Fast-Term Loans to Power Small Business Growth

Check Eligibility

5.99%

Low rates on secured financing

82,000

Double our average competitor’s approval

See Our Google Reviews →

Operating a successful business means constantly adapting to leverage unexpected opportunities, weather seasonal dips, and stay the course when cash flow just doesn’t keep pace with expenses. You need financial agility so you can pivot quickly without getting bogged down by long-term debt. For many small businesses, a short-term loan is the perfect way to bridge a gap or seize an opportunity, keeping your finances in the black and your business on track.

Term loans are simple, straightforward, and easy to navigate. You receive the full loan up front. You repay the loan amount plus interest through fixed payments over a predetermined time frame. With the right lender, it can be a fast financing solution when you need cash on hand.

At Cardiff, we structure our short-term loans to match the rhythm of your business, helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.

What Is a Short-Term Business Loan?

A short-term business loan is a fixed-amount loan repaid over a brief period, typically six to 18 months. Term loans offer payment predictability. You know exactly how much you’re borrowing, the repayment schedule, and the cost of capital up front. Once you lock in your loan amount and interest rate, your payments don’t change or fluctuate. Simply make the same recurring payment until you pay it off.

If you want to pay your loan off sooner than the end of the term and reduce your debt burden, you can do that, too. We offer loans with no prepayment penalties, so you pay less interest over the life of your loan.

Short-term loans are especially useful for:

Managing temporary cash flow gaps
Financing urgent operational expenses
Covering seasonal slowdowns
Paying for inventory purchases
Handling emergency repairs or short-term investments

If you don’t want to carry debt for years but still need access to reliable funds, short-term loans give you financial flexibility without a long-term commitment.

Apply Now

What Makes Cardiff Term Loans Different?

Many business lenders offer funding products with rigid requirements that don’t fit many small businesses. Their applications are long, approvals are slow, and the repayment terms are one-size-fits-all. At Cardiff, we know your time is valuable and your business isn’t generic. That’s why we have short-term business funding options that work for businesses at various stages of growth.

Here’s how our term loan aligns with your unique needs:

1. Fast Funding When You Need It Most

At Cardiff, you don’t have weeks to wait for your loan approval. Our streamlined application process allows you to get a business loan quickly, often with same-day decisions and funding.

2. Designed for Short-Term Needs

Whether you’re preparing for a seasonal surge or stabilizing from a dip, the structure of our short-term business loans aligns with your revenue cycles. We don’t lock you into lengthy obligations that outlast your need.

3. Flexible Use of Funds

You stay in control. Use the funds for working capital, inventory, payroll, renovations, or even to fund growth opportunities. Our financing works across industries, from retail to restaurants, and contractors to clinics.

4. Transparent Terms

We clearly outline the terms of every Cardiff loan. There are no hidden surprises in the fine print or shrouded in industry jargon. You’ll always know the total cost and repayment schedule before you sign.

5. Fair Repayment

Financially responsible decisions should never come with a penalty. Cardiff provides interest-free early payoff options for qualified businesses, so you can clear your loan when the timing is right.

When a Short-Term Loan Makes Sense

Term loans can provide a financial bridge when timing is critical. Unlike long-term financing that’s focused on major investments, you can use short-term loans to solve immediate needs and keep your business moving forward. They offer quick access to capital, structured repayment, and the flexibility to adapt to the natural ups and downs of running a business.

Here are a few scenarios where they can be especially useful:

A retail store ordering bulk inventory ahead of the holidays
A medical practice expanding to a second location
A restaurant updating kitchen equipment before a local food festival
A construction firm purchasing materials for a new project
A salon covering payroll during a slow month

In essence, short-term business loans are about speed and adaptability. For many owners, a working capital term loan is a simple, practical way to handle financial needs while staying focused on growth.

Who Can Benefit from Cardiff’s Term Loans?

Cardiff’s term loans are designed for small business owners who need reliable funding without the hassle of traditional bank lending. Unlike rigid bank loans, Cardiff looks beyond perfect credit to focus on the strength of your business and its potential for growth.

Service-based companies like salons, spas, medical practices, hotels, and travel agencies often benefit from working capital term loans to cover upgrades, staffing, or seasonal fluctuations. Product-driven businesses, from retail shops to contractors, can also use this type of financing to purchase equipment, stock inventory, or take on bigger projects.

