Best Startup Business Loans (2026)

Compare startup-friendly business lenders. Financing options for new businesses with limited history and revenue.

Written by Harvey Brooks, Senior Financial Editor

TL;DR Quick summary

ROK Financial is the most startup-friendly (500 credit, 6 months in business, dedicated startup product). Fora Financial funds in 24 hours at 570+ credit. National Funding requires no collateral. Most SBA lenders require 2-3+ years — startups should focus on alternative lenders first.

Key Takeaways

ROK Financial offers dedicated startup funding with 500+ credit and 6 months in business
Fora Financial accepts 570+ FICO and funds in 24 hours
Most SBA lenders require 2-3+ years — not viable for true startups
Equipment financing is easier to qualify for since the equipment is collateral
Build business credit early — it opens doors to better rates as you grow

Getting funded as a startup is hard — most lenders require 1-3 years in business. But options do exist for newer businesses. We identified lenders with the lowest time-in-business requirements, plus alternative financing paths for founders just getting started.

ROK Financial

3.2/5

From Free/mo BBB: A Free Consultation

ROK Financial (ROKFI LLC) is a business loan broker based in Great River, NY that connects borrowers with lending partners across 11 financing products including term loans, SBA loans, equipment financing, CRE, and MCA, with a minimum credit score of 500.

11 financing products under one roof — term loans, SBA, LOC, equipment, A/R, PO, MCA, CRE, franchise, startup, and middle market

500 minimum credit score is one of the lowest entry barriers in business lending

Startup funding available with just 6 months in business and $120K annual revenue

Read Full Review Visit ROK Financial

National Funding

3.8/5

From Free/mo BBB: NR Free Consultation

National Funding is a San Diego-based direct lender founded in 1999 that has provided over $4.5 billion to 75,000+ businesses, offering small business loans up to $500K and equipment financing up to $150K with 24-hour funding and no collateral required.

No collateral required on small business loans and no prepayment penalty — pay off early without extra cost

24-hour funding on small business loans for fast access to working capital

Equipment financing with 100% financing, no down payment, and Section 179 tax deduction eligibility

Read Full Review Visit National Funding

Square Financial Services

4.0/5

From Free/mo BBB: NR

Square Financial Services (Block, Inc.) offers invitation-only business loans from $100 to $350,000 with a flat 10-16% fee, instant funding to Square Checking, and daily repayment tied to card sales. $32B+ funded since 2014.

$32B+ funded since 2014 — one of the largest fintech lenders by volume

Flat 10-16% fee is among the most transparent pricing in business lending

Instant funding to Square Checking account — no waiting for bank transfer

Read Full Review Visit Square Financial Services

OnDeck

3.9/5

From Free/mo BBB: A+ Free Consultation

OnDeck is one of America's largest online small business lenders, a subsidiary of Enova International, offering term loans up to $400K and lines of credit up to $200K with same-day funding.

Same-day funding Monday through Friday for applications approved before 10:30 AM ET, with instant LOC draws available 24/7

$25 billion funded across 185,000+ businesses since 2006 — one of the largest track records in online business lending

No hard credit pull for initial eligibility check — soft pull only, no impact on personal credit score

Read Full Review Visit OnDeck

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a business loan with less than 1 year in business?

Yes. ROK Financial, Fora Financial, and National Funding all accept businesses with just 6 months of operating history. ROK Financial specifically offers a "Startup Funding" product category.

What credit score do startups need for a business loan?

ROK Financial accepts 500+ FICO — the lowest among major lenders. Fora Financial requires 570+. National Funding needs 670+ personal credit. Higher credit scores unlock better rates and larger loan amounts.

What are alternatives to business loans for startups?

Options include SBA microloans (up to $50K through community lenders), business credit cards, revenue-based financing (if you have sales), crowdfunding, and angel/venture capital. CDFI lenders also serve underbanked entrepreneurs.

How much can a startup borrow?

Startup loan amounts are typically smaller. Expect $5K-$100K from alternative lenders. ROK Financial offers up to $5M but startups will qualify for less. Square loans range from $100-$350K but require active payment processing history.

Harvey Brooks

Senior Financial Editor

Harvey Brooks is a consumer finance writer specializing in credit repair, personal lending, and debt management. With over a decade covering the industry, he makes financial literacy accessible to everyday Americans. About our editorial team.

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