Most lenders offer secured and unsecured $30,000 business loans. Banks, online providers and even some microlenders are all options. It’s also possible to find a loan of this size if you have a startup or bad credit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through where to find a $30,000 business loan, how to qualify and what to expect in terms of costs, so you can choose the best option for your business.
Where to get a $30,000 business loan
You can get a $30,000 business loan from an online lender, regional bank, community development financial institution (CDFI) and some credit unions. Several large banks like Wells Fargo offer $30,000 business loans too. But national banks may prefer to work with higher loan amounts.
While microlenders might offer loans of this size, some have maximum loan amounts below $30,000 — especially if you’re looking for a bad credit loan or startup financing.
Compare $30,000 business loans
Find the best $30,000 loan for your business by comparing rates, terms and lender requirements. Pick up to four options and select “Compare” to see how they stack up side by side.What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 12+ types of business loans across 35+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best business loans for startups loans, you can see how each business loan stacks up against other business loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.
How to get a $30,000 business loan
The application process for a $30,000 business loan varies depending on your lender and loan type. But generally, you need to follow these steps:
- Compare lenders that offer the type of loan you need at $30,000. Also, consider factors like annual percentage rates (APRs), origination fees and requirements. If you need vehicle or equipment financing, also keep in mind the minimum down payment required.
- Check offers from top providers by filling out a prequalification form or speaking with a commercial loan officer.
- Gather the documents you need to complete the application, such as tax returns, financial statements and bank statements. If you’re taking out a secured $30,000 loan, now is the time to get your collateral professionally appraised.
- Finish the application by providing more details about your business and personal finances. In some cases, your lender might ask for more documentation, such as a business plan.
- Review the loan agreement, taking note of the APR, fees and terms. Also, be sure to review the payment amount, frequency and due date on your $30,000 loan.
How to qualify
Qualifying for a $30,000 business loan comes down to a few key factors, like your credit score, revenue and time in business. Here’s what lenders typically look for:
- Credit score. A good personal credit score of 670 or higher will help you qualify, though some lenders may be more flexible in their requirements.
- Annual revenue. Lenders need to know your business can repay the loan, so they often require a minimum annual revenue of around $100,000.
- Time in business. Many lenders prefer businesses that have been operating for at least two years, though some online lenders may accept shorter periods — as little as six months.
- Business plan. Though it’s not required by all lenders, having a detailed business plan with financial projections could help demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
How much a $30,000 loan costs
The cost of a $30,000 business loan is determined by the APR and loan terms that you qualify for — which depends on the lender and your creditworthiness. But repayment terms for this loan amount are usually around a year or two.
It’s always a good idea to shop around for the best APR, since that can make a big difference in the cost of a $30,000 loan. For example, a $30,000 loan at 6% APR paid back over two years will cost you $1,910 in interest, while interest on the same loan with a 10% APR will be $3,224.
Use our calculator below to get a clearer picture of the monthly installments and interest you can expect to pay on a $30,000 business loan.
Business loan calculator
See how much you'll pay on a $30,000 loan
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Watch out for the origination fee
Most business loan APRs include an origination fee, which can range anywhere from 0.5% to 9%; that equals $150 to $2,700 on a $30,000 loan.
When you close the loan, your lender either deducts the origination fee from your loan or adds it to your loan balance. Make sure to factor in that cost before you apply for the loan to avoid under-borrowing.
8 types of $30,000 business loans
Not all business loans are the same. Some are flexible, some require collateral and others work best for specific purchases. Here are the most common types of $30,000 business loans and who they’re best suited for.
1. Unsecured term loans
Unsecured term loans provide a lump sum of funding without requiring business collateral. You’ll repay it in fixed installments, but most lenders require a personal guarantee, meaning you’re personally responsible if the business can’t repay.
Good for
- Businesses with strong credit and steady revenue
- Companies looking for predictable monthly payments
- Business owners who prefer not to pledge collateral
Consider other options if you
- Have a low credit score and need better rates
- Want to avoid providing a personal guarantee
- Need a loan with longer repayment terms
2. Secured term loans
A secured loan works like an unsecured loan but requires collateral, such as equipment, real estate or business assets. Because these loans are less risky for lenders, they typically come with lower interest rates.
Good for
- Businesses with assets they can use as collateral
- Companies looking for lower interest rates
- Borrowers who want higher approval odds
Consider other options if you
- Don’t have collateral to secure the loan
- Need funding quickly and can’t wait for collateral appraisal
- Prefer an unsecured loan with simpler requirements
3. Business lines of credit
A business line of credit provides access to funds as needed. You only pay interest on what you borrow, and you can continue borrowing as you repay.
