Small Business Loan Myths

Caitlin
Author:
Caitlin
Caitlin Wood
Editor-in-Chief at Loans Canada
Caitlin Wood has more than a decade of experience helping Canadian consumers learn how to take control of their finances. Expertise:
  • Personal finance
  • Consumer borrowing
  • Credit improvement
  • Debt management
📅
Updated On: June 11, 2021
Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 9.99%
Free quote with no impact to your credit

Small business lending and borrowing is a fast growing market with potentially endless limits. Small business’s make up a significant part of the Canadian economy and one of the major things they all have in common is that they need loans. The small business loan demand is ever increasing and alternative lenders are taking advantage of this demand. It’s easier than ever to get the financing you and your business needs.

Unfortunately with all these advancements and increased availability of small business loans comes a lot of misinformation, there are countless small business loan myths that need to be debunked as soon as possible. We’ve put together the top 3 myths that we think you need to know the truth about so you can get the funding you need.

Myth #1: Getting Approved is Time Consuming and Almost Impossible

The alternative lending market is a relativity new phenomenon within the financial world, and it’s only becoming more and more popular. The increasing number of available alternative loans means that it’s no longer impossible for you and your business to get financing you want.

In the past applying for a small business loan from a more traditional lending institution like a bank meant never ending paperwork, countless meetings and hours spend discussion your business’s worth and potential. And at the end of all that the probability of approval was still next to nothing, with advancements in technology and the approval process in general, this is fortunately no longer the case for most small businesses.

Smaller online lenders can approve business loans in days and sometimes even hours with minimal paperwork and minimal stress. These quick, easy and painless small business loans are the perfect solution or any business owner who is experiencing an unexpected cost or who is looking to improve or expand their company as soon as possible.

Long gone are the days of time consuming meetings that end is rejection, small business lenders are stepping up and providing their clients with approval rates and the quick service they’ve always wanted. No business owner should have to fear the loan process, don’t let previous notions of small business loan practices hold you back from getting the financial you need.

Myth #2: Only Banks and Traditional Lending Institutions are Trustworthy

There is no wonder why most people believe that alternative or online lenders should not be trusted, because for a long time this was the case. Payday lenders and other predatory lenders were at one time the only alternative to bank loans. Predatory lenders have given a bad name to alternative lending as a whole, they exploit borrowers who are desperate and in need of fast cash.

Fortunately, reputable alternative lenders have fought back against those predatory lenders who have tarnished the market with their extremely high interest rates and unreasonable terms. Loans Canada is dedicated to working with its clients to crush predatory lending stereotypes with our customer service based lending practices and secure online loan approval process that can provide you with the financing you need so your small business can develop and grow.

Myth #3: Numbers are Foremost When it comes to Approval

When trying to find the right type of lender for your business it can seem like numbers are the only things that are important these days. Most traditional lenders look to your credit score to figure out whether or not you’ll be a responsible borrower and will only approve you if your business is already significantly profitable. For the average small business owner these strict requirements mean that they’ll never get the funding they need.

One of the greatest benefits of working with a smaller alternative lender is that they’re more often than not more interest in you and your business as opposed to the arbitrary numbers that have been assigned to you. Sure, alternative lenders love to work with businesses that have great credit scores and high profits but they also understand that not all businesses have high credit score and high profits.

Numbers aren’t at the top of most alternative lenders check list, most place emphasis on different issues, values and standards. As a rule of thumb here are a few things that most small business lenders take into consideration when proving loans:

  • Potential
  • Your commitment as a business owner
  • Reputation
  • Business plan

The small business loan process doesn’t need to be long, stressful and frustrating; it can be quick, easy and relativity painless. The myths surrounding small business lenders need to be demystified, not all lenders are looking to take advantage of borrowers looking to get the money they need to help improve their businesses.

Caitlin Wood avatar on Loans Canada
Caitlin Wood

Caitlin Wood [BA Concordia] is the lead content specialist at Loans Canada and has over 10 years of experience in digital publishing and personal finance content. She oversees the creation of accurate, clear, and practical resources that help Canadians make informed decisions about loans, credit, debt, and personal finance. Specializing in simplifying complex financial topics, Caitlin ensures that all content reflects responsible lending practices and high editorial standards. Her work supports Loan Canada’s mission to provide trustworthy guidance and empower Canadians to navigate their financial options with confidence.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LoansCanada-Study-2026.png
Study: Who Really Gets Approved For A Loan? Insights From Half A Million Applications

By Priyanka Correia
Updated on June 22, 2026

What really gets a personal loan approved? Real data from ~500,000 applications reveals the factors that move your odds most — and how to improve your...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/disability-loan.png
Best Disability Loans In Canada 2026

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on July 30, 2026

Can you get a loan on disability in Canada? See lenders that accept ODSP, AISH, and CPP-D income, no credit check options, e-transfer loans, and how t...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CPP_Loans.png
Best Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Loans

By Priyanka Correia
Updated on July 30, 2026

Living on CPP? Learn how to get a pension loan in Canada, how to boost your approval odds, and safer alternatives.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solidarity-tax-credit.png
Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit (STC): Payment Dates 2026

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on July 29, 2026

Do you live in Quebec? Then you may qualify for the Solidarity Tax Credit (STC). Find out how to apply and if you're eligible for the STC.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Direct-Private-Lenders-.png
Best Direct Private Lenders For Personal Loans In Canada 2026

By Priyanka Correia
Updated on July 29, 2026

Bad credit? Direct private lenders in Canada offer fast, flexible personal loans. Compare rates, requirements, and how to apply, plus how they beat ba...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/no-instant-bank-verification-loan.png
No Instant Bank Verification (IBV) Loans In Canada

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on July 28, 2026

A guide to loans without bank verification in Canada. Compare no IBV loan types, learn what documents you need, and find lenders you can apply to in p...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mortgages-For-Newcomers-to-Canada.png
Newcomer Mortgage Programs In Canada

By Priyanka Correia
Updated on July 28, 2026

A newcomer's guide to getting a mortgage in Canada: bank programs, eligibility criteria, down payments, and options if the banks say no.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Top-1-income.png
How Much Do The Top 1% In Canada Make?

By Priyanka Correia
Updated on July 28, 2026

The “top 1%” gets talked about a lot, but for most people the actual numbers are a mystery. How much do you really need to earn to get in, and how doe...

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/bankruptcy-business-1.jpg
Personal Bankruptcy and Your Small Business Loan

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on November 8, 2024

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Debt-consolidation-credit-report.png
Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit?

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on July 31, 2025

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/business-insolvency-1.jpg
Is Insolvency in Your Future?

By Caitlin Wood
Updated on December 7, 2023

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers