GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Small Business Lending Industry Statistics

The Small Business Lending Industry Statistics show steady growth in loan approval rates and an increasing trend in the use of online lending platforms.

Highlights: Small Business Lending Industry Statistics

  • 85% of small businesses finance their venture with a combination of personal savings and loans, which can come in different forms, from credit cards to bank loans.
  • 43% of small businesses applied for a loan.
  • The approval rate for small business loan applicants hit a record high of 27.5% at big banks in 2020.
  • In 2019, 43.7% of small businesses applied for a loan from a large bank, 36.4% applied for a loan from a small bank.
  • About 69% of small businesses used financing in 2021, up from 65% in the previous year.
  • The average loan amount for small businesses in 2021 is $82,000.
  • Minority-owned businesses are more likely to be denied loans than non-minority owners.
  • Mobile banking for small businesses increased 65% in 2021.
  • 1 in 5 small businesses applied for a loan to increase their staff.
  • 44% of all small business loans are for capital and equipment purchases.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) loans accounted for nearly $22.55 billion of the small business lending in 2020.

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The Latest Small Business Lending Industry Statistics Explained

85% of small businesses finance their venture with a combination of personal savings and loans, which can come in different forms, from credit cards to bank loans.

The statistic that 85% of small businesses finance their venture with a combination of personal savings and loans highlights the common financing strategies employed by entrepreneurs. This approach underscores the entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness of individuals to invest their own funds into their business endeavors. By utilizing personal savings, individuals demonstrate their commitment and financial stake in the success of their ventures. At the same time, the reliance on loans showcases the practical need for external financial support to facilitate business growth and expansion. The variety of loan sources, ranging from credit cards to bank loans, reflects the flexibility and resourcefulness of small business owners in securing the necessary capital to start and sustain their operations. Overall, this statistic emphasizes the importance of a diversified financing approach in the small business landscape.

43% of small businesses applied for a loan.

The statistic of 43% of small businesses applying for a loan indicates the proportion of small businesses within a certain population that have sought external financing through a loan. This statistic provides valuable insight into the financial strategies and needs of small businesses, shedding light on the level of demand for capital among this sector. The fact that nearly half of small businesses have pursued a loan suggests that accessing additional funds is a common practice for many firms, potentially for reasons such as expansion, working capital management, or investment in new projects. Understanding this percentage can inform policymakers, lenders, and other stakeholders about the financial health and challenges facing small businesses, as well as the overall economic landscape.

The approval rate for small business loan applicants hit a record high of 27.5% at big banks in 2020.

The statistic that the approval rate for small business loan applicants reached a record high of 27.5% at big banks in 2020 indicates a significant increase in the likelihood of small businesses securing financing from these institutions during that year. This data suggests that big banks were more willing to extend credit to small businesses, potentially as a response to economic conditions or changes in lending policies. The high approval rate may have positive implications for small business growth and economic stability, as access to capital is vital for business development and sustainability. Overall, this record approval rate reflects a positive trend in the availability of financial resources for small business owners seeking funding from major financial institutions.

In 2019, 43.7% of small businesses applied for a loan from a large bank, 36.4% applied for a loan from a small bank.

In 2019, a survey found that 43.7% of small businesses applied for a loan from a large bank, while 36.4% applied for a loan from a small bank. This data suggests that a higher percentage of small businesses sought loans from large banks compared to small banks. The difference in percentages could reflect various factors, including potentially larger loan amounts offered by large banks, greater accessibility to credit facilities, or a perception of credibility and stability associated with larger financial institutions. Understanding the preferences and trends in loan applications from small businesses can inform strategies for banks to tailor their offerings and services to better serve this market segment.

About 69% of small businesses used financing in 2021, up from 65% in the previous year.

