Small Business Funding for Working Capital & Equipment

Already running a U.S. business and need money for equipment, payroll or your next stage of growth? Start with the amount you need, when you need it and what your cash flow can support.

Still planning your launch? See funding routes for a new business.

What will the money pay for?

For the other steps involved in opening or operating, use our food-truck guides by state or cleaning-business guides by state.

Compare the cash you receive with the cash you owe

Ask for a written offer that makes these points clear:

• Money available to use: the amount deposited after any fees or deductions.
• Total payment: how much you must pay in total, including fees.
• Payment timing: the amount and frequency of withdrawals, and when they begin.
• Product and obligations: whether the offer is a loan, an equipment agreement or an advance against future revenue, and any collateral or personal guarantee.
• Changes in your business: what happens if sales fall, you miss a payment or you pay early.

A quoted factor rate is not an annual percentage rate. Some financing collects payments daily or weekly, so compare the timing as well as the total cost. The FTC explains why small-business financing products can be difficult to compare.

Before choosing an offer, you can also ask your business bank or credit union about available products and review SBA loan programs. Our SBA lending statistics provide historical context; they do not predict whether your application will be approved.

Work out the gap before choosing an amount

List the bills due before the project starts paying you. Subtract the cash you have set aside for those bills and customer payments you reasonably expect to receive in time. Then check whether your budget can support the proposed financing payments alongside ordinary expenses.

For a staffed cleaning job, try the cleaning hiring-cash calculator. For other service contracts, use our guide to cash needed before taking a commercial contract.

Have your business start date, requested amount, purpose and current revenue information ready for the provider. Ask which documents it needs and whether the application involves a credit inquiry before you submit it.

Funding routes for a new business

When you have not started trading, look for a program that specifically supports your stage. The SBA microloan program supports eligible businesses starting up or expanding, with loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. Each intermediary makes credit decisions and sets its terms; ask about startup eligibility directly.

You can also reduce the initial project size: rent equipment before buying it, start with a smaller route, or phase hiring around signed work. A cash plan helps you compare these choices before committing to financing.

Common questions