Emily Maracle

Editor, Small Business Loans
  • 4
    Years of editorial experience
Ribbon EXPERTISE
  • Small business loans
  • Funding inequality
  • Business grants
  • Bad credit loans
Education EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Arts, English Literature; University of British Columbia

About the author
Emily Maracle is a small business loans editor for Bankrate.com. She is passionate about creating high-quality content to help educate and make complex financial topics accessible to all readers, especially those looking to start or grow a business.

Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. Previously, she worked as an editor and writer in the insurance and real estate industries, specializing in scaling content and businesses while broadening her knowledge in fintech.

Based in New York, Emily enjoys getting outside with her two dogs, reading, living sustainably and all things coffee.
Emily wants you to know
Getting a loan can be a long and complicated process. From prequalifying to meeting lender requirements and applying, the process can take weeks to months. Starting a business is a huge undertaking. I aim to empower others to make educated financial decisions and reduce the stress of taking out a loan  — whether it’s their first or fifth. I'm also passionate about helping and advocating for minority business owners and underserved communities. Everyone deserves equal access to funding, whether that's personally or for their small business.

Many resources are available for new and seasoned small business owners, but it can take time to navigate. Funding inequality and wealth gaps in the U.S. also impact how entrepreneurs access these resources. Acknowledging this and providing tools for all small business owners to succeed is a small way I can help others.

— Emily Maracle

Emily's Picks

9 MIN READ

Closing the gap: How to overcome obstacles as a female entrepreneur

Funding, training and networking opportunities can help women build businesses.

Man completes purchase at a wine store using a credit card machine.
6 MIN READ

Small business trends in 2024: What we know so far

Small businesses can stay ahead by adopting trends in 2024 to grow their businesses.

9 MIN READ

We asked two women who started their own small business what it’s like. Here’s what they said

We asked two female entrepreneurs about a day in their life and what advice and insights they had.

Two female business owners standing outside their shop.
6 MIN READ

Small Business Saturday: Supporting women-owned businesses that give back

Small Business Saturday is a great time to support women-owned businesses as many continuously give back to their communities, even while facing challenges.

Native American woman stands in front of her small business.
7 MIN READ

Indigenous small business owner statistics

Learning the statistics on Indigenous-owned businesses can help minority businesses grow by learning how to support them and recognizing the disadvantages that exist.

Emily's latest articles

  • Woman filling out forms and finances with a laptop.

    How to fill out SBA Form 413

    Filling out SBA Form 413 is required for most SBA loans and details your business and personal finances.

    5 min read Jul 18, 2023
  • Older woman reviews financial documents and has a laptop.

    What is a business loan agreement?

    A business loan agreement is a document you’ll receive from a lender that requires your signature and explains your loan’s terms and conditions.

    3 min read Jul 17, 2023
  • Older couple shakes hands with business loan broker

    What is a business loan broker?

    A business loan broker can make the process of applying for and getting a small business loan less stressful, ensuring you get the right loan for your business’s needs.

    5 min read Jul 17, 2023
  • Male business owner in glasses using a laptop while reviewing documents.

    What is a business loan proposal?

    A business loan proposal is often an essential part of a small business loan application, explaining to lenders what you plan to use the funds for.

    4 min read Jul 05, 2023
  • Young woman looking through loan paperwork

    SBA loan collateral vs. guarantee

    A personal guarantee or collateral may be required for SBA loans. Learn the differences and requirements here.

    4 min read Jul 05, 2023
  • Arabic business owner working on her laptop.

    Debt vs. equity financing

    Debt financing and equity financing are two types of funding options available to small businesses.

    6 min read Jul 05, 2023
  • Man and women review documents at a workshop table.

    SBA 7(a) vs. 504 loans

    7(a) and 504 loans are some of the most popular funding from the SBA, but they both have pros and cons.

    6 min read Jul 04, 2023