Wal-Mart Inc.'s Sam's Club will begin offering loans of up to $25,000 to members in an effort to set itself apart from other warehouse chains and build goodwill to bring in more business.

The loan program, which Sam's Club calls the first of its type, is aimed at boosting business for a Wal-Mart unit that is trying to raise its profile among the small businesses that make up a good deal of its clientele.

"Access...