Business loans can be an emergency fund for businesses of all sizes. They can help manage seasonal fluctuations in revenue or unexpected expenses. You can also use them to finance new inventory, equipment or a new office. It is important to make use of the funds in a wise manner to grow your business without having to rely on debt financing.

Before you submit your application, you must determine the amount of capital your company requires and what type of loan is best suited to meet those requirements. You must know how long you plan to pay back the loan, as this can impact the interest rate and fees. Many lenders provide one-time funding or a line of credit, with repayment terms ranging from a few weeks to several years.

You’ll be required to provide a number of documents, such as your business plan, financial statement and credit history. They may also ask for collateral, such as equipment, real estate or money owed to your business (accounts receivable). Some lenders will waive these conditions for established borrowers, those with stellar credit and those seeking large amounts of capital.

They will also determine if your business has the capacity to repay the loan, using a number of metrics, such as its fixed-charge coverage ratio and the amount of cash it will generate each month. They will also determine whether dri avast software it has outstanding loans and assess whether or if it is in compliance with all legal requirements. Finally, they will analyze your industry to see if it is considered volatile or in a stable industry.