Banks won't lend? Use these guys instead

• Financing type: Fixed-term loans from peers

What it is: Lending Club has offered personal loans since 2007 and launched a small business platform in March 2014. In a peer-to-peer virtual marketplace, entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least two years borrow from investors -- individuals or companies -- for anywhere from one to five years. Lending Club loans have fixed interest rates that vary depending on the business' risk.

Who it's best for: Credit-worthy businesses with many years of experience get better deals than less established companies that look weaker financially. There's also an "origination fee," a onetime fee paid upfront that can range from 1% to 6% of the loan and depends on one's credit worthiness and term length.

Potential pitfalls: Even if interest rates and fees seem clear, it's important to pay attention to the fine print.

"Focus on the default and remedies clauses," advises Weiss. "If you miss a payment, do you have an opportunity to remedy it?"

Financing amounts: Up to $100,000

Interest: 5.9% to 29.99%

Other peer-to-peer options: Funding Circle -- The UK company opened a U.S. arm last fall. Loans go up to $500,000 and rates are between 9.9% and 20.9% plus a 2.99% origination fee.

NEXT: Fundbox