The statistic indicates that the percentage of small businesses utilizing financing increased from 65% in the previous year to 69% in 2021. This rise in the utilization of financing suggests that more small businesses are seeking financial assistance to support their operations or growth. Various factors such as economic conditions, market trends, and business needs could be influencing this upward trend in small businesses using financing. It highlights the importance of access to capital for small businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and sustain or expand their operations in a competitive business environment.

The average loan amount for small businesses in 2021 is $82,000.

The statistic stating that the average loan amount for small businesses in 2021 is $82,000 indicates the typical amount borrowed by small business owners to support their operations or growth. This information provides insight into the financial needs and capital requirements of small businesses during the specified period. It suggests that small businesses in 2021 required an average loan amount of $82,000 to address various expenses such as inventory purchases, equipment upgrades, expansion projects, or working capital needs. This average loan amount serves as a benchmark for understanding the borrowing patterns and financial health of small businesses in the given year.

Minority-owned businesses are more likely to be denied loans than non-minority owners.

This statistic indicates that minority-owned businesses are disproportionately more likely to face loan denial compared to businesses owned by non-minorities. This discrepancy suggests potential systemic biases or barriers that exist within the lending process, which may result in a lack of access to financial resources for minority entrepreneurs. Such disparities in loan approval rates can hinder the growth and success of minority-owned businesses, ultimately contributing to economic inequalities and limited opportunities for these entrepreneurs to thrive and expand their enterprises. Addressing and rectifying these disparities is crucial to fostering a more equitable and inclusive business environment.

Mobile banking for small businesses increased 65% in 2021.

The statistic ‘Mobile banking for small businesses increased 65% in 2021’ indicates that there was a substantial growth in the adoption and usage of mobile banking services by small businesses over the course of the year. This significant increase of 65% suggests that more small businesses are recognizing the benefits and convenience of mobile banking for managing their financial transactions and accounts. The growth rate also implies a shift towards digital banking solutions among small businesses, potentially driven by factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements, and the need for greater efficiency and flexibility in financial operations. Overall, this statistic highlights a notable trend towards the integration of mobile banking technologies in the financial management practices of small businesses in 2021.

1 in 5 small businesses applied for a loan to increase their staff.

The statistic “1 in 5 small businesses applied for a loan to increase their staff” indicates that 20% of small businesses sought financial assistance in the form of a loan to fund the expansion of their workforce. This suggests that a significant minority of small businesses recognize the need for additional capital in order to hire more employees, potentially to meet growing demands or to facilitate business growth. By seeking a loan specifically for staffing purposes, these businesses aim to bolster their workforce capacity, which in turn could lead to increased productivity and improved competitiveness in the market.

44% of all small business loans are for capital and equipment purchases.

The statistic “44% of all small business loans are for capital and equipment purchases” indicates that nearly half of the small business loans obtained are specifically used for acquiring capital assets and equipment necessary for running and growing the business. This suggests that a significant portion of small businesses rely on external financing to invest in long-term resources that will facilitate their operations, innovation, and expansion. Such loans are likely crucial for businesses looking to improve productivity, enhance their competitive position, and ultimately contribute to economic growth by funding strategic investments in essential assets.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans accounted for nearly $22.55 billion of the small business lending in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans played a significant role in providing financing to small businesses, contributing approximately $22.55 billion to the overall small business lending market. This signifies the importance of SBA loans in supporting the growth and success of small businesses by offering access to capital that might otherwise be difficult to attain through traditional bank financing. The substantial amount of SBA loans highlights the reliance of small businesses on alternate lending sources and government-backed programs to meet their financial needs, suggesting a continued demand for such programs in the small business sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.guidantfinancial.com

1. – https://www.www.sba.gov

2. – https://www.www.bfscapital.com

3. – https://www.smallbiztrends.com

4. – https://www.www.business.com

5. – https://www.www.bankrate.com

6. – https://www.www.lendingtree.com

7. – https://www.www.biz2credit.com

8. – https://www.www.score.org

9. – https://www.www.fedsmallbusiness.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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