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Best startup business loans in September 2023

Aug 30, 2023
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Securing a startup business loan can help small businesses with little or no credit history access financing. But finding the right loan can be a challenge since there are so many lenders, rates and loan types. 

What’s more, few banks work with startups. Instead nontraditional lenders and even crowdfunding platforms typically offer startup business loans. Here you'll find our top picks for the best startup business loans along with advice to help you find the most affordable loan for your business. 

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Best for working capital

4.6

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$5k- $1.4M
Term: 6 - 16 months
Interest rate
Starting at 1.10 factor rate
Fastest funding
1 business day
Apply nowArrow Right

on partner site

Best for bad credit

4.6

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$25k- $400K
Term: 3 - 15 months
Interest rate
1.11 factor rate
Fastest funding
1 business day
Apply nowArrow Right

on partner site

Best for equipment loans

4.3

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$10k- $500K
Term: 12 - 60 months
Interest rate
Starting at 5.99% APR
Fastest funding
1 business day
Apply nowArrow Right

on partner site

BEST FOR LARGE BUSINESS LOANS

4.2

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$10k- $1M
Term: 4 - 60 months
Interest rate
Factor rate from 1.10 - 1.36
Fastest funding
1 business day
Apply nowArrow Right

on partner site

Best for term loans

4.2

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$10k- $500K
Term: 4 - 24 months
Interest rate
Varies
Fastest funding
1 business day
Apply nowArrow Right

on partner site

Best for fast funding

4.5

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$1k- $150K
Term: 3 - 6 months
Interest rate
Starting at 4.66%
Fastest funding
1 business day

Best for community support

4.3

Bankrate Score
Loan amount
$1k–$15k
Term: 1 - 36 months
Interest rate
N/A
Fastest funding
5 business days

Compare the best startup business loans in September 2023

LENDER BEST FOR MIN. FICO CREDIT SCORE LOAN AMOUNT MIN. TIME IN BUSINESS
Fora Financial Working capital 600 $5,000 to $1.4 million 6 months
Credibly Bad credit 550 $25,000 to $400,000 6 months
Triton Capital Equipment loans 600 $10,000 to $500,000 24 months
Taycor Financial Large business loans 550 $10,000 to $1 million 3 months
Quickbridge Term loans 600 $10,000 to $500,000 6 months
Fundbox Fast funding 600 $1,000 to $150,000 6 months
Kiva Community support N/A $1,000 to $15,000 N/A

A closer look at our top startup business loans

Fora Financial revenue advance: Best for working capital 

Overview: Started in 2008, Fora Financial has worked with over 35,000 small businesses. It’s known for accessible revenue advances and term loans with up to $1.4 million in funding.

Why Fora Financial is the best for working capital: Fora Financial offers flexible loan ranges from $5,000 to $1.4 million, ideal for covering a range of operating expenses. For its short-term loan, you can increase the amount borrowed after you pay back 60 percent of the original loan. And if you want to pay your loan off early, Fora offers prepayment discounts, offsetting the factor rate it charges. Most lenders that use factor rates don’t offer discounts for early repayment.  

Who Fora Financial is best for: Fora Financial welcomes startups with healthy revenue of at least $144,000 per year. Its loans are also accessible to businesses with a subprime credit history, requiring a personal credit score of 600.

Credibly working capital loan: Best for bad credit

Overview: Credibly is a direct lender for working capital and merchant cash advance loans, and it also provides other loans through partners. Its direct loan options offer short terms up to 15 months with daily or weekly payments. And this online lender boasts fast funding within 24 hours.

Why Credibly is the best for bad credit: Credibly accepts minimum personal credit scores down to 550, a lower standard than other online lenders. The company also doesn’t just look at credit scores but also weighs other data like bank statement information. And unlike most business loans, Credibly’s loans don’t need a personal guarantee to back the loan with personal assets. Businesses that plan to repay early may benefit from a 20 percent discount on remaining fees charged, though conditions apply.

Who Credibly is good for: Businesses with an annual revenue of $300,000 and above can qualify for Credibly loans. But you're more likely to be approved if you have a personal credit score of 675, annual revenue of $540,000 and have been operating for three or more years. Before applying, you'll need a business bank account.

Triton Capital equipment loan: Best for equipment loans 

Overview: Triton Capital states it’s helped thousands of businesses in over 175 industries acquire needed equipment. Its equipment loans help businesses access funds for large-scale equipment and technology, so the annual revenue requirement is higher at $350,000. 

