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SmartBiz Business Loans Review

Reviews 16,364
Michael Graw
Feb. 04, 2025
2 min read
Michael Graw
SmartBiz Summary
SmartBiz is an AI-powered small business financing platform equipping entrepreneurs with access to the right capital at the right time. SmartBiz connects borrowers with more than $9 billion in financing while increasing efficiency for its network of banks and lending partners. More than 230,000 entrepreneurs have utilized SmartBiz to access the funding they need to grow, with 60% of loans made to minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses.

Pros

  • Speeds up the SBA loan process
  • Offers competitive rates

Cons

  • Strict financial requirements

SmartBiz at a glance

8.8
Editorial score

Online experience

Has learning resources, access to rates, mobile app
10.0

Customer services and support

Multiple ways of reaching lender, wide range of hours
8.0

Variety of loan types

Offers most loan types
8.0

Loan amount range

Up to $350K
10.0

Eligibility

Doesn't cover bad credit, low revenue, new businesses
8.0

Overview

SmartBiz was named the Top Small Business Lending Platform by LendIt Fintech® in 2022 for excellence in keeping the economy running through successful loan performance, volume, growth, product diversity, and innovation. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco and Austin, SmartBiz is backed by Venrock, Investor Growth Capital, First Round Capital, Baseline Ventures, and Uncork Capital. 

Why SmartBiz Is Good For Your Business

If your business has been around for at least two years and has a strong financial record, SmartBiz is one of the most attractive SBA lending marketplaces available. The lenders that SmartBiz works with offer SBA loan interest rates as low as 6.25%*. In addition, SmartBiz is free to use when applying for SBA loans and you can get money in as little as 7 days after being approved by a partner lender. 

Loan Features

SmartBiz offers several different types of loans for small businesses. The main type of loan offered by this platform is an SBA 7(a) loan, which is available in amounts from $30,000 to $350,000 for business growth. SmartBiz’s partner lenders also offer traditional bank term loans, which come with fewer restrictions but higher interest rates and monthly payments.

  • SBA 7(a) business expansion loans
  • Bank term loans

Application Process

SmartBiz speeds up the SBA loan application process by enabling you to prequalify. The prequalification process requires information about your business’s financial history and revenue, as well as helps you fill out the paperwork required for an SBA loan. Prequalification involves a soft credit pull that won’t harm your credit.

If you prequalify, SmartBiz will then match you with a partner lender. The partner lender will help you finalize your loan application, which requires a hard credit pull. Typically, you can complete the SBA loan process within a few weeks and receive money within 7 days of being approved.

How Much Can You Borrow?

The amount you can borrow through SmartBiz’s partner lenders varies depending on the type of loan your business needs:

  • SBA 7(a) business expansion loans: $30,000 to $350,000
  • Bank term loans: $30,000 to $350,000

Repayment Terms

SBA 7(a) loans have a longer repayment term from 10-25 years. In addition, they receive reduced interest rates since they are backed by the government. Traditional bank term loans have a shorter repayment term (2, 3 or 5 year repayment) and higher interest rates:

  • SBA 7(a) business expansion loans: starting at 6.73% APR, 10-25 years
  • Bank term loans: starting at 9.67%, 2-5 years

How Safe Is It?

SmartBiz uses 256-bit encryption to protect all clients’ personal and financial data - the same level of encryption used by most banks. The company also has a very transparent privacy policy that makes it clear that SmartBiz doesn’t sell clients’ information.

Help & Support

SmartBiz offers customer support by phone, email, and live chat from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm PT, Monday to Friday.

Phone: 866-283-8726

Email: support@smartbizloans.com

Summary

SmartBiz streamlines the process of getting an SBA or bank term loan for your small business. The platform has strict financial requirements but offers low-interest rates through its network of partner lenders. SmartBiz helps your business prequalify for a loan with a soft credit check and offers customer support 5 days a week.

Physical Address

SmartBiz, 433 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Disclaimer

*SBA loans from banks in the SmartBiz network have a fixed rate of Prime Rate plus 2.75% to 3.75% or a variable rate of Prime Rate plus 2.75% to 3.75%.

Michael Graw
Written by
Michael Graw
Michael Graw is a personal finance expert at BestMoney.com, specializing in online banking and insurance. His work has appeared in print magazines and on high-impact websites. With a passion for clarity and practicality, Michael helps readers navigate today’s financial landscape.
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Excellent • Reviews 16,364
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