You may be a great fit for a Cardiff term loan if:

You need $10,000 to $500,000 in capital
Your business has been operational for 12 months
You generate consistent monthly revenue
You want predictable repayment terms with no surprises
You’re seeking fast, short-term business funding without extensive red tape

Ultimately, Cardiff’s term loans are built for entrepreneurs who see opportunities but don’t want to wait months for bank approval. Whether you’re expanding, bridging a cash flow gap, or investing in long-term growth, these loans provide the capital you need on a timeline that matches the pace of running a business. Whether you’re a local auto shop or a growing med spa, short-term working capital loans can unlock momentum when you need it most.

Term Loan vs. Other Funding Options

Wondering how a term loan compares to other common forms of financing? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Term Loan	Line of Credit	Merchant Cash Advance
Repayment	Fixed schedule	Revolving	Most often based on daily sales but can be fixed
Cost Predictability	High	Varies	Low but can vary
Speed of Funding	Fast	Fast	Fast
Best For	Short-term investments	Ongoing cash flow	Emergency capital

If you value structured repayment and cost clarity, a short-term term loan is often the leading choice.

How to Apply for a Short-Term Business Loan with Cardiff

Getting started is simple. Cardiff makes it easy to apply for short-term working capital loans online in just a few minutes. Here’s what we need from you:

Basic business and personal information
Access to recent bank statements through Plaid

Once we have the information we need, our team reviews your application quickly. Many businesses receive decisions and funding the same day. We act fast, so you can too.

Ready to Get the Capital You Need?

Cardiff understands that the financial needs of small businesses often turn on a dime. One day, revenue and expenses appear in perfect balance, and the next day, you are woefully short on funds. You don’t have to give up on your goals or pass up opportunities to expand when capital runs low.

Short-term working capital loans give you the agility you need to take the next step on your chosen path to success. While traditional lenders often get bogged down in paperwork and approval standards, Cardiff takes a different approach. We look at the real performance of your business so we can tailor financing to support your momentum.

Our goal is to provide funding that has clear terms, straightforward repayment, and fast approvals, so opportunities don’t pass you by while you wait for a decision. You can focus on running your business rather than worrying about red tape.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the repayment term for a short-term business loan?

Most short-term Cardiff loans range from six to 18 months. Fixed payment amounts give you a clear repayment schedule, so you always know what to expect. This structure also makes it easier to manage cash flow while paying down your loan.

When will I receive funding with a short-term loan?

Speed depends on how quickly you complete the application and provide the required information. You can complete Cardiff’s online application in minutes, and qualified applicants can get approved and funded as fast as the same day.

Do I need perfect credit to qualify for a short-term loan?

No, Cardiff works with business owners who have credit scores as low as 500. Approval depends more on your revenue and time in business than your credit score. If traditional lenders have turned you away, Cardiff is a strong option.

Are there penalties for paying off my loan early?

No. Eligible borrowers can take advantage of interest-free early payoff options. This flexibility allows you to save money and improve your cash flow.

What industries can get a short-term loan through Cardiff?

Cardiff offers short-term business term loans to a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, restaurants, construction, landscaping, and healthcare. Our focus is on the performance of your business, not just the sector you operate in, making our loans accessible to many small and mid-sized businesses.

What is a short-term business term loan?

A short-term loan is a lump sum of funding that you repay over a fixed, brief period, typically six to 18 months. These loans help you cover immediate business needs without committing to long-term debt.

Can I use a Cardiff term loan for working capital?

Yes, Cardiff term loans offer flexible financing. Business owners often use them for working capital needs such as payroll, inventory, or operating expenses. You can allocate them where your business needs them most.

When should I choose a term loan vs. a line of credit?

A term loan provides a lump sum upfront with structured repayment, while a line of credit is a revolving source of funding you can access as needed. Term loans are an excellent choice for immediate financial needs. Lines of credit are better for ongoing, flexible funding needs.

Is collateral required for a short-term business loan?

No, Cardiff offers unsecured short-term loans, meaning you don’t need to put up assets. We base approval on factors like revenue, time in business, and financial performance, which makes the process simpler and faster compared to collateral-based loans.

Can startups apply for Cardiff's term loans?

Cardiff generally works with businesses operating for at least six to 12 months. Startups without an operating history may not qualify yet. Once you’ve established consistent revenue, you may be eligible for funding.

How much can I borrow with a Cardiff term loan?

Cardiff offers loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. The size of your loan depends on your revenue, financial history, and funding needs. This flexibility allows Cardiff to support both smaller and larger businesses.