Short term business loans provide lump-sum funding you repay over a condensed timeline, typically 3 to 18 months. Unlike multi-year term loans, these products prioritize speed: many lenders fund within days. You receive capital up front, then make fixed payments (daily, weekly, or monthly) until the balance clears. Businesses use short term loans to cover payroll during a slow quarter, purchase inventory ahead of a busy season, or handle an unexpected repair that cannot wait. Because the repayment window is brief, lenders often focus on recent revenue and bank statements rather than multi-year financial histories.