Small Business Loans in Arkansas

Sure, Arkansas is home to Walmart’s headquarters, but it’s where many other businesses operate. Whether you run a local restaurant, shop, farming enterprise or another venture, you want to make sure you do your best to keep business going. 

Sometimes, a little extra capital can go a long way to help you reach your goals. That’s where a small business loan for your Arkansas company could come in handy. Here’s some information on lenders and resources in the state.

Arkansas is home to roughly 255,000 small businesses, which employ more than 490,000 workers, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Of these, about 1,780 were businesses involved in exporting goods from the state. 

Arkansas is known for its agricultural industry and is a producer of rice, soybeans, cotton, corn and wheat. Natural gas, bromine and petroleum mining operations also are common. Many businesses are in the service sector, too, including personal services (e.g., law firms, nursing homes, private health-care services and motels).

1. Simmons Bank

Whether you’re looking for an SBA Arkansas loan or another type of business financing, consider this bank, which has been in operation for more than a century. It also is ranked No. 29 on Forbes’ America’s Best Bank list.

In addition to being an SBA lender in Arkansas, Simmons Bank offers the following funding types:

• Business term loans
• Business credit cards
• Business lines of credit
• Agricultural loans
• Warehouse lending 
• Construction loans

2. First National Bank

First National Bank is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It’s also earned a 4.8-star rating with WalletHub.

Arkansas business loans available here include these:

• Construction loans
• Equipment loans
• Agricultural loans
• Business expansion loans
• Seasonal inventory financing
• Commercial real estate loans

3. First Community Bank

First Community Bank has earned a 4.1-star rating on SmartAsset and a 4.6-star rating on WalletHub.

This bank’s loans for businesses in Arkansas include the following:

• Business credit cards
• Agricultural loans
• Construction loans
• Real estate loans
• Commercial business loans

4. Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank isn’t only accredited by the BBB, but it’s also earned the organization’s A+ rating. Additionally, it’s been awarded a 4.1-star rating on WalletHub, based on more than 1,600 reviews.

In addition to offering SBA loans in Arkansas, this bank provides the following: 

• Business credit cards
• Agricultural loans
• Equipment financing
• Business term loans
• Business lines of credit

5. Bank OZK

Bank OZK ranked 11th on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks and has earned a B- rating with the BBB. Additionally, this financial institution, which dates back to 1903, is an Arkansas SBA lender, providing 7(a) and 504 loans.

Conventional lenders, such as the ones noted above, are often the first place business owners turn to when they’re seeking a loan for their company. They may be able to offer competitive rates and long-term loans. However, the process to apply and receive funding can be extremely challenging and time-consuming. 

Today, many entrepreneurs are turning to alternative lenders for the working capital they need. Whether you’re seeking a merchant cash advance in Arkansas or other short-term financing options, these funders can help. They’re known for less stringent qualification requirements and fast turnaround times. In exchange, they usually offer shorter repayment terms, more frequent installments and higher interest rates.

• Applying for Business Funding in Arkansas Through Fast Capital 360

  Whether you’re interested in going through an SBA loan application in Arkansas or applying for a merchant cash advance, we can help. 

  Here’s how we’re different:

  Speed

  A few minutes is all it takes to get started. Apply today to find out what you qualify for fast. 

  Multiple Offers

  We partner with lenders throughout the country. That means you could have several offers come your way. 

  Expert Guidance

  Review your funding options with your dedicated Fast Capital 360 Business Advisor. Then choose the best one for your needs. 

Get Your Business Loan Faster

Here are a few additional resources you can turn to for entrepreneurial assistance, whether you’re in search of Arkansas small business loans, grants or professional growth opportunities.

The Venture Center

At the Venture Center, you can get help with business ideation or participate in pitch events to compete for funding. Find a local mentor, attend a networking event or take part in business workshops. The organization’s accelerator program has helped raise more than $230 million to date.

Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

Need help starting or growing your business? Find assistance at no charge here. Speak confidentially with a business consultant or access market research specific to your industry. 

Also, sign up for a low-cost educational event to learn about such topics as search engine optimization, social media, marketing and more.

SCORE

Through workshops, business resources, free 1-on-1 business advising and more, this nationwide nonprofit is dedicated to helping small business owners succeed. 

In Arkansas, there are 2 locations, in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, as well as a virtual mentoring program. Get help on relevant topics, not limited to business planning, marketing, management, finance and taxes, to name a few.