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Compare startup loan options by what you need
These are financing routes, not a ranking of named lenders. Current lender-specific rates and comparable offers are not established here, so compare written offers for your situation rather than relying on a universal “best lender” list.
| Route | Potential fit | Published size or terms | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Broad business needs, including working capital, equipment, supplies, real estate and qualifying ownership changes. | The U.S. Small Business Administration lists a maximum loan amount of $5 million on its current 7(a) program page, accessed in 2026. Rates and repayment terms depend on the loan and lender, subject to SBA limits. | Participating lenders make the loans and decide whether to approve applicants. Businesses must meet SBA eligibility criteria and demonstrate reasonable repayment ability. |
| SBA microloan | Smaller startup or expansion costs, such as inventory, supplies, furniture or equipment. | The SBA’s current microloan page, accessed in 2026, lists a maximum of $50,000, an average loan of about $13,000, a general interest range of 8%–13%, and repayment terms up to seven years. | Nonprofit intermediaries make credit decisions and set actual terms. Proceeds cannot repay existing debt or purchase real estate. |
| SBA 504 | Long-term, fixed-rate financing through a Certified Development Company (CDC). | The SBA’s loans overview describes its fixed-rate and CDC structure; get project-specific terms from a CDC or current SBA program materials. | Confirm eligible uses and current contribution, maturity and other requirements directly with a CDC or SBA; the overview does not provide enough detail to quantify them. |
| Equipment financing | A defined equipment purchase. | Ask lenders for the down payment, rate, fees, payment schedule and term. | The equipment may secure the financing. Check default consequences and whether a personal guarantee or other collateral is also required. |
| Online or alternative financing | A possible option for a newer business that prioritizes speed or has limited conventional options. | Get the APR or equivalent total cost, all fees, payment cadence and term in writing. | These products can have higher costs and shorter terms than conventional financing. Factoring and merchant cash advances are not necessarily conventional loans; compare how much is repaid and when, not just a quoted nominal rate. See NerdWallet’s startup financing overview for category context, not a personalized quote. |
| CDFI or community lender | A business seeking a mission-oriented lender, particularly in an underserved or lower-income community. | Eligibility, loan size and terms depend on the particular lender and geography. | Do not assume one Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serves every applicant; confirm its service area and criteria. |
Which SBA startup loan route fits?
SBA 7(a): broad-purpose financing
The 7(a) program is SBA’s primary business loan program. The SBA guarantees a portion of a loan made by a participating lender; the borrower applies to that lender, not directly to SBA. Eligible uses include short- and long-term working capital; buying or improving real estate or buildings; equipment, furniture, fixtures and supplies; qualifying debt refinancing; and complete or partial ownership changes. The $5 million figure is a program maximum, not a typical loan amount or an indication a startup will qualify.
Eligibility includes operating as a for-profit business in the United States, meeting SBA size and industry rules, being unable to obtain the desired credit on reasonable terms from non-government sources, and being creditworthy with reasonable repayment capacity. The SBA’s 7(a) program page says rates are negotiated between lender and borrower subject to applicable SBA maximums, and repayment terms vary. Most term loans are repaid monthly from business cash flow. Ask the lender for the specific rate type, payment, fees, collateral terms and maturity proposed for your loan.
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SBA microloans: smaller needs and intermediary support
SBA supplies funds to designated nonprofit, community-based intermediaries, which lend to small businesses and provide management or technical assistance. The SBA reports an average microloan of about $13,000; that is an average, not a promise about an individual offer. The agency’s general interest range is 8%–13% and its maximum repayment term is seven years, but the intermediary makes the credit decision and sets the actual terms.
Permitted uses include working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment to start or grow a business. Microloan proceeds cannot be used to pay existing debts or buy real estate. Check the SBA microloan page and ask the relevant intermediary about its application requirements.
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SBA 504: ask a CDC about project-specific terms
SBA describes 504 financing as long-term, fixed-rate financing offered through mission-oriented, community-based CDCs. It is a distinct route to investigate for an eligible long-lived financing need. The program overview alone does not establish current project-size limits, borrower contribution, maturity or eligible asset rules; ask a CDC or consult current SBA terms before relying on any specific condition.
Can you get a business loan with no revenue?
No-revenue status does not establish either approval or denial. The available program descriptions do not promise that a lender will approve a business without revenue. For an SBA 7(a) loan, the business must show creditworthiness and reasonable ability to repay; lenders decide how they assess that for a particular startup. Ask whether the lender requires operating history, revenue, cash-flow evidence or other support, and be ready to explain how the business will make payments before it has established sales.
For startup funding, the SBA says, “Most lenders expect a business plan when you apply for startup funding.” A plan and projections can explain the requested amount, use of funds and expected repayment, but they do not guarantee approval. Industry experience may help, but SBA’s Lender Match preparation guidance says it is not required.
Compare actual offers, not headline rates
Ask every lender the same questions and compare the written answers. A lower stated rate may not mean a lower total cost if fees, payment frequency or repayment terms differ.
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- Total cost: What is the APR or equivalent total borrowing cost, including origination, packaging, guarantee, draw and closing fees? If the product quotes a factor rate or another non-APR measure, ask for the total dollars to be repaid and the payment schedule.
- Rate and repayment: Is the rate fixed or variable? What is each payment, how often is it due, and what are the full term and amortization schedule? Is there a balloon payment?
- Eligibility: What minimum credit score, time in business, revenue or cash-flow evidence, and industry criteria apply?
- Security: Is collateral required, and is there a personal guarantee? What happens to pledged assets if the business defaults?
- Early or accelerated repayment: Is there a prepayment penalty or grace period? Can the lender demand full repayment or accelerate the debt under specified circumstances?
- Use and timing: Which expenses are permitted, and how soon after approval will funds actually be disbursed?
- Program responsibility: For an SBA option, is the lender or intermediary participating in that program, and who makes the final credit decision?
Also compare loan amount, fit with the business’s time in operation, funding speed and any lender support or counseling. For a specific equipment loan, include the asset’s useful life when considering the term, so repayment does not outlast the business value of the equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to prepare and find lenders
- Define the request: Write down the amount needed and itemize what it will pay for. Confirm that the proposed use is allowed under the program or product.
- Explain repayment: Prepare a business plan, financial projections and a realistic account of how the business expects to make payments. Have credit information and current financials ready where available.
- Anticipate security questions: Describe available collateral accurately and ask what personal guarantees or other security the lender expects.
- Contact suitable lenders: For SBA loans, apply through participating lenders; for microloans, contact an SBA-designated intermediary. SBA’s Lender Match asks a short questionnaire and can return a list of interested lenders. The SBA page, accessed in 2026, says it may return matches in two days and reports more than 800 participating lenders across states and territories.
- Apply directly and compare: A match is not an application, approval or offer. SBA states, “No, using Lender Match doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get matched or be offered a loan.” Apply to any lender you choose and compare its written terms with other offers.
Choose the route that matches the use and repayment plan
Start with the size and permitted use of the funds: a microloan may fit a smaller eligible expense; 7(a) can cover a wider range of business needs; 504 is worth discussing with a CDC for eligible long-term, fixed-rate financing; and equipment financing is tied to a defined asset. Then test each offer against repayment capacity, total cost, collateral and guarantees, and the lender’s requirements. Program eligibility and a lender match do not substitute for an approval or an affordable offer.
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