Business Funding, Explained
Straight, no-nonsense guides to help you understand your options, get approved faster, and choose the right capital for your business — from $10K to $300M.
See what you qualify for — Free →Types of Business Financing
Ten ways to fund a business — what each one is, who it fits, and the real numbers behind it.
Working Capital Loans
Best for: Covering day-to-day operating costs, payroll, inventory, or short-term cash gaps.
A working capital loan funds your everyday business operations rather than a specific asset. We deposit a lump sum you repay over a fixed schedule, giving you the cash to keep running smoothly through slow seasons or growth spurts. Approval leans heavily on your revenue and bank deposits, not just credit.
- Typical amount: $10K – $500K
- Typical terms: 3 – 24 months
- Speed: 1 – 3 business days
Term Loans
Best for: Funding a defined expansion, renovation, hire, or one-time investment with predictable payments.
A term loan is a lump sum repaid in fixed installments over a set period at a fixed or variable rate. It is the most straightforward form of business financing: you know the amount, the rate, and the payoff date up front. Stronger credit and longer time in business unlock larger amounts and lower rates.
- Typical amount: $25K – $5M
- Typical terms: 1 – 10 years
- Speed: 2 – 10 business days
Business Line of Credit
Best for: Flexible, on-demand access to cash for recurring or unpredictable expenses.
A line of credit gives you a set credit limit you can draw from as needed and only pay interest on what you use. As you repay, the funds become available again, much like a credit card but with lower rates and higher limits. It is the most flexible tool for managing cash flow.
- Typical amount: $10K – $1M
- Typical terms: Revolving; draws repaid over 6 – 24 months
- Speed: 1 – 5 business days
Equipment Financing
Best for: Buying machinery, vehicles, technology, or other hard assets without paying cash up front.
Equipment financing funds the purchase of business equipment, with the equipment itself serving as collateral. Because the loan is secured by the asset, rates are often lower and approval easier than unsecured options. You own the equipment outright once it is paid off.
- Typical amount: $10K – $5M (up to 100% of equipment cost)
- Typical terms: 2 – 7 years (tied to asset life)
- Speed: 2 – 7 business days
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Best for: Purchasing, refinancing, or renovating commercial property.
A commercial real estate loan funds the acquisition or improvement of property such as offices, retail, warehouses, or multifamily buildings. The property secures the loan, and amounts and terms scale with its value and your financials. These are larger, longer commitments with more underwriting than most other products.
- Typical amount: $250K – $300M
- Typical terms: 5 – 25 years (often with a balloon)
- Speed: 3 – 8 weeks
SBA Loans (7(a) / 504)
Best for: Established businesses wanting the lowest rates and longest terms, willing to trade speed for cost.
SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which lets lenders offer lower rates and longer repayment than conventional loans. The 7(a) program covers broad uses like working capital and acquisitions; the 504 program is built for real estate and major equipment. The tradeoff is heavier paperwork and a slower close.
- Typical amount: 7(a) up to $5M; 504 up to $5.5M per project
- Typical terms: 10 years (working capital/equipment), up to 25 years (real estate)
- Speed: 30 – 90 days
Merchant Cash Advance
Best for: Businesses with strong card or daily sales that need cash fast and cannot qualify elsewhere.
A merchant cash advance is not a loan: we advance you a lump sum in exchange for a portion of your future sales, repaid through a fixed daily or weekly remittance. It is the fastest money available and works for lower credit, but it is also the most expensive. Pricing uses a factor rate (e.g. 1.2–1.5), not an APR, so $50K at a 1.4 factor means you repay $70K regardless of how quickly you pay it off.
- Typical amount: $5K – $500K
- Typical terms: 3 – 18 months; factor rate 1.1 – 1.5
- Speed: Same day – 2 business days
Invoice Factoring
Best for: B2B businesses waiting 30–90 days on customer invoices.
Factoring turns your unpaid invoices into immediate cash. We advance most of the invoice value up front, then collect from your customer and pay you the remainder minus a fee. It is tied to your receivables rather than your credit, so it works even for newer businesses with creditworthy customers.
- Typical amount: Up to 90% of invoice value
- Typical terms: Per invoice; factoring fee 1% – 5%
- Speed: 1 – 3 business days after setup
Bridge / Hard Money Loans
Best for: Short-term, time-sensitive deals — especially real estate — where speed beats rate.
A bridge or hard money loan is short-term financing secured primarily by an asset’s value rather than your credit profile. It “bridges” a gap until permanent financing or a sale closes, making it a go-to for investors and owners who need to move quickly. Rates are higher because the loan is fast, flexible, and short.
