This article was reviewed by Doug Noll, a member of the Finder Editorial Review Board and award-winning lawyer, mediator and author with over 40 years of experience in the legal field.
Startup business loans work a little differently than funding options for established businesses. Instead of focusing on your business’s revenue and debts, these lenders look at your personal credit and finances.
But that doesn’t mean lenders are willing to work with businesses that haven’t actually opened their doors. Most still require you to have at least six months in business and an annual revenue of $100,000 or more.
Weigh all your options before you get a startup business loan. Funding a startup is risky and lenders tend to charge higher interest rates and fees on these small business loans. If your business fails, your personal credit could take a hit.
To help you find the best choice, we’ve broken down your options into seven categories and selected seven top lenders — and have a list of alternatives if your business doesn’t qualify.
Our team has spent over 600 hours reviewing over 220 business loan providers before we picked these eight options. We paid special attention to requirements, interest rates, fees and repayment terms.
Lender
Starting APR
Maximum loan amount
Minimum credit score
Finance Factory
5.99%
$500,000
700
Upgrade
5.94%
$50,000
600
Lendio
6%
$5,000,000
560
Kiva
0%
$15,000
None
Seek Business Capital
Varies by lender
$500,000
680
Guidant Financial
12%
$150,000
690
BlueVine
4.8%
$250,000
600
Fundbox
Not stated
$150,000
600
Lender marketplaces
A lender marketplace, also known as a connection service, allows you to fill out one application for your business. After, your information will be sent to lenders that are part of the marketplace’s network.
This means you can see what your business might qualify before you submit a full application as well as supporting documents. And while your business is limited to a smaller network of lenders, it may help you determine what type of financing best suits your business — and the potential costs it could face.
Finance Factory is open to startups — even if some of its loan options are only for established businesses. It has a program for startups that offers up to $350,000. Plus you may qualify for interest rates as low as 0% — though this may be through business credit cards, not loans. It's also one of the few connection services that offers personal loans and funding based off your retirement savings. However, you'll still need good to excellent to qualify. And Finance Factory isn't the quickest option. In some cases, the process could take up to two weeks.
Pros
Low maximum APR
Award-winning customer service
Multiple loan options available
Cons
Not all loan options available to startups
Funding takes up to two weeks
Loan amount
$5,000 – $500,000
APR
5.99% to 10.99%
Min. Credit Score
700
Loan Term
2 and 5 years
Requirements
Good to excellent personal credit, steady cash flow, two years in business
If you have strong credit and a steady source of money coming in, personal loans could be a better deal than a business loan when you want to start a business. Your lack of experience won’t hurt your application, and many states don’t allow lenders to charge more than 36% APR.
However, personal loans rarely go above $100,000 or come with terms longer than seven years, so it might not be able to cover all of your startup costs. And some lenders may not allow you to cover business expenses with a personal loan.
Upgrade is a solid online lender with relatively decent options for borrowers with fair credit. You'll be able to borrow up to $50,000 — a large amount for a personal loan — and Upgrade doesn't have any restrictions on how you use your funds for business. But there are a few high fees, including an origination fee up to 8%, that could add more cost to your loan.
Not available in: Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Vermont, West Virginia
Personal loans made through Upgrade feature APRs of 6.98%-35.89%. All personal loans have a 1.5% to 6% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (which includes a 14.32% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $343.33. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,359.97. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.
The Small Business Association (SBA) offers government-backed loans with some of the most competitive rates and terms out there. While not all programs are available to startups, your business might be able to qualify for a microloan — which can be up to $50,000.
But they’re not always easy to get — only 65% of SBA loan applicants were approved in 2020, according to a Federal Reserve survey. You should also be prepared to spend at least a month working on the application and even longer waiting for an approval decision.
Lendio has a large network of lenders offering 12 types of business financing — including credit cards and startup loans up to $750,000. You also don't need to have the best credit to qualify — its partners accept scores as low as 560. And its rates are capped relatively low for startup financing at just 17%. But it's not a good idea if you're in a rush — it can take up to a month to get your funds.
