Guide
Calculate business loan payments and compare SBA vs conventional financing. Model revenue, expenses, and debt service coverage to understand if a loan fits your business cash flow.
Types of Business Loans
SBA 7(a) loans offer longer terms and lower down payments but involve more paperwork. Conventional bank loans are faster but may require stronger credit and collateral.
Lines of credit suit variable cash flow; term loans suit equipment purchases or expansion with predictable returns.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Lenders want debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) above 1.25 — meaning net operating income exceeds total debt payments by 25%. Below 1.0 means you cannot cover payments from operations.
Model conservative revenue scenarios before borrowing. A loan that works at peak revenue may fail during a slow quarter.
Key Takeaways
- Match loan type to your business need (term vs line of credit).
- Maintain DSCR above 1.25 for lender confidence and safety.
- Factor origination fees and prepayment penalties into total cost.
- Borrow only for investments that generate returns above the interest rate.