The best funding options for startups and newer businesses — including what actually works when banks say no and how to access capital with limited history.
Our editorial team consists of experienced business finance writers and lending professionals with 15+ years in commercial lending.
Traditional banks and SBA lenders require 2+ years in business, $250K+ revenue, and established credit history. Most startups have none of these. This creates the "funding gap" — businesses that are generating revenue and growing, but can't access the capital to scale.
The good news: the alternative lending market has created products specifically for newer businesses. You don't need 2 years of tax returns or a perfect credit score. You need revenue.
Business Credit Cards: The fastest way to access capital with no business history. Many issuers only require personal credit (680+). Limits of $5K–$50K. Use for recurring expenses and pay monthly.
Personal Loans for Business: Using personal credit to fund your business. Higher rates but accessible if you have strong personal credit (700+). Limits up to $100K with some lenders.
Friends & Family / Angel Investors: Non-dilutive capital from your network. Write formal loan agreements to protect relationships.
Revenue-Based Crowdfunding: Platforms like Mainvest and Honeycomb Credit allow local businesses to raise from community members.
Get funding in 24 hours
No impact to your credit score.
Once you have 6+ months of revenue history, more options open up:
Working Capital Loans: Many alternative lenders fund businesses at 6 months with $10K+/month in revenue. Amounts up to $150K, approved in 24–48 hours.
Merchant Cash Advance: Revenue-based funding available at 3–6 months. Repaid as % of daily sales. Best for businesses with consistent card/ACH deposits.
Invoice Factoring: If you have B2B invoices outstanding, factor them for immediate cash. No time-in-business requirement — just creditworthy customers.
Equipment Financing: Many equipment lenders approve startups if the equipment serves as collateral and you have good personal credit (620+).
Without years of history, lenders focus on:
Revenue Consistency: 3–6 months of bank statements showing regular, growing deposits.
Personal Credit Score: Your personal credit often substitutes for business history. 620+ opens most doors; 680+ gets the best rates.
Industry Experience: Lenders feel more comfortable funding operators with 5+ years in their industry, even if the business is new.
Cash Flow Trend: A business generating $20K/month at month 6 and $35K/month at month 12 shows trajectory — more important than the absolute number.
FAQs
Funding Products
Compare working capital, SBA loans, equipment financing, invoice factoring and more.
$10K–$500K
Access $10K–$500K in working capital within 24–48 hours. No collateral required, flexible repayment based on your daily revenue.
✓ Cover payroll, inventory, and operating costs without slowing down.
Speed
24 hours
Term
3–18 months
$25K–$2M
Structured term loans from $25K to $2M for established businesses. Fixed monthly payments with transparent rates.
✓ Predictable payments, no surprises — perfect for planned growth.
Speed
2–5 days
Term
12–60 months
$5K–$500K
Get an advance on your future sales. Repay as a percentage of daily revenue — no fixed payments, no pressure.
✓ Flexible repayment that moves with your cash flow.
Speed
24 hours
Term
4–18 months
$10K–$5M
Finance any equipment — trucks, machinery, technology — from $10K to $5M. The equipment itself serves as collateral.
✓ Preserve working capital while acquiring assets that generate revenue.
Speed
2–5 days
Term
24–84 months
$50K–$5M
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans with government-backed guarantees. Rates from 6.5% — the best terms available for qualifying businesses.
✓ Lowest interest rates with the longest repayment terms on the market.
Speed
30–90 days
Term
10–25 years
$10K–$5M
Convert outstanding B2B invoices into immediate cash at 80–95% of face value. No debt, no collateral.
✓ Eliminate the 30–90 day wait on customer payments.
Speed
24–48 hours
Term
Per invoice
Not sure which product fits your business?
Answer 3 questions — we'll match you instantlyGet Started Today
We match new businesses with lenders who specialize in early-stage companies. Apply in 5 minutes.