Every lender wants two years in business. You don't have them yet.
Startup funding relies on your personal credit profile, industry experience, projections, and available collateral rather than years of tax returns. We assemble the right combination — SBA with a larger injection, unsecured credit lines, equipment financing, and revenue-based options as soon as sales begin.
Startup Business Funding at a glance
- Loan amounts
- $25,000 – $500,000 typical; more with collateral
- Term length
- 1 – 10 years depending on program
- Typical pricing
- Wide range; personal credit strength drives pricing
- Funding speed
- 3 – 30 days depending on structure
- Credit guidance
- 680+ FICO strongly preferred for unsecured programs
Key Benefits
- Programs available from day one of operations
- Unsecured credit lines based on personal profile
- SBA options with a stronger equity injection
- Equipment and inventory financing from launch
Best Fit For
- Founders launching their first business
- Professionals opening a practice or firm
- Operators leaving a corporate role for ownership
- Businesses under two years old that banks decline
Why use a broker instead of going to your bank?
Startups get declined for the wrong reasons all the time. We know which lenders actually fund pre-revenue and early-stage businesses, and how to present projections in the format underwriters accept.
Learn more about working with a brokerHow startup business funding compare
We broker every product on this list, so this comparison is about fit — not about steering you toward one option.
Compared with
SBA 7(a)
SBA will fund a startup, but expects a 20% to 30% injection and a detailed projection package. Unsecured startup programs need no injection but offer smaller amounts at higher cost.
Compared with
Working capital loan
Standard working capital loans require six or more months of deposits. Startup programs underwrite the owner and the plan instead of the business's revenue history.
Startup Business Funding: frequently asked questions
Can I get a business loan with no revenue yet?
Yes, but the options narrow. Pre-revenue businesses typically use unsecured credit lines based on personal credit, SBA loans with a larger equity injection, or equipment financing secured by the asset being purchased.
What credit score do I need for startup funding?
For unsecured startup programs, 680 or higher is strongly preferred. Collateralized options such as equipment financing can work in the low 600s.
How much can a startup borrow?
Commonly $25,000 to $500,000. Deals backed by real estate, equipment, or a strong SBA package can go substantially higher.
Do I need a business plan?
For SBA and bank programs, yes — including a three-year projection with supporting assumptions. Unsecured programs generally do not require one.
Will I have to sign a personal guarantee?
Essentially always for a startup. With no operating history, the owner's guarantee is the lender's primary protection.
More answers on the business financing FAQ and in the commercial lending glossary.
Other financing solutions
Working Capital Loans
Cover payroll, inventory, and day-to-day expenses with flexible short-term capital.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Purchase, refinance, or build commercial properties with structures matched to your project.
Bridge Loans
Move quickly on opportunities while you arrange long-term financing.
Ready to explore startup business funding?
A 15-minute conversation is all it takes to know if this is the right fit. No obligation.