Business Funding for Startups with No Revenue
How to get funding when you're just starting out
The Pre-Revenue Challenge
Most traditional lenders require 6-12 months of business revenue. But every successful business started with $0 in revenue. Here's how to bridge that gap.
7 Ways to Get Startup Funding Without Revenue
Personal Credit Cards (0% Stacking)
Amount: $50K-$250KCredit: 680+Timeline: 1-2 weeks▼
Personal Credit Cards (0% Stacking)
Pros
Fast, 0% intro APR, no revenue required
Cons
Personal liability, affects personal credit
Best For
Good personal credit, can pay off within 12-18 months
Business Credit Cards (EIN Only)
Amount: $5K-$50KCredit: 680+Timeline: Immediate▼
Business Credit Cards (EIN Only)
Pros
Builds business credit, some don't check personal credit
Cons
Lower limits initially, may require personal guarantee
Best For
Established business entity, good personal credit backup
SBA Microloans
Amount: $500-$50KCredit: 620+Timeline: 2-4 weeks▼
SBA Microloans
Pros
Lower credit requirements, business training included
Cons
Smaller amounts, more paperwork
Best For
Need smaller amounts, willing to do training programs
Friends & Family
Amount: $5K-$100KCredit: NoneTimeline: Variable▼
Friends & Family
Pros
Flexible terms, understanding investors
Cons
Can strain relationships, informal agreements
Best For
Have supportive network, clear repayment plan
Equipment Financing
Amount: $5K-$500KCredit: 620+Timeline: 3-5 days▼
Equipment Financing
Pros
Equipment is collateral, easier approval
Cons
Only for equipment purchases
Best For
Need specific equipment to start business
ROBS (401k/IRA Rollover)
Amount: Your retirement balanceCredit: NoneTimeline: 2-3 weeks▼
ROBS (401k/IRA Rollover)
Pros
No loan, tax-free, your own money
Cons
Risk retirement savings, setup fees $5K+
Best For
Large retirement account, high-conviction business idea
Grants & Competitions
Amount: $1K-$100KCredit: NoneTimeline: 1-6 months▼
Grants & Competitions
Pros
Free money, no repayment
Cons
Highly competitive, time-consuming
Best For
Innovative business, good at pitching, have time
What Lenders Look For Without Revenue
Personal Credit Score
Critical680+ opens most doors, 720+ for best terms
Business Plan
HighDetailed plan showing path to profitability
Industry Experience
HighPrior experience in your business sector
Personal Investment
HighSkin in the game shows commitment
Collateral
MediumAssets to secure the loan if available
Business Structure
MediumLLC or Corp (not sole proprietor)
Startup Funding Timeline
Bootstrap with personal savings, credit cards
Get started immediately
Friends & family, grants, equipment financing
Prove concept, get first customers
Start building business credit, small vendor accounts
Establish credit profile
Qualify for revenue-based funding options
Now have track record
Start Your Business Funding Journey
We'll match you with the best pre-revenue funding options for your situation
Explore Startup Funding →