FAQ

Small Business Funding Questions,
Answered.

Everything you need to know about getting funded — from how it works to what you qualify for.

Apply Now — It's Free → 📞 (877) 888-4278
Getting Started
Will applying hurt my credit score?

No. Pre-qualifying with The Broker Shop uses a soft pull only — zero impact on your credit score. A hard pull only happens if you choose to move forward with a specific lender offer, and we'll tell you clearly before that happens. You can explore all your options risk-free.

How much does it cost to work with The Broker Shop?

Absolutely nothing. Our service is 100% free to the business owner. We're compensated by the lender when your deal closes — which means we're only motivated to find you the best deal, not just any deal. There are no hidden fees, no application fees, and no obligation.

How do I apply?

Fill out our short online form — it takes about 2 minutes. Tell us your business name, monthly revenue, time in business, and how much you're looking for. We'll review your profile and match you to the best lenders in our network. No paperwork upfront, no commitment required.

What documents do I need to apply?

To pre-qualify, you need nothing upfront. Once we identify your best funding options, lenders typically request: 3–6 months of business bank statements, a voided business check, and a government-issued ID. Some lenders may also ask for tax returns for larger amounts. We guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific offer.

Do you work with startups or new businesses?

Most lenders in our network require at least 6 months in business. However, some programs are available for businesses as new as 3 months. If your business is brand new, we recommend reaching back out once you've been operating for 3–6 months and have bank statements to show revenue.

Qualifying & Approval
How much funding can I qualify for?

We work with funding from $5,000 to $5 million. The amount you qualify for depends on your monthly revenue, time in business, credit profile, and the type of funding. A general rule: most businesses can access 50%–150% of their average monthly revenue through a merchant cash advance. Most clients qualify for more than they expected — that's why shopping 50+ lenders matters.

What if I have bad credit?

We work with business owners across the full credit spectrum. Many of our lenders focus on business performance — monthly revenue and time in operation — not just personal credit. Merchant cash advances, revenue-based financing, and invoice factoring are particularly accessible for business owners with challenged credit. Apply and let us show you what's available for your situation.

What is the minimum revenue to qualify?

Most lenders in our network require at least $10,000–$15,000 in average monthly revenue and a minimum of 6 months in business. Some specialty programs are available for lower revenue businesses. The more consistent your monthly revenue, the more funding options and better terms we can find for you.

What industries do you work with?

We fund 50+ business types across every industry — restaurants, contractors, trucking, salons, retailers, medical offices, law firms, auto shops, manufacturers, and many more. If you run a legitimate US business with revenue, we can almost certainly find funding options for you. Browse all industries we serve →

Do you work with businesses in all 50 states?

Yes — we serve small businesses in all 50 states. Whether you're in California, Texas, New York, or anywhere in between, our lender network can fund your business. Find your state →

Funding Products
What types of funding do you offer?

We offer: Merchant Cash Advances, Business Term Loans, Lines of Credit, SBA Loans, Equipment Financing, Invoice Factoring, and Revenue-Based Financing. We match you to the right product for your revenue, credit, and timeline — not just whatever one lender happens to offer.

What is a merchant cash advance?

A merchant cash advance (MCA) gives your business a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of your future daily card sales. Repayment is automatic — a fixed percentage is deducted daily until the advance is paid back. MCAs are the fastest funding option (same day to 24 hours), require no collateral, and are accessible even with lower credit scores. Learn more about MCAs →

What is a business term loan?

A business term loan provides a fixed lump sum you repay in set weekly or monthly installments over a defined period — typically 6 months to 5 years. You know your payment from day one, making budgeting predictable. Term loans are ideal for planned purchases, expansion, or equipment. They typically offer lower costs than MCAs for businesses with stronger credit. Learn more about term loans →

What is a business line of credit?

A business line of credit gives you access to a set pool of funds you can draw from as needed. You only pay interest on what you actually use, and as you repay, the funds become available again. It's the most flexible funding option — ideal for managing cash flow, covering recurring expenses, or having a safety net for unexpected costs. Learn more about lines of credit →

What is equipment financing?

Equipment financing lets you purchase or lease business equipment — trucks, machinery, kitchen equipment, medical devices, and more — without paying cash upfront. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which often means easier approval and better rates. You preserve working capital while getting the tools your business needs to grow. Learn more about equipment financing →

What is invoice factoring?

Invoice factoring lets you sell your outstanding invoices to a lender at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. Instead of waiting 30–90 days for customers to pay, you get the majority of the invoice value upfront. It's ideal for B2B businesses with long payment cycles — contractors, staffing companies, manufacturers, and wholesalers.

Speed & Process
How fast can I actually get funded?

Many clients receive approval within hours and funds within 24 hours of approval. Same-day funding is common for merchant cash advances. Business term loans from alternative lenders typically take 1–3 business days. SBA loans take longer (2–8 weeks) due to government processing. We'll give you a clear timeline before you commit to anything.

How does The Broker Shop make money?

We're paid a referral fee by the lender when your deal successfully closes. This fee comes from the lender — never from you. This model aligns our interests with yours: we only get paid if you get funded, so we're motivated to find the best deal possible. It's the same model used by mortgage brokers and insurance brokers.

Will I get multiple offers to compare?

Yes — that's the core value of working with a broker. Instead of applying to one lender and getting one offer (or a rejection), we submit your profile to our entire network and bring back all qualifying offers. You see them side by side and choose the one that fits your business best. Most clients are surprised by how many options they have.

Is there any obligation after I apply?

None whatsoever. Applying is free and shows you what you qualify for with zero commitment. You only move forward if you find an offer you want to accept. You can walk away at any point before signing — no pressure, no fees.

Still Have Questions?

Call us directly — real people answer. Or apply now and let us show you exactly what your business qualifies for.

Apply Now — It's Free → 📞 (877) 888-4278