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9 Best Startup Business Loans in 2025

Getting startup funding can be tricky, but these lenders are willing to work with new businesses.

New companies can have a hard time getting a loan. That’s because lenders see startups as risky. About half of small businesses fail during the first five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But with the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates in 2024 and 2025, borrowing should become less expensive, making it more affordable for startup businesses.

While traditional bank loans aren’t typically an option for new businesses, alternative online lenders and personal loan providers may be able to provide the startup capital you need.

Best for small businesses

  • Required time in business: 6+ months
  • Required monthly revenue: $8k+
  • Min credit score: 520+

Easy, fast funding options

  • Required time in business: 1+ years
  • Required annual revenue: $120k+
  • Min credit score: 580+

Personalized, fast funding

  • Required time in business: 6+ months
  • Required annual revenue: $180k+
  • Min credit score: 525+

Here’s a list of the nine best funding options for new businesses by category. We also offer a list of alternatives if these picks don’t fit your startup.

9 best loans for new businesses and startups

Why trust Finder?

  • 35+ business loan lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts
  • 12+ types of business loans analyzed
  • Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering 10+ categories
  • 20+ years of combined experience covering financial topics

We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.

Best overall

Lendzi

9.5 Excellent

Read review

Lendzi is a highly rated business loan marketplace that partners with over 60 lenders, making it a great option for startups seeking funding. With a quick online application, you can prequalify for a range of startup loan options in just a few clicks. Since securing financing as a new business can be challenging, using Lendzi's marketplace allows you to compare multiple offers and find the best fit.

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $20 million, and while approval depends on factors like credit history, business revenue and time in business, some lenders may work with startups that have lower revenue or limited credit history. Plus, with strong ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, Lendzi is a trusted choice for new businesses looking for fast and flexible funding solutions.

Loan amount $5,000 – $20,000,000
APR Varies by lender
Min. Credit Score 580

Best for microloans

Kiva business loans

7.4 Great

on Businessloans.com's secure site

Kiva is a microlender that specializes in small-dollar financing for underserved business owners — with no time-in-business requirements. Its crowdfunded loans of up to $15,000 come with 0% interest and no fees, making it one of the most competitive options for small-dollar loans on this list.

However, raising funds can take more than a month, so it's not the quickest option. But there are no minimum revenue requirements, and it works with entrepreneurs of all credit types.

Loan amount $1,000 – $15,000
APR 0%

Best for invoice financing

FundThrough Invoice Factoring and Financing

9 Excellent

on Businessloans.com's secure site
Read review

FundThrough offers no-paperwork invoice factoring and financing. It doesn't have any fixed time in business requirements and is willing to fund businesses in the startup phase. And it's fully automated: You can connect to your business bank account and accounting software instead of submitting bank statements. However, it doesn't connect with all software systems.

FundThrough is also one of the few companies that offer up to 100% advance rates and has no minimum credit score to qualify. Fees typically range from 2.2% to 3% per 30 days.

Loan Amount Up to $10 million
Fee for Terms 2.75% to 8.25%

Best for a merchant cash advance

Rapid Finance small business loans

7.5 Great

on Businessloans.com's secure site

If your new business does a lot of credit and debit card sales, a merchant cash advance (MCA) from Rapid Finance is a way to access fast financing even if you don't have ideal credit. It offers MCAs from $5,000 all the way to $500,000, making it an option for businesses of all sizes. And it offers a flexible repayment structure based on your future sales.

But it doesn't disclose rates or fees on its website, and MCAs are typically a pricier form of business financing. It also doesn't list revenue or credit requirements, so you'll need to apply or call to see if you qualify.

Loan amount $5,000 to $500,000

Best for equipment loans

National Funding business loans

9.6 Excellent

Read review

If you're looking to finance equipment and don't want to tie up your credit lines and other loans, National Funding offers customized loans directly and with its lending partners. You only need to be in business for six months to qualify.

It offers equipment financing and leasing up to $150,000 for new or used equipment. It also guarantees you won't find a lower monthly payment elsewhere, or it pays $1,000 toward the equipment lease. And there's no down payment requirement.