Pros
Network of over 75 lenders
Wide range of business loan options
Bad personal credit accepted
Cons
Must pay origination fee after loan is finalized
May receive marketing material from lenders
At least six months of bank statements required
Loan amount
$500 – $5,000,000
APR
Starting at 6%
Min. Credit Score
560
Loan Term
1 to 25 years
Requirements
Operate business in US or Canada, have a business bank account, 560+ personal credit score
Microloans are small-dollar financing available to a variety of businesses, including startups. They are designed to help you cover the little things when you’re just getting on your feet — like buying office supplies or stocking up on your first set of inventory.
Microloans, like those offered by Kiva, typically start around $500 and come with shorter terms than your usual unsecured loan, but they also tend to have higher rates or more strict requirements to qualify.
The SBA microloan program states that its microloans are around $13,000 on average — but private lenders may offer more or less depending on the age of your business and its finances.
Kiva is a microlender that specializes in small-dollar financing for underserved business owners. Its crowdfunded loans come with 0% interest, making it one of the most competitive options on this list. It's willing to work with entrepreneurs of all credit types. And you don't necessarily need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to qualify. However, it can take over a month to raise funds.
Pros
No interest or fees
All credit types welcome
No residency requirements
Cons
Relies on your social network for crowdfunding
Can take up to 45 days to raise funds
Loan amount
$25 – $15,000
APR
0%
Loan Term
1 to 3 years
Requirements
Have at least five 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.
Business term loans offer startups a lump sum of funds to cover a large purchase — like inventory or office furniture. These can be hard to come by if you haven’t opened your business yet, and it can be expensive since lenders tend to see startups as a risk.
However, they have a number of benefits: You won’t risk losing any of your business’s assets if things don’t work out and you can’t pay back the loan. But you could still lose some of your personal assets since most unsecured loans require a personal guarantee.
A secured business loan uses some of your business or personal assets as collateral. They can be easier to come by as a startup since the collateral offsets the risk for the lender. There are even specialized loans to help you finance the equipment your business needs to get going.
Secured loans also tend to have more favorable rates and terms than unsecured business loans. But you risk losing your collateral if you or your business isn’t able to repay the loan. And if you use personal assets as collateral, this can have a major impact on your finances.
As a business loan connection and consulting service, Seek Business Capital specializes in connecting startups with funding — including SBA loans. But you'll need to be up and running for at least six months and meet strict criteria to qualify for government-backed funding. If you do qualify, it comes with some of the lowest rates out there for startup financing.
Pros
Borrow up to $350,000 with SBA funding option
Open to businesses just six months old
Cons
Only SBA loans offered are Express Loans
Takes three to six months to get funds
Loan amount
$5,000 – $500,000
APR
Varies by lender
Min. Credit Score
680
Requirements
Personal credit of 680+, no bankruptcies in the last 4 years.
A line of credit works a lot like a credit card with lower rates, higher credit limits and access to cash. It can be a great source of working capital when you’re still hiring staff and figuring out seasonal shifts in revenue. Rather than having to apply for a loan, you can make a withdrawal and pay it back in installments over a few months.
While it can be difficult to find a line of credit before your business has been around for a few months, it’s possible to find a working capital credit line with as little as six months in business. These tend to have lower starting rates than a credit card and can have run as high as $250,000.
Guidant Financial is one of the few lenders that offers a line of credit for businesses that haven't opened their doors yet. To qualify, you'll need good personal credit, minimal inquiries and a credit utilization ratio under 50%. It even offers a 0% introductory rate for well-qualified applicants. After that, interest rates range from 12% to 18% — lower than typical business credit cards. But it comes with a high 9% origination fee. And it's not the fastest option out there — it can take up to a month to fund your LOC.
Pros
Businesses in the planning stage OK
Interest-free promotional period
Lower rates than typical business credit cards
Cons
Origination fee of 9%
Personal credit score of 690 or higher required
Can take three to four weeks to fund your LOC
Loan amount
$10,000 – $150,000
APR
12% to 18%
Min. Credit Score
690
Requirements
690+ credit score, less than 50% credit utilization ratio, few credit inquires, no recent negative lines on credit report
While BlueVine doesn't work with brand new businesses, you can qualify for its working capital line of credit after just six months. There are no maintenance, origination or draw fees and you can qualify with fair credit. After you make a withdrawal, it comes with weekly repayments. And while same-day funding is available, you'll have to pay an extra fee.
