Best Business Loans for Companies With Low Revenue

There are some business loans available to companies with low revenue, but the higher your revenue, the more options you’ll typically have.
Lenders use your revenue information to determine your ability to repay potential new debt. Although criteria can vary, many lenders require you to have a minimum annual revenue of $100,000 to qualify for a business loan.
But revenue is just one factor lenders consider — qualifications like your personal credit score and business history also matter. So if your revenue is low but your business is otherwise strong, you may be able to find small-business loans that work for you.
Below, compare some of the best business loans with minimum annual revenue requirements of $50,000 or lower.
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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Best Business Loans for Companies With Low Revenue

Loan NerdWallet rating Best For Max loan amount Min. credit score Next steps
Headway Capital - Line of credit

Headway Capital - Line of credit

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Best for fast funding

$100,000

625

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Pros

  • Flexible qualification requirements.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Funds available by next business day after approval.

Cons

  • Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

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Best for freelancers and contractors

$10,000

300

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Pros

  • No minimum credit score requirement.
  • Same-day funding available.
  • Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.

Cons

  • Funding maxes out at $10,000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).
  • Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
  • Charges an origination fee.
JR Capital - Equipment financing

JR Capital - Equipment financing

Best for equipment financing

$10,000,000

620

Pros

  • Funding available within 48 hours.
  • Competitive rates and repayment terms.
  • Flexible payment options available, including deferment options for certain industries.
  • No down payment required.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Must have good credit to qualify for no prepayment penalties.
  • Charges an origination fee.
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

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Best for long-term loans

$500,000

660

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Pros

  • Cash can be available within two business days.
  • Competitive rates among online lenders.
  • Terms up to seven years.
  • iBusiness Funding also offers SBA loans up to $5 million.

Cons

  • Charges an origination fee.
  • Must be in business for a minimum of 24 months.
  • Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
Fundation - Term loan

Fundation - Term loan

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Best for large loan amounts

$500,000

660

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Pros

  • Can be used to build business credit.
  • Long repayment terms available.
  • No prepayment penalty.

Cons

  • Charges an origination fee.
  • Requires a UCC lien.
  • Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.
Fundbox - Line of credit

Fundbox - Line of credit

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Best for startups

$250,000

600

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Pros

  • Financing available within one business day after approval.
  • Simple application with minimal documentation required.
  • Low minimum credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements.
  • No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or inactivity fees.

Cons

  • Rates are high compared with traditional banks.
  • Weekly repayments required over a short term (maximum of 24 weeks).
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

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Best for minority-owned businesses

$250,000

600

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Pros

  • Loan amounts from $5,000 to $250,000.
  • Customized loan terms.
  • No prepayment penalty.

Cons

  • Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
  • Charges an origination fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for building a strong banking relationship

Undisclosed

670

Pros

  • Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
  • No origination fee.
  • Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.

Cons

  • Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
  • Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.
Loan NerdWallet rating Best For Max loan amount Min. credit score Next steps
Headway Capital - Line of credit

Headway Capital - Line of credit

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Best for fast funding

$100,000

625

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Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

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Best for freelancers and contractors

$10,000

300

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JR Capital - Equipment financing

JR Capital - Equipment financing

Best for equipment financing

$10,000,000

620

iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

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Best for long-term loans

$500,000

660

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Fundation - Term loan

Fundation - Term loan

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Best for large loan amounts

$500,000

660

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Fundbox - Line of credit

Fundbox - Line of credit

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Best for startups

$250,000

600

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Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

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Best for minority-owned businesses

$250,000

600

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Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for building a strong banking relationship

Undisclosed

670

Best Business Loans for Companies With Low Revenue

Headway Capital - Line of credit

Best for fast funding

Max loan amount
$100,000

Min. credit score
625

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Headway Capital - Line of credit

Best for fast funding

Max loan amount
$100,000

Min. credit score
625

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

Best for freelancers and contractors

Max loan amount
$10,000

Min. credit score
300

Min. annual revenue
$18,000

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Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

