How To Get a Small Business Loan in Arizona

hether you're starting a new Arizona business or readying for an expansion, you'll probably need some financial support. Loans can help you obtain the money you need to fund working capital or buy equipment. Alternatives such as a merchant cash advance or crowdfunding may also be good options, depending on your circumstances.

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Small business loan options in Arizona

While companies often look to traditional banks and credit unions for small business loans in Arizona, other options are available. A few economic organizations provide funding, especially for small businesses. Here are a few alternatives to consider.

Verde Valley Regional Economic Corporation

The Verde Valley Regional Economic Corporation supports business activities within the region, which includes the Arizona towns of Sedona, Clarkdale, and Lake Montezuma. It offers numerous business resources, including financing for companies that meet the eligibility requirements. The minimum loan is $25,000, and loan terms are typically five years.

To qualify for funding, you must show that your company will create or maintain full-time employment for Arizona residents. You can use the financing to purchase fixed assets, acquire another business, or support working capital needs. Interest rates vary depending on the loan terms and your credit risk.

Southwestern Business Financing Corporation

Southwestern Business Financing Corporation (SBFC) is a nonprofit corporation that helps businesses obtain SBA 504 loans to buy fixed assets. The company has been in business for over 50 years, and during that time, it's helped fund the construction of $1.5 billion in commercial properties throughout the state.

To qualify for an SBFC 504 loan, you must demonstrate your company's ability to repay the loan or reasonable future cash flow projections. Your organization must have a net worth of $15 million or less and earn a profit after taxes of less than $5 million over the previous two years. You can use the funding to buy a new building, construct one, or purchase equipment to support your company's operations.

Interest rates for an SBFC 504 loan adhere to the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate, which may be lower than what you'll find with traditional lenders.

Prestamos CDFI

Prestamos CDFI provides various business loan options to Arizona businesses in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, including microloans and SBA loans. Prestamos CDFI's microloans provide up to $50,000 in funding to support your business operations, such as purchasing inventory or equipment. You can also use them for working capital. SBA loans allow you to borrow $100,000 to $350,000, which you can use for starting or managing your business.

To qualify for a Prestamos CDFI loan, you'll need to demonstrate your company's ability to pay back your loan. Some loans require a personal guarantee, which means you'll be responsible for repaying the loan if the business defaults.

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Small business grant options in Arizona

Unlike some other states, Arizona does not offer extensive state-backed grant opportunities for companies that need funding. However, there are a few grant options available for specific business purposes.

ARPA Small Business Workforce Training Improvement Program

The ARPA Small Business Workforce Training Improvement Program provides up to $250,000 in grant funds to organizations based in Phoenix that offer training and education to other employers. To qualify, you must demonstrate the viability of your training program and a one-year proven success rate. Your training company must be based in the Phoenix area.

Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant for Women, offered by WomensNet, is available throughout the U.S., including Arizona. WomensNet provides funding to eligible, women-led businesses that apply for funding each month. Most recipients obtain $10,000 in grant money. At the end of the year, WomensNet awards two $25,000 grants for businesses it finds truly special.

To apply for an Amber Grant, you'll submit a short application that describes your business and what you intend to do with the money. To be eligible, your business must be at least 50% woman-owned and be based in the U.S. or Canada. The WomensNet Advisory Board reviews the applications and notifies successful grant winners.

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Other loan alternatives

Loans and grants might not be an option for your Arizona business, but fortunately, there are other ways to obtain the funding you need.

Merchant cash advance

If your organization gets much of its revenues from credit and debit card sales, a merchant cash advance might be the right solution for you. In a merchant cash advance, the financing company provides you with an upfront amount based on your company's sales history. You repay the debt from your future sales. Merchant cash advances are easy to qualify for and don't require extensive documentation like many loans and grants.

If you want to learn more about merchant cash advances, check out Novo's funding options. With Novo's small business financing, you can obtain up to $75,000 to support your working capital needs.

Equipment financing

Do you have your eyes on a new office printer or heavy machinery? Consider equipment financing. Equipment financing lets you purchase or lease the items you need, often at competitive interest rates. If you lease the equipment, you'll pay the vendor a monthly fee until the lease expires. Then, you can trade in the old equipment for a replacement if you like or purchase it if the lease provides an option to do so.

Crowdfunding

You've likely seen internet fundraisers for various charitable causes, such as fighting cancer or paying for a significant medical expense. People make donations to the fundraisers to help them meet specific financial goals. Businesses can benefit from a similar strategy known as crowdfunding.

In crowdfunding, you share your business idea or objective with the public to obtain funding for your operations. Most crowdfunding campaigns occur online through well-known platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo.

There are various types of crowdfunding:

• Donation-based: With this option, you don't need to repay people who decide to support your business.
• Debt-based: This type of crowdfunding is similar to loans. The main difference is that you'll owe interest to a pool of funders in a peer-to-peer network.
• Rewards-based: Some companies reward their donors with token gifts to thank them for their contributions.
• Equity-based: If you want to find strong financial backers without repaying interest or providing rewards, you might consider equity-based crowdfunding. In this model, your business gives away equity in your business in exchange for crowdsourced funding.

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How to get a small business loan in Arizona

If you'd like to get a small business loan in Arizona, gather the documents you need. Every lender is different, and you'll have different requirements depending on the type of loan. Most lenders will want to see your company's business plan, financial statements and projections, and credit history. You'll also need to complete an application that provides basic information about your business, such as location, marketing strategy, and ownership structure.

Once you submit your application, you should hear back from the lender within a few days or weeks. They will let you know if you're approved and what your next steps are. [https://www.azcentralcu.org/blog/how-to-get-startup-business-loan]

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Takeaways

To fund your Arizona business, you can consider applying for SBA loans, microloans, or funding from your bank or credit union. Other alternatives, such as equipment financing or a merchant cash advance, may also fit your needs. Keep in mind that some loans may require a personal guarantee, so it's important not to overextend your business.

Novo provides simple and effective online banking solutions, including fast access to funding. Learn more about how Novo's business financing can support your company's growth today.

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The Merchant Cash Advance is provided by Novo Funding LLC, PO Box 311092, Miami, FL 33231. Novo is the marketing name for Novo Platform Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Novo Funding LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Novo Platform Inc. Credit and Merchant Cash Advance products and services are offered by Novo Funding LLC. The information and materials contained on this website - and the terms and conditions of the access to and use of such information and materials - are subject to change without notice. Not all products and services are available in all geographic areas. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to final Novo determination and acceptance.

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