This guide walks through the realities of business funding for operating businesses — eligibility, documentation, decision timelines, and what to expect from start to finish.
The basics you need to know
Business funding from alternative lenders is structured differently than traditional bank loans. Documentation is minimal — three months of business bank statements rather than full financials. Approval is based on cash flow patterns, not just credit score.
What you need to qualify
US-based operating business with EIN. 6+ months in business. Three months of business bank statements. That's the baseline.
Documentation required
Business bank statements (last 3 months). Owner ID. Basic business details (entity type, state of formation, time in business, industry). No tax returns, no business plan, no P&L, no financial projections. The bank statements tell the story underwriting needs.
Decision timeline
Decision means a written offer with all terms disclosed: amount, repayment, total cost, term length, payment schedule. No surprises at signing.
Funding timeline
After accepted offer, electronic signature, then ACH to your business bank account.