Step 1: Apply online
Start with a short application covering your business, its owners, how much you need and what it is for. Adding recent business bank statements at the start is the easiest way to speed things up. Applying does not obligate you to accept any offer.
Tell us where your business operates, especially if you have locations in more than one state, and list any existing funding. Accurate details up front prevent delays later. Start on the application page, and see our documents checklist.
Step 2: Funders review your request
Funders review your bank statements, business details and existing obligations to see which products fit and how much repayment your business can carry. They may ask follow-up questions or for additional documents. Requirements vary by product and funder; many look at time in business, monthly revenue and credit.
Larger requests, equipment purchases and SBA loan options may need more documentation, such as financial statements, tax returns or an equipment quote. Read how funders decide how much to offer to see what drives the review.
Step 3: Review your offer in writing
If a funder can place financing, you receive an offer showing the amount you receive, total repayment, payment amount and frequency, term, fees and prepayment terms. Compare it with other offers and check the payment against your slowest month. Take the time you need; you are never obligated to accept.
Where state rules require it, covered offers include written cost disclosures. See disclosure laws by state and how to compare offers.
Step 4: Sign and receive funds
When you accept an offer, you sign the agreement with the funder, complete any final verification, and funds are sent to your business bank account or, for equipment, typically to the seller. Some approvals come within a day or two, depending on documents; larger and SBA loans take longer.
After funding, keep your agreement and payment schedule handy. If a payment ever becomes hard to manage, contact your funder early. Timelines by product are covered in how long business funding takes.
What you’ll typically need
- Recent business bank statements
- Owner ID and business details
- Existing funding and payment amounts
- Financial statements or tax returns for larger requests
- Equipment quote for equipment financing
Frequently asked questions
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the product and how complete your documents are. Some approvals come within a day or two, depending on documents, while equipment financing and term loans often take longer, and SBA loans commonly take weeks. Quick responses to questions help most.
What should the offer show before I sign?
At minimum, the amount you will receive, total repayment, payment amount and frequency, estimated term, all fees and how early repayment is treated. Some states require written cost disclosures for covered commercial financing; ask for these details in writing everywhere.
Can I apply for a location in a state where I am not based?
Yes. Funders generally review your existing business when you are expanding, since the new location has no history yet. List the new location on your application. Registration and licensing in the new state are separate steps through the official agencies.
What if I do not accept any offer?
That is fine. Applying does not obligate you to accept anything. You can compare, ask questions, wait, or decide another option fits better, such as a slower, lower-cost loan.
Start step one
The application takes a few minutes, and there is no obligation to accept an offer.
Updated September 14, 2026 · 50 States Funding Team