Launching a startup is exciting, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to funding. One of the biggest hurdles? Getting a business loan when your startup has no revenue yet. Fortunately, in 2025, there are several financing options available for startups with no income.
This guide breaks down the best business loans for startups with no revenue, what lenders look for, how to qualify, and the types of funding that don’t rely solely on your bottom line.
Can You Really Get a Loan With No Revenue?
Yes, you can. Startups with no revenue can still qualify for certain types of loans or funding. Instead of focusing solely on income, lenders often look at other criteria such as:
Personal credit score
Business plan and market potential
Industry experience
Collateral (in some cases)
Time in business
Projected revenue
While traditional bank loans may be out of reach, alternative lenders and financing platforms have created solutions tailored to early-stage businesses.
Top Business Loan Options for Startups Without Revenue
Let’s explore the most accessible loan types for revenue-less startups:
Loan Type
Requirements
Pros
Cons
Personal Loan for Business
Good personal credit, income proof
Fast funding, no business history
Personal liability
Business Credit Cards
Decent credit score
Builds credit, revolving funds
High interest rates
Equipment Financing
Equipment quote or invoice
Equipment acts as collateral
Limited use case
Revenue-Based Financing
Future revenue projections
Flexible repayments
Not ideal for pre-revenue startups
Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)
Future card sales projections
Fast approval
High cost, short terms
Crowdfunding
Engaging pitch
No repayment needed if reward-based
No guarantee of success
Grants or Government Loans
Application process
Non-dilutive capital
Competitive and limited
Friends and Family Loans
Trust-based
Flexible terms
Can affect personal relationships
Each of these options has different eligibility criteria, so it’s important to understand what works best for your business goals.
Focus on Personal Credit Over Business Revenue
If your business doesn’t have revenue yet, your personal credit score becomes a major factor. Lenders want to see that you manage your finances responsibly.
Tips to strengthen your personal credit:
Pay bills on time
Keep credit utilization low
Monitor your credit report for errors
Reduce outstanding debt
A score of 680+ is often the minimum for unsecured loans. However, some lenders work with borrowers with lower scores if other factors are favorable.
Write a Strong Business Plan
A compelling business plan can increase your chances of approval. When you don’t have revenue, you need to show potential.
Your plan should include:
Executive summary
Market analysis
Product/service description
Marketing strategy
Financial projections
Management team bios
Make sure your business plan is easy to understand, realistic, and backed by solid research. Lenders want to see you’ve done your homework.
Consider a Business Credit Card for Early Flexibility
A business credit card can be a great funding tool if used responsibly. It doesn’t require business revenue in many cases and can help you:
Cover everyday expenses
Separate personal and business finances
Build business credit
Feature
Benefit
Rewards
Earn cash back or points
Intro APR Offers
Some cards offer 0% APR for 6–12 months
Credit Limit
Based on personal credit
Be mindful of interest rates and don’t carry large balances if you can’t pay them off each month.
Unsecured Business Loans Without Collateral
An unsecured business loan doesn’t require any collateral, making it appealing for new businesses.
However, these loans usually come with:
Higher interest rates
Shorter repayment terms
Strict credit and documentation requirements
You may still qualify based on personal credit, business plan, or a co-signer. To dive deeper into the pros and cons of this funding type, check out our detailed post onPros and Cons of Unsecured Business Loans.
Use Revenue-Based Financing if You’re Almost Earning
If you’re on the verge of earning revenue or have some early sales, revenue-based financing (RBF) could work.
In RBF, you receive a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of your monthly revenue until the amount is repaid (often 1.3x to 1.7x of what you borrowed).
Pros
Cons
Payments scale with income
Not available for pre-revenue stage
No fixed repayment schedule
Higher total repayment cost
This option works well for startups in SaaS, eCommerce, or subscription services with consistent monthly sales.
Merchant Cash Advances for Fast, Short-Term Funding
A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) isn’t technically a loan—it’s a cash advance repaid through daily credit/debit card sales.
For startups expecting strong card sales soon, an MCA offers:
Navigating these funding options can be overwhelming. A business finance broker helps simplify the process by:
Matching you with the right lender
Negotiating better terms
Guiding your application strategy
Capital Express LLC specializes in helping startups and small businesses access flexible funding—even without revenue. We work with a network of:
Unsecured business loan lenders
Equipment finance brokers
Revenue-based funders
MCA daily LLC providers
This way, you’re not stuck with one option—you get multiple offers tailored to your business’s potential.
Equipment Financing for Tangible Needs
If you’re starting a business that requires equipment—like a food truck, salon, or cleaning service—equipment financing is a great option.
Lenders provide funding to purchase or lease the equipment, which acts as its own collateral. This lowers risk for the lender and increases your chances of approval.