Best for freelancers and contractors

Max loan amount
$10,000

Min. credit score
300

Min. annual revenue
$18,000

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JR Capital - Equipment financing

JR Capital - Equipment financing

Best for equipment financing

Max loan amount
$10,000,000

Min. credit score
620

Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed

JR Capital - Equipment financing

JR Capital - Equipment financing

Best for equipment financing

Max loan amount
$10,000,000

Min. credit score
620

Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed

iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

Best for long-term loans

Max loan amount
$500,000

Min. credit score
660

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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iBusiness Funding - Online term loan

Best for long-term loans

Max loan amount
$500,000

Min. credit score
660

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Fundation - Term loan

Best for large loan amounts

Max loan amount
$500,000

Min. credit score
660

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Fundation - Term loan

Best for large loan amounts

Max loan amount
$500,000

Min. credit score
660

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Fundbox - Line of credit

Best for startups

Max loan amount
$250,000

Min. credit score
600

Min. annual revenue
$30,000

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Fundbox - Line of credit

Best for startups

Max loan amount
$250,000

Min. credit score
600

Min. annual revenue
$30,000

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Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

Best for minority-owned businesses

Max loan amount
$250,000

Min. credit score
600

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

Best for minority-owned businesses

Max loan amount
$250,000

Min. credit score
600

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

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Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for building a strong banking relationship

Max loan amount
Undisclosed

Min. credit score
670

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for building a strong banking relationship

Max loan amount
Undisclosed

Min. credit score
670

Min. annual revenue
$50,000

Why does revenue matter to business lenders?

Revenue is the amount of money your business brings in by selling your products or services, before expenses are subtracted. It’s one part of understanding business profit, which is the money left over after you account for all your expenses.
Steady and consistent operating revenue, or sales, show that you’re executing on your business plan, demonstrating to would-be lenders that you know how to run a small business.
Revenue is an indicator — beyond just personal credit score or time in business — of your ability to repay debt, which is why it’s an important component of a business loan application.
Many lenders require that you have at least $100,000 in annual business income, or approximately $8,333 in income per month, in order to qualify for a loan. Online lenders may have more flexible revenue requirements, while banks are likely to be stricter.

How much revenue do you need for an SBA loan?

The U.S. Small Business Administration does not set a minimum annual revenue requirement. However, because most SBA loans are issued by banks, many are bound to have similar revenue requirements as traditional bank loans, in addition to more stringent credit score and time in business requirements.
SBA microloans, which are the smallest SBA loans, tend to be the easiest to qualify for, and can be a good option if you have low revenue.
SBA microloan
U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA microloan

Max Loan Amount  

$50,000

Read Review
Apply now

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Can you get a business loan with no revenue?

Business financing that has low or no minimum revenue requirements typically requires some form of collateral to secure the loan; however, even secured loans or secured lines of credit may still have minimum revenue requirements.
Self-collateralizing loans like equipment loans or invoice financing may be more lenient on qualification requirements, including minimum revenue, because they come with built-in collateral. Equipment loans are secured by the equipment being financed, and invoice financing uses the value of unpaid customer invoices as collateral.

Alternative financing options for businesses with low revenue

If you’re struggling with business loan requirements, other types of business financing may be a better fit.
  • Business credit cards. If you have good personal credit, business credit card issuers may not consider your time in business or revenue history. A business credit card can be a helpful tool for covering cash-flow gaps and making larger purchases while you’re building your business financial history.
  • Small-business grants. Instead of taking on additional debt when your business is struggling to generate revenue, you might consider applying for small-business grants. Grant recipients don’t have to repay the funds they receive, but competition for this free money is stiff and the application process can be time-consuming.
  • Friends and family loans. If you can make the case to good friends and family members who are willing and able to help your business, you may be able to access capital with a friends and family loan, even with low or no revenue. Just make sure you put your loan agreement in some form of writing to avoid any personal conflicts in the future. 
  • Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is a form of business financing where you raise money for your business from investors, in exchange for small shares of ownership in your business or other rewards.
NerdWallet writer Rosalie Murphy contributed to this article.
Last updated on February 18, 2025