when funding is needed quickly and repayment flexibility is important.

What to Compare Before Choosing

Before committing to any type of equipment funding, compare the full economics and not only the speed of approval or the size of each payment. Look at:

  • The total amount to be repaid
  • How often payments or remittances are collected
  • Whether the amount changes with revenue
  • Any collateral or personal-guarantee requirements
  • The expected approval and funding timeline
  • Early-payoff terms
  • The revenue the equipment is expected to generate or protect

The cheapest option on paper is not always the least expensive in practice. If waiting several weeks means losing a project, paying for rentals, or leaving a crew idle, speed has a measurable value. The key is to weigh that value against the total cost of the funding.

‍

FAQs

Does 2M7 finance the equipment itself?

No. 2M7 provides working capital based on the business’s revenue rather than financing secured against a specific asset. The funds can be used for repairs, replacement equipment, a down payment, or other business needs.

Can I qualify if my credit is not strong?

Approval is based primarily on the business’s revenue and operating history, rather than on personal credit alone.

How quickly can funding be received?

Most approved applications receive a decision within one business day, and funds may be deposited within 24 hours of approval.

Is there a penalty for paying off early?

No. Depending on the agreement, an early payoff may reduce the remaining balance rather than trigger a penalty.

‍

Read more
November 11, 2020
September 27, 2026

Why Businesses Should Choose Merchant Cash and Working Capital Loan

The business world has been turned upside down in the last few months, which has led to many questions for business owners. One of the most pressing has been about finances. In the current global climate, you may wonder what options you have to keep cash flowing. As it turns out, you have quite a few choices. The question is more about which options will work best for your business. There are quite a few reasons merchant cash advance and working capital loan could be the right fit.

What is Merchant Cash and Working Capital Loan?

‍Merchant cash and working capital loan refers to business financing options available to merchants on the basis of their future sales. It includes tools like merchant cash advances.A merchant cash advance, for example, is estimated on your future sales. The lender offers you cash to help you keep the business operating by estimating what your future sales are likely to be. Unlike a business loan, this option can be quite flexible as a result.

Why Choose Merchant Cash and Working Capital Loan?

‍Why are options like merchant cash advances so popular? One reason is that they provided the flexibility small businesses need.Since the advance is estimated on future sales, you pay the advance as you earn those sales. That means your payment can vary. If you have high sales, you can pay the advance down faster. If your sales are low, you won’t have to struggle to meet a high payment.The amount of the advance can also be variable. It’s also a great option for businesses that need ongoing cash injections. It also works for newer businesses or businesses that need smaller loan amounts.If any of this sounds like your business, then it could be time to discover what a merchant cash advance can do for you. Get in touch and find out if this option fits your business’s needs.

Read more