The 8 Best Startup Business Loans

• Startup Consultants
• Equipment Financing
• Business Credit Cards
• SBA Microloans
• Other Microlenders
• Invoice Financing
• Crowdfunding
• Personal and Friends/Family Funding

What is a Startup Business Loan?

A business startup loan is financing meant to help with the financial needs of a new business. Business startup loan proceeds can go towards things like working capital; the purchase of equipment, machinery, supplies, inventory, and furniture; and the purchase or construction of real estate. New business owners can also consider business credit cards, business grants, and crowdfunding.

One of the biggest challenges a new small business must face is obtaining the capital necessary to support their initial growth. New employer small businesses are the primary source of U.S. job growth, but are much more likely than larger firms to face financial challenges like access to capital, according to a 2019 Federal Reserve report. In order to proudly turn on your physical or metaphorical “open for business” sign, you’ll likely need to have access to money in the form of a small business startup loan.

If you’ve already started your hunt for a loan, you’re well aware that there is a seemingly infinite amount of small business loan options out there. Each one will come with their own set of pros and cons, and perhaps you’ve discovered that most of the low-cost options are not available to business owners without a couple years of business under their belts or ones with established business credit scores. You can establish and build your business credit data for free using Nav.

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Where Do I Get a Small Business Startup Loan?

1. Startup Consultants

Running and growing a new company comes with unique challenges, and the reality is that half of all new businesses will not survive five years. Making one bad decision — like getting the wrong financing — can sink you in those early years.

That’s why using a startup consultant can make sense. These consultants typically charge a premium to connect you with funding, but it can be well worth it.

Beyond finding you funding, they can check your viability for financing and make sure you’re covered with all the basic services that a startup business needs, from business plan creation to business insurance and more.

2. Equipment Financing

Banks are traditionally known for their lending opportunities, and if you have a good relationship with yours, this may be a place to turn. But for the large majority of startup businesses, a traditional loan will not be the best option. Banks have strict small business lending standards, and what they offer is generally only available to established businesses. You might, however, be able to work with your bank to secure equipment financing.

Specifically designed to pay for the purchase of equipment and machinery, equipment loans are similar in structure to a conventional loans, with monthly repayment terms over a long period. However, the proceeds must only be used to purchase equipment or machinery. The lending standards on equipment financing can be less strict because your equipment will be used as collateral for the loan—in other words, if you default, the bank has the right to seize your equipment to cover the cost of their lost money.

3. Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards can be a great alternative to a small business startup loan, and can help you get off on the right foot separating business and personal finances and establishing business credit. To qualify you for a business credit card, issuers will generally look at your personal credit scores and combined income (personal and business). While they may not require collateral, some may ask for a personal guarantee. Most business credit cards have the added bonus of great rewards programs and sign-up bonuses.

A good tip would be to choose a card with a 0% introductory financing offer. Doing so allows you to make purchases and carry a balance for 9, 12, or even 15 months without paying interest while you get your business going. In a recent Federal Reserve Small Business Credit survey, 59% of small businesses used business credit cards to fund their operations.

4. SBA Microloans

In addition to the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, the SBA also offers microloans which are typically made through community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and non-profit organizations. Available up to $50,000, a microloan through the SBA can be used for working capital or the purchase of inventory or supplies, machinery or equipment, or fixtures and furniture.

5. Other Microlenders

The SBA is not the only microlending option. Microlenders are non-profit organizations that offer small businesses the opportunity to secure financing in small increments (less than $35,000). When it comes to microlenders, be sure to check out these two options:

• Accion: Available up to $10,000, this is a great small business startup loan if you’ve been in business for less than six month and have an incubator-based or home-based business. Since the required credit score is 575 or higher, this is also a good option for borrows who may have bad credit.
• KivaZip: Kiva operates on a largely community-based, trust-driven platform. Businesses can crowdfund business loans from philanthropic-minded individuals up to $5,000. These loans carry a 0% APR and are provided to struggling entrepreneurs who have proven their character, invited their own network of lenders, were unable to access other financial means, and have a business that has a perceived positive social impact.

6. Invoice Financing

If you get paid by your customers via invoices, invoice financing (which is different from invoice factoring) is a convenient, albeit usually expensive way to avoid cash flow issues caused by long invoice cycles. This is a speedy option—you can get your financing in as little as a day—that requires little paperwork.

Fundbox is one such invoice financing provider that works with businesses with only three or more months in business and three or more months of accounting software data (Quickbooks, Sage, Xero, Freshbooks, and more).

7. Crowdfunding

Fairly similar in design to KivaZip is a newer source of funding called crowdfunding. Popular crowdfunding platforms like KickStarter allow anyone with a vision, including entrepreneurs, to raise money for their project or venture.

A business startup loan through crowdfunding will require the campaigner to share their business plan and objectives with a large group of people in hopes that multiple donations or backings will eventually lead to the desired funds. These campaigns take lots of marketing effort — but the end reward, should you raise your funds, is a startup loan and validation of your business idea by many potential future customers for your business.

