Let's take a look at what you should expect if you plan to apply for one.

First of all, you should know that most lenders have their doubts when it comes to lending money to a first-time business owner. You're considered a high business risk at this point, and you should go in to your loan negotiations armed with a few advantages. Of course, the ideal option is to run your business for a few years, even just out of your home, and turn a good profit before approaching a bank for a loan.

That shows that you have the ability to make money and that your business won't flop before the Open sign shows up on the door. But if this isn't possible, if you need the cash before you can begin at all, then chances are you will need to offer some type of collateral. Collateral can be anything from your car to your home and everything in between. Depending on the size of the loan, you may require some pretty hard assets for collateral. The lender is not interested in whether or not your business will make money, aside from the extent that will allow you to pay them back on time. They simply don't want to lose out on the loan, and so you'll have to find some way to back yourself up.

Backing up your loan with assets, if you have them, is a good route - provided you have enough confidence in your financial situation to ensure you are not going to lose your collateral. If you don't have enough assets to stand in for your loan, another option is to find a cosigner. Chances are you won't get as much cash as you would if you had the assets. But having someone with good credit who is willing to sign onto your loan and promise to pay if you don't can be the factor that gets you through the door. This is a good way for friends and family who believe in your business to help you get it off the ground, even if they don't have the money to loan you up front.

When it's time to borrow, do some comparison-shopping among banks and credit associations, and don't stop until you find the lowest interest rate possible. You're already gambling a lot here- minimize the amount you will have to pay back by doing your homework and choosing the company that offers you the best deal. If you can't get enough to cover your beginning business expenses, consider borrowing part of the cash from a friend or relative if you can, or even asking for investors, such as customers who believe in your business, to help out. Don't accept a high-rate, high-risk business loan just because it offers you the biggest amount.

The small business loan: The first step in a long chain of financial events. If you take the right step, it could be your leap into the business world.