No business tax returns required
Approval is based on personal credit and income — perfect for new ventures.
Small Business Loans
Small Business & Side-Hustle Loans
A small business personal loan is a fixed-rate loan you can use to fund equipment, inventory, marketing, working capital, or the early stages of a new venture. Through The Lending Group's network of U.S. lending partners, solo founders, freelancers, and side-hustle owners can access $2,500 to $50,000 with APRs from 6.99% and terms of 24 to 84 months — with none of the paperwork or revenue history a traditional SBA or commercial loan requires.
- Fund equipment, inventory, marketing, or working capital
- No business tax returns, no time-in-business minimum, no collateral
- Soft credit check — see your rate in 60 seconds with no score impact
- Funds deposited in 1–3 business days after approval
Soft credit check • No impact to score • 60-second form
What is a small business personal loan?
A small business personal loan is exactly what it sounds like: a personal loan you use to fund your business or side hustle. Because it's issued in your name (not your business's), qualification is based on your personal credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio — not on business tax returns, revenue history, or years in operation.
That makes it uniquely useful for new founders. Most SBA loans and commercial lines of credit require 2+ years of business tax returns and $100k+ in annual revenue before you can even apply. A personal loan lets you fund the early stages of a business before you've built that paper trail.
Why a personal loan beats business credit cards early on
Business credit cards can be useful, but their APRs are typically 22–29% and their limits are often too low for equipment purchases or bulk inventory buys. Merchant cash advances are worse: effective APRs regularly exceed 60% and daily repayment can strangle cash flow before the business finds its footing.
A fixed-rate personal loan gives you a clear, cheaper alternative. Borrow $15,000 over 48 months at 12% APR and you pay about $395/month, all-in — a predictable line item you can build into your business budget from day one. Total interest is roughly $3,950 versus $9,000+ on a comparable card balance carried for the same period.
Common business uses
Founders use these loans for: equipment and technology (laptops, cameras, cutting equipment, POS systems), inventory (initial buy for an e-commerce or retail launch), marketing (paid ads, SEO, website, branding), leasehold improvements (fitting out a studio, salon, or shop), professional services (attorneys, accountants, trademark filings), certifications and training, and general working capital during the ramp-up months when revenue is still catching up to costs.
Side-hustle uses are similar: photographers buying lenses and lighting, drivers upgrading vehicles, contractors buying tools, artists funding inventory for a booth or launch, and freelancers building a home studio or office.
What to prepare before you apply
Have your personal information ready: legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, employer or self-employment income, and bank routing and account numbers. If you're self-employed, be ready to document income with recent bank statements or 1099s.
Have a clear budget for how you'll use the funds. Founders who over-borrow at launch often struggle to make payments once revenue lags; borrowing exactly what you need for the next 6–12 months of runway is safer than pulling the maximum.
Why borrowers choose us for small business & side-hustle loans
Fixed rate, fixed payment
Predictable monthly payments you can plan around from day one.
No collateral
Unsecured — your home, car, and business assets stay yours.
Fast funding
1–3 business day funding, so you can act on opportunities quickly.
Better than merchant cash advances
Fixed monthly repayment instead of daily percentage of sales.
Pay off early anytime
Once revenue ramps up, extra payments go straight to principal — no fees.
Common ways borrowers use these funds
- Equipment, laptops, cameras, and tools
- Initial inventory buy for e-commerce or retail
- Marketing, paid ads, and website launch
- Leasehold improvements and studio buildout
- Legal, accounting, and trademark filings
- Certifications, licenses, and training
- Vehicle upgrades for rideshare or delivery work
- Working capital during ramp-up months
How it works
- Step 1
Check your rate
Answer a few questions about you, your income, and the amount you need. Soft credit pull only — no score impact.
- Step 2
Compare and choose
Review offers from our lending partners. Pick the rate and term that fits your budget.
- Step 3
Get funded
Sign electronically, receive funds in 1–3 business days, and invest in your business.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a business loan or a personal loan?
It's a personal loan you're using for business purposes. That means qualification is based on your personal credit and income, not on your business's financials.
Do I need to be incorporated or have an LLC?
No. Since the loan is in your name, no business entity is required. Sole proprietors, freelancers, and side-hustlers are all eligible.
What credit score do I need?
Most lending partners look for a FICO score of 620 or higher, plus verifiable income (W-2 or self-employment income documented with bank statements/1099s).
How much can I borrow?
Between $2,500 and $50,000. The amount you qualify for depends on your income, credit profile, and existing debt load.
Will the loan appear on my personal credit report?
Yes. Both on-time and late payments will be reported to the credit bureaus in your name.
Are there fees?
Qualifying products in our network have no origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees.
Explore more
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