FAQs & Resources
Everything you need to know about small business lending
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Our initial inquiry is a soft credit pull, which does not impact your credit score. Only when you move forward with a specific lender's application will they perform a hard credit pull, which you can see coming.
The initial application takes about 5-10 minutes. Once submitted, our system reviews your profile and matches you with appropriate lenders. Many business owners receive loan offers within 24-48 hours.
No. lendingenie.com is completely free to use. We don't charge application fees, consultation fees, or any hidden costs. We're compensated by our lending partners, not by you.
Funding timelines vary by lender and loan type, but most approvals happen within 24-72 hours, with funds deposited 1-3 business days after approval. Some faster options like revenue-based financing can fund in as little as 24 hours.
You'll need basic information about your business including how long it's been operating, average monthly revenue, and details about your funding needs. You may also need to provide recent financial statements or tax returns depending on the loan type.
Yes. We work with lenders who offer options for businesses with less-than-perfect credit. Some loan types, like revenue-based financing and invoice factoring, focus more on your business revenue than your personal credit score.
We use bank-grade encryption to protect all your data. Your information is never sold to third parties, and we follow strict data privacy protocols. We only share your information with lenders you've chosen to work with.
Quick Glossary
How to Pick the Right Loan
Different loan types have different limits. If you need $10,000, a business credit card or line of credit may work well. For $50,000+, term loans or SBA loans are typically better options.
If you need money fast, revenue-based financing or merchant cash advances can fund within days. If you can wait a few weeks, SBA loans offer the lowest rates but take longer to process.
Your revenue determines what you can qualify for. Higher revenue typically means access to larger loan amounts and better terms. Lenders focus on your business's ability to repay.
Compare fixed monthly payments versus variable repayment. Fixed payments are more predictable for budgeting, while revenue-based repayment scales with your business performance.
Don't just look at the interest rate—consider all costs including origination fees, prepayment penalties, and other charges. Use our comparison tool to see all-in costs side by side.
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