If your credit score is under 620, you may struggle to qualify for traditional business loans. The good news is many lenders offer bad credit financing options, including merchant cash advances, invoice factoring, lines of credit and microloans. As long as you have sufficient revenue and time in business, you may qualify.
Our list of the 8 best business financing options for bad credit can help you find a loan that fits your budget.
8 best business financing options for bad credit
Best marketplace
Lendio business loans
4.8
★★★★★
Finder score
Lendio is a business loans marketplace that partners with 75+ lenders that offer a range of loans and financing options for credit scores of 500 and up. Depending on your credit score, you can choose from term loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, invoice factoring and more.
Lendio gets high marks from past customers who praise its streamlined application and fast funding. But APRs can run high on its bad credit options, and you may receive marketing calls and emails from lenders after you've taken out a loan.
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Pros
- Bad credit ok
- Fill out a single application
- Wide range of business loans
Cons
- Must pay funding fee after loan is finalized
- May receive ongoing contact from lenders
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $5,000,000 |
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| APR | Varies by lender |
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| Min. Credit Score | 500 |
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| Loan term | 3 months to 25 years |
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| Requirements | Operate business in US or Canada for 6 months or more, have a business bank account, minimum 500 personal credit score, at least $20,000 in monthly revenue |
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $5,000,000 |
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| APR | Varies by lender |
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| Min. Credit Score | 500 |
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Best invoice financing
FundThrough Invoice Factoring and Financing
4.5
★★★★★
Finder score
FundThrough is an online invoice financing and factoring company. Its application is fully automated and simple enough to use on your phone. You can get accounts receivable (AR) financing equivalent to 100% of your invoice's value up to $10,000,000.
Those with scores as low as 500 may qualify for invoice factoring, but it's typically more expensive than other types of financing. So, FundThrough's services are best when you don't have the time to apply for a traditional loan or have struggled to qualify for financing elsewhere.
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Pros
- Bad credit ok
- Advances as low as $500
- No long-term commitment
Cons
- Fees start at 2.75% per month
- More expensive than traditional financing
- Weekly repayments
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| Loan Amount | $500 to $10M |
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| Fee for Terms | 2.75% - 8.25% |
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| Min. Credit Score | 500 |
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| Loan Term | 1 day - 61+ days |
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| Requirements | At least $100k in accounts receivable to one customer, invoice B2B or government agencies, invoices are for completed work, no construction or real estate, no explicit liens on receivables |
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| Loan Amount | $500 to $10M |
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| Fee for Terms | 2.75% - 8.25% |
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Best microloan
Kiva business loans
3.7
★★★★★
Finder score
Kiva is a nonprofit microlender that offers 0% APR crowdfunded loans to any credit type. But you'll need support from friends — you're required to get at least 10 people you know to contribute to your campaign before it opens to the wider Kiva community.
If that's feasible for you, it's one of the best deals in terms of rates. But it's not the fastest option if you're in a cash crunch. Funding could take as long as 60 days from the time you submit your application.
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Pros
- No interest or fees
- No credit requirements
- Loans as low as $1,000
Cons
- Longer turnaround than other loans
- No loans over $15,000
- Qualifying depends on social network
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $15,000 |
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| APR | 0% |
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| Loan term | 6 months to 3 years |
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| Requirements | Have at least ten friends and family members willing to contribute to your loan, live in the US, ages 18+, not in bankruptcy or foreclosure, not under any liens, not engaged in: multi-level marketing, direct sales, pure financial investing or illegal activities |
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $15,000 |
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| APR | 0% |
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on Businessloans.com's secure site
Best short-term loan
LoanBuilder business loans
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Loanbuilder — a PayPal service — offers short-term loans with flexible requirements, including a low minimum credit score requirement. It can be ideal for an emergency, since you can potentially get your funds the next business day after applying.
But it can be pricey to access Loanbuilder's convenience. Instead of interest, it charges a one-time fee of 2.9% to 18.72%. While that's low compared to some bad credit loan products — it's more costly than a traditional business term loan.
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Pros
- No prepayment penalty
- Potential next-day turnaround
- Low revenue and credit requirements
Cons
- Weekly repayments
- High cost compared to other types of loans
- Max term is 52 weeks
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| Loan amount | $5,000 – $150,000 |
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| APR | 2.9% to 18.72% |
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| Min. Credit Score | 680 |
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| Loan term | 17 to 52 weeks |
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| Requirements | Annual business revenue of $33,300+, 9+ months in business, 680+ personal credit score |
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| Loan amount | $5,000 – $150,000 |
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| APR | 2.9% to 18.72% |
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| Min. Credit Score | 680 |
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Best merchant cash advance
Credibly business financing
3.8
★★★★★
Finder score
Credibly offers fast, competitively priced merchant cash advances (MCAs) for those with credit scores of 500 and up. Where some providers don't offer factor rates under 1.3, Credibly's start at 1.11. And you can receive your funds as soon as the same day you're approved.
