Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth. However, they’ve historically struggled to access the capital needed to grow and thrive. That’s because the traditional loan origination processes rely heavily on manual underwriting, obsolete systems, and credit scores. There are several inherent factors in these practices that lead to small business loan denials, including:

  • Rigid eligibility criteria
  • Human bias
  • Inefficient manual assessments
  • Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
  • Insufficient or unfavorable credit histories

Historically, there were no other options that lenders could use to measure risk and protect their investments, but today, AI in lending is transforming how small businesses gain access to capital, paving the way for dynamic and equitable lending practices that deliver funding quickly.

This is vital, as demand for faster, more inclusive financing solutions is increasing. Small business owners need support as they face an uncertain economic future, and banks and lenders can take the opportunity to improve the way they serve clients and potential clients. And AI-powered digital lending platforms offer the solution that both lenders and small business borrowers need.

How AI in Lending is Changing the Loan Origination Process

According to a U.S. Census survey[BH1] , the number of banks implementing AI has steadily increased since 2017. The survey also showed that banks leveraging AI loan more money to borrowers geographically displaced away from the bank. Moreover, banks that use AI in lending have fewer defaults on those loans.

The integration of AI in lending is a strategic transformation that reimagines the entire loan origination process, from how risk is calculated to how decisions are made.

Here are some ways AI is reinventing small business lending:

1. Smarter, More Accurate Underwriting and Decision Making

AI in lending goes beyond conventional credit reports and underwriting. Historically, it was primarily the credit report that served as the basis for whether or not a small business could get financing. The result was that newer businesses, or businesses that had suffered a setback often struggled to find lenders who would offer them financing. Today, technology and algorithms alter how lenders assess borrower risk. Digital lending platforms can use advanced analytics and machine learning to go beyond credit scores to provide more comprehensive analyses. Instead of relying solely on personal credit scores or traditional financial statements, AI in lending leverages alternative data, such as:

  • Cash flow trends
  • Real-time POS transactions
  • Invoice payment histories
  • E-commerce sales and supply chain activity
  • Customer sentiment from social media mentions and online reviews

These insights are a game-changer for small businesses that lack extensive credit histories but are strong operationally.

Data is integrated into predictive models that deliver more accurate risk assessments. Using AI in lending, specifically during the loan origination process, also helps lenders deliver more tailored loans, easier repayment schedules, and flexible pricing for seasonal businesses or those with irregular cash flow.

2. Automation and Acceleration of the Loan Origination Process

AI-driven automation removes onerous tasks from the loan origination process. Manual tasks that once took weeks or months, such as document collection, identity verification, fraud detection, risk evaluation, and loan decision-making, can be completed in real time through AI automation.

For lenders, this translates into enhanced scalability, greater operational efficiency, and cost savings. For borrowers, it means faster decisions, a streamlined experience, and quick funding, often in days.

AI-powered lending platforms can guide small business applicants from application to funding in a single, user-friendly interface that’s available 24/7. This enhances the borrower’s journey and drives loyalty. A happy customer means repeat business the next time they need funding, driving long-term growth for financial institutions.

3. Less Human Bias and More Inclusion for Borrowers

Unfortunately, human decision-making is sometimes biased, whether unconsciously or consciously. Historically, this has meant that race, gender, geography, and other factors have influenced whether or not an entrepreneur is approved for a loan. Particular sections of the population have been underserved through human underwriting.

AI looks past the paperwork and demographics and offers a more objective, data-driven decision. As a result, more borrowers have a better chance of obtaining small business financing based on the operational performance of their business.

Responsible AI lending frameworks are more transparent, explainable, and audited to ensure fairness. This also facilitates a higher level of compliance with regulatory authorities.

4. Enhanced Risk Management Through Predictive Analytics

AI technologies bolster risk management capabilities and recognize patterns the human mind misses. It can identify subtle risk factors and enable lenders to set the appropriate loan terms. AI also reduces the risk of a loan default by analyzing market data, borrower behavior, historical performance of the business, and macroeconomic indicators.

