Starting a business

Can I get funding to start a business?

Some SBA lenders and microlenders consider startups. Without operating history, you need to explain how the business could repay, using a clear plan, realistic projections, and evidence behind your assumptions. Ask about each lender’s startup criteria.

Check startup loan readiness Find free business help

Start where you are. These free tools help you prepare; a lender decides whether it can offer financing. No account needed.

Where are you today?

I have an idea

Identify your customers, check competitors, and test whether people will pay.

Check your market

I’m preparing to open

List opening costs and the cash you need while sales build.

Build your startup budget

I recently opened

Use your actual sales and expenses to update the months ahead.

Update your projections

Prepare for a funding conversation

Test the idea
Explain who will buy, what they will pay, and why they will choose you. Keep evidence from customer conversations and market research.
Market research guide
Work out the money
Separate one-time opening costs from monthly expenses. Show how you estimated sales, when cash arrives, and what happens if sales are slower.
Project budget Financial projections
Plan how you will open
Describe your experience, operations, and timeline. Check registration, permits, insurance, and business banking needs with the relevant official agencies.
Build your business plan Local resource navigator
Review your next steps
Discuss your plan with a free business advisor. Use the pre-screen to organize readiness questions, choosing the startup or first-year stage that fits.
Find free business help Check startup loan readiness

SBA: plan your business SBA: launch your business

What to gather

Missing items are next steps. Ask about the lender’s own document list and how to share private records securely.

A business plan describing customers, competition, and operations.
An opening budget with quotes or estimates supporting major costs.
Sales, expense, and cash-flow projections with your assumptions.
A clear explanation of owner funds and other funding sources.
A summary of relevant owner and management experience.
Your opening timeline and the status of permits, space, and equipment.

Prepare your documents Practice a lender conversation

SBA routes to discuss

Ask about startup experience, permitted uses, and required documents before preparing a full application. Program eligibility and lender review both matter.

Ask about SBA 7(a)

Discuss startup expenses, equipment, and working capital with an SBA 7(a) lender. Ask whether it considers new businesses in your industry and what repayment evidence it needs.

Official SBA 7(a) information

Ask about an SBA Microloan

Consider contacting an SBA microlender about a smaller startup need. These community organizations set their lending criteria and may offer training or help preparing your business.

Official SBA Microloan information Find SBA microlenders to contact

Find lenders to consider contacting

Can a broker help with startup funding?

Some business loan brokers work with startups. They may help identify lenders to contact and prepare an application package. A broker cannot decide for the lender or promise funding.

Ask before you agree to work together

Have you worked with startups in my industry and at my stage?
Which SBA lenders or microlenders would you consider contacting, and why?
What work will you do, and what will I need to do?
Who pays you, what does each charge cover, and when is payment due?
Will you give me the services, all fees, and any refund terms in writing?

A broker is optional. You can consider contacting a lender directly or discuss your preparation with a free business advisor. Ask the lender whether SBA Form 159 applies to any agent compensation.

Find free business help Find lenders to consider contacting SBA Form 159: agent fee disclosure

Common startup funding questions

Can I discuss funding before I have revenue?

Yes. Ask whether the lender considers businesses before opening. Expect questions about demand, owner experience, available funds, and how your projected cash flow supports repayment. The lender reviews your full situation.

What if I haven’t registered my business yet?

You can start planning and speak with an advisor now. Verify registration and licensing needs with official agencies, and ask the lender which steps must be complete before applying or closing.

Do I need a broker?

No. Consider contacting a lender or microlender directly. A free advisor can help you prepare; if you choose a broker, review its experience, services, and written fees first.

What documents should I prepare?

Start with the checklist above, then ask for the lender’s specific list. The document tools help you prepare without uploading financial records. Share sensitive records only through a secure channel agreed with the lender.