Guides
Startup Funding
How startups get funded: business plans, projections, equity, franchises, buying a business and options beyond the SBA.
Can a Startup Get an SBA Loan?
Yes, startups can get SBA loans in 2026, but lenders expect more. What they look for, which programs fit new businesses and how to find startup-friendly lenders.
How to Write a Business Plan Banks Approve
The sections a lender actually reads in a business plan, what to put in each one, and the mistakes that get plans rejected.
Startup Financial Projections (Simple Template)
Build startup financial projections a lender will trust: a simple template for sales, costs, cash flow and loan payments, with a worked example.
How Much of Your Own Money You Need for an SBA Loan
How the SBA equity injection works in 2026: the 10% minimum for startups and business purchases, what counts as your money, and what does not.
How to Finance Your First Business Location
Lease or buy? How to finance build-out, equipment and opening costs for your first location with SBA loans, and what lenders check before they say yes.
SBA Loans for Franchises
How to finance a franchise with an SBA loan: the SBA Franchise Directory, costs a loan can cover, down payment, and how to find lenders that fund your brand.
Buying a Business with an SBA Loan
How to buy an existing business with an SBA 7(a) loan under the 2026 rules: 10% down, seller notes, cash-flow tests, due diligence and timeline.
SBA Loan Collateral: What If You Don’t Own a Home?
How collateral works on SBA loans, what lenders take, whether you can get approved without a house, and how to strengthen a low-collateral application.
LLC vs Corporation Before You Borrow
Does your business structure affect an SBA loan? LLC, S corp, C corp and sole proprietor compared, and the setup lenders like to see.
EIN, Bank Account and Business Credit: Your First Month
A first-month checklist for new business owners: register the business, get an EIN, open a business bank account and start building business credit.