- Typical amount: $50K – $25M
- Typical terms: 6 – 36 months, interest-heavy
- Speed: 3 – 14 business days
Revenue-Based Financing
Best for: Businesses with steady recurring revenue that want payments that flex with sales.
Revenue-based financing provides capital repaid as a fixed percentage of your monthly revenue until a set total is paid back. Payments rise in strong months and ease in slow ones, so the repayment burden tracks your actual cash flow. It sits between a term loan and an advance: more flexible than a fixed payment, typically cheaper than an MCA.
- Typical amount: $25K – $3M
- Typical terms: 6 – 24 months; total repayment ~1.1x – 1.5x
- Speed: 2 – 5 business days
Payment Estimator
Get a rough idea of your payment before you apply. Estimates only — your real offer depends on underwriting.
Estimate your payment
For a term loan or line of credit (interest-based).
This estimator assumes a standard amortizing loan. Merchant cash advances and factoring are priced differently (factor rate, not APR) — ask us for an exact quote. Figures are illustrative and not an offer of credit.
How to Qualify & Get Approved Faster
Approval comes down to one question: can the business comfortably repay? Everything a funder reviews is a proxy for that answer. Here is exactly what we look at and how to put your file in the strongest possible position before you apply.
- Know the four numbers that matter most. Time in business, average monthly revenue, average daily bank balance, and personal credit score drive most decisions. Have them ready and accurate — most products want at least 6 months in business and $10K+ in monthly revenue, with stronger terms above $25K/month.
- Keep clean bank statements. Underwriters read your last 3–6 months of business bank statements closely. Maintain positive daily balances, avoid negative days and overdrafts (NSFs), and route revenue through one primary business account so your deposits are easy to verify.
- Separate business and personal finances. Run all revenue and expenses through a dedicated business checking account. Commingled personal spending makes your true cash flow hard to read and is one of the most common reasons a strong business gets a weak offer.
- Protect your credit and pay down revolving debt. Both personal and business credit count. Lower your credit-card utilization, keep payments current, and avoid hard inquiries in the weeks before you apply — each one nudges your score down at the worst time.
- Don’t stack positions. Taking on multiple advances or loans at once (“stacking”) is a major red flag and frequently triggers a decline. If you already have existing financing, disclose it up front; carrying fewer open positions almost always produces better terms.
- Ask for a realistic amount. Request funding your revenue can clearly support — a common guideline is up to about one month of gross revenue for short-term products. Asking for far more than your deposits justify slows underwriting and invites a counteroffer or decline.
- Have your documents ready before you apply. A complete file gets funded faster. Standard items: a one-page application, 3–6 months of business bank statements, a voided check, proof of ownership, and a government ID. Larger or longer-term loans add tax returns, financial statements, and a debt schedule.
- Show stability and a clear use of funds. Consistent monthly deposits, a steady customer base, and a specific plan for the money (“buy this equipment,” “cover this purchase order”) all strengthen your file. Funders approve repayment ability plus a credible reason for the capital.
What slows people down or gets them declined: frequent negative bank balances and NSFs, heavily commingled personal and business funds, recently stacked positions or undisclosed existing debt, a sharp recent drop in revenue, unpaid tax liens or open judgments, and incomplete paperwork. Most of these are fixable — a few clean months of statements and an honest, complete application are usually enough to turn a no into a yes.
Funding by Industry
Every industry’s cash flow is different. Here’s how funding fits yours.
Trucking & Freight
Cash flow is the constant battle: you pay for fuel, drivers, and maintenance now but wait 30 to 90 days on broker and shipper invoices. Invoice factoring turns those unpaid loads into same-day cash, while equipment financing puts new trucks and trailers on the road without draining reserves. For fleet expansion or a terminal purchase, we fund commercial real estate and larger working capital lines.
Construction & Contractors
Progress billing and retainage mean you carry labor and material costs for months before a draw clears. Working capital and lines of credit bridge the gap between mobilizing on a job and getting paid, and equipment financing covers excavators, loaders, and heavy machinery. We also fund larger commercial loans for contractors taking on multiple projects at once.
Restaurants & Food Service
Tight margins and seasonal swings make steady cash flow essential for payroll, inventory, and rent. A revenue-based advance or working capital line smooths out slow weeks and funds a remodel or second location, while equipment financing covers ovens, walk-ins, and POS systems. We fund based on your daily sales, not just your credit score.