Loan amount Up to $150,000
APR Not stated
Min. Credit Score 600

Best for personal loans

Finance Factory business loans

8.2 Great

Finance Factory is a connection service that offers multiple financing options for startups, including business credit cards, personal loans and lines of credit. To qualify for these options, Finance Factory looks at your personal credit history, tax returns and financial statements — not your time in business.

You'll fare better at qualifying if your credit score is 700 to 800, and you have a minimum account balance of $1,000 to $5,000 in monthly cash flow. And while you could snag an unsecured personal loan here, you may have to pay an origination fee.

Loan amount $5,000 – $5,000,000
APR Varies by loan type
Min. Credit Score 550

Best for SBA loans

SmartBiz business loans

9 Excellent

SmartBiz is a connection service that works with banks and preferred lenders (SBA's Preferred Lender Program) to issue SBA loans, and there are other startup loan options as well. Unlike other services, SmartBiz can help you navigate the lengthy process of applying for an SBA loan, which can be helpful for new businesses.

Customers rave about how easy and seamless the service is, citing knowledgeable and thorough representatives. But on the downside, SmartBiz isn't free — there's a packaging fee of $2,500 and closing costs around $600. There's also an SBA guarantee fee of 1.7% or 2.25%, depending on the loan size, and SBA funding can take weeks to come through.

Loan amount $50,000 – $500,000
APR Prime Rate, plus 3% to 4.75%
Min. Credit Score 660

Best for business line of credit

Bluevine business lines of credit

8.6 Great

Read review

If you're looking for a line of credit, Bluevine works with businesses that have been operating for at least one year and have fair credit. And you need to have at least $10,000 in monthly revenue to qualify. But it has some of the most competitive APRs in the market, and there are no fees for opening, maintaining, prepaying or closing your account.

Its credit lines are revolving, so you can borrow as needed, and the funds will replenish as you pay them back. Repayments are typically weekly for new businesses, but some may qualify for monthly payments. And while same-day funding is available, you'll have to pay an extra fee.

Loan amount Up to $250,000
APR As low as 7.8%
Min. Credit Score 625

Best if you haven’t opened yet

Guidant Financial business loans

8 Great

Guidant Financial offers a wide range of funding for new businesses, including SBA loans, franchise financing and unsecured loans with no personal collateral requirement. To qualify, you'll need a minimum credit score of 680 and a good credit history.

It also offers loans backed by personal collateral, including 401(k) business financing (rollovers for business startups, aka ROBS). And it has portfolio loans, which are backed by securities and work like a revolving line of credit. Portfolio loans let you borrow against your assets at a low interest rate.

Loan amount $10,000 – $150,000
APR 12% to 18%
Min. Credit Score 680

Methodology: How we choose the best startup lenders

Finder’s editorial experts review over 200 business loan providers before selecting the best lenders for new businesses. We pick lenders that have relaxed time-in-business requirements, good customer service and competitive rates. We also review each company’s Better Business Bureau reviews and Trustpilot ratings.

We weigh lenders and financing companies against these factors:

  • Time in business requirements
  • Annual revenue requirements
  • Willingness to work with new or risky industries
  • APRs
  • Fees, such as origination fees
  • Loan amounts
  • Repayment terms
  • Credit score requirements
  • Turnaround time
  • State availability
  • Application process
  • Lender reputation and customer reviews

What is a startup business loan

A startup business loan is a type of financing designed to help newer businesses get off the ground or grow. They provide capital to buy a new business or franchise, pay for equipment and fund the day-to-day operations and expansion of the business.

The most common types of startup and new business loans include SBA 7(a) loans, personal loans, equipment loans, lines of credit and business credit cards. There are also portfolio loans and ROBS (rollovers as business startups), which leverage your personal assets to fund a business.

How financing can benefit a new business

Startup business loans give you access to capital you might not otherwise have — you may even find a business loan without having any money. With it, you can fund your expenses without selling equity, all while improving your business’s positive payment history and building a relationship with a lender.

