Every lender frames its requirements a little differently, but underneath they are all asking the same four questions. Here is the full checklist — and how the bar moves depending on the product you choose.
The four things every lender checks
Almost all small business funding decisions come down to four inputs: time in business, monthly revenue, credit profile, and existing debt. Time in business shows stability; revenue shows you can carry payments; credit shows how you have handled obligations; existing debt shows how much room is left. Line those four up and you are fundable somewhere.
Because The Broker Shop sends your file to 50+ lenders at once, you do not have to guess which one's bar you clear — competing lenders tell us, and we bring back the offers that fit.
Typical baseline requirements
Most revenue-based and short-term products look for roughly:
- At least 6 months in business (some startups qualify earlier)
- $10,000+ in average monthly revenue, deposited to a business account
- A personal credit score of 500+ (higher scores unlock better pricing)
- A business checking account with consistent activity
- A U.S.-based business with a valid EIN or SSN
Banks and SBA loans sit higher — usually 2+ years in business, 650+ credit, and profitability. That is the trade-off: stricter requirements, lower rates, slower funding.
Documents you will typically need
For most fast products the paperwork is light:
- A simple one-page application
- The last 3 to 6 months of business bank statements
- A voided business check or bank verification
- Photo ID and proof of ownership
Larger term loans and SBA loans add tax returns, financial statements, a debt schedule, and sometimes a business plan. The heavier the document request, generally the cheaper the money.
How to strengthen a borderline file
If you are on the edge, a few moves help: keep your business deposits in one account so revenue is easy to verify, avoid overdrafts in the months before you apply, pay down or pay off any stacked advances, and apply when your recent statements look their strongest. Each one nudges an underwriter toward yes.
Checking your options won't affect your credit score, so you can see where you stand today and fix the gaps before a lender ever pulls credit for a final offer.
See what you qualify for
One 2-minute application reaches 50+ competing lenders. It's free, and checking your options won't affect your credit score.
See What I Qualify For →The bottom line: Lenders weigh time in business, revenue, credit, and existing debt — meet the baseline on most and you are fundable somewhere, so check your options across competing lenders rather than guessing one bank's cutoff.