Frequently Asked Questions About Business Funding
Straight answers to the questions business owners ask us most. Don’t see yours? Apply online or reach out — a real person will walk you through it.
Getting Started
What types of business funding do you offer?
We help businesses nationwide access four main types of financing: working capital loans with funding in as little as 24–48 hours, business lines of credit up to $250,000, equipment financing up to $2 million, and SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million. Because we work with multiple funding options, we match you to the product that fits your situation rather than pushing one solution.
How fast can I get funded?
Working capital loans can fund in as little as 24 to 48 hours after approval. Lines of credit and equipment financing typically take a few business days. SBA loans involve more documentation and generally take several weeks — they trade speed for larger amounts, longer terms, and generally lower cost.
Does applying affect my credit score?
No. Submitting our application does not impact your credit score. We review your information first and discuss your options with you before anything further happens.
Do you work with businesses in my state?
Yes — we fund businesses nationwide, across virtually every industry.
Qualifying
What do I need to qualify for business funding?
Most funding decisions come down to four things: your monthly revenue, your time in business, your credit profile, and your business bank account activity. Requirements vary by product — fast working capital products focus mainly on revenue and cash flow, while SBA loans look more closely at credit and financial statements.
Can I qualify with less-than-perfect credit?
Often, yes. Many of our funding options weigh your business revenue and cash flow more heavily than your credit score. A lower score doesn’t usually mean “no” — it usually just changes which products fit best.
How long do I need to be in business?
Many working capital options are available with around six months of operating history. Bank-style products and SBA loans typically look for two or more years. If your business is younger, there may still be options — the best way to find out is to apply and talk with us.
Do I need collateral?
Not always. Working capital loans and lines of credit are often unsecured, meaning no specific collateral is pledged. Equipment financing uses the equipment itself as collateral, which is one reason it can be easier to qualify for. Larger SBA loans may involve collateral depending on the loan.
Do I need a business bank account?
Yes — a dedicated business bank account is required for most funding products. Lenders use your business bank statements to understand your revenue and cash flow, and funds are deposited directly into that account.
The Products
What is a working capital loan best used for?
One-time, defined needs: buying inventory, covering payroll during a crunch, handling a repair, bridging a large invoice, or jumping on a time-sensitive opportunity. You receive a lump sum up front and repay it on a set schedule.
How is a line of credit different from a loan?
A line of credit is a pool of funds you draw from only when you need it — and you pay interest only on what you actually draw, not the full limit. As you repay, the credit becomes available again. It works best as an ongoing safety net for recurring or unpredictable needs.
What can equipment financing cover?
Almost any business equipment: trucks and vehicles, construction and manufacturing machinery, restaurant and medical equipment, technology, and more — up to $2 million. The equipment itself secures the financing, which helps preserve your cash and other credit lines.
What makes SBA 7(a) loans different?
SBA 7(a) loans are made by approved lenders and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. That guaranty lets lenders offer larger amounts — up to $5 million — with longer repayment terms and generally lower costs than other financing. The trade-off is more paperwork and a longer timeline.
Tax Savings Programs
What is the R&D tax credit?
The Research & Development tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill for work your business does to make something better, faster, cheaper, or more reliable. Despite the name, it’s not just for tech companies — machine shops, contractors, manufacturers, and fabricators claim it every year for everyday problem-solving like improving a process, building prototypes, or engineering custom solutions. Newer businesses can even take the credit against payroll taxes before they’re profitable.
My business isn’t high-tech. Can we really qualify for the R&D credit?
Very possibly. If your team has ever experimented to solve a problem — tested a new technique, built a jig or fixture, tried different materials, or developed a custom solution for a job that had no blueprint — that trial-and-error work is exactly what the credit rewards. The wages, materials, and contractor costs tied to that work can all count. A short conversation is usually enough to tell whether it’s worth a closer look.
What is a cost segregation study?
Standard tax rules make you deduct the cost of a commercial building slowly over 39 years (27.5 for residential rentals). A cost segregation study is an engineering-based report that breaks your property into its individual components — flooring, cabinetry, specialty electrical and plumbing, parking, fencing, and more — so the faster-wearing parts can be deducted over 5, 7, or 15 years instead. With 100% bonus depreciation now permanent under current law, many of those components can be written off entirely in the first year.
Is cost segregation worth it for my property?
As a rule of thumb, if you’ve bought, built, or significantly renovated a property for $500,000 or more, it’s worth pricing out — and properties purchased in past years can often capture the missed deductions all at once on the next return. The process starts with a free estimate that shows your likely deduction before you spend anything, so you’ll know whether the numbers work up front.
The Process
What documents will I need?
For fast working capital: a government-issued ID and typically 3–6 months of business bank statements. For larger loans and SBA financing, expect to add business and personal tax returns, a profit-and-loss statement, and a list of current business debts. Having these ready speeds everything up.
How do I apply?
Fill out the short application on our Apply Now page — it takes just a few minutes. We’ll review your information, then contact you to go over the options that fit your business. There’s no cost and no obligation to apply.
What happens after I apply?
A member of our team reviews your application and reaches out — usually the same business day — to discuss your options, answer questions, and let you know exactly what’s needed to move forward. You stay in control at every step.
