Small Business Loans in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Our list is the result of an in-depth research on small business lending in Tennessee, based on solid, reliable data. We've organized these lenders by the amount of small business loans they've issued throughout the current year.
In essence, our list highlights those financial institutions and lenders that are genuinely active in providing loans to small businesses in Tennessee.
(This is quite different from many other sites, which tend to concentrate on nonprofits that seldom lend or on government initiatives that are often inaccessible to a large number of businesses.)
Takeaway: Most business lending in Tennessee is done by large national and regional banks.
Methodology: Our study is based on data from SBA 7a loans, ensuring that all the lenders we've listed offer these loans. We've also compiled details about various other small business loan options available from these lenders, as advertised on their websites.
Unfortunately, traditional banks usually set high criteria, including the need for good credit scores and at least two years of business experience.
As a result, we've started our list with two alternative financing options, catering to small business owners who may be dealing with credit challenges or those who are newcomers to the business arena.
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 business owners facing credit challenges, they offer a Cash Flow Financing solution. This allows you to leverage your business's cash flow for flexible financial assistance. Instead of standard monthly payments, the repayment plan is tied to a portion of your ongoing cash flow.
Furthermore, their Credit Line Hybrid is dedicated to financing based on individual credit quality, bypassing the requirement for comprehensive financial records, banking history, or business plans.
It's a great solution for startups and established businesses, offering financial support ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.
Business financing options offered:
- Credit Suite Cash Flow Financing
- Credit Suite Credit Line Hybrid
2. The Huntington National Bank
Huntington National Bank stands out not just as a premier small business lender in this state, but also as the leading issuer of SBA 7a loans in the entire United States.
Consequently, they're ranked among the top 10 lenders in nearly every other state, reflecting their strong commitment to small business enterprises.
Apart from SBA loans, Huntington provides an extensive assortment of other small business financial solutions, such as equipment leasing, agricultural financing, and a variety of real estate loan 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
3. US Bank
US Bank, a large-scale national bank, offers a diverse range of business loans. With its widespread presence with numerous bank branches, it's likely a familiar sight in many areas. In Tennessee, they are recognized as one of the leading providers of SBA loans.
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. BayFirst National Bank
BayFirst National primarily specializes in SBA loans. On their website, you'll find slogans such as “Lightning Fast Business Loans!” and “In-house team, quick funding,” emphasizing their approach. Their advantage lies in their internal underwriting team, ensuring both rapid processing and expert handling.
Given the typically extended timeline for funding SBA loans, BayFirst National's ability to expedite this process represents a significant benefit.
Business financing options offered:
SBA Loans
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Commercial Term Loans
Commercial Lines of Credit
Construction Loans
Heavy Equipment Financing
5. Newtek Small Business Finance
Newtek might not be as well-known as conventional banks with physical branches, but it's a significant, publicly traded corporation heavily involved in small business lending.
While their website features just a few small business financing solutions, they offer a much broader range of financial services and products tailored for small businesses. This includes options like payment processing, insurance, employee benefits, and payroll management services, among others.
Business financing options offered:
Term Loans
Asset Based Financing
Inventory Based Financing
SBA Loans
6. Live Oak Banking Company
Live Oak is notably active in providing SBA loans across the United States. While their website may not provide extensive details on a variety of loan options, they invest considerable effort in getting to know the specific sectors their clients operate in.
Their website highlights a remarkable number of 48 distinct industries, proudly stating that they have specialized financing solutions tailored for each of these sectors.
Business financing options offered:
SBA Loans
USDA Loans
Industry Vertical Loans
7. Pinnacle Bank
Most of Pinnacle Bank’s business loans focus on agriculture. They also have a few non-agricultural financing offerings.
Business financing options offered:
Agricultural Loans
Operating Loans and Lines
Equipment Loans
Livestock Loans
Real Estate Loans
Real Estate Financing
Equipment Financing
Lines of Credit
8. Bank of America
Bank of America ranks as another major national bank on our list. They are particularly active in issuing small business loans throughout California, with numerous branches across the state.
The range of small business financing options they offer is commendable. But what stands out even more is their clarity in detailing the requirements for their business loans. This level of transparency is not often seen among lenders, and it's something we highly value.
If you're considering a small business loan from Bank of America, it's wise to first ensure you meet their criteria for the specific loan you're interested in.
Business financing options offered:
Business Advantage Credit Line
Business Advantage Term Loan
Commercial real estate
Equipment loans
SBA loans
Healthcare practice loans
Secured Business Line of Credit
Secured Business Term Loan
9. Regions Bank
Regions Bank is a small Southern bank with a few normal business financing products, and a few unusual products.
They cite “Franchise Financing” as a unique offering, in particular for McDonald’s restaurants. Their small business webpage also showcases them as “the official bank of the SEC” - the Southeastern Conference. They really love local college athletics!
Business financing options offered:
Business Lines of Credit
SBA 7a, 504, and Express Loans
Equipment Financing and Leasing
Franchise Banking
2 Business Credit Cards
10. Cadence Bank
Cadence is a small regional bank with limited loan offerings. They’re based in Mississippi.
Business financing options offered:
Small Business Administration Loans
Business Loans & Lines of Credit
1 Business Credit Card
How to apply for a small business loan in Tennessee
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!
Nearby Locations:
Products
Company
Resources
Partner
We Help Businesses Get Capital
501 East Kennedy Boulevard
Suite 1400
Tampa, FL, 33602
© 2014-2025 - Credit Suite - All Rights Reserved