Why Triton Capital is the best for equipment loans: Triton’s equipment loans offer large loan amounts between $10,000 and $500,000. This range could fund anything from a point-of-sale system to larger-scale manufacturing equipment. Triton also pre-approves the loan amount for 90 days, giving business owners extended time to research and make their purchases. And its payment schedules are flexible: it offers monthly, quarterly, annual, semi-annual and seasonal options.

Who Triton Capital is good for: This lender works well for businesses needing a major equipment investment to get their business up and running. Triton Capital officially requires at least two years in business to qualify. But a representative told Bankrate that the company is “typically able to offer equipment loans to startup businesses” — a rarity for this type of loan.

Taycor Financial equipment financing and working capital: Best for large business loans

Overview: A nationwide lender, Taycor Financial offers many business loan options, including equipment financing, term loans, lines of credit and working capital. The online lender also offers equipment leasing if you can’t buy equipment outright. Its online application is simple with no tax returns required to apply.

Why Taycor Financial is the best for large business loans: Taycor offers up to $5 million in funding for equipment loans and $1 million for working capital loans. Many online lenders only go as high as $500,000. You can get flexible payments either monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. And you won’t need to provide collateral for working capital loans up to $500,000.

Who Taycor Financial is good for: Startup businesses and businesses with lower credit scores that need a significant loan amount can consider Taycor Financial. The minimum personal credit score required is 550 for some products. It also has no time in business requirements for equipment financing and just three months for working capital. Those low limits aren’t a common sighting in the business loan world.

Quickbridge small business loans: Best for term loans

Overview: QuickBridge, which National Funding owns, was founded in 2011 to provide working capital to small businesses that can’t get approved by traditional lenders. QuickBridge offers term loans up to $500,000 that can be funded within 24 hours after application.

Why QuickBridge is the best for term loans: QuickBridge’s term loans provide funding from $10,000 to $500,000, helpful for businesses covering small-to-moderate expenses. You can make payment terms as short as four months all the way to 24 months. It also offers an early payoff discount that could help you save money for repaying your loan ahead of schedule. 

Who QuickBridge is good for: This online lender works well for startups that need fast cash for short-term expenses. The company advertises a particular specialty in funding startups in restaurant, healthcare, trucking and real estate industries.

Fundbox line of credit: Best for fast funding

Overview: Around since 2013, Fundbox offers working capital for small businesses, with loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $150,000. The company doesn’t use traditional interest rates but instead an amortized weekly fee of 4.66 percent to 8.99 percent.

Why Fundbox is the best for fast funding: This fintech lender can approve applications in as little as three minutes, making it ideal if you need a fast business loan. You can conveniently draw funds from Fundbox’s app or online dashboard, and transfer them to your bank account. 

Who Fundbox is best for: Startups who need a small cash injection within a day or two could benefit from using Fundbox. It’s accepting of businesses with just six months’ experience and a fair 600 personal credit score. But it sticks with short payment terms of 12 or 24 weeks and raises the monthly fee with the longer term. You will need a business bank account to apply.

Kiva microloan: Best for community support

Overview: Kiva is an international nonprofit founded in 2005 in San Francisco. It’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs who normally don’t have access to loan opportunities. To serve those entrepreneurs, Kiva offers zero-interest loans for up to $15,000 and an unique crowdfunding model.

Why Kiva is the best for community support: Kiva states that 4.7 million people globally have raised nearly $2 billion on Kiva. After you apply and are approved, your first step is to invite people from your personal network to contribute for 15 days. Once you reach the required number, usually between five and 35 people, you can submit the loan to the broader platform for investors to continue funding.  

Who Kiva is best for: Kiva is a solid option for businesses with poor or limited credit history but high visibility and grassroots support. The platform requires no credit check, but you do need a support network of friends and family willing to help.

What is a startup business loan?

A startup business loan helps newer businesses with little or no credit history access financing. The lenders who provide these loans may have lower credit rating requirements, if they have credit requirements at all. Many look at financial health indicators beyond credit scores, such as gross sales or recent bank statements. 

Lenders may offset their risk by asking for a personal guarantee, which makes the business owner responsible for the debt if the business defaults. Lenders may also ask for higher interest rates on loans for startups. SBA loan rates can’t exceed a limit set by the government, but other loans don’t have the same ceiling.

