Struggling with Business Debt?
You Have Options.
When payments pile up and creditors start calling, it can feel like there's no way out. This site walks through every realistic relief path — from refinancing to bankruptcy — so you can pick the right one.
Use the Self-Assessment Tool6 Solutions
Compared side by side
6 Debt Types
Covered in depth
Free
No sign-up. No contact form.
Common Business Debt Situations Covered Here
Multiple Creditors Calling
Juggling payments to different lenders, falling behind, and facing collection calls daily.
Cash Flow Crunch
Revenue down, expenses up. You can't make minimum payments and keep the business running.
Personal Guarantee Liability
You signed personally for business loans. Now your home and assets are at risk.
Your Business Debt Solutions
Whether you're dealing with SBA loans, merchant cash advances, credit card debt, or unpaid taxes, you have options—and they don't all end in bankruptcy.
Debt Consolidation
Combine multiple debts into one lower payment. Best for businesses with $50K-$500K in debt and steady revenue.
Learn More →Debt Settlement
Negotiate with creditors to pay less than you owe. Typical settlements: 40-60% of original debt.
Learn More →Debt Restructuring
Modify loan terms to improve cash flow without defaulting. Keep your business running.
Learn More →Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Reorganize your business debts while staying open. Court-supervised restructuring.
Learn More →Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Discharge eligible business debts and get a fresh start. May eliminate personal guarantee liability.
Learn More →Refinancing
Replace existing debt with new financing at better terms. Requires good credit and cash flow.
Learn More →Get Help by Debt Type
SBA Loan Debt
Can't pay your SBA loan? Learn about Offer in Compromise, hardship options, and personal guarantee implications.
Learn More →Merchant Cash Advance
Daily withdrawals crushing your cash flow? Strategies to escape the MCA debt trap.
Learn More →Business Credit Cards
High-interest credit card debt compounding monthly? Options to reduce and consolidate.
Learn More →Equipment Financing
Underwater on depreciated equipment? Solutions when you owe more than assets are worth.
Learn More →Business Tax Debt
IRS or state tax debt with penalties piling up? Payment plans, offers, and lien relief options.
Learn More →Commercial Real Estate
Facing balloon payment or can't refinance? CRE loan restructuring and workout options.
Learn More →Where to Start
Three free, no-sign-up tools to help you choose a path:
1. Self-Assessment
A short questionnaire that recommends a relief path based on your debt size and types. Runs entirely in your browser.
Open Self-Assessment →2. Payoff Calculator
Enter your balance, rate, and monthly payment to see how long it will take to pay off and what consolidation could save.
Open Calculator →3. Read the Guides
Step-by-step explanations of creditor negotiation, personal guarantees, bankruptcy choice, and the MCA debt trap.
Browse Guides →What This Site Is — and Isn't
Educational, not advisory
General-knowledge articles on U.S. business debt. Not a substitute for an attorney, CPA, or licensed advisor.
No lead capture
The tools run in your browser. We don't ask for your name, email, or phone number to use them.
Plain, source-cited concepts
Where we name a program (SBA Offer in Compromise, IRS OIC, Chapter 11, Subchapter V) we describe what it is, not who you should pay.
Independent
BusinessDebt.net is not a law firm, debt-relief company, or lender. See the disclaimer.
Common Questions About Business Debt Relief
It depends on whether you signed a personal guarantee. If you personally guaranteed business loans, those debts appear on your personal credit report. Debt settlement may impact credit, while Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows you to restructure without necessarily affecting personal credit if the debts are business-only. We'll help you understand your specific situation during your free assessment.
Yes, you can negotiate directly with creditors. We provide free guides with scripts to help you. However, professional negotiators often achieve better results (40-60% settlements vs. 70-80% DIY) because they have established relationships with creditors and know industry benchmarks. The choice depends on your comfort level, time, and complexity of your debt situation.
No. Most business owners have alternatives to bankruptcy. Debt consolidation, settlement, and restructuring are viable options depending on your revenue, debt amount, and asset situation. Bankruptcy should be considered when: 1) Debt exceeds ability to pay, 2) Creditors are pursuing legal action, 3) Business has no viable path forward, or 4) Personal assets are at risk from personal guarantees. We'll help identify the best option for your situation.
Timeline varies by solution: Debt Consolidation: 30-60 days to secure new financing. Debt Settlement: 6-48 months depending on savings and negotiation. Restructuring: 60-90 days for workout agreements. Chapter 11: 12-18 months on average. Chapter 7: 3-6 months for discharge. Your specific timeline depends on debt complexity, creditor cooperation, and chosen solution.
You still have options. If you signed personal guarantees, creditors can pursue you personally even after business closure. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge personal guarantee liability in many cases. Debt settlement is also possible for closed businesses. SBA offers an Offer in Compromise program specifically for closed businesses. We specialize in helping former business owners resolve lingering debt obligations.