You also don't need more than six months in business to qualify — although the bank deposit requirement of $15,000 a month is a little higher than average. While Credibly is uniquely transparent about costs, MCAs are still an expensive product compared to most term loans.
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Pros
- Bad credit ok
- Transparent about pricing
- Other short-term loans available
Cons
- No advances over $400,000
- Daily or weekly repayments
- Borrowing costs can run high
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| Loan amount | $5,000 to $400,000 |
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| Starting Factor Rate | 1.11 |
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| Min. Credit Score | 500 |
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| Loan Term | 3 to 15 months |
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| Requirements | 500+ credit score, 6+ months in business, $15,000+ average monthly bank deposits |
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| Loan amount | $5,000 to $400,000 |
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| Starting Factor Rate | 1.11 |
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| Min. Credit Score | 500 |
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Read review
Best term loan
SBG Funding small business term loans
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
SBG Funding offers term loans, lines of credit and equipment financing and is willing to work with bad credit borrowers. To qualify, you need just six months in business and a minimum credit score of 600. It also has a revenue-based working capital loan program that isn't credit score dependent.
While its APRs may start higher than your standard term loan, it's still low compared to other bad credit options. It also has a responsive customer service team, so you can get assistance when you need it. But you'll need at least $250,000 in revenue a year, and you might have bi-weekly repayments.
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Pros
- Accepts low credit scores
- Works with businesses in high-risk industries
- No prepayment penalties
Cons
- High annual revenue requirement
- Potential bi-weekly repayments
- Not transparent about fees
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| Loan amount | $5,000 – $5,000,000 |
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| APR | 1% to 1.75% a month |
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| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
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| Loan term | 6 months to 7 years |
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| Requirements | 600+ credit score, 6+ months in business, $250,000+ in annual revenue |
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| Loan amount | $5,000 – $5,000,000 |
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| APR | 1% to 1.75% a month |
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| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
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Best inventory financing
Kickpay e-commerce business loans
3.9
★★★★★
Finder score
​​Kickpay offers low-cost inventory loans to help e-commerce startups purchase inventory. It charges a fee of 3% to 7% of the manufacturing cost. And it prevents you from overborrowing by capping the advance at 85% of the inventory value you have in stock.
Kickpay can help you finance your inventory costs for up to 16 weeks, up to a maximum of $500,000 — or more when needed. The main drawback is that it's limited to online sellers who work with fulfillment centers that Kickpay works with.
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Pros
- Low fee of 3% to 7% of the manufacturing cost
- Pays your manufacturer directly
- Offers direct phone line to company owners
Cons
- All inventory must be stored in US
- Must use an eligible fulfillment center
- No customer service until you apply
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| Loan Amount | Up to $500,000 |
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| Fixed Fee | 3% to 7% of the manufacturing cost |
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| Loan Term | Up to 16 weeks |
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| Requirements | Must use a third party fulfillment center, inventory must be stored in the US, 3 months of sales history. |
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| Loan Amount | Up to $500,000 |
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| Fixed Fee | 3% to 7% of the manufacturing cost |
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Best line of credit: Fundbox
Fundbox lines of credit
4.2
★★★★★
Finder score
Fundbox is an online lender that offers lines of credit up to $150,000 and unlike some lenders, may accept credit scores as low as 600. But to qualify, you'll need to show at least $30,000 in annual revenue, backed up by three months of transaction history in a business checking account.
Fundbox advertises that its application only takes a few minutes to fill out, and if approved, you could have funds as soon as the next business day. The company also gets high marks on Trustpilot from thousands of customers, some of whom mention that it's a good place to turn to for cash flow and business growth solutions.
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Pros
- Relaxed eligibility requirements
- Relatively low FICO requirement for a line of credit
- Quick turnaround funding
Cons
- APRs can run high
- Not transparent about how pricing works
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $150,000 |
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| APR | 4.66% for 12-week terms and 8.99% for 24-week terms |
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| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
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| Loan term | 12 or 24 weeks |
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| Requirements | $30,000+ in annual revenue, 3+ months in business, 600+ FICO credit score, business checking account |
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| Loan amount | $1,000 – $150,000 |
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| APR | 4.66% for 12-week terms and 8.99% for 24-week terms |
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| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
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Read review
Methodology: How we picked these providers
Finder’s editorial experts review over 220 business loan providers to narrow down our selection for the best business loans and financing options for bad credit. We analyze factors such as minimum credit requirements, rates, fees and customer reviews. We also consider the overall approval rates for the different types of financing that we selected.
