Funding for Big Ideas

Being funding ready means a lender, grantmaker, or investor can say yes to you. Your credit is in good shape, your financial records are current, you know your numbers, and you can explain clearly what the money is for and how it will grow your business. Most owners get there in steps, and you can start at any stage.

There's no single minimum. Each lender sets its own, and many look at both your personal and business credit. Scores matter a lot, though. In the Federal Reserve's 2026 Small Business Credit Survey report, 82% of fully funded applicants had scores of 720 or higher, compared with 34% of applicants who were denied.

A grant is money you don't repay. Grants are usually competitive, come with specific eligibility rules, and often require reporting on how you used the funds. A loan must be repaid with interest. Lenders decide based on your credit, cash flow, time in business, and sometimes collateral. Many businesses use both at different stages.

Watch for pressure to sign quickly, a cost quoted as a "factor rate" instead of an annual percentage rate, daily or weekly automatic withdrawals from your bank account, large fees taken out up front, and approval promised regardless of your credit. If you can't easily figure out the total cost of the money, slow down and get a second opinion before you sign.

A merchant cash advance gives you cash now in exchange for a share of your future sales, usually repaid through daily or weekly withdrawals. It's fast and easy to qualify for, but often far more expensive than a loan once you convert the cost to an annual rate. Treat it as a last resort, and compare it against other options first.

Options include grants, SBA-backed loans, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), microloans, lines of credit, equipment financing, pitch competitions, crowdfunding, and equity investment. The right fit depends on your stage, your credit, and how fast you need the money. The Funding Options by Stage guide on this page walks through each one.