Business financing basics

Whether you’re looking to scale beyond bootstrapping or cover a cash emergency, business financing can help — but there are a lot of financing options out there. Luckily, finding the right one for your business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

The right option for your business will depend on many factors, including revenue and credit scores. It’s not just about getting approved — it’s also about making sure you understand the fine print.

Lenders may check your business and personal credit when evaluating your business for financing. Nav Prime lets you see where you stand, plus with select plans that include tradeline reporting, may help you strengthen your eligibility.

Get Nav Prime

Business credit score dashboard showing Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, Equifax, and FICO SBSS ratings over a trucking background.

Business financing options screen showing pre-approved loan and credit card offers with eligibility details.

What is business financing?

Business financing includes many types of financing used for business purposes. Some types of financing are short-term, meaning they must be repaid in weeks or months. Long-term financing is often used to finance expensive assets such as real estate or equipment. And of course, there are many in between.

Business owners have many choices in terms of financing options, and qualification requirements can be different depending on the type of financing you choose. Costs can vary widely as well.

How financing needs shift by business stage

Before you start researching your financing options, it’s wise to know what you want. Do you need to invest in expansion? Do you need to cover operating expenses? Do you need the money to refinance debt or buy real estate?

Your business may experience times of slow growth and rapid growth. Understanding what’s next can help you prepare for the next stage in your business journey.

Remember, many types of financing not only have a range of turnaround times from application to payout, but they may also have restrictions on how the money is spent. Explore common business financing options before you start applying.