Small Business Loans in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania small business loans for you to find the best option for you. Bad credit and startups acceptable when meeting specific qualifications.

5 Small Business Loans in Pennsylvania

This list is a specialized exploration of small business lending in Pennsylvania, using data that can be independently verified. The lenders are ranked based on the number of small business loans they have dispensed this year.

Essentially, this highlights the financial institutions and lenders that are actively extending the most loans to small businesses in Pennsylvania.

(This is in contrast to other sites that often focus on nonprofits with limited lending capabilities and government programs that are inaccessible to many businesses.)

Takeaway: In Pennsylvania, both large and small banks have a presence in the small business loan industry.

Methodology: Our analysis draws from SBA 7a loan data, meaning all these lenders provide SBA loans. Additionally, we've cataloged other types of small business loans featured on their websites.

A challenge to note is that traditional banking institutions usually have strict criteria, such as high credit scores and a minimum of two years in business. Recognizing this barrier, our list begins with two alternative financing solutions aimed at helping small business owners with poor credit or those in the early stages of their business.

1. Credit Suite

Credit Suite operates in the business credit consulting and software sector, also providing two innovative financing alternatives.

Their Cash Flow Financing is tailored for business owners who have bad credit. It allows you to use your business's cash flow as a means for accessing adaptable financing. Instead of standard monthly installments, repayment is linked to a percentage of your regular cash flow.

Additionally, their Credit Line Hybrid is focused on funding based entirely on personal credit standing, sidestepping the need for detailed financial records, bank statements, or business plans. 

It's particularly crafted for a wide range of businesses, from startups to established, with available funding 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 is renowned not only as a leading lender for small businesses in this state but also for being the highest issuer of SBA 7a loans across the United States.

This distinction ensures their place among the top 10 lenders in nearly all other states, demonstrating their strong affinity for working with small enterprises.

Beyond their SBA loan portfolio, Huntington also provides a diverse array of other financial services for small businesses, including equipment leasing, agricultural financing, and various 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. TD Bank

TD Bank, a substantial banking entity, operates across all the East Coast states, with the exception of Georgia. With its extensive network of retail locations, they offer a comprehensive range of small business financing options. Notably, TD Bank is recognized as an SBA Preferred Lender.

They facilitate business loan applications through both online platforms and direct in-person submissions at their branches.

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans 

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • Commercial Real Estate Loans & Mortgages

  • SBA Loans

  • Revolving Lines of Credit

  • Equipment Financing

  • Asset Based Lending

  • Supply Chain Financing

  • TD Business Solutions Credit Card

4. Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company

M&T Bank, with its main office in Buffalo, New York, boasts a substantial portfolio of business loans. Additionally, they provide a range of loan products designed specifically to serve various industry sectors.

Business financing options offered:

  • Business Lines of Credit

  • Business Credit Cards

  • Term Loans

  • Equipment Financing

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

  • Farm & Rural Business Loans

  • Restaurant Business Loans

  • Medical Practice Loans

5. PNC Bank

PNC, a significant national banking institution, operates numerous branches nationwide. Its large scale naturally leads to a broad selection of small business loans and a suite of five distinct business credit cards.

On their website, you can find essential information about the available loan amounts and terms for each type of financing. PNC facilitates the convenience of applying online and provides a comprehensive list of the necessary business documents required for each type of business loan application.

Business financing options offered:

  • Term Loans

  • Unsecured Small Business Loans

  • Secured Small Business Loans

  • Small Business Commercial Real Estate Loans

  • Secured Vehicle Finance Loans

  • Small Business Lines of Credit

  • 5 Business Credit Cards

Small Business Grants in Pennsylvania

Securing a traditional loan can be challenging. But if you need funding for your Pennsylvania business, there are always alternatives beyond the typical SBA lender. 

For example, there are plenty of small business grants in Pennsylvania you can apply for in order to get your business up and running, help you expand, or cope with disaster. 

Pennsylvania small business grants may not pay for everything, but they’re an invaluable financing solution.

Some grants for your small business in Pennsylvania include:

  • The Merchants Fund: The Merchants Fund has been helping Philadelphia businesses navigate hardship since 1854. They offer stabilization grants and emergency grants, which may be a much better alternative to disaster loans. Whether you need support getting your business on solid ground or you’re attempting to recover from a disaster, they can likely help with a small business grant designed specifically for your needs!

  • Small Business Advantage Grant: The Small Business Advantage Grant, offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, reimburses businesses engaging in eligible projects that are designed to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste, namely by upgrading their facilities or improving their processes. Sign up ends on March 21st, 2025. The maximum amount you can receive with this Pennsylvania small business grant is $12,000.

  • Global Access Program (GAP): The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development offers the GAP to reimburse businesses seeking to engage in exporting activities. Interestingly enough, this program is funded partially by a federal grant from the Small Business Administration. If you’re a small business owner who qualifies, you may be awarded up to $10,000 in small business funding per award period.

Government and Nonprofit Financing Programs in Pennsylvania

Many governments and organizations that are involved in the community want to see small businesses thrive. When small business owners are able to support the local economy, it does more for everyone. 

This is where government and nonprofit financing programs come in. Consider seeking Pennsylvania business loan funds from: 

  • Neighborhood Progress Fund: The Neighborhood Progress Fund is a nonprofit that serves small business owners in the Greater Philadelphia Area, connecting them with small business loans and business development services to propel them forward. They offer a wide array of loan program options, including microloans, small business loans, commercial real estate loans, and flexible loans, giving you more funding types when you need financial assistance. Whatever term loan option or loan amount appeals to you, you can likely find the right financing option here.

  • The Office of Business Financing: The Office of Business Financing is a treasure trove of funding resources to discover how you can secure financing for your small business, such as those offered by the PA Industrial Development Authority (PIDA). Take a look at some of the low interest loans they list, and don’t forget to take a closer look at your city for a PA small business loan (some places may only offer funding to specific areas like Eastern Pennsylvania). Certain websites like the Allentown, PA, website offer equally useful resources for financing your small business from this PA department and beyond.

How to apply for a small business loan in Pennsylvania 

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!