Medical & Healthcare Practices
Insurance and Medicare reimbursements lag weeks behind the care you deliver, straining cash flow for payroll and supplies. Working capital and lines of credit cover the gap, while equipment financing funds imaging machines, dental chairs, and lab gear. For a practice acquisition or build-out, we fund commercial real estate and larger term loans.
Retail & E-commerce
Inventory ties up your cash months before it sells, and demand spikes around holidays and seasons. A working capital advance or line of credit lets you buy inventory ahead of peak season and fund marketing without stockouts. Online sellers can borrow against steady platform revenue, and we fund store build-outs and fixtures through equipment financing.
Manufacturing
Large raw-material purchases and long production cycles tie up capital well before finished goods ship and invoices get paid. Equipment financing funds CNC machines, presses, and production lines, while working capital and factoring cover material costs and bridge slow-paying purchase orders. We fund plant expansions and facility purchases through commercial real estate loans.
Staffing & Recruiting
You run weekly payroll for placed workers but wait 30 to 60 days to collect from clients, a gap that throttles growth. Payroll funding and invoice factoring advance against those unpaid client invoices so you can make payroll and take on new contracts. As you scale, a working capital line gives you room to onboard more placements at once.
Auto Repair Shops
Parts inventory, diagnostic tools, and lifts demand capital, and a slow month can leave you short on rent and payroll. A working capital advance or line of credit covers inventory and slow stretches, while equipment financing funds lifts, alignment racks, and scan tools. We fund based on your shop’s revenue, so newer shops without long credit histories still qualify.
What You Need to Apply
Getting funded starts with a clear picture of your business. Most approvals come down to a handful of documents that show your revenue and cash flow, and you can gather nearly all of them in a few minutes. Here is what to have ready.
- Last 3-6 months of business bank statements — the single most important item; they show your real cash flow and deposits.
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID — to verify the business owner’s identity.
- Voided business check or bank login — confirms the account where your funds are deposited.
- Basic business details — legal name, EIN, entity type, time in business, and industry.
- Most recent business tax returns — typically needed for term loans, real estate, and requests above roughly $150K.
- Profit & loss statement and balance sheet — for larger working capital, term loans, and SBA-style requests.
- Accounts receivable aging report — required only for invoice factoring, to show who owes you and how much.
- Equipment quote or invoice — required only for equipment financing, so we can match the funding to the purchase.
- Property details or rent roll — required only for commercial real estate requests.
- Debt schedule — for larger requests, a quick list of any existing business loans or advances.
For most working capital and smaller requests, the bank statements, ID, and a voided check are enough to get an offer. Tax returns, financial statements, and a debt schedule typically come into play only on larger or longer-term financing.
The Application Process
Business funding moves fast when you know what to expect. Here is exactly how it works from your first application to money in your account.
- Apply — no credit impact. Complete a short application in a few minutes. We use a soft pull to review your file, so applying never affects your credit score. Takes minutes.
- Soft review. We review your bank statements and business details to confirm your revenue, time in business, and cash flow, then match you to the funding types that fit. Same day, usually within hours.
- Receive your offers. We present real offers with the amount, term, cost, and payment laid out in plain English — no hidden fees, no surprises. Often within 24 hours.
- Choose and sign. Pick the offer that works best for your business and e-sign your agreement. Ask us anything before you commit; there is no obligation to accept. Same day.
- Get funded. Once your agreement is signed and verified, funds are deposited directly into your business bank account. As fast as 24-48 hours, sometimes same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get?
We fund from $10,000 up to $300 million, depending on your business’s revenue, time in business, and the financing type. Smaller working-capital amounts are based mostly on your monthly sales, while larger amounts require deeper financials and often collateral. The amount you qualify for is set during underwriting after we review your application.
How fast is funding?
Many working-capital approvals come back the same day, with funds wired in as little as 24 to 72 hours once you’re approved and the paperwork is signed. Larger or more complex deals, such as real estate or SBA-style financing, take longer because they require more documentation and review. We’ll give you a realistic timeline up front, not a guess.
Will applying hurt my credit?
No. Our initial review uses a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score and is not visible to other lenders. A hard inquiry only happens later, with your permission, if you move forward on certain products. You can see your options before anything touches your credit.
What credit score do I need?
There is no single cutoff. Some of our revenue-based products approve scores in the 500s when sales and cash flow are strong, while bank-style term loans and lines of credit generally want higher scores. We weigh your overall picture, including revenue and time in business, not just one number.
Do I need collateral?