How do startup business loans work?

Startup loans are like any other business loan — just made available to startups. You’ll apply, receive a lending decision, get your funds and repay them over time, plus interest.

One key difference is the amount of money you can receive. Due to the added risk startup businesses pose to lenders, maximum amounts tend to be smaller than they are for well-established businesses. Some businesses may only see business loan amounts of $100,000 or less. But don’t expect to qualify for the maximum advertised amount. According to lending marketplace Lendio, startup loan amounts often range between $9,000 and $20,000.

Funding timelines are similar to other business loans. SBA loans can take up to 90 days to receive because there is an additional underwriting process, but other loans may be funded in just a couple of days. 

In addition to the usual documentation, such as pay stubs, revenue reports and proof of financial stability, lenders may have additional documentation requirements for startup loans. Many lenders ask startups to provide a comprehensive business plan to explain how they will use the money.

Requirements for small business loans

Exact requirements for a startup business loan will vary depending on the lender, but most will require:

  • A minimum personal credit score (good or excellent credit will increase your chances of approval)
  • A minimum amount of annual revenue 
  • A minimum amount of time in business, often six months to a year 
  • A personal guarantee, collateral or cosigner to mitigate the risk to the lender
  • If you’re operating in a risky industry with a high failure rate, lenders are less likely to approve your loan

Secured vs. unsecured startup business loans

Startup businesses can more easily qualify for a secured loan over an unsecured one. The only difference is that a secured startup business loan comes guaranteed by business assets. Lenders view secured loans as less risky since they can recoup the loan by selling assets if the startup fails to make payments.

But some startups may qualify for an unsecured business loan, especially those with several months in business or strong revenue from quick success. Unsecured loans don’t require you to pledge assets for the loan, which is a plus if you don’t yet have many assets.

Types of startup loans

Most types of business loans are available to startups, so long as you can find a lender that will work with you. Types of startup business loans that may particularly interest you include:

SBA loans

This popular loan type is backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For startups, SBA loans come in various subtypes based on your needs, like microloans or real estate purchases. Their benefit is that the SBA sets interest rates that lenders are allowed to charge at a maximum. 

While it can be tough to qualify for these loans, the SBA weekly lending report shows that it's possible for startups to qualify for funding. For example, in 2023 so far, 18.1% of SBA 7(a) loan funds (over $3.5 billion) have gone to startups and people who will use the funds to open a business.

Term loans

Term loans can be a good choice for startup businesses needing larger purchases. These loans allow for borrowing a lump sum that can be paid back in installments over longer terms.

Working capital loans are another type of term loan available to startups. These loans are short-term and cover day-to-day operating expenses such as wages, inventory purchases and paying rent. 

Startups can often obtain term loans from traditional and online lenders. When using an online lender, the application process takes place entirely online and often has a faster funding timeline than with traditional lenders.

Microloans

Microloans are small loans meant to help a business get off the ground. Interest rates tend to be lower, but microloans might not be a good option if you need more than $50,000. These loans are usually thought of as SBA microloans. But nonprofits, alternative and traditional lenders may offer specialty loans or programs with small loans, typically to help disadvantaged businesses.

Business lines of credit

Business lines of credit include set credit limits and draw periods. You can borrow, pay back the loan and then borrow again during the draw period.

One plus: You can take out what you need in credit limits while only paying interest on what you borrow. It can also help businesses that make frequent purchases. 

Equipment financing

This is financing for technology and equipment you may need. Equipment financing could be anything from a computer system to manufacturing equipment. These loans offer competitive interest rates, and the loan amount is set to cover the equipment you need.

However, they tend to be secured by the property you buy, so you could lose that property if you default on the loan.     

Invoice factoring or financing

Invoice factoring is a short-term alternative financing option for businesses that send customer invoices. This typically involves selling outstanding invoices to the factoring company, which pays most of the value of the invoice upfront. The factoring company then takes over the responsibility of collecting the balance due on the invoice from your client. 

The benefit of this form of borrowing is that it allows you to receive money from invoices upfront, quicker than waiting the typical 30 to 90 day timeline.

Invoice financing works more like a traditional loan. In this case, the invoices serve as collateral for a traditional loan.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding campaigns don’t have to be repaid, so they are popular among many startups. This type of funding involves obtaining business capital by gathering small contributions from many different backers through an online crowdfunding platform. 

