Small Business Loans in Arkansas

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10 Small Business Loans in Arkansas

Our article is a specialized exploration of small business lending in Arkansas, using data that can be independently verified. The lenders are ranked based on the number of small business loans they have dispensed this year.

Essentially, this highlights the financial institutions and lenders that are actively extending the most loans to small businesses within the state.

(This stands in contrast to other sites that often focus on nonprofits with limited lending capabilities and government programs that are inaccessible to many businesses.)

Takeaway: Local banks do the majority of small business lending in Arkansas. 

Methodology: Our analysis draws from SBA 7a loan data, meaning all these lenders provide SBA loans. Additionally, we've cataloged other types of small business loans featured on their websites.

It's important to note that traditional banks often have strict lending criteria, requiring high credit scores and a minimum of two years in business. To address this gap, we've included two alternative financing solutions at the beginning of our list to assist small business owners who have lower credit scores or are in the early stages of their business.

1. Credit Suite

Credit Suite operates in the realm of business credit consulting and software services, while also offering two innovative non-traditional financing options.

Their Cash Flow Financing is ideal for business owners with bad credit. It enables you to harness your business's existing cash flow for obtaining flexible financial support. Instead of fixed monthly repayments, the structure is based on a percentage of your continuous cash flow.

Furthermore, their Credit Line Hybrid is tailored to provide funding based solely on personal credit standing, eliminating the need for detailed financial documents, bank statements, or business plans. 

This option is specifically crafted for a wide range of businessess, from startups to established, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.

Business financing options offered:

  • Credit Suite Cash Flow Financing
  • Credit Suite Credit Line Hybrid

2. Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank is based in Arkansas and has a presence throughout nearby Midwest states. They cover the normal list of small business financing options and offer three business credit cards. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans

  • SBA Loans

  • Lines of Credit

  • Real Estate Loans

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Equipment Financing

  • 3 Business Credit Cards

3. US Bank

US Bank, a substantial national banking chain, offers a wide selection of business loans. With its numerous branches, it's likely a familiar sight in most towns. In Arkansas, they are one of the top issuers of SBA loans, second only to Arvest Bank in the volume of such loans provided.

Business financing options offered:

  • US Bank Quick Loan

  • Business Term Loan

  • Commercial Real Estate Loan

  • Equipment Financing

  • SBA Loans

  • Dental, Medical, and Vet Practice Loans

  • Business Line of Credit

  • Manage Cash Flow

  • Business Equity Line of Credit

  • Business Reserve Line

  • 4 Business Credit Cards

4. First Financial Bank

On their website, First Financial boasts that "ICBA named First Financial Bank as the top Ag Lender in the nation for 2023 in the $1 billion asset category". They have a variety of different agricultural loans. They're also unique in that they two financing products for veterinarians.

Business financing options offered:

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • Business Term Loans

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • SBA Loans

  • Pet Care Loans

  • Veterinary Loans

  • Poultry Farmers

  • Farm & Ranch Loans

  • Crop Production Loans

  • Pharmacy Loans

5. Arkansas Capital Corporation

The Arkansas Capital Corporation offers a small group of four business financing products. They aren’t a traditional bank, but rather a community development finance company (CDFI) focused on helping entrepreneurs and small businesses. 

Business financing options offered:

  • SBA 504

  • USDA B&I Loans

  • Conventional Commercial Loans

  • SBA 7(a) Loans

6. First Service Bank

First Service Bank is a small bank that offers commercial real estate, SBA, and FSA loans. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Commercial Real Estate Purchase and Refinance

  • Commercial Property Construction and Development

  • Equipment Financing

  • Operating Lines of Credit

  • SBA Loans - 7a and Express

  • Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans

7. FNBC Bank

FNBC is a Arkansas community bank. They offer a normal variety of small business loans. However, their facade loans are a different offering that you don't usually see. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Multifamily Loans

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • Business Term Loans

  • Construction Loans

  • SBA 7a and 504 Loans

  • Façade Loans

  • Equipment Leasing

  • 1 Business Credit Card

8. The Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank is not only a leading lender for small businesses in this state but also holds the distinction of being the largest originator of SBA 7a loans in the entire United States.

This achievement places them in the top 10 lenders in the majority of states, reflecting their enthusiasm for supporting small businesses.

Beyond SBA loans, Huntington provides an extensive range of financial solutions for small enterprises, including equipment leasing, agricultural lending, and a variety of real estate financing options. 

Business financing options offered:

  • SBA 7a Loans

  • Equipment Leasing

  • Church Lending

  • Greek House Financing

  • Agricultural Loans

  • Warehouse Lending

  • Real Estate Loans, Term Loans, and Lines of Credit

9. First Security Bank

A diverse set of business loans, but not much information on their website about them individually. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Business Loans

  • SBA Loans

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • Business Credit Cards

  • Construction loans

  • Equipment Financing

  • Commercial Real Estate

10. BayFirst National Bank

BayFirst National is primarily focused on SBA loans, a fact clearly highlighted by their website's catchphrases like "Lightning Fast Business Loans!" and "In-house team, quick funding." Their major advantage lies in their in-house underwriting team, which guarantees both speed in processing and expert knowledge.

Considering the normally extended duration for funding SBA loans, BayFirst National's capacity to accelerate this process represents a considerable advantage.

Business financing options offered:

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Commercial Term Loans

  • Commercial Lines of Credit

  • Construction Loans

  • Heavy Equipment Financing

How to apply for a small business loan in Arkansas 

Getting your small business funded doesn't have to be overwhelming, regardless of how many steps may be involved. Let the leading business guides at Credit Suite help you along the way!