Not always. Many of our shorter-term, revenue-based options are unsecured, meaning no specific asset is pledged. Larger loans, equipment financing, and real-estate-backed deals usually do require collateral. We’ll tell you clearly whether a given option is secured or unsecured before you commit.
What if I have bad credit or a prior default?
You may still qualify. We look at the full picture, especially your current revenue and recent business performance, so a low score or an old default does not automatically disqualify you. Strong, consistent deposits often matter more than past credit events. Tell us your situation honestly and we’ll find what fits.
Can a new business (under 1 year) qualify?
Often, yes. Some of our products are available to businesses with as little as three to six months of operating history and steady deposits. Your options are more limited and amounts smaller than for an established business, but funding is still possible. True day-one startups with no revenue are harder and usually need other approaches.
What’s the difference between a loan and a cash advance?
A loan gives you a lump sum that you repay over a set term with interest, expressed as an interest rate or APR. A merchant cash advance is not a loan: it’s the purchase of a portion of your future sales at a discount, repaid as a fixed daily or weekly amount and priced with a factor rate. Loans are usually cheaper; advances are faster and easier to qualify for.
What does it cost, and how are rates quoted?
It depends on the product. Term loans and lines of credit are quoted as an interest rate or APR, while cash advances use a factor rate, such as 1.2 to 1.5, applied to the amount funded. We show you the total dollar cost of capital, not just a rate, so you can compare options honestly. There are no hidden surprises in your offer.
Can I pay off early?
It depends on the product. Some term loans charge a prepayment penalty, while others let you save on interest by paying early. Many cash advances offer a discount for early payoff but, because they use a fixed factor rate, may not reduce the cost as much as repaying a true loan early would. We’ll spell out the early-payoff terms before you sign.
What is “stacking” and why should I avoid it?
Stacking means taking on a second (or third) advance or loan on top of an existing one, so multiple lenders draw from the same daily or weekly cash flow. It quickly overloads your account, raises your costs, and can push a healthy business into a cash crunch. We’d rather restructure or consolidate what you have than pile new debt on top. Avoiding stacking protects your business.
Do you fund startups?
We focus on businesses that already have revenue, even if only a few months of it. True pre-revenue startups are difficult to fund through standard business financing, since approvals lean heavily on existing sales and deposits. If you’re early-stage, talk to us about what you have, and we’ll be straight with you about your options.
What industries do you fund?
We fund a wide range, including retail, restaurants, construction, healthcare, trucking, manufacturing, professional services, and e-commerce. A few categories are restricted by the funding sources themselves, but most legitimate, revenue-generating businesses are eligible. If you’re unsure about your industry, just ask.
What documents do I need?
For most working-capital requests, we start with a simple application and your last three to six months of business bank statements. Larger loans may also require tax returns, financial statements, or a profit-and-loss report. We keep the paperwork as light as the product allows and tell you exactly what’s needed.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. Applying and getting a quote is free, with no obligation. You only pay if you accept an offer and get funded, and any fees are disclosed in your agreement before you sign. There are no upfront application fees from us.
What is a personal guarantee?
A personal guarantee is your written promise to repay the financing personally if the business cannot. Most small-business funding requires one, because it ties the owner’s commitment to the deal. It does not necessarily mean your personal assets are pledged as collateral, but it does make you responsible for the balance. We’ll point it out clearly in your agreement.
How do I improve my approval odds?
Keep healthy, consistent deposits in your business bank account, avoid overdrafts and negative balances, and limit how many other advances you’re carrying. Accurate, complete documents and a clear explanation of how you’ll use the funds also help. The stronger and steadier your recent cash flow, the better your offer.
What if I already have a loan or MCA?
You may still qualify, and we’ll look at how your current obligations fit your cash flow before recommending anything. Rather than simply stacking another advance on top, we may suggest consolidating or restructuring to lower your daily or weekly burden. The goal is to strengthen your position, not strain it.
Glossary of Business-Funding Terms
In-Depth Guides
Longer reads on the questions business owners ask us most.
How Merchant Cash Advances Work
The complete guide for business owners — how MCA stacking can destroy cash flow, what it really costs, and how to get out.
Read the guide →SBA Loan vs. Conventional Loan
SBA loans offer the best rates, but they’re not always the right fit. How to choose between SBA and conventional financing.
Read the guide →How to Get a Business Loan in 2026
From gathering documents to comparing offers — everything a small business owner needs to secure a business loan this year.
Read the guide →See What You Qualify For
No cost, no obligation, and no impact to your credit to check your options. Get real numbers in minutes.