Lendistry provides small business loans from $25,000 with terms up to 10 years, using alternative underwriting to serve business owners traditionally underserved by banks.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Lendistry was founded in 2015 by a team of founders who witnessed systemic barriers preventing small business owners from accessing fair lending. The company was created to offer an alternative to predatory lenders and traditional banking institutions that often reject small business applicants. Since its inception, Lendistry has funded over $10.5 billion in small business loans and grants and supported 640,000 small businesses.
Lendistry offers small business loans starting at $25,000 with flexible terms up to 10 years. They provide an online application process that can be completed anytime, anywhere without impacting credit scores. The company specializes in SBA loans and serves businesses across multiple industries. They also offer related services including contractor financing, technical assistance, and insurance products. Their lending approach uses alternative underwriting methods rather than traditional credit-focused decision-making, allowing them to evaluate each business on its unique merits.
Lendistry distinguishes itself through three core pillars: Choices (multiple loan amounts and responsible terms), Fintech (fully online application process), and Equitability (alternative underwriting approach that recognizes business diversity). The company has established high brand visibility, serving as the official small business lender for the LA Sparks and Gotham FC (WNBA and women's soccer teams). They partner with organizations like Visa & Main to connect financing with community development. Additionally, they operate The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit providing technical assistance and education to small business owners.
Lendistry appears well-positioned within the small business lending market with significant scale and institutional backing. However, while minimum loan amounts ($25,000) are lower than some competitors, they may still be high for very early-stage or micro-businesses. The website emphasizes their mission and impact but provides limited transparency about interest rates, APRs, typical approval timelines, or specific qualification requirements—information critical for borrowers comparing options.
Yes. Lendistry is a registered company, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Lendistry is best for established small business owners who need $25,000+ in financing and have been rejected or underserved by traditional banks. The main caveat is that the website lacks critical loan details (interest rates, APRs, approval timelines, qualification requirements), making it difficult to assess true affordability and eligibility before applying—borrowers should contact directly for transparent pricing.
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example
On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example
A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example
Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example
You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.
The original amount of money you borrowed, before any interest or fees are added. It's the 'real' amount of your debt.
Your interest is calculated on the principal. Paying extra toward principal (not just interest) is the fastest way to reduce your total cost and pay off a loan early.
Example
You borrow $25,000 for a car. That $25,000 is your principal. Your first payment of $450 might split as $150 toward interest and $300 toward principal, bringing your balance to $24,700.
The process where a lender evaluates your finances — income, debts, credit history, assets — to decide whether to approve your loan and at what rate.
Understanding what underwriters look for helps you prepare a stronger application. They check your DTI ratio, employment stability, credit score, and the asset's value.
Example
You apply for a mortgage. The underwriter reviews your pay stubs (income), bank statements (savings), credit report (history), and orders an appraisal (home value). This takes 2-4 weeks.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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