  • Speeds up growth
  • Funds initial expenses
  • No equity requirement
  • Builds business credit

How do I qualify for a business startup loan?

1:02

Business loan requirements vary by lender. However, those available to new businesses focus on the entrepreneur’s history of paying off personal debt rather than the business itself. You’ll have the most options if you meet these criteria.

  • Good credit. Many business startup loan providers ask for a 670 credit score or higher, although some lenders and loan options have more lenient credit requirements.
  • No recent bankruptcies. In addition to your credit score, startup lenders typically look at your credit history. Bankruptcies stay on your report for seven to 10 years, depending on how you file.
  • No recent delinquencies. If you’ve been late paying off debt, that could also hurt your chances of getting a startup loan.
  • A strong business plan. Since your business doesn’t have a track record to back itself up, your business plan is often the only place where you get to make a case for yourself.
  • Enough revenue. Some lenders only require around $10,000 in monthly revenue to qualify, while others may require $100,000 or more per month.
  • Time in business. Many business loan providers have a minimum time-in-business requirement. For startups, that could be anywhere from six months to one year.

Be wary of companies that push you to pay in advance to help you shop for a loan, require you to pay fees up front or seem to have unverifiable guaranteed approval. These “lenders” may actually be business loan scams. Learn the warning signs to identify a potential scammer as you shop around.

Can I get a startup business loan with bad credit?

It’s possible to get a business loan with bad credit, but your options are limited. You may have better luck considering other financing alternatives, such as a rollover for business startups (ROBS) or crowdfunding, which don’t necessarily rely on your credit score.

Microlenders and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are also your friend: Many have programs designed to support local entrepreneurs. They typically offer small amounts of financing in exchange for a training course.

You might qualify for some term loans, alternate types of business loans or business loans that don’t require a credit check. But these loans come with a higher price tag — think APRs over 300%. And if you’re just starting, it may be worth improving your personal credit score before borrowing for your business.

How to apply for a loan as a new business

Once you know how much you need to borrow and have compared lenders, you’re ready to apply. Applying for a business loan may require extensive documentation, especially for SBA loans, which require SBA-specific forms. While there are a few lenders with low or no required documents, they may not offer the best rates to new businesses.

Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your documentation. Common items lenders may request:
    • Growth and revenue forecasts
    • Recent personal and business tax returns
    • Bank statements
    • Financial projections
    • Owner financial statements and resumes
    • Business plan and business history
  2. Submit your application. Follow the lender’s process and upload or provide all requested documents.
  3. Receive a credit decision. You’ll get an approval or denial letter.
  4. Finalize and receive funds. If approved, complete any remaining paperwork. Funds are typically disbursed within a week or longer, depending on the loan type and lender.

Is it possible to get a 0% interest business loan?

Yes, it’s possible to get a 0% interest business loan. For example, Kiva, a lender on this list, offers a 0% interest small business loan of up to $15,000. Guidant Financial also offers unsecured loans with interest rates starting from 0% to 3% for qualified borrowers. However, these are not specifically startup loans.

You can also look into a 0% introductory rate business credit card to start a business, which may be easier to qualify for than other types of business funding. Other low-interest business loans can be found at banks, credit unions and online lenders — but you typically need good credit to qualify and startups may not be eligible.

More types of financing for new businesses and startups

Some other ways to finance a startup include:

