Short-term business loans deliver lump-sum capital repaid over a few months to roughly a year and a half. Underwriters focus on your monthly revenue, bank statements, and time in business rather than requiring collateral or perfect credit. Because the term is compressed, payments are higher but total interest cost stays lower than multi-year products. Businesses use short-term loans for inventory purchases, emergency equipment fixes, payroll smoothing, or marketing campaigns that generate quick returns.