Loan Calculator
Loan Calculator
sign-up-for-mesha

Loan Calculator

Loan Amount ($)

Annual Interest Rate (%)

Loan term in years

Your results

Total Cost: $0.00

Breakdown
Monthly payment$0.00
Total interest$0.00
Number of years0

Want to cut it down?

Free tool by
mesha-logo
Share this article

How does a business loan work?

A business loan is a financial arrangement that allows a company to borrow a specific amount of money from a lender, which can be a bank, credit union, or online lender, with the agreement to repay it over a set period with interest. The loan's purpose can vary, whether it's for working capital, expansion, equipment purchase, or other business needs.

Here's how it typically works:

  • Application: Businesses apply for loans by providing financial information, business plans, and other relevant documents to the lender.

  • Approval: The lender evaluates the application, assessing the business's creditworthiness, financial stability, and ability to repay the loan.

  • Terms: Once approved, the lender specifies the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and any collateral requirements

  • Disbursement: Upon acceptance of the terms, the funds are disbursed to the business, which can be used for the intended purpose.

  • Repayment: The borrower repays the loan in regular installments, typically monthly, over the agreed-upon term.

  • Interest: Interest accrues on the outstanding balance, adding to the total cost of the loan.

Business loans provide essential financial support to companies, helping them meet their goals and grow their operations while managing their cash flow effectively. Properly managed loans can be a valuable tool for businesses to thrive and succeed.

How to use the loan calculator?

To determine the specifics of your loan, such as your monthly payments, the average monthly interest, and the overall borrowing expenses, you can employ the following steps:

  1. Input the desired loan amount in the "Loan amount" field, indicating the sum you intend to borrow.

  2. In the "Annual interest rate" section, specify the interest rate you're willing to accept for the loan, which you can find on lenders' websites.

  3. Indicate the desired loan duration in years under "Loan term in years," representing the time in which you wish to fully repay the loan, inclusive of interest.

  4. Click the "Calculate" button to generate the results, unveiling your monthly repayment amount, monthly interest payment, total interest accrued, and the overall amount you'll reimburse the lender upon completing the loan term.

Utilize this tool when evaluating loan options from different lenders. It equips you with a clear understanding of the long-term cost of your loan, aiding you in making informed financial decisions for your business venture.
img
Find write-offs.
File taxes.
Mesha helps independent contractors and freelancers get connected with the best CPAs and file taxes.
Get started

Essentials needed to apply for a business loan

  • Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your company's goals, strategies, and financial projections. Lenders want to see a clear roadmap for your business's success.

  • Personal and Business Credit History: Maintain a strong credit history, both personally and for your business. Lenders assess your creditworthiness to determine the risk of lending to you.

  • Financial Statements: Prepare detailed financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These documents provide insights into your business's financial health.

  • Collateral: Be ready to offer assets as collateral to secure the loan. Collateral can include real estate, equipment, or inventory, which the lender can seize if you default on the loan.

  • Legal Documents: TGather important legal documents, such as business licenses, registrations, and contracts. These demonstrate your business's legitimacy and compliance with regulations.

  • Tax Returns: Provide business and personal tax returns for the past few years. These show your income and tax history, which lenders consider when assessing your ability to repay the loan.

  • Business and Personal Bank Statements: Submit several months' worth of bank statements to demonstrate your cash flow and financial stability.

  • Business Structure: Understand that the legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) can affect loan eligibility. Different structures have varying requirements and implications.

  • Loan Purpose: Clearly define the purpose of the loan, whether it's for expansion, working capital, equipment purchase, or other specific needs. Lenders want to know how you'll use the funds.

  • Personal Guarantees: Be prepared to offer a personal guarantee if required. This holds you personally responsible for repaying the loan if your business can't.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of loans available for businesses?

Businesses have access to a variety of loan types tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. These loans serve different purposes and come with varying terms and conditions. Here are some of the most common types of loans available to businesses:

  1. Term Loans: These are traditional loans with a fixed repayment schedule and interest rate. They are often used for long-term investments, such as equipment purchase or expansion.

  2. Line of Credit: A revolving credit line that businesses can tap into as needed. It provides flexibility for managing cash flow and short-term expenses.

  3. SBA Loans: Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, these loans offer favorable terms and lower interest rates. They come in various forms, including 7(a) loans and CDC/504 loans.

  4. Equipment Loans: Specifically designed for purchasing machinery, vehicles, or other equipment. The equipment itself often serves as collateral.

  5. Commercial Real Estate Loans: Used to buy, renovate, or refinance commercial properties. They can be long-term or short-term, depending on the business's needs.

  6. Merchant Cash Advances: A lump sum of capital provided in exchange for a percentage of daily credit card sales. Repayments fluctuate based on daily revenue.

  7. Invoice Financing: Also known as accounts receivable financing, this type of loan allows businesses to borrow against unpaid invoices, improving cash flow.

  8. Startup Loans: Designed for new businesses with limited operating history. They may require a personal guarantee or collateral.

  9. Bridge Loans: Short-term loans that provide temporary financing until a more permanent source of capital becomes available.

  10. Working Capital Loans: These loans are meant to cover day-to-day operational expenses, such as payroll and inventory replenishment.
Each type of loan has its own advantages and considerations, and the choice depends on the specific financial needs and goals of the business. Careful evaluation and consultation with financial advisors are crucial to determine the most suitable loan type for your business.

Secured loans require collateral, such as assets or property, while unsecured loans do not. Secured loans often have lower interest rates.

  • Accurate Financial Planning: Understanding the after-tax cost of debt helps businesses plan their finances accurately, ensuring they have sufficient cash flow to meet debt obligations.

  • Informed Financing Decisions: It enables effective comparison of various debt financing options, helping businesses choose the most cost-effective solution.

  • Tax Optimization: Recognizing tax benefits from interest payments allows for tax strategy optimization, potentially reducing overall tax liabilities.

  • Capital Budgeting: It aids in evaluating investment projects by factoring in the cost of debt, ensuring investments generate adequate returns.

  • Risk Management: An accurate understanding of debt costs helps assess financial risk, allowing for risk mitigation strategies.

  • Creditor and Investor Relations: Transparent debt management and understanding of after-tax debt costs enhance credibility with lenders and shareholders.

  • Strategic Planning: It influences strategic decisions like mergers, acquisitions, and capital structure adjustments to meet long-term objectives.

To qualify for a business loan, factors such as creditworthiness, business financials, collateral, the strength of your business plan, and your industry type play a crucial role. Each lender may have specific requirements and evaluation criteria, so it's important to carefully review their guidelines and prepare your application accordingly. Meeting these criteria increases your chances of securing the financing your business needs.

The interest rates for a business loan can fluctuate significantly depending on several factors. These include your credit score, the type of loan you're applying for, and the current market conditions. Well-qualified borrowers generally secure lower rates. Business loans can have either fixed or variable interest rates, offering different advantages and risks. It's crucial to compare offers from different lenders to find the most favorable rate for your specific financial situation.

Defaulting on a business loan can have serious consequences. The lender may seize any collateral put up for the loan, potentially leading to significant financial losses. Your credit score will also suffer, making it harder to secure financing in the future. In some cases, the lender may pursue legal action to recover the outstanding debt, potentially leading to further financial and legal troubles. Open communication with the lender is key if you anticipate difficulties in repaying the loan.

Get connected to vetted CPAs
Get a quote now