Startup Financing
Funding options for new businesses that don't have years of revenue or tax returns yet.
- Amounts
- $5K–$150K to start
- Terms
- Revolving cards or 1–7 yr loans
- Rates
- 0% intro APR cards; loans ~8%–30% APR
- Funding speed
- Days to a few weeks
- Typical minimums
- 0–2 yrs in business, ~680+ personal credit
Typical market ranges, not a quote. Actual amounts, rates and terms depend on the lender and your business profile.
How startup financing works
Most traditional lenders want two or more years of business history. Startup financing covers the options built for businesses that are just getting started, where approval leans on the owner's credit, income and plan more than on business revenue.
The right setup from day one, an EIN, business bank account, business phone and address, also starts building the business credit you'll need for larger funding later.
Common options
Business credit cards
Often available from day one, sometimes with introductory 0% APR periods for early purchases.
Startup loans
Term loans approved primarily on the owner's personal credit and financial profile.
SBA Microloans
Smaller loans of up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders that work with new businesses.
Equipment financing
The equipment secures the loan, so newer businesses can often qualify.
Best for
- Businesses under two years old
- Owners with good personal credit
- Launching, buying first equipment or inventory
- Founders who want to build business credit early
What lenders look at
- Personal credit score and history
- Personal income and debt
- Business plan and industry experience
- How the business is set up (EIN, bank account, entity)
- Any early revenue
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funding with no revenue?
Yes. Several startup options are approved mainly on personal credit and income rather than business revenue.
Will applying hurt my credit?
Some applications use a hard credit inquiry. We help you target the options you're most likely to qualify for so you don't apply blindly.
How do I get bigger amounts later?
By building your business's own credit profile and fundability. See our Fundability program for the step-by-step path.
Find the right startup financing for your business
Answer a few quick questions and a funding specialist will match you with the options that fit your business.