Startup funding brokers: what new businesses can get

A startup funding broker helps a new business borrow before it has a long track record, mainly through SBA 7(a) loans, SBA microloans, equipment financing and franchise programs. The best ones are candid about what is realistic for your stage and build a file that leans on your experience, credit and equity, since the business itself has little history to show yet.

What startups can realistically borrow

New businesses can borrow, and more do than many owners expect. The SBA reported approving 8,900 loans worth $5.6 billion to startups between January and the end of fiscal year 2025. Those loans went to owners who brought equity, relevant experience and a plan lenders could underwrite.

What most startups cannot get is fast, unsecured money based on nothing but a business plan. Online lenders and merchant cash advance funders need months of bank deposits. A startup funding broker saves you time by steering you to the products that fit day one, then planning the next step once revenue arrives.

The main options

Option	Typical size	Term	What it relies on
SBA 7(a) loan	Up to $5 million	Up to 10 years, 25 for real estate	Owner equity, credit, experience, projections
SBA microloan	Up to $50,000, about $13,000 on average	Up to 6 years	Owner credit and plan, often with training
Equipment financing	The cost of the asset	Matched to the asset's useful life	The equipment as collateral, owner credit
Franchise programs	Varies by brand	Varies	The brand's track record plus SBA or conventional loans
Business credit cards	Smaller limits	Revolving	Owner credit

The SBA's microloan page puts typical microloan rates at roughly 8% to 13%, set by the nonprofit intermediary that makes the loan. Microloans cannot be used to pay existing debts or buy real estate.

Equipment finance is often the easiest first approval. The industry average credit approval rate was 77.2% in March 2026, according to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's index reported by Monitor Daily, because the asset secures the deal. Startups may need a larger down payment or a vendor program.

What the SBA requires from startups

The SBA's lending rules, SOP 50 10 8, have been in effect since June 1, 2025. As United Midwest Savings Bank summarized them:

Equity injection. At least 10% of total project costs for startups.
Eligible equity sources. Cash, verified grants, prepaid expenses, third-party appraised assets, and personal loans repaid from outside the business.
Ownership. The business must be 100% owned by U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents.
Documentation. Tax transcripts and other verification steps are required.

Lenders also want a business plan with realistic projections, a résumé showing experience in the industry, and a clear explanation of where the equity comes from.

What a good startup funding broker does

Tells you where you stand. A broker who reviews your credit, savings and experience can say in one conversation whether you are an SBA candidate now or in six months.
Builds the package. Projections, sources and uses, a management résumé and the SBA forms, prepared so an underwriter can say yes quickly.
Finds startup-friendly lenders. Some SBA lenders rarely fund startups; others make it a focus. The broker knows the difference.
Splits the request. Equipment can often be financed separately, which reduces the SBA loan size and the equity you need.
Plans your second round. After six to twelve months of deposits, lines of credit and short-term loans become available. A broker who maps that path keeps you from overpaying later.

How to strengthen a startup file

Raise your personal credit by paying down revolving balances before you apply.
Document your equity with bank statements showing the funds have been in your account.
Show relevant experience. Years managing a similar business often matter more than the plan.
Use conservative projections. Lenders trust numbers built from industry data or franchise disclosures over optimistic forecasts.
Line up the lease or site early, since lenders want to see where you will operate.
Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

Questions to ask a startup funding broker

Based on my credit and equity, which products can I qualify for today?
Which lenders on your panel actively fund startups?
What equity injection will I need, and which sources will the lender accept?
Can equipment be financed separately to reduce the main loan?
How long from complete package to funding?
How are you paid? If I pay a fee on an SBA loan, will it be on Form 159?
What would I need in six months to qualify for a line of credit?

Behaviours to avoid

Startups are a target for one specific pitch: guaranteed approval for a fee paid upfront. Legitimate brokers do not guarantee approval and do not take large fees before any lender has made an offer. Also step back from anyone who pushes you to sign the same day or will not share the lender's actual terms. On SBA loans, any fee you pay an agent must appear on SBA Form 159.

Find a startup funding broker

Search the register for startup funding to compare brokerages that place loans for new businesses. Every entry carries a register number and last checked date. If you are opening a franchise, the franchise financing page lists brokers who know brand programs well.

Questions owners ask

Can a business with no revenue get a loan?

Yes, mainly through SBA 7(a) loans, SBA microloans and equipment financing, all of which lean on the owner's credit, experience and equity rather than business history.

How much of my own money do I need?

SBA lenders require at least 10% of total project costs for a startup. Conventional lenders often expect more.

Are online lenders an option for startups?

Most online lenders want at least several months of deposits. Once you have them, short-term loans and lines of credit open up.

What is a reasonable fee for a startup funding broker?

Many are paid by the lender. If you pay a fee on an SBA loan, it must be disclosed on SBA Form 159.