Small Business Loans in Louisiana

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 Louisiana

Our list is a result of detailed, in-house research on small business lenders in Louisiana, based on reliable and verifiable data. We've ranked these lenders according to the volume of small business loans they've issued over the current year. 

Essentially, this means we're highlighting those banks and lending bodies that are genuinely at the forefront of loan distribution to small businesses in Louisiana.

(Unlike many other sites that typically focus on nonprofits with minimal lending activities or government programs that are challenging for qualify for.)

Takeaway: Louisiana small businesses do a fair share of borrowing from small local banks, in addition to national banks that you see in other states.

Methodology: Our study is based on data from SBA 7a loans, ensuring that every lender we mention provides these types of loans. We've also gathered details on various other small business loan options that these lenders promote on their websites.

It's important to recognize that mainstream banks typically set high standards, demanding strong credit scores and at least two years of business operation. In response to this, we've begun our list with a couple of financing alternatives designed for small business proprietors who might be struggling with lower credit scores or who are relatively new to the business scene.

1. Credit Suite

Credit Suite stands out in the realm of business credit advice and software solutions, offering a pair of unique financial products.

For entrepreneurs with bad credit, they offer a Cash Flow Financing solution. This allows you to leverage your company's cash flow for flexible financial assistance. Instead of rigid monthly payments, you repay based on a percentage of your ongoing cash flow.

In addition, their Credit Line Hybrid targets funding based solely on personal credit merit, eliminating the need for detailed financial documentation, bank histories, or business plans. With funding options ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, this makes it an excellent choice for newer and established businesses.

Business financing options offered:

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

2. American Bank

American Bank is a small bank with solid business loan offerings. Believe it or not, they actually lend more SBA loans than any other bank in Louisiana.

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans

  • Real Estate Mortgage

  • Lines of Credit

  • SBA Guaranteed Loans

  • 1 Business Credit Card

3. BayFirst National Bank

BayFirst National is primarily concentrated on SBA loans. Phrases like “Lightning Fast Business Loans!” and “In-house team, quick funding” are highlighted on their website. Their key advantage is having an in-house underwriting team, ensuring both quick turnaround and skilled handling.

Given the typically prolonged process to fund SBA loans, this capability gives them a notable edge in the market.

Business financing options offered:

  • SBA Loans

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Commercial Term Loans

  • Commercial Lines of Credit

  • Construction Loans

  • Heavy Equipment Financing

4. The Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank not only excels in small business lending within this state, but also leads the nation in distributing SBA 7a loans.

Such an accomplishment places them in the top 10 lenders in nearly every other state, showcasing their strong commitment to aiding small businesses.

Additionally, Huntington National Bank provides a wide variety of other financial solutions tailored for small enterprises. This includes services such as equipment leasing, agricultural loans, and various types of real estate financing.

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

5. b1BANK

The information b1BANK gives about the loans and their requirements on their website are vague. But they have a broad list of offerings from loans to credit cards.

Business financing options offered:

  • Equipment Financing

  • Working Capital Lending

  • Commercial Construction and Real Estate Lending

  • SBA Lending

  • Asset-Based Lending

  • Mergers and Acquisitions Lending

  • 6 different business credit cards

6. Newtek Small Business Finance

Newtek might not be as well-known as conventional banks with storefronts, but it's a significant, publicly traded entity heavily involved in small business lending.

While their website highlights just a limited number of small business financing solutions, their array of offerings extends much further. They provide a variety of financial services and products specifically tailored for small businesses, including payment processing, insurance, employee benefits, and payroll management services, among other options.

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans

  • Asset Based Financing

  • Inventory Based Financing

  • SBA Loans

7. JP Morgan Chase Bank

Chase Bank, renowned as one of the largest banks in the U.S., naturally plays a significant role in small business lending in Louisiana.

It's a familiar name among small business owners, largely thanks to their well-regarded business credit cards. These cards come with attractive rewards programs. Notably, for several of their credit cards, Chase has collaborations with major airlines and hotels, which enhances the perks and rewards they offer.

Business financing options offered:

  • 2 Business lines of credit
  • 3 Business loans
  • Commercial real estate financing
  • 4 business credit cards, plus 6 co-branded airline/hotel cards

8. Hancock Whitney Bank

Hancock Whitney offers a normal array of small business loans. They also finance a variety of big purchases, such as planes, boats, vehicle fleets, and technology equipment. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Business Line of Credit

  • Business Equity Line of Credit

  • 2 Business Credit Cards

  • Term Loans

  • Construction Loans

  • Equipment Financing

9. Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank is a small bank based in Louisiana with big solutions. They prioritize small business lending and have many products to meet the diverse needs that small business lenders have. Fidelity’s wide product set is impressive, showing their commitment to lending to small businesses. 

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Construction Lending

  • SBA Loans

  • Revolving Lines of Credit

  • Letters of Credit

  • Vehicle Loans

  • Equipment Loans

  • Owner-occupied Real Estate Loans

  • Working Capital Solutions: Express Line, Express Loan, Easy Line, Easy Loan.

10. BankFirst Financial Services

BankFirst is another small bank based in the Deep South. They are one of the only banks on this list that specifically call out their “Agricultural Loans” product on their website. 

Business financing options offered:

  • SBA Lending

  • Business Term Loans

  • Equipment Loans

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Agriculture Loans

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • 2 Business Credit Cards

How to apply for a small business loan in Louisiana 

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!