While these contributions are sometimes donated, contributors may also offer their investments in exchange for company equity or other rewards. This is different than a loan from Kiva, which must be repaid.

Pros and cons of startup loans

There are benefits and potential pitfalls to using startup loans to fund business operations. 

 

Pros

  • Fast cash: Many online lenders have quick online applications and fast turn around times for receiving cash. 
  • Business growth: Startup loans can provide much needed capital to buy equipment or fund payroll to get a business off the ground. 
  • Credit building: Startups begin with little to no business credit score. A successful startup loan may make it easier to get additional funding later by establishing business credit.
 

Cons

  • Higher interest rates: Some startup loans have higher than average interest rates. 
  • Personal risk: Startup loans almost always ask for a personal guarantee, so new business owners are putting personal assets on the line.
  • Pricy payments: Making daily, monthly or weekly payments on a loan can strain a startup's already-stretched finances.

Alternatives to startup loans

If a startup loan is not the right fit, there are other ways to get a cash injection as a new business. 

Where to get a startup loan

You have a few options for getting startup loans.

  • Traditional banks: Banks are the most traditional lenders. They typically have more stringent requirements, including higher credit scores or time in business requirements. Building a relationship with a bank in advance — like opening a business checking account — may increase your odds of approval.
  • Online lenders: Online lenders are typically fin-tech companies. They are known for offering mobile or web applications for managing your loans. They also advertise easy applications and fast approvals, making online lenders a better option for small businesses and startups.
  • SBA lenders: Banks, credit unions and other lenders can offer SBA loans. If your lender isn't on the SBA's Preferred Lenders list, it can take longer for approval. SBA loans backed by the Small Business Administration, such as term loans or lines of credit.
  • Community Development Financial Institution: A community development financial institution (CDFI) is an organization that focuses on providing financial services to low-income and underserved communities. CDFIs provide lending for those with poor or limited credit histories.
  • Minority Depository Institutions: A Minority Depository Institution is a financial institution where designated minorities own 51 percent or more of the voting stock or a majority of the institution’s board of directors are minorities. In addition, the community the institution serves is also predominantly minority. This could include Black-owned, Hispanic-owned or Indigenous-owned banks, for example.

To decide which type of lender holds the most promise, consider:

  • Your company’s time in business
  • Your credit score
  • How fast your company needs money

How to manage a startup business loan

To put your best foot forward in building credit and your reputation with your lender, you’ll want to carefully manage your startup loan payments. Keep tabs on where the loan payments fit into your business budget, adjusting other expenses based on the actual revenue coming in. Since your revenue may be less predictable than established businesses, take the chance to pay down debt or save for future payments when you have strong revenue months. 

Also make sure to keep in touch with your lender, especially if you might miss a payment. Many lenders are open to working with you on an ideal payment plan or delaying payments if your financial situation changes.

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Bankrate Insight

When looking for a startup loan, look out for the following red flags:

  • Early payoff charges: You don’t want to be penalized for having the ability to pay off a loan sooner than expected. 
  • Unresolved negative reviews: Investigate the lender’s reputation through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau. If you see repeated gripes about some aspect of the lenders’ service, be cautious.
  • Unsecured website: If you don’t see a lock icon in your browser’s navigation bar next to the lender’s URL, they may not be able to store and transfer your sensitive information securely.

Who should get a startup loan?

Businesses who are ready to scale up can often benefit from startup business loans. These loans can allow a company to hire more employees, buy equipment or ramp up manufacturing.

A startup business that doesn’t have an established business model or any revenue is probably not ready to take on this kind of debt. A business owner who can’t cover losses, like a business loan default, with personal assets should also be wary.

Frequently asked questions about startup business loans

Methodology

Clock Wait
47
years in business
Credit Card Search
30+
lenders reviewed
Loan
22
loan features weighed
Rates
770+
data points collected
To choose the best startup business loans, we ensured all loans featured are broadly available across the United States and have a time in business requirement of six months or less. We then considered features that make loans affordable and accessible to businesses with different characteristics and needs, including interest rates, credit score requirements, minimum annual revenue and fees. 
 

Lenders are evaluated using a 22-point scale that measures quality in five key areas: Accessibility, affordability, transparency, customer service and flexibility. Based on the results, lenders are given a rating between 1 and 5:

  • 4.5 or higher: Outstanding
  • 4 to 4.5: Excellent
  • 3.5 to 4: Good
  • 3.5 and under: Average