  • Equity investments. Small businesses may be able to get an equity investment through a venture capital firm or an angel investor. There’s no limit to how much money you can raise through this method, and you won’t have to pay back any of the money, but you could lose partial control of your company. You may want to keep a lawyer on retainer to help you navigate securities laws so your business can avoid legal issues down the road.
  • Home equity loans or HELOCs. If you own a home with at least 20% in equity, you could borrow against it to help fund your startup. Home equity loans or HELOCs tend to come with lower interest rates than unsecured borrowing methods. But your home is collateral for the loan, so tread carefully.
  • Crowdfunding. With equity crowdfunding, your company starts an online campaign to receive funding from multiple investors in exchange for partial ownership. With rewards-based crowdfunding, your business offers gifts or prizes in exchange for donations. The amount of funding you can get may be restricted based on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules.
  • Business grants. Startups with a mission, especially nonprofits, might want to look into business grants to get off the ground. Like an investment, you don’t have to repay a grant. However, they can be highly competitive and require a lot of work. They also typically don’t get much higher than around $15,000, so you’ll likely need other funding methods to supplement it.
  • Credit cards. A credit card can be a great way to cover smaller expenses and manage your company’s spending since multiple people can have cards from the same account. Some of the top startup-friendly business credit cards have a 0% APR promotional period, making it a viable option for businesses that expect to pay off what they spend within the first year or so.
  • Rollover for business startups (ROBS). If you’re willing to borrow from your retirement plan, a ROBS might be a worthwhile investment for your startup. It involves taking advantage of a tax loophole that allows your business to access these funds without paying a penalty if it’s the right type of corporation. You need at least $50,000 in your retirement account to qualify and could face heavy fines, so many business owners opt to hire a third-party professional to handle the details.
  • Friend and family loans. Borrowing from your friends and family is sometimes the easiest way to get a good deal on startup funding — and there’s a chance you might not have to pay interest or sell any equity. Create a loan agreement with clear terms so everyone knows what to expect.

How to crowdfund a startup

Some startups may choose to offer investors goods, services or equity in their company in exchange for funding. Crowdfunding also helps companies generate buzz and make connections with potential clients. You have a few options:

  • Equity crowdfunding exchanges funds from investors for partial ownership of the company. You can raise up to $75 million, but fees can set you back as much as $100,000, and regulations are difficult to navigate.
  • Donation-based crowdfunding comes with few regulations and doesn’t require anything in return. Typically, the only cost is a platform fee.
  • Rewards-based crowdfunding works like donation-based crowdfunding — but contributors to your campaign receive a gift in exchange. Typically, you also have to pay a platform fee.

Recap: Best startup business loans

And remember, there are plenty of options at every stage of the business process. Read our guide to the best business loans for more options.

Frequently asked questions

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Sources

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
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Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20 years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and likes to read and play golf. See full bio

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Kat Aoki was a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. She’s written thousands of articles to help consumers make better decisions on their home loans, bank accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency and more. Kat is well versed in working with leading brands in the real estate, mortgage and personal finance industries, and her expertise has been featured on Lifewire and financial comparison sites like iSelect and realestate.com.au. She holds a BS in business administration from California State University, Sacramento and enjoys hiking and yoga in her spare time. See full bio

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Kat has written 149 Finder guides across topics including:
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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    FaratziAugust 1, 2017

    How much can I borrow from a private lender? Until what amount he can give me with my house property as a collateral? Where can I find private lenders that give big amounts of money for business and for buying my instruments, an amount of 1 million with my house property as a collateral?? I want to find a real one because there are a lot of frauds. I am waiting for your urgent response. Thank you!

      Default Gravatar
      DanielleAugust 2, 2017

      Hi Faratzi,

      Thank you for contacting Finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.

      Generally, large loan amounts usually have specific eligibility criteria which include a minimum income requirement as this is one way for lenders to make sure their borrowers have the capacity to repay their loan amount. Lenders will also take into consideration your credit standing, employment status, outstanding loan, and other liabilities in their decision-making.

      You can compare business loans for options that may suit your needs. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

    Default Gravatar
    LaurelJuly 13, 2017

    Currently I am on employed but intend to start my own online business as an affiliate marketer through a well established training program called Aspire. I have absolutely no personal funds to use to pay for their training program which costs $2000. Although they cannot guarantee instant income, their average affiliates start making $8000 per month in the first 90 days. Also, my credit rating is approximately 560 right now. Where can I possibly get a $2-3,000 start up business loan to start my business?

      Default GravatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 16, 2017Finder

      Hi Laurel,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Many business lenders require that your business has been established for at least six months and that it’s meeting certain revenue minimums. There are some lenders who may consider your business plan and personal credit profile in lieu of business experience to evaluate your loan application and assess risks. We do have a guide about startup loans that will help you understand how you can get a business loan in the early stages. You could also get a personal loan to start a new business.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

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