AI can also monitor data continually, in real-time, after the loan funds have been dispersed. Through continuous monitoring, AI tools can:

  • Detect fraud more effectively
  • Identify early warning signs of default
  • Analyze market and borrower trends to refine credit strategies

Traditional credit models typically only assess a borrower’s credit performance during the loan origination process. AI systems can flag emerging risks after the loan to proactively manage them throughout the loan cycle.

What Expanding Access Means for Small Businesses

AI-powered lending platforms are opening doors for a broader range of borrowers, leveling the playing field. For example, a daycare business that processes more digital payments and has strong customer reviews can qualify for funding, even if the owner has a limited personal and business credit history.

Smaller loans, such as microloans, are more cost-efficient with AI automation and can be managed more easily. Most traditional banks don’t consider it financially feasible to originate these small loans. By automating processes through digital platforms, banks can take on these loans, potentially increasing ROIs.

It also opens the way for innovation in loan products like embedded lending, revenue-based financing, and working capital loans, tailored to the cash flows of smaller businesses.

Finally, AI in lending allows lenders to expand their geographic footprint and serve businesses in underserved areas that lack traditional banking institutions.

Strategies for Lenders Wanting to Capitalize on the AI in Lending Momentum

Integrating AI in lending into your small business loan framework offers an opportunity for growth and is a strategic advantage.

Here are some ways to make it happen:

  • Modernize data architecture: Banks and lenders wanting to build in-house AI capabilities during the loan origination process must invest in data infrastructure. While doing so, it’s vital to ensure interoperability and security.
  • Ensure regulatory readiness: As the use of AI in lending increases, regulatory scrutiny is responding. Financial institutions should ensure that their AI lending models are explainable, compliant, and auditable to meet the evolving regulations surrounding transparency, fair lending, and data privacy. These ethical AI practices can help mitigate risks and ensure regulatory readiness.
  • Focus on the Customer Experience: The ultimate goal of implementing AI in lending is to enhance the customer experience while growing revenue for lenders. Banks and financial institutions will pivot towards higher success by building trust and deepening relationships with their clientele. This means offering hyperpersonalized small business loan products and being there for the entire loan journey. Then, optimize lending strategies based on customer feedback and behavioral analytics.
  • Partner With Reputable Fintechs: Many banks and lenders are partnering with reputable FinTech providers that are already using AI in lending. Doing so can help banks bolster their AI lending capabilities much faster while accessing an experienced and proven digital lending platform for small businesses.

FAQs

How is AI impacting the loan origination process in small business loans?

AI is making the lending process more efficient for both lenders and borrowers. AI solutions also make funding more accessible for SMBs so they get the financing they need to grow their businesses, purchase equipment, cover operational expenses, and more. Lenders can also evaluate risk with greater accuracy.

How does AI work in small business lending?

AI utilizes data analytics to assess risk and evaluate creditworthiness at a deeper level than just credit scores. AI technology can more accurately determine the probability that a borrower will default on a loan, making it a valuable part of small business lending solutions.

Is the return on investment worth it to implement a digital lending platform for small businesses?

For most companies offering small business lending solutions, it is. The streamlined approach AI technology offers allows lenders to close loans more efficiently, leading to greater revenue that can offset the costs of implementation.

How do AI and machine learning technologies streamline the loan origination process?

Together, these technologies use algorithms to analyze vast amounts of borrower and market data more efficiently. Rather than manual underwriting, AI integrates the data and looks for inaccuracies and inconsistencies to aid decision-making in the loan approval process. AI can do it in minutes instead of taking weeks or months as it would with manual underwriting.

Are there any concerns or challenges about using AI in lending?

There are certainly challenges in AI use. But there are solutions to those challenges. Utilizing AI in the loan origination process means working with large volumes of private and financial data. This opens the door for potential security and privacy concerns. This is why most experts recommend partnering with an industry expert who has refined their processes to enhance data privacy and security.

Want to learn more about Biz2X’s turnkey solution for banks and small business lenders? Learn more about our platform and contact us for a demo.