Good for
- Businesses with fluctuating cash flow
- Companies that want flexibility in borrowing
- Businesses looking to establish a long-term funding source
Consider other options if you
- Need a lump sum for a major purchase
- Prefer fixed monthly payments
- Need a large loan
4. Equipment and vehicle loans
Designed specifically for purchasing business equipment or vehicles, equipment loans are typically secured by the asset you’re buying. However, you may need to provide a down payment of up to 20%.
Good for
- Businesses purchasing new or used equipment or vehicles
- Companies willing to make a down payment
- Borrowers who want predictable fixed payments
Consider other options if you
- Need funds for general business expenses
- Prefer unsecured financing
- Want more flexibility in how the funds are used
5. Microloans
Microloans are small business loans provided by nonprofit organizations, CDFIs or government-backed programs. They often have more flexible terms but may take longer to fund and could have a lower loan cap.
Good for
- Startups and small businesses that need smaller loans
- Businesses that struggle to qualify for traditional loans
- Borrowers looking for lower interest rates from nonprofit lenders
Consider other options if you
- Need funding quickly
- Don’t want restrictions on how funds can be used
- Prefer a lender with a streamlined application process
6. SBA loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans backed by the government, including the SBA 7(a) and microloan programs. SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates, but the application process can be time-consuming.
Good for
- Businesses with good credit and strong financials
- Companies looking for lower interest rates and longer terms
- Business owners who have time for a longer application process
Consider other options if you
- Need funding quickly
- Don’t meet SBA’s credit, revenue or time in business requirements
- Prefer a faster, less paperwork-intensive loan
7. Merchant cash advances (MCAs)
A merchant cash advance provides an upfront sum based on future sales. Repayments are made through a percentage of daily deposits or credit card transactions. While easy to qualify for, MCAs can have extremely high costs.
Good for
- Businesses with high daily sales volume
- Companies needing fast access to cash
- Businesses that struggle to qualify for traditional loans
Consider other options if you
- Want predictable monthly payments
- Want to avoid high fees and interest rates
- Prefer a loan with standard repayment terms
8. Personal loans for business
If your business is new or doesn’t have established revenue, a personal loan can be used for business expenses. Approval is based on your personal credit and income rather than business financials.
Good for
- Startups and businesses without business credit history
- Borrowers with strong personal credit and income
- Business owners who don’t qualify for business loans
Consider other options if you
- Want to separate business and personal finances
- Qualify for a traditional business loan
- Don’t want your personal credit tied to business debt
How to get a $30,000 business loan with bad credit
There are lenders willing to work with bad credit, but you’ll need to look beyond traditional banks. Online lenders and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are more flexible with their requirements, often accepting credit scores of 580 or lower. They focus more on business revenue and cash flow than your personal credit history.
Offering collateral — like equipment or inventory — can also help you secure a loan. Some lenders may also require a personal guarantee, meaning you’ll be on the hook if your business can’t repay.
It helps to compare lenders that specialize in bad-credit business loans. Some cater to startups, while others work with businesses that have strong sales but low credit scores. Checking prequalification offers and having your financial documents ready can improve your chances of getting approved.
Bottom line
A $30,000 business loan is low enough to be attainable for most small businesses — and easier to find than smaller loan amounts. But you might not have as many bad credit or startup options as you would with a $15,000 loan.
To compare even more options, check out our guide to small business loans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a SBA loan for a $30,000 business loan?
Yes, the SBA offers $30,000 business loans through programs like the SBA 7(a) loan and SBA microloans. The microloan program, in particular, is designed for loans under $50,000 and is a good option for small businesses that meet the SBA’s eligibility requirements. Just keep in mind that SBA loans take longer to process than other types of business loans, so they may not be the best choice if you need fast funding.
What is the easiest $30,000 business loan to get?
The easiest $30,000 business loan to get is typically from an online lender since they typically have lower credit score requirements and faster approvals than banks or SBA loans. Merchant cash advances and invoice financing are also easy to qualify for but come with higher costs.
Can a startup LLC get a $30,000 loan?
Yes, a startup LLC can get a $30,000 loan, but options may be limited, since most lenders prefer businesses with at least six months to two years of revenue. Online lenders, SBA microloans and some nonprofit lenders are more startup-friendly. If your business hasn’t established credit yet, you may need to rely on a personal loan or a loan with a personal guarantee.
Other business loan amounts:
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