8. Personal and Friends/Family Funding

Yes, personal funding is a viable option; that’s why it’s here on the list. But using personal funds is a gamble, and you’ll need to do a solid job of calculating all of your costs, so that you don’t run out of money before the business can support itself. Even if using personal funds to start, we advise you start taking steps to establish business credit right away. That way you can start to leverage business credit and access more capital in the future. The business should be able to stand on its own without co-mingling personal assets and credit. There are a few different options when it comes to personal funding:

• Personal Credit Cards: if you can’t secure a business credit card, a personal credit card with a reasonably high limit can help you get those first few purchases and your business under way. Keep a close eye on your credit utilization and pay your bills on time, because making business expenses on personal credit cards can ruin your personal credit history.
• Savings/Home Equity: Dipping into your savings is an even riskier business, but if you have a good amount set aside this could be the cheapest option for you. Borrowing against your home is a cheap option as well.
• 401K/ IRA Savings: If you plan to incorporate your business, you can use your retirement plan to invest in the company. Keep in mind that it may not be wise to bet your whole retirement savings on your brand new business.

And, while they may not be venture capitalists, your family may be a good source for investors (and can save you equity in your home). Tread carefully, and don’t apply pressure, but if they’re willing, family can be a good, positive backing for your new venture. 

How Do You Apply for Startup Business Loans?

You have the end in mind, but where do you start? A good place to start is with your business credit score, which is a measure of the creditworthiness of your business. You can check your business and personal credit scores with Nav. A good credit score can put you in a much better spot than a bad credit score, so be prepared to put in the work if you want to improve your business credit score. 

It’s also important to give your business a holistic look. How is your cash flow? How long have you been in business? Is your business plan up-to-date? How much can you budget for monthly payments if you’re approved for a loan? Are you prepared to put up collateral or to backup a personal guarantee? All of these are important to know and have on hand when approaching a lender with an application. 

You’ll then need to identify which type of startup financing you’d like. Before gathering documentation for your business, you need to know what the lender will be looking for; the application for microloan will likely be very different than that for a business credit card. Having a budget in mind for monthly payments can help you best narrow down what financing products you’re interested in applying for. 

This is also a good time to choose which lender you’d like to go with. Be aware that the world of banking stretches well beyond your local bank or even the financial institution where you do your business banking. This isn’t to say that those banks or credit unions can’t be the best option for you, but be sure to do your due diligence. Be sure to check if the lender has an online application process, which can save you an errand and precious time that can be put back into your business. 

When you’ve pinned down a loan type and lender, you can then begin to fill out the application. If you’ve done the legwork ahead of time, this won’t take long. 

Common Documents Lenders Ask for with Startup Business Loans

• Updated business plan with details on your growth and marketing strategies
• Business and personal credit report (the lender will obtain their own copies, as well)
• Business forecast with details on future cash flow and costs
• Tax returns and supporting IRS documents for both your business and personal tax accounts (personal documents for all owners or registered agents of the business)
• Any applicable licenses and registrations for doing business in your state
• All financial documents that would be deemed relevant (including bank statements, credit card sales, unpaid invoices, and accounts receivable due to you)
• Any legal contracts that would be relevant (franchise, incorporation, leasing)
• Documentation of underserved representation (for loans to which this would be important)

Once you’ve submitted the application, you may have to be patient. Some financing options can be approved in minutes, some may take weeks or even months. Be sure that you’re aware of the wait time before you begin the application process, you don’t want your urgent business needs to be on hold or miss an obligation waiting for a loan to be approved. 

Who Qualifies for Startup Business Loans?

Just as there are a variety of startup business financing options, a wide variety of young businesses can potentially be approved for them. Those who have more time in business will certainly have a better chance than a business with mere months or weeks under their belt, and a business with positive business credit history can stand out as well. 

The king, however, is cash flow. Depending on the lender and loan type, a financial institution may be more willing to overlook short time in business if your cash flow is strong. Your industry type is important as well; certain industries, such as real estate, are known to be higher-risk and may get the side eye from lenders. Be sure that your NAICS code is correct, if the lender asks for it. 

If your business isn’t in shape to qualify to borrow money, consider business grants. Grants are free money granted by certain organization or individual to promote a certain cause, much like a college scholarship. If you’re based in an underserved area or work in a niche industry, you might qualify for a grant. 

As you review the state of your business and look over what type of financing you may need, it will become clear which financing options are more realistic for your business. Continue to keep an eye on your business credit score, keep your business plan up-to-date, and adjust your budget and marketing strategies as necessary to keep your application looking tip-top. 

Final Word: Startup Business Loans

Running a small business is difficult and expensive, and starting a business might be the toughest part for entrepreneurs. While it can be difficult to find a lender from whom to borrow, it’s not impossible to obtain a startup business loan. 

Cash is king, both in running your business and when you’re looking to borrow money. The lender will look at your personal credit score, business credit score, and a number of factors when underwriting your startup business loan. Bad credit can sink your application, good credit can keep you in the game. 

Don’t be afraid of alternative lending options. Nonprofit lenders offering microloan programs may be the right choice for your business, or a cash advance on your retirement account or home equity line may be a risk worth taking. Business credit cards are becoming more and more popular and can help build good business credit for your business, and could help bridge gaps in cash flow if absolutely necessary. Keeping tabs on what business grants are available can pay dividends, as well. 

Whatever option you choose to pursue, be prepared and do your research and due diligence when you’re looking to borrow. Be realistic with your business and your ability to repay the loan, even if you’re approved for a high credit limit. 

Above all, keep your motivation for starting the business in mind. It can be a rough process finding and being approved for a startup business loan, but the right motivation and the right business can push through it and get the job done.

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