Financing & business services
Plain-language explanations first, providers second. If we ever earn a commission, the link is labeled and explained in our disclosure.
SBA and government-backed financing
- SBA 7(a) loans — the SBA's main guaranteed loan program, made through participating lenders. [source]
- SBA Microloans — smaller loans delivered through nonprofit intