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There are over 31 million1 small businesses in the U.S. Most started by taking the seed of a great idea, then watering it with capital.
I’ll describe how to get a startup business loan with no money. An easy way to start is to download the free Lenme app. The Lenme app matches you to regular people – not just banks — many of whom want to help new business owners.
Below I go in more depth, plus give you other ways to fund your business.
Table of Contents
Can You Get a Startup Business Loan With No Money?
It’s absolutely possible to get a startup business loan without any money. Sure, a bit of revenue could make the process easier, but you can still get financing without it.
So – how to get a startup business loan with no money?
It’s all about being diligent and weighing all your options.
Some lenders will offer you a small business loan even without money – especially if you have a solid business plan or offer assets as collateral. And then there are other funding options, like using the best business credit card, financing your equipment, and bringing in outside investors.
Long story short: You can fund your business without any money!
Find the right lender for your business with Lenme.
How To Get a Startup Business Loan With No Money
Here’s how to get a startup business loan with no money.
Step 1: Research Your Business Loan Options
For each lender, check to see what the eligibility requirements are. Many of them will require existing cash flow, but you might find some that are more flexible. Lenme makes this process easy.
Step 2: Choose the Assets That You Could Offer as Collateral
You might not have any cash on hand, but you could still offer lenders something they can possess if you fail to repay the loan. All sorts of assets could work as collateral, including equipment, machinery, real estate, and even inventory.
Step 3: Determine Your Repayment Capacity
You don’t want to overextend yourself by taking out a loan you can’t repay. If you take your projected revenues and then subtract your likely expenses, you’ll know how much money you’ll really have available. Use these calculations to decide how big of a loan to request.
Step 4: Study the Fine Print
I know, I know – looking for a loan is exciting, and it can be tempting to apply for the first option that seems to tick all the boxes. But taking out a loan with unfavorable terms could totally sink your business. That’s why it’s so important to read the loan terms carefully.
Check what the interest rates are, and determine whether they’re fixed or variable. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Step 5: Prepare a Detailed Business Plan
A detailed business plan is essential if you want lenders to take your business seriously. Remember, you’re expecting them to fund your entrepreneurial journey. It makes sense that they’ll want to know where you’re going!
Here’s what a solid business plan should include:
- The targeted market
- An overview of the competition
- Projected revenues
- Expected expenses
- Potential profitability
Once you’ve got a business plan with all those elements, you’ll be ready to start applying for loans.
Startup Funding Options – No Revenue Needed
Let me guess: Your head is full of ideas, but your bank account is empty. You, my friend, sound like a beginning entrepreneur!
But don’t worry! We’ve all been there. And trust me – you can still find a way to fund your business.
Check out my overview of the best ways to borrow money.
And keep reading to learn how to get a startup business loan with no money on hand.
Small Business Loans
A small business loan is the classic way to fund a startup – and for good reason. These loans often have flexible terms, and they’re specially designed to meet the needs of a small business.
Here are three of the best small business loan providers:
- Lenme
- Lendio
- OnDeck
- TD Bank
Want to learn more about these options? Read my full review of the best small business loans.
Of course, lots of entrepreneurs wonder how to get a startup business loan with no money. The key is to be persistent and creative.
Spend some time looking for lenders that don’t require existing revenues. Consider assets besides money you could offer as collateral, and lay out a killer business plan showing lenders how profitable you’ll be. All of these tips will increase your chances.
Microloans
Microloans are smaller loans provided by mission-based or nonprofit organizations, and they’re often directed toward members of certain groups.
If you can swing it, a microloan is a great way to fund your small business. The requirements are usually much more relaxed – meaning you might not need any revenue.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinates lots of microloans, which are always $50,000 or less and generally have interest rates between 8% and 13% (at the time of this article’s publication). Those are pretty favorable terms, allowing you to fund your business, then repay your debts as you start to earn a profit.
Business Credit Cards
If you have good or excellent credit, you could qualify for a business credit card.
Some of these cards have a 0% APR introductory period, meaning you won’t pay any interest at first. How’s that for an ideal way to fund your startup?
Responsibly using your credit card should also cause your credit score to increase even further, which will make it easier to qualify for additional business loans down the road. Talk about a win-win!
Interested in this approach? Then check out my review of the best business credit cards.
Outside Investor
One way to get capital is by having an investor fund your business. Of course, even the kindest investor won’t do it for free. They’re going to want some equity in your business – but it might turn out to be a worthwhile tradeoff.
Let’s say you’ve got a brilliant idea for a business, but you don’t have the funds to get it off the ground. Then, you use your connections to set up a meeting with Mr. or Ms. Venture Capitalist. You convince them that your business will make a killing, and so they give you the money you need to start it in exchange for a 30% stake in your company.
Ten years later, you might whine about Mr. or Mrs. Venture Capitalist taking 30% of your profits – but that’s a lot better than not having any business at all!
Equipment Financing
Do you need special equipment for your business? If so, you might be able to use an equipment loan to buy it, even if you don’t have any cash on hand.
Here’s how it works: The lender gives you all the money you need to buy the equipment. Then, the equipment itself acts as the loan’s collateral.
And sure, a lender might still prefer to see some revenue – but they’ll also consider factors like:
- Your personal credit
- Your time in business
- The equipment’s role in your business plan
So – do you have decent personal credit? And does your business plan clearly spell out how the equipment could lead to profits? If so, you have a solid chance of getting some financing for your equipment.
Common Questions About How To Get a Startup Business Loan With No Money
How Does a Startup Business Loan Work?
Here’s how a startup business loan works:
- Step 1: You apply with a lender.
- Step 2: The lender assesses your credit.
- Step 3: If the loan is approved, you receive the money.
- Step 4: You pay the loan back with interest.
Connect with lenders through the free Lenme app.
Startup Business Loans With No Revenue?
Here’s how to get a startup business loan with no money:
- Step 1: Research your business loan options (download the free Lenme app)
- Step 2: Find assets that you could offer as collateral
- Step 3: Determine your repayment capacity
- Step 4: Study the fine print on loan options
- Step 5: Prepare a detailed business plan
How To Get a Startup Business Loan With No Revenue?
To get a startup business loan, start by researching different lenders until you find one that might offer a loan even without revenue. Then, draw up a solid business plan to show the lender why you’ll soon make a profit. This will help convince them to approve your loan. Get started with the Lenme app.
How To Get a Business Loan If You Just Started?
A solid business plan is often the key to getting a business loan when starting out. If you can show lenders why you’re likely to earn a profit, you’ll have a better chance of getting approved for a loan. Find lenders with the Lenme app.
Can I Get a Business Loan If I Have Nothing?
You can get a business loan even without money – but you’ll need to send additional documentation with your application. Your business plan is the most important document of all, giving you a chance to show lenders why you’ll soon have enough revenue to repay the loan. Check out Lenme to get started.
Do Banks Give Loans to Start a Business?
Banks do give loans for new businesses, but they often require strong collateral or cash reserves. If you don’t have cash on hand, you could apply for a microloan through a Small Business Administration (SBA) intermediary.
How Do I Get Funding For My New Business?
Here are some ways to get funding for your new business:
- A small business loan – get started with Lenme
- A microloan
- A business credit card
- An outside investor
- Equipment financing
How To Get a Startup Business Loan With No Money and Bad Credit?
To get a startup loan with no money and bad credit, you’ll need a solid business plan. That way, you can show lenders why you’ll soon have enough revenue to repay the loan. You should also consider alternate funding options like venture capital and equipment financing.
Easy Approval Startup Business Loans?
OnDeck is probably the easiest option for startup business loans. Applying takes just 10 minutes, and you can even get your funding the same day. Another option is to go through Lenme, a platform that helps entrepreneurs choose from a network of trustworthy lenders.
Startup Business Loans With No Revenue Bad Credit?
To get a business loan with no revenue and bad credit, you’ll probably need to submit a detailed business plan that shows lenders you’ll soon be making money. You could also offer non-cash assets as collateral, including machinery, equipment, and real estate.
Or if you’re looking to first build your business credit, check out these business credit companies.
Best Loans in Sweden
Lånero can help you find the right loan with 70+ independent reviews, allowing you to borrow SEK 1,000 – 600,000 while providing compiled interest rates and terms for informed decision-making.
Related:
- Best Business Credit Cards
- Best Small Business Loans
- Best Ways to Borrow Money
- Best Banks for Small Businesses
- Betterment vs Acorns
- LLC checklist
- How to avoid using home address for LLC
- Best small business accounting software
Sources:
1 – https://advocacy.sba.gov/2023/03/07/frequently-asked-questions-about-small-business-2023/