We update this list regularly, as products change, emerge or disappear from the business financing market. We also revise this list regularly to ensure this list reflects the most competitive deals available to small business owners with bad credit.
Can I get a business loan with bad credit?
Yes, it’s possible to get a business loan or type of business financing with bad credit — what Experian defines as a personal credit score below 580. But you’ll need to show the lender a certain amount of revenue — typically between $3,000 to $15,000 a month.
But if you have bad credit, you may not qualify for the full amount you apply for through a traditional lender. The Federal Reserve found that only 8% of applicants in the high credit risk category received the full amount of financing they sought, according to its 2022 Small Business Credit Survey. In this survey, it defined poor credit as 620 and lower.
It’s worth noting that business financing approval rates are down overall. In 2019, as many as 83% of all business loan applicants received a portion of the financing they applied for — falling to 68% in 2021. When rates are high, bad credit borrowers are often squeezed out of the credit market, with low interest rate business loans reserved for higher credit borrowers.
How to get a business loan with bad credit
No doubt, the last few years have affected approval rates and funding amounts. But even with poor credit, there are ways to increase your approval odds — luck favors the prepared.
Check your credit to know where you stand.
Before you apply for any business financing or loan options, check your FICO Score and credit bureau reports. Knowing this information will help you find lenders that can work within your credit range. It also gives you the chance to correct any mistakes on your credit report.
Additionally, the details behind a poor credit score can mean the difference between further consideration or an outright denial. Lenders will review your credit reports and may ask for clarification on specific negative marks. A lower credit score due to one missed payment is likely to be viewed very differently than a past bankruptcy.
Have a strong business plan.
A strong business plan lets you make a case for your business beyond what lenders consider on the application and can increase your chances of approval. The type of business you have — or plan to have — also plays into whether a lender approves you, as some businesses are riskier than others.
Find your strengths.
Identify the area where your business does best to match with a lender that rewards that strength — like earning high revenue or number of years in business.
Many loan products aren’t as reliant on credit scores as others. For example, merchant cash advances and invoice factoring are less dependent on credit history because those lending options are mostly based on sales. Equipment financing is also less reliant on your credit reports since the equipment you’re financing is typically collateral on the loan.
But be careful when applying for a business loan alternative. They can come with fees equivalent to a 300% APR or higher.
Pick the right time to apply.
There are several considerations on when to apply for a business loan. For starters, many business loan providers require at least 12 to 24 months in business to meet requirements. So if you’re a startup, you may have to look at alternatives.
Business loan marketplace Fora Financial suggests the most beneficial times to request funds include: the holiday season, busy season, slow season or right before introducing a new product or service. It’s often recommended to apply during the holiday season or busy season, since your revenue will be at its peak.
During the slow season or right before a new release, you may need extra cash flow to cover expenses, payroll, advertising or hiring new staff. Typically, increased cash flow during slow times is helpful ahead of the busy season or demand for a new service.
Compare a wide range of lenders.
Compare and consider various lenders, loans and funding types like merchant cash advances, crowdfunding, invoice factoring and equipment financing. Many business lenders and financing companies offer quotes based on a quick look at your business’s finances and a soft credit check.
If you decide to apply with multiple lenders to compare rates and terms, try to do so within a small time period, ideally within 30 days, as recommended by the credit scoring model FICO. This is called rate shopping, and it limits the damage to your credit score from hard inquiries. FICO can distinguish between borrowers comparing lenders for one type of loan, and borrowers looking to take on multiple new credit lines.
Connection services can help speed up comparisons
A connection service, or loan marketplace, can allow you to compare multiple lenders of a specific type in a short time — often within minutes after completing an online form with a soft credit check. Some popular business loan marketplaces include Credibly, LendingTree, Lendio and Rok Financial.
However, some marketplaces may sell your information to third parties, and you may receive marketing materials via email, phone or mail from those parties.
Set up a meeting at a community bank.
Small banks can be a great resource for business owners with bad credit. Due to their small size, community banks have more flexible credit requirements than regional or national banks. If you have a good reason for your bad credit — like a divorce — they may be able to offer a loan even if you have bad credit.
Even if you can’t qualify for a loan, a loan officer may be able to point you toward other financing options — and give tips on how to improve your application next time.