Pros
Rates start at a low 4.8%
Fair credit OK
Low time in business requirement
Cons
Can't help you start a business
Fee for same-day funding
Weekly repayments
Loan amount
$5,000 – $250,000
APR
Starting at 4.8%
Min. Credit Score
600
Loan Term
6 to 12 months
Requirements
6+ months in business, $10,000+ in monthly revenue, 600+ credit score
For new businesses that deal primarily in accounts receivables, invoice financing can be a good option to control cash flow. These allow you to get an advance on your unpaid invoices. Since Net 60 and Net 90 terms are common, invoice financing can reduce the gap between completing work and getting paid for your services.
They can be costly, though. Invoice financing is considered a short-term business loan — which means higher interest rates. And if your client doesn’t pay, you’ll still be responsible for paying back your advance.
Funbox is one of the few invoice financing companies that accepts businesses that have just opened their doors. It only requires you to be established — annual revenue and time in business won't play a large role in its decision. But like most invoice financing companies, you'll be expected to make payments every week. You'll also need to use specific accounting software to be eligible.
Pros
Accepts all established businesses
Fair credit OK
Cons
Must use eligible accounting software
Weekly payments required
Loan amount
$1,000 – $150,000
APR
Not stated
Min. Credit Score
600
Loan Term
12 or 24 weeks
Requirements
6 + months in business, $100,000+ in annual revenue, 600+ credit score
Startup business loans give you access to capital you might have not had. With it, you’ll be able to 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
Build business credit
When you should consider alternate options
But borrowing isn’t always the best idea when you’re just getting started. Not only will it be more difficult to qualify and potentially more expensive, but you’ll be responsible for any money your business borrows if it isn’t able to be repaid.
Higher interest rates
Personal guarantees
Strict requirements
7 alternative ways to finance a startup
A business loan isn’t the only to cover the costs of your new business — it might not even be the best option. Before you take out a loan, consider your choices to find the right combination of funding.
One of the more common ways to fund a startup is to take on investors in exchange for equity, or partial ownership of the company. Typically, small businesses can 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 while you won’t have to pay back any of the money you receive from an investor, you could lose partial control of your company.
You may want to keep a lawyer on retainer for this sort of funding though. They’ll help you navigate securities laws so your business can avoid legal issues down the road.
2. Crowdfunding
Entrepreneurs that have a pitchable idea might want to look into equity or rewards-based 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 prizes in exchange for donations. Like a personal loan, crowdfunding might not cover all of your startup costs, but could be great for funding a project.
And although slightly different, peer-to-peer lenders like Funding Circle offer similar loans, although your business will have to pay interest on any funds it receives.
However, new regulations are being put in place. The amount of funding you’re able to get may end up restricted, depending on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rulings.
3. 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 it will likely need to be supplemented by other funding methods.
4. 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 be able to pay off what they spend within the first year.
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 to have 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 like My Solo 401k to handle the complicated details. But if it works, you won’t have to pay any interest, early withdrawal fees or lose equity in your company.
6. Merchant cash advances
A merchant cash advance allows you to borrow money against payments made with a credit card. Like invoice financing, it’s a short-term solution meant to cover gaps in cash flow. Because of this, merchant cash advances can be expensive.
Costs are calculated by using factor rates, which are typically between 1.1 to 1.5. The factor rate is multiplied by the amount your business has advanced. So if you borrow a merchant cash advance of $10,000 with a factor rate of 1.3, your business will pay $13,000 back to the lender.
Merchant cash advances rely on your sales and don’t require a credit check, so they’re typically a quick choice for startups.
7. 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.
Want to make it official? Use a service like LoanWell to whip together a legally binding contract with interest fees and late penalties.
Which banks offer startup business loans?
Community banks sometimes offer startup business loans — though not always. These business loans are closer to a personal loan than a traditional business loan.
