There are a variety of lenders to research, including traditional banks large and small, online lenders, credit unions, minority depository institutions, and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). To start, determine what matters most to you, says Leach of Beneficial State Bank, which makes business loans of roughly $350,000 to $1 million on average. Efficient deposit services and online bill pay? A banker who you see around town who understands your business? A credit line? Help getting a PPP loan? Help tapping other SBA programs? Accion, a nonprofit lending network, offers a comprehensive tip sheet on evaluating a lender.

Read more at Bloomberg Businessweek.

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