Approvd Finance Team
Sarah Chen
Senior Business Finance Advisor
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a Senior Business Finance Advisor at Approvd with over 12 years of experience in small business lending and financial advisory. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business financing — from SBA loans and traditional term loans to revenue-based financing and merchant cash advances.
Before joining Approvd, Sarah worked as a commercial lending officer at regional banks in California and New York, where she underwrote hundreds of millions of dollars in small business loans. That firsthand experience on the lender side gives her unique insight into what financial institutions look for when evaluating business loan applications.
Sarah is passionate about financial literacy and believes every business owner deserves access to fair, transparent financing. Her articles focus on demystifying the lending process, explaining complex financial concepts in plain language, and helping business owners make confident, informed decisions about their capital needs.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from UC Berkeley and is a Certified Business Finance Professional (CBFP). Sarah is based in San Francisco, CA.
Areas of Expertise
- SBA Loan Programs (7(a), 504, Microloan)
- Revenue-Based Financing
- Business Credit Building
- Cash Flow Management
- Startup Financing
- Business Loan Applications
Education & Credentials
B.S. Finance, UC Berkeley; Certified Business Finance Professional (CBFP)
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Articles by Sarah Chen
Revenue-Based Financing vs. Term Loan: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Revenue-based financing and business term loans are both powerful funding tools — but they serve very different needs. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right product for your situation.
Small Business Loan vs. Line of Credit: Which Is Right for You?
Term loans and lines of credit are both powerful financing tools — but they're designed for very different situations. Here's how to decide which one fits your business right now.
Merchant Cash Advance: Pros, Cons, and When It Actually Makes Sense
Merchant cash advances get a bad reputation — but like any financial tool, they're neither universally good nor bad. Here's an honest breakdown of when they make sense and when to look elsewhere.
What Lenders Actually See When They Pull Your Bank Statements
Before you submit your next loan application, you should know exactly how a lender reads your bank statements. Some of what they focus on might surprise you.
Are Business Loan Payments Tax Deductible? A Plain-English Guide
The answer to whether your loan payment is deductible depends on which part of the payment you are asking about. Here is how it actually works.
How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit: 7 Real Options
A low credit score limits your options but doesn't eliminate them. Here are seven legitimate paths to business financing when your personal credit is damaged.
Business Line of Credit vs Term Loan: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between a line of credit and a term loan is one of the most common financing decisions businesses face. The right answer depends on what you need the money for.
Equipment Financing for Small Businesses: Rates, Requirements & Process
Equipment financing lets you acquire the tools your business needs without depleting cash reserves. Here's how it works and how to get the best deal.
Working Capital Loans: What They Are and When to Use One
Working capital is the lifeblood of daily business operations. When cash flow gaps appear, working capital loans can bridge the difference — if used strategically.
Trucking Company Financing: Loans for Owner-Operators and Fleets
From financing your first semi to expanding a fleet, trucking has specific capital needs. Here's how to fund every stage of growth in the freight industry.
Business Loans for Women-Owned Businesses: Complete Guide
Women entrepreneurs face documented gaps in access to business capital. Here are the resources, programs, and strategies that can level the playing field.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Explained for Business Owners
DSCR is one of the most important numbers in business lending. Lenders use it to determine if your business generates enough cash to repay new debt. Here's how it works.