How to Qualify for Business Term Loans in 2025: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
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How to Qualify for Business Term Loans in 2025: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
Navigating business financing in Columbus, OH, sometimes feels like trying to find your way through a corn maze—except the walls are made of paperwork and credit scores. Business term loans remain one of the most popular options for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to fuel growth, purchase equipment, or consolidate debt. But as we cruise through 2025, what’s new in qualifying for these loans? And what’s stuck in the past? Let’s break it down in five straightforward points.
1. Credit Score Still Holds the Spotlight
Some things never change—your credit score remains a key player when qualifying for business term loans. Lenders want to see that you’re a responsible borrower. But here’s the silver lining: in 2025, many lenders, especially alternative ones, are considering more than just your traditional credit score. They’re looking at your payment history, business revenue, and even your relationship with vendors. So, while that trusty credit score is still important, it’s not the only story your financial life tells.
2. Revenue Matters—More Than Ever
Lenders want to know you can repay, and consistent revenue is proof you’re bringing in the bacon. In Columbus’s diverse business landscape—from startups to established micro-enterprises—demonstrating steady cash flow is crucial. What’s changed? Many lenders now accept a broader range of documentation to prove revenue, including online sales reports and bank statements, adapting to how modern businesses operate.
3. Business Age: The “How Long Have You Been Around?” Question
Traditionally, banks preferred businesses with at least two years under their belts. While this is still often the case, some lenders in 2025 are more flexible, especially if you’re a micro-enterprise or have a stellar personal credit history. For Columbus entrepreneurs ready to grow fast, there are options that don’t require the “been there, done that” timeline—because sometimes, fresh energy beats old experience.

4. Collateral: Still a Thing, But Not Always Mandatory
If you’re thinking, “I’ve got assets, but do I have to put them on the line?”—you’re not alone. Securing a loan with collateral remains common, especially with traditional lenders, but 2025 brings more alternatives that offer unsecured term loans. That means some Columbus businesses can access capital without risking their equipment or property, though terms might differ slightly.
5. The Application Process: Quicker and Smarter
Let’s face it: nobody loves paperwork. Luckily, technology has made qualifying for business term loans less of a headache. Many lenders offer streamlined online applications with faster approvals, sometimes in as little as 24 to 48 hours. However, be prepared to provide clear documentation and answer questions about your business’s financial health. Being organized pays off—literally.
Wrapping Up for Columbus SMEs
Qualifying for business term loans in 2025 blends old-school requirements with new-age flexibility. Credit scores, revenue, and business age still matter—but lenders are smarter, faster, and more adaptable than ever. Whether you’re a growing SME or a micro-enterprise in Columbus looking to level up, understanding these shifts can help you get ahead.
If you want to cut through the clutter and find out how your business stacks up, Viking Funding is ready for a no-nonsense chat. Call us at 754-240-8620 to explore your options and apply with confidence. Because in 2025, getting the right loan should feel less like a maze and more like a clear path forward.
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Perfect for businesses that need fast cash for 3-24 months with high approval rates and the best terms.
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Our specialized focus on Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) sets us apart. We keep our deep understanding of small business challenges with our passion for helping entrepreneurs thrive.
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Our dedicated team is passionate about helping you navigate the ever-changing business landscape, providing ongoing support and guidance whenever you need it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Viking Funding offers a diverse range of financing options for business owners across the nation. We specialize in Revenue Based Financing, where businesses can borrow based on their monthly revenue. Additionally, we provide business lines of credit, business term loans, and SBA Loans, tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.
Viking Funding works with businesses in all industries, understanding that each sector has unique challenges and financing requirements. Whether you’re in manufacturing, retail, services, or any other industry, we have the expertise to support your business goals.
The qualification requirements vary by the type of financing:
Revenue Based Financing: At least 6 months in business, a business bank account, and 4 months of bank statements showing an average revenue of at least $20,000 per month.
Business Lines of Credit, Term Loans, and SBA Loans: A personal credit score of 700 or above is required, along with the last 2 years of most recent tax returns for the business, a profit and loss statement, and a balance sheet.
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