Short-Term Business Financing is an alternative type of business financing, and is not a traditional small business loan, which makes it quicker and more efficient for companies looking for capital immediately. With an SBF, you get an upfront sum of cash that you repay using a percentage of your debit and credit card sales, plus a fee. SBF's use factor rates instead of a traditional interest rate. Factor rates are simple decimal figures that show how much “extra” you will owe on the original amount.