Small Business Loans in Arkansas
Ready to find success and secure a small business loan? You're in the right place! Our in-house research team of finance experts has compiled this most comprehensive list of business loans for you to find the best option for you. Bad credit and startups acceptable when meeting specific qualifications.


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!
