Best Startup Business Loans
The best startup business loans help new businesses access funding with reasonable requirements, competitive rates, and flexible terms.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.
We evaluated the best startup business loans based on borrower requirements, rates, repayment terms, funding amounts, and availability to newer businesses. These are our top picks.
Compare Our Top Picks
| Provider | Best For | APR | Max Borrowing Amount | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Personal Loan For Startups | Starts at 6.2% | $75,000 | |
 | Best For Underserved Borrowers | Starts at 9.99% | $250,000 | |
 | Best Crowdfunded Startup Loans | N/A | N/A | |
 | Best Marketplace For Startups | Undisclosed | $3 million | |
 | Best Personal Loans For Good Credit | Starts at 7.99% | $40,000 | |
| Show More Options | ||||
 | Best For Building Credit | Starts at 6.53% | $60,000 | |
| Show Fewer Options |
Upstart
Best OverallBest Personal Loan For Startups
Upstart is best for startup owners who need personal loan funding and may not qualify with traditional business lenders.
Upstart uses an AI-based lending model that considers factors beyond credit history, including education, employment, and income. Borrowers can use funds for business startup costs, but these are personal loans, not dedicated business loans.
Funding Type
Personal loans
Repayment Terms
3 or 5 years
Credit Score
N/A
PROS
- Rates tend to be inexpensive
- No prepayment penalties
- Fast and easy application
CONS
- Not available in all states
- Low borrowing limits
Accion
Best For Underserved Borrowers
Accion Opportunity Fund is best for business owners who want funding from a nonprofit lender focused on expanding access to capital.
Accion offers small business loans, SBA loans, and specialized funding options for underserved entrepreneurs, including women, minority, immigrant, and low-to-moderate-income business owners. It also provides business resources and support beyond financing.
Funding Type
Term loans
Repayment Terms
12 - 36 months
Credit Score
600
PROS
- Competitive rates
- No prepayment penalty
- Business support resources
CONS
- Not available in all states
- Lien required on larger loans
Fundable
Best Crowdfunded Startup Loans
Fundable is best for startups that want to raise money through business-focused crowdfunding.
Fundable supports both rewards-based and equity-based fundraising campaigns, giving entrepreneurs a way to raise capital from backers or investors instead of taking on a traditional loan. Businesses can run a self-managed campaign or pay for guided fundraising support.
Funding Type
Crowdfunded loans
Repayment Terms
N/A
Credit Score
N/A
PROS
- Loan-free funding option
- Low fees for successful campaigns
- Good customer support
CONS
- Flat monthly fee
- All-or-nothing campaigns
BusinessLoans.com
Best Marketplace For Startups
BusinessLoans.com is best for business owners who want to compare multiple funding options with one application.
BusinessLoans.com matches borrowers with partner lenders offering term loans, short-term loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, and other financing options. Borrowing amounts, rates, terms, and requirements vary by lender, but applicants who don’t meet every preferred benchmark may still qualify.
Funding Type
Term loans, STLs, MCAs, LOCs
Repayment Terms
3 months - 5 years
Credit Score
N/A
PROS
- High borrowing amounts
- Simple application process
- Multiple funding options
CONS
- Funding speed varies
Discover Personal Loans
Best Personal Loans For Good Credit
Discover Personal Loans are best for borrowers with good credit who want predictable personal loan funding for startup costs.
Discover offers fixed-rate personal loans with set repayment terms, fast decisions, and no origination fees. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including business startup expenses, but these are personal loans -- not dedicated small business loans.
Funding Type
Personal loans
Repayment Terms
3 - 7 years
Credit Score
660
PROS
- No extra fees
- No prepayment penalties
- Funds are disbursed quickly
CONS
- Good credit required
- Low borrowing limits
LendingClub Personal Loans
Best For Building Credit
LendingClub is best for borrowers who want startup funding that can also help them build credit.
LendingClub offers fixed-rate personal loans that can be used for business startup costs, though they are not dedicated business loans. On-time payments may help borrowers build credit, but rates and origination fees vary based on credit profile and loan terms.
Funding Type
Personal loans
Repayment Terms
2 - 7 years
Credit Score
N/A
PROS
- Fast and easy application
- Funds are disbursed quickly
- Builds personal credit
CONS
- Low borrowing limits
- Rates can be expensive
Best Business Loans for Startups
Frequently Asked Questions
Erica Seppala
Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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