Lauren McKinley

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all professional liability policy. Every business owner’s circumstances and needs are unique, which is why the best professional liability insurance companies have customizable coverages that can be tailored to different situations. Other characteristics of the best providers include strong financial ratings and excellent customer support for general policy questions…

Business owners working from home need home-based business insurance for losses arising from third-party liability and property damage. General liability and commercial property are the two most common types of home-based business insurance policies. The typical cost for both policies can range from $950 to $1,900 annually. ERGO – Next Insurance specializes in business insurance…

Landlord insurance protects your investment from harm and your business from liability exposure. The best landlord insurance companies make it easy to get insurance, manage your policy, and customize your coverage. For real estate developers working across state lines, the best landlord insurance providers offer insurance in every state. Using our proprietary rubric, we evaluated…

When shopping for builder’s risk insurance, it is important to consider what type of work your company does. The best builder’s risk insurance companies cover residential, commercial, and renovation projects; provide a certificate of insurance (COI); and offer risk control services. Using our proprietary rubric focusing on financial stability, customer satisfaction, convenience, and policies offered,…

If you need an emergency small business loan, chances are you’re looking for a lender offering quick access to funds with a flexible repayment schedule. No matter the type of emergency, the best emergency loans for small businesses typically have limited funding restrictions, reasonable qualification requirements, and favorable rates and terms. I’ve reviewed the best…

The best hard money lender will have varying characteristics depending on your specific needs. However, top lenders should have a combination of competitive rates, a wide range of loan terms, fast funding speeds, and flexibility in eligibility criteria. Hard money loans are generally used for real estate transactions, with the value of the collateral being…

While funding seeds can vary based on the loan type and lender, the best quick business loans should be able to issue funds within 48 hours. Additionally, they should have flexible qualification requirements, favorable rates and terms, and a simple application process. Many types of loans meet the criteria for a fast business loan, although…

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…

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…