Three Stages of Startup Funding
Pre-revenue (0-6 months): friends/family, founder credit, business credit cards, microloans from CDFIs (Accion, LiftFund). Lenders do not fund here.
Early revenue (6-18 months, $10K-$50K monthly): working capital and revenue-based financing become accessible. Funding $25K-$150K typical. SBA microloans (up to $50K) also possible.
Established (18+ months, $50K+ monthly): full range — working capital, equipment financing, lines of credit, term loans, SBA 7(a).
Programs Specifically for Newer Businesses
- SBA Microloan Program: up to $50K via local CDFI partners
- CDFI loans (Accion Opportunity Fund, LiftFund, DreamSpring): slower, lower rate, real documentation
- Business credit cards: instant funding, $25K-$100K, builds credit
- Working capital from direct lenders: 6+ months, $10K+ monthly revenue qualifies
What We Offer for Newer Businesses
If your business has 6+ months operating history with $10K+ monthly revenue:
- Working capital $25K-$5M, funded in 4-24 hours
- Equipment financing for vehicles, equipment, technology
- Revenue-based financing with payment scaling to revenue
- Renewal/refinance into better terms after first program seasons (6-12 months)
Why Many "Startups" Don't Need What They Think They Need
Operators often search for "startup funding" when what they actually need is faster cash flow management, better vendor terms, or product-market fit — not more capital. Adding debt to a business that hasn't proven its unit economics burns the runway faster.
If the business is profitable but cash-constrained, working capital fits. If the business is unprofitable and burning cash, more capital often makes the problem worse.