San Francisco Business Loans & SBA Loans

Looking for financing for your Frisco small business? Find out what your loan options are and which ones would work best for you.

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Applying is free and won't impact your credit*

Types of loans in San Francisco.

San Francisco is a terrific place for business, but it can be expensive. Don’t fear, though, because a business loan can help get your operation up and running.

SBA loans

SBA loans are business loans that are partially backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), a federal agency. These loans are serviced by private lenders, but are popular because they generally have good interest rates.

Line of credit

Use a line of credit as a flexible form of financing. Unlike with a loan, this option does not involve a big disbursement upfront that you must repay, providing a flexibility that better fits many entrepreneurs’ needs.

Term loan

Term loans are common small business loans in which you would apply for a large disbursement of capital and then repays it over several years, along with fixed or variable interest.

Equipment finance

With equipment financing, you receive a piece of equipment and then pay off the cost of the equipment in installments. This way, your business can make money off the equipment immediately, even if you don’t have the funds to buy it at the sticker price.

Accounts receivable financing

Accounts receivable financing is an alternative form of business financing in which your unpaid invoices serve as collateral for a lump disbursement of funds.

Local small business loan options in San Francisco.

Several local organizations provide small business funding resources in San Francisco.

Working Solutions is a great resource for small business loans, not just for San Francisco, but for the entirety of Northern California. The organization’s goal is to provide funding for businesses that have struggled to obtain financing elsewhere.

Perfectly in line with San Francisco’s obsession with disruption, Kiva Zip is an innovative funding option for small businesses, crowdfunding a pool of money which is then disbursed in microloans to eligible companies.

San Francisco Launch is another non-profit aimed at small businesses, and it aims to offer loans specifically to companies that spur job growth in low- or moderate-income areas.

San Francisco City’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and Emerging Business Loan Fund (EBLF) are lending programs designed to provide loans to small businesses in the city.

The Bank of San Francisco provides a variety of loan options to small businesses in the city, including SBA loans, revolving lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, and more.

As a Small Business Association (SBA) preferred lender, SF Fire Credit Union provides SBA guaranteed lending solutions to San Francisco small businesses.

Redwood Credit Union offers multiple loan type options to small businesses in the San Francisco and Bay Areas, including SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, term loans, lines of credit, and more.

Four simple steps to funding.

Tell us about your business.

Answer a few simple questions and complete the application in minutes.

Submit your application.

We’ll present your application to our marketplace 75+ lenders. Applying is free and won’t impact your credit score.

Compare offers.

Find the funding option with the terms that best fit your small business goals.

Get funded.

Once you accept, funding can hit your bank account in as little as 24 hours.

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FAQs

What other resources are available to San Francisco small businesses?

The San Francisco Office of Small Business is not just a necessary visit for tax IDs and permits, but also provides a healthy amount of resources from counseling to city data to how to find financing. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is a very active chapter, and it provides a special section of resources for entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities. The San Francisco Economic Development Alliance (SFEDA) is a hub for business resources, many of them free, including help with developing business plans and ongoing mentorship.

What San Francisco small business grants are available?

San Francisco is still utilizing state COVID-19 recovery funds to offer microgrants to small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. For companies looking to construct a physical location or renovate an existing storefront, the city’s SF Shines Storefront Improvement Project has grants specifically for these projects. Small businesses that have been in the city for 30 years or longer can apply for a special Legacy Business Program grant to keep chugging into the future. The city also has special grants created for small businesses looking to improve their accessibility.

How to use a San Francisco small business loan?

A small business loan in San Francisco can be used in many different ways, but you should focus on how the funds can help support your company’s future growth. A business loan can fill in funding gaps caused by a cash crunch or be used on expansion, by attracting great talent, opening a new location, or developing a new product. Some small business loans, like revolving lines of credit, are great for seasonal businesses, while others, like a term loan, are built for companies that are planning decades into the future. How you use a business loan in San Francisco will depend on the nature of your business, your industry, and your immediate needs. Fortunately, you can see a bunch of your options within minutes for free on Lendio’s online platform.

What do I need to qualify for a San Francisco business loan?

To qualify for a San Francisco business loan, you must first decide on a company structure—you may wish to operate as a sole proprietorship, or you might want to incorporate. Depending on the structure, you might have to register with the California Secretary of State. Many businesses will have to register with the City of San Francisco as well, and you will want to find out if you have to apply for any licenses. Once your company is legitimate in the eyes of the law, you can see if you qualify for funding. Financiers differ, but many will expect you to have a detailed business plan and promising financial reports. Your personal credit score will also have a large effect on your approval odds.

Ready for funding?

See what you can qualify for on the Lendio Marketplace.

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