Lauren McKinley

A business credit report is a snapshot of a company’s financial health. It shows details about the company’s debt and how it handled debt payments in the past. It’s broken into various sections, each showing different information for company liens, outstanding loans, derogatory payment information, and recent credit applications. Lenders and investors often review this…

The best commercial real estate (CRE) loan will look different for every business owner, depending on factors like property type, loan size, and overall financial goals. Still, top lenders tend to share a few key traits, such as competitive rates, flexible terms, multiple financing options, and clear qualification standards. I’ve researched a wide range of…

Alternative lenders can help your small business by providing faster and more flexible access to capital than traditional banks. They can be a good option if you need quick funding, have limited time in business, or want less strict qualification requirements. I’ve researched several companies and selected some of the best alternative lending options for…

Comparing business loans can quickly become overwhelming. Between researching lenders, filling out multiple applications, and evaluating different rates and terms, the process often takes longer than expected. A loan marketplace simplifies this by letting you view multiple loan options in one place, often with a single application. It’s a faster, more streamlined way to explore…

Choosing between a term loan and a business line of credit is one of the more important financing decisions a business owner can make. While both products provide access to capital, they serve very different purposes and can affect cash flow, repayment obligations, and borrowing costs in different ways. Understanding those differences is essential because…

Cash flow loans can help your small business by providing it with quick access to funds that can be used for a wide variety of business purposes, especially in the event of a cash flow shortage. I’ve researched several companies and selected some of the best cash flow lenders for small businesses. They offer fast…

This guide is for business owners seeking flexible financing and help in finding the right small business line of credit for their situation. When comparing options, I recommend starting by looking at how well each lender matches your credit profile, revenue, and time in business. It is also important to compare total cost, funding speed,…

This guide is for entrepreneurs who want to use eligible retirement funds to start or buy a business without taking an early withdrawal or paying taxes upfront. A rollover for business startups (ROBS) lets you invest eligible retirement funds into a business without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties, provided the plan is set up…

This guide is for real estate investors who need short-term financing for a renovation project and want help choosing the right fix-and-flip lender. Fix-and-flip loans can be expensive, so it is important to find a provider that fits your budget, timeline, and project goals. The best fix-and-flip loans typically offer fast funding, short repayment terms,…

Access to business financing is no longer limited to banks, credit unions, or traditional lenders. Increasingly, small business owners are finding loan offers directly inside the software they already use to run their companies. This model is known as embedded business lending. In this guide, I’ll explain how embedded business lending works, why accounting software…

The best merchant cash advance (MCA) companies offer quick access to funds, flexible qualifications, and a simple application process. Generally, this type of financing is expensive and one that I only recommend as a last resort. That said, rates and fees should still be competitive when compared with other MCA lenders. I evaluated MCA providers…

QuickBooks Capital is a financing option designed specifically for businesses already using QuickBooks accounting software. Instead of applying through a traditional lender, eligible users can access funding directly through their QuickBooks dashboard. But convenience does not always equal the best financing option. In this review, I break down how QuickBooks Capital works, the types of…