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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.

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How Do I Get a Cash Advance

You’ve done your research, and you’re convinced a merchant cash advance is a great opportunity for your business. You can get a flexible funding solution to help you cover essential business costs or even expansion. Better yet, you can quickly access the funds you need with flexible repayment terms. So, how do you get an MCA? Follow these steps and you’ll have the funding you need in no time.

Research Providers

Doing research should be your first step. There are plenty of lenders offering MCAs, but not all of them are created equal. Many of them do business online. This makes it easy to find information about where they operate and the kinds of businesses they support. Some specialize in working with small businesses, while others prefer working with large businesses. Some may have expertise in your industry. Always look for a provider who is upfront about their MCA program. Check customer reviews and testimonials. What do other business owners say about this lender?

Submit an Application

Once you’ve decided on a provider, it’s time to prepare your MCA application. Always review the lender’s specific requirements. The more complete and accurate your application, the faster the lender can approve you. You’ll need to provide:

  • Government-issued ID, to prove your identity
  • Your merchant ID number
  • Recent bank statements
  • A void cheque

Your merchant ID number allows the lender to check on your merchant account, giving them accurate information on your monthly sales. Your recent bank statements can also provide this information, as well as crucial information about cash flows. You’ll also need to provide a bank account number for your business. The business bank account is where your merchant cash advance will be deposited.

The Approval Process

The lender will approve your application within two business days. If your application is complete and accurate, the funds may arrive on within the same day. Always check what the lender will provide. Some lenders will offer up to 125 percent of your monthly sales. Next, they’ll send you an agreement. Read this over carefully, since it contains information about your repayment schedule, fees, and more. Some lenders post their general terms, including rates and fees, online. You can review them before you apply. If you’re unsure about the lender’s offer, don’t be afraid to contact them. For example, if you were hoping for more funds than they offered, you can discuss their rationale with them. Once you’re satisfied with the lender’s terms, your funds will be transferred to your bank account.

How Repayment Works

Your merchant cash advance provider should get in touch with your payments processor. They’ll set up direct deductions, which means repayment of your advance happens automatically. You can keep track of payments through your account with the provider. This makes the process perfectly transparent, and you’ll always know where you stand.

Get the Funds You Need Now

Ready to get a merchant cash advance for your business? You can get in touch with the experts for a free quote or apply now. The funds you need could be just a few clicks away.

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May 10, 2021
July 27, 2026

5 Ways to Achieve Financial Independence

Most people will never know what it is like to have true financial independence. However, you don’t have to be one of them. By taking the right step today, you can build wealth that can allow you to have the passive income that you need to achieve financial independence. Here are five steps that you can take today.

1) Create a plan

The first thing that you need to do is have a plan. Figure out how much of an income you would like to have after you officially retired. The rule of thumb is that you should save up to 25 times your annual desired passive income. For instance, if you would like to get $50,000 annually in passive income, then you would have to build up to $1,250,000 in your savings by the time you are planning to retire.

2) Save and invest

To start building the wealth that you need for financial independence; you will need to save and invest. Don’t worry if you don’t currently have a high income. You can have time to work on your side. Through the magic of compound investing, you can build some incredible wealth by investing in stable, dividend-paying stocks. Aim to save at least 10% of your income each month to achieve your financial independence goals.

3) Live below your means

As you get older, you will likely increase your income. This can lead to “lifestyle creep” which can cause you to spend more. It is important to continue to live below your means so you can save and invest. The higher rate of your savings, the faster you can achieve financial independence.

4) Have an emergency fund

One unforeseen medical or life emergency can derail your financial independence plans. Therefore, you will want to have money set aside in case the unexpected happens. Some situations that may require emergency cash include a setback in your business, medical emergencies, or a natural disaster.

5) Study the economy

The economy plays a big role in how your business operates, the purchasing power of your money, and your income. Be sure to study the stock market, the economy, interest rates, and other factors that can play a role in your business and investing life. A great way to stay on top of the economy is to read top economic books and to read up on the latest economic articles on sites such as Bloomberg, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal.

Keep your business on track and achieve your financial goals

Make sure that your business stays on track. With 2M7 Financial Solutions, you can receive the merchant cash advance that your business needs to stay on top of expenses. To learn more, please contact us. We are always ready to assist your business today.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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