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What are temporary cash flow loans?
Temporary cash flow loans are not a specific loan product — the term simply describes any small business financing used to cover a business’s cash flow shortages. The best loan for temporary cash flow will depend on a business's unique needs. For a good fit, business owners will want to consider the type of loan, the amount of money it provides and the period of time over which it’s repaid.
Often, a temporary cash flow loan will be different from a loan used for large, one-time purchases such as real estate or a piece of equipment. As long as future cash flow is expected to increase, meeting a one-time temporary cash flow need is often best met by short-term financing options. These may include a business line of credit or term loan of 12 months or less.
Solve your temporary cash flow problems with OnDeck.
OnDeck offers two funding options that can be used to help relieve cash flow crunches. An OnDeck Line of Credit is a good fit for longer-term cash flow issues. For one-time business needs and opportunities, an OnDeck Term Loan can be used similarly to a short-term cash advance.
OnDeck Line of Credit
A revolving credit line you can draw from 24/7 to receive funds within seconds.*
- Credit limits from $6K - $100K
- Flexible repayment terms of 12, 18 or 24 months
- Great for ongoing cash flow needs
OnDeck Term Loan
A one-time lump sum of cash with an eventual option to apply for more.
- Loan amounts from $5K - $250K
- Repayment terms up to 24 months
- Great for one-time investments in your business
Where can a small business find a temporary cash flow loan?
Temporary cash flow loans can come from a handful of business funding providers, including:
Banks
Because most small businesses already have a relationship with a bank due to their business checking account, banks are commonly the first place many think to look for short-term loans that can be used to cover a cash flow shortage.
Factoring companies
Some financing companies specialize in a type of business funding called invoice factoring. This refers to when a business “sells” its outstanding invoices, otherwise known as its accounts receivable for an upfront sum of money. Generally, that amount is 85% of the value of the invoices. Once the invoice is paid, the business will get the remaining amount, less the interest that has accrued since the money was issued.
Online lenders
Online business lenders, like OnDeck, can provide a faster and more convenient way to apply for and receive the amount of cash a business needs when they need to free up some working capital.
Vendors and suppliers
For small businesses that are on good terms with their vendors and suppliers, trade credit may be an option to help with temporary cash flow. A business can negotiate pricing and payment terms to work with the seasonality of their business.
What’s the best type of loan for temporary cash flow?
There are a number of different business funding options available to help small businesses free up working capital and improve their cash flow. The “best” type is whichever is best for the business’s specific needs and options. Here are a few of the most common ways business owners work through cash flow problems.