A short term business loan provides a lump sum you repay over a compressed timeline, typically three to eighteen months, with fixed payments or a percentage of daily receipts. Unlike multi-year term loans, these products prioritize speed and recent cash flow over collateral or perfect credit. Underwriters focus on your last six to twelve months of bank statements, current revenue trends, and whether your business can absorb the payment schedule without strain. Because the loan matures quickly, lenders price for higher risk but approve files faster than traditional bank products.