Business Line of Credit vs. Term Loan: How to Choose the Right Financing in 2026
A line of credit charges interest only on what you draw; a term loan charges it on the full sum from day one. Use lines for cash gaps, loans for assets.
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Financing
Business financing options and funding strategies
Business Loan Prepayment Penalties: Why Paying Off Early Can Still Cost You Thousands
SBA 7(a) loans charge 5/3/1% only on 15-year-plus terms prepaid within 3 years, while 504 penalties run 10 years — run the breakeven before paying off early.
West Virginia Just Unlocked $100 Million in Growth Capital for Local Employers: Your Guide to the WV First Small Business Growth Act
West Virginia gives insurers a 60% premium-tax credit for backing growth funds that invest in local employers with fewer than 250 staff.
The SBA's 2026 SBIC Overhaul: A New Funding Lane Beyond Banks and Venture Capital
The SBA's SBIC rule effective February 2, 2026 opens a $53B program to manufacturers and suppliers — debt from $250K to $10M at 9–16%, equity from $100K to $5M.
Venture Debt for Early-Stage Startups: Borrow Runway Without Selling the Company
U.S. startups borrowed a record $68.8B of venture debt in 2025. Warrants cost 1-5% dilution, but covenant breaches - not missed payments - trigger most defaults
SBA Express Loans, Explained: $500,000 With a 36-Hour SBA Turnaround
SBA Express lends up to $500,000 with a 36-hour SBA response and a 50% guarantee — faster than standard 7(a), but lenders set a higher credit bar.
Supply Chain Finance: How Small Suppliers Get Paid Early When Buyers Stretch to Net-90
Supply chain finance pays suppliers in days at the buyer's credit rate: a 1.2% fee for 85 days early is about 5.2% APR. Negotiate the base term, not the fee.
Assuming the Seller's 3% Mortgage: How FHA, VA, and USDA Loan Assumptions Work in 2026
FHA, VA and USDA mortgages can be assumed at the seller's 3% rate while new loans cost 6.76%; the catch is the equity gap due at closing.
Vermont Act 142: Licensing, APR Disclosure, and the New Rules for Cash Advances and Factoring
Vermont Act 142 (H.648) takes effect July 1, 2027 — licenses for funders and brokers, factoring swept in, confessions of judgment voided, and an estimated APR on every offer. What borrowers and funders should do now.
Buying on Contract? How a Contract for Deed Works — and the Federal Protections Most Buyers Never Hear About
In a contract for deed, the seller keeps legal title until your last payment while you pay the taxes, insurance, and repairs. Since the CFPB's 2024 advisory opinion, covered sellers must assess ability to repay, disclose the APR, and face limits on balloon payments.
Hot Tub and Spa Dealer Bookkeeping: Margins, Warranty Reimbursement, and Financing-Deposit Timing
Spa dealers need a 67% markup to earn a 40% margin, receive $55–$75 flat reimbursement on warranty calls that cost far more, and pay 5–20% curtailments on unsold floored units — here is how to book warranty shortfalls, flooring interest, promo fees, and customer deposits so the P&L shows real profit.
Turned Down for a Bank Loan? Your State Might Guarantee It Through SSBCI
The State Small Business Credit Initiative routes nearly $10 billion in federal money into state loan guarantee, collateral support, loan participation, capital access and venture programs delivered through local banks, with a $20 million loan cap and a 750-employee ceiling. This guide covers who qualifies, how SSBCI differs from SBA 7(a), the no-stacking rule, and the five steps to get a participating lender to enroll your loan.