A community bank can be a good option for starting a business because these lenders tend to charge lower interest rates and fees than online startup lenders. If you work with a banker that’s an expert in your industry, you’ll also get access to personalized financial advice. This can be crucial during those tough first few years.
And when your business is ready for a regular business loan, you’ll already have a relationship with a bank that knows your business from the beginning. This can speed up the funding time and might make it easier to get approved — if your business is doing well.
What are the differences between debt finance and equity finance?
There are three main types of funding: Debt, equity or internal funds. Debt involves borrowing money from a business lender, equity finance is provided by an owner or investor, and internal funds are derived from cash flow or profits.
In a business’s early stages, internal funds can be harder to come by. This leaves you with a choice between debt and equity finance.
Features
Debt finance
Equity finance
Where to find it
Banks
Credit unions
Online lenders
Angel investors
Family and friends
Business partners
Crowdfunding
How much you can borrow
Business loans usually range from $1,000 to $5 million.
Could be hundreds or millions of dollars, depending on the source.
How it’s repaid
You make regular payments to repay the debt. Terms differ depending on the lender.
It isn’t repaid, but the financers may then own a part of the business or take part in decision-making.
Pros
You stay in control of your business
Some business lenders have flexible eligibility criteria
There’s a range of loan types available
Funding can be quick depending on the provider
No collateral is required
You’re not required to repay the funds
Investors can provide strategic guidance for the business
No exposure to interest rate changes
Cons
You may be required to provide collateral as security
There may be restrictions on the fund use
Your profits need to be used to repay the debt
The funds can come with restrictions on usage
Finding equity finance is usually a slow process
You usually give up some control of your business or business decision-making power
There may be conflicts with investors on which direction to take the business
How do I qualify for a business startup loan?
Startup business loan requirements vary from lender to lender. However, most 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 the following criteria.
Good credit. Many business startup loan providers ask for a 670 credit score or higher.
No recent bankruptcies. In addition to looking at your credit score, startup lenders typically also look at your credit report. Bankruptcies stay on your report for seven years.
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.
Can I get a startup business loan with bad credit?
It’s possible to get a startup business loan with bad credit. But it depends on the type of loan your business needs. There are business loans available for people with bad credit, and some options — like ROBS or crowdfunding — won’t necessarily rely on your credit score.
You may be able to qualify for some term loans or alternate types of business loans, but be aware that these come with a higher price tag. But if you’re just starting out, it may be worth improving your personal credit score before borrowing for your business.
How to apply for a startup loan
Once you know how much you need to borrow and compare lenders, you’re ready to apply. To speed up the application process, ask your lender what documents and information you need before you apply. Many ask to see financial projections, a business plan and your credit report.
Next, follow your lender’s instructions to complete the application. Most have online applications, but you may also need to speak with a loan specialist first to make sure your business is a good fit.
Once you’ve spoken with someone and confirm you and your business are eligible, follow the instructions on the application. And if you run into any trouble, don’t be afraid to reach out to customer service for help.
What documents will I need to provide?
Lenders will want to see at least these documents when you submit an application:
Business plan
Growth and revenue forecasts
Recent personal and business tax returns
Bank statements
Other documents or information may also be necessary. Check with your lender to ensure you have everything in order before you apply.
Recap: Best startup business loans of 2021
Funding your startup can help increase profits, but it can be risky and expensive. Steer clear of startup loans until you have a well-thought-out business plan in place — even the best ideas require careful implementation. And remember that there are plenty of options at every stage of the business process, so read our guide to the best business loans for more options.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Anna Serio is a trusted lending expert and certified Commercial Loan Officer who's published more than 1,000 articles on Finder to help Americans strengthen their financial literacy. A former editor of a newspaper in Beirut, Anna writes about personal, student, business and car loans. Today, digital publications like Business Insider, CNBC and the Simple Dollar feature her professional commentary, and she earned an Expert Contributor in Finance badge from review site Best Company in 2020.
Bank of America has more loan options, but Rocket Mortgage has left a better overall impression on customers. We compare the key features between these two established lenders.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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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!
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
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?
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