Typical requirements for a small business loan
If you have bad credit, your business may qualify for a loan if it exceeds the lender’s other minimum requirements. Lenders will vary and their exact requirements will depend on the type of loan you’re looking to get, but typically you must meet the following criteria:
- At least $100,000 in annual revenue
- At least 12 months in business
- Eligible industry
Time in business is a priority requirement for many lenders, with some requiring at least 24 months to qualify. For this reason, it can be difficult for startups to wrangle up funding.
Your industry matters, too. Some lenders consider adult entertainment, alcohol sales, cannabis, crypto, finance and real estate development high-risk industries and ineligible for funding.
Do lenders consider personal or business credit scores?
Lenders almost always check your personal credit score and rarely check your business credit score, even if you’ve set up an LLC to separate your personal and business finances. Your personal credit report is based on your history of paying back personal credit accounts, while a business credit report is based solely on credit in your business’s name. Because creditors rarely use business credit scores, many lenders find them unreliable.
Loan providers usually look at the personal credit of all business owners — anyone with more than a 20% stake in the company. That’s because business loans require a personal guarantee from all owners, which means they’re responsible for repayments if the business fails.
There’s no minimum credit score to get a business loan. But many providers do prefer to work with borrowers that have a personal credit score of 670 or higher, but there are still options even if you have a credit score of 500 or lower.
Where to get a business loan with bad credit
Nearly half of all companies use large banks for business funding — but only 47% of applicants are approved according to the SBCS.
Online lenders, small banks and finance companies have higher approval rates, so if you have a poor credit score those lenders may be a safer bet.
Online lender
Online lenders are typically fintech companies with streamlined, AI-driven underwriting processes. They look at different factors compared to traditional lenders and are typically willing to work with poor credit borrowers compared to traditional lenders. Online lenders have a 55% approval rate, as reported by the Small Business Credit Survey.
These lenders typically feature low-document applications, since many can connect with your business’s bank account or accounting software for a seamless underwriting process. But they often charge higher rates than traditional lenders, and you need to do a little detective work to make sure the companies are legit.
Financial service company
More of an umbrella term, finance companies include a number of nonbank lenders such as mortgage companies, equipment dealers, insurance companies or auto finance companies.
Overall, finance companies have a 69% approval rate, according to the SBCS.
Community bank and credit union
Community banks and credit unions typically require you to sit down with a loan officer to discuss your options. They’re also known for competitive rates. Unlike big banks, smaller financial institutions often have some flexibility with their credit criteria.
This gives you a chance to explain any negative marks on your personal credit score. If you have a good reason for the low rating — such as student loans — your lender might be willing to make an exception to its credit score policy.
Small banks and community banks have a 66% approval rate, the SBCS reports.
Asset-based lender
Asset-based lenders offer financing backed by business assets, like accounts receivable, invoices, equipment or real estate. The difference between an asset-based loan and a secured business loan is you use collateral you already own, not real estate or equipment you use the loan to purchase.
Usually these lenders also work with businesses that lack the cash flow to qualify for a loan at a local bank or credit union.
Merchant cash advance and factoring company
A merchant cash advance and invoice factoring both offer advances on future revenue that you can use for working capital. With a merchant cash advance, you can get an advance on your business’s future credit and debit card sales. With invoice factoring, a factoring company purchases your unpaid customer invoices at a discount.
Since they’re advances, many don’t consider your credit at all. But save these as a last resort. They’re one of the most expensive types of financing out there.
What’s the easiest business loan to get?
The easiest business loan to qualify for is equipment financing, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2021 Small Business Credit Survey. Lenders approved 87% of equipment and auto loan applications in 2020 — more than any other type of financing. Merchant cash advances came in second, with an 84% approval rate.
The hardest business loan to qualify for? Personal loans for business use. Only 43% of personal loan applicants were approved.
What can I do if my application is denied?
If you’re denied a business loan, ask your lender why — your credit score might only be one of the reasons your application was rejected.
Online lenders typically offer less support in this area, so it might be worth setting up a meeting with a microlender, community bank or small business development center. They can help you to go over your business’s finances and see where your application can use some strengthening. Or, consider a financing alternative.
4 alternatives to bad credit business loans
Your credit score doesn’t matter with these four business loan alternatives — which don’t come with high interest rates or fees.
- Crowdfunding. Sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe allow you to set up a campaign to get financing for a new project. But make sure you look into new business crowdfunding regulations.
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS). ROBS can let you use your retirement fund to start a business without paying penalties.
- Equity financing. Similar to home equity loans, business equity financing is trading ownership for funding by bringing on investors. If an investor with good credit takes over 20% of your company, it could help your chances of getting a business loan down the line.
- Grants. Businesses in underserved communities might be able to qualify for a grant from the government or a private foundation, and there are grants available for startups too.
Learn more about your financing options by reading our guide to business loans.
