Long Term & Short Term Business Finance, Business Economics & Finance | Business Economics & Finance - B Com PDF Download

What’s the difference between long-term and short-term business loans?

A long-term business loan involves multi-year repayment terms following a detailed application process. A short-term business loan provides a company with quick access to capital, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.

Whether it’s working capital or some other type of small business loan, how much money you plan to borrow is probably the single most important factor for you as a business owner.

However, there are plenty of other loan components to consider, including term length.

Whether your loan features short or long terms can impact everything from how much interest you pay over time to how much money you can ultimately borrow.

Short-term business loans

For most business owners, a short-term loan is the way to go. These types of loans can provide you the funds you need fast, sometimes in as few as 24 hours.

And with more alternative lending choices available now than ever before, it’s become that much easier for business owners to skip the restrictive loan requirements of traditional banks and obtain the money they need from elsewhere.

“Most times, small to medium size businesses don’t need long-term financing …,” said National Funding founder and CEO David Gilbert. “Alternative lending options, like working capital loans, or small ticket equipment leasing, offer the flexibility and quick turnaround needed for owners to keep their businesses running smoothly.”

Essentially, short-term loans are an easier way for business owners to get liquidity and overcome financial setbacks, as opposed to taking on larger, more long-term debt.

Long-term business loans

On the other hand, long-term loans may be necessary for some businesses. This type of financing involves multiyear repayment terms that can sometimes last for decades.

While short-term loans may have higher interest rates at first, business owners who take on long-term financing typically end up paying more in interest. This is because the long-term length allows interest to build up over time.

It is also generally more difficult for a business owner to obtain long-term financing. This is because they will need to go through more traditional lending channels in most cases and contend with the strict qualifying standards put in place by larger banks.