Small Business Loans & Financing

Small business financing options that fit

Grow your business on your terms

With more than 100 years of experience working with small businesses, we know what it takes to start, expand and support your daily operations. We provide flexible small business loans and financing solutions to meet your needs.

Business Loans

We have the financial solutions you need to meet just about any business challenge.

  • Buy, refinance, build or expand a facility
  • Restructure debt
  • Finance equipment
  • Make leaseholder improvements
  • Access working capital
Learn more about small business loans
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Business Lines of Credit

Get easy access to funds that can help you manage fluctuations in cash flow.

  • Handle periodic borrowing needs so you can get business done promptly
  • Borrow, repay and then borrow again
  • Always know the amount that's available to borrow
  • Solve small business financing needs quickly by simply writing a check
Learn more about business lines of credit
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SBA Term Loans

Small Business Administration loans, or SBA loans, are a vital financial resource for businesses looking to start, expand or acquire an existing business.

  • Choose from an SBA 7(a), 504 or Small loan
  • Enjoy longer repayment terms than conventional loans
  • Take advantage of low and no down-payment options
Learn more about SBA term loans

SBA Small Loans

Ideal for business expansion, SBA Small loans offer faster decision-making and access to capital.

  • Loan amounts up to $500,000
  • No prepayment penalties
  • 100% financing available
Learn more about SBA Small loans

Commercial Letters of Credit

Expedite payment and improve cash flow using commercial letters of credit.

  • Import and export letters of credit available
  • Specify details on the purchase or sale of goods
  • Ensure compliance with international trade practices
Learn more about commercial letters of credit
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Standby Letters of Credit

A standby letter of credit is a flexible tool that can be used for a variety of transactions.

  • Designed for transactions that require assurance that payment will be made
  • Doesn't have to be related to the purchase of goods or services
  • Ensures that international transactions are properly structured
Learn more about standby letters of credit
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Business Digital Banking

Manage your business on the go

Manage your accounts from anywhere

Send and transfer money using ACH and wires

Receive account and security alerts

Learn more about business digital banking
Business Digital Banking

Manage your business on the go

Manage your accounts from anywhere

Business Digital Banking

Manage your business on the go

Send and transfer money using ACH and wires

Business Digital Banking

Manage your business on the go

Receive account and security alerts

Learn more about business digital banking

Business Financing FAQ
People often ask us

There are a few ways we help small business owners obtain funding. They can:

  • Apply for a small business loan
  • Apply for an SBA loan

With a small business loan, you'll receive a lump-sum payment for a specific approved funding amount, and you'll then repay the loan over time at a pre-determined interest rate.

To apply for a small business loan, contact a First Citizens representative at your local branch.

The term length for a typical small business loan can vary widely, depending on the type of business loan, purpose of the funds, collateral used to secure financing and how much you're financing.

Both fixed and variable-rate loans have their advantages. Fixed-rate loans will provide the same interest rate and payment throughout the life of your small business loan, while a variable interest rate has the ability to rise or fall in the future. To learn more about which rate option would be better for your situation, you can contact a banker at your local branch.

Yes. We offer various options and will work closely with you to determine which line of credit is best for your business. To get started, contact a First Citizens representative at your local branch.

A small business term loan provides financing for capital expenditures—such as fixed assets—that amortize over a period of time. A small business line of credit is meant for short-term financing needs. A lease can be beneficial for vehicles and equipment that you don't own but that might have a buyout option at the end of the term.

Yes. Your personal guarantee is generally required to finance a small business loan or line of credit.

No. If your business line of credit has a zero balance, no interest will accrue.

The US Small Business Administration, or SBA, helps finance new businesses and helps existing businesses flourish through a federal loan program. A loan from the SBA is a partnership between First Citizens and the SBA that provides a government guarantee.

Start by talking with your First Citizens banker, who can help determine what type of small business financing is needed based on your business plan and model. If you're not a current customer, contact a First Citizens representative at your local branch. Another good place to start is the US Small Business Administration website, which has tools and resources to help you in the planning stages of starting your own business—including determining if an SBA loan is right for you.

Yes. Small business loans can be underwritten with several different ownership structures, including LLCs. Historical cash flow would be reviewed for the operating entity, as well as any entity that's directly owned by the credit applicant. In most cases, the operating entity would be considered a guarantor in addition to personal guarantees.

Small Business Financing Insights
Securing funding for your business

Credit

Tips for Getting Your First Small Business Loan

Knowing the basics of how to get a small business loan may help prepare you to get the capital you need.
While banks don't have universal rules about what makes a business creditworthy, most will evaluate three key factors: experience, credit and cash flow.
Finance

Why You Should Consider an SBA 7(a) Loan

The SBA 7(a) loan program offers attractive features for qualified business owners seeking financing.
With loan amounts of $50,000 to $5 million available, small business owners can wrap multiple aspects of a project's funding needs into one loan.
Banking

The Benefits of Relationship Banking

Instead of treating customers as transactions, relationship banking focuses on individual service.
The key to success with relationship banking is a focus on the individual.

Normal credit approval applies.

Approved to offer SBA loan products under the SBA Preferred Lenders program.

First Citizens Bank offers SBA 7(a) loans in all US states except Vermont.

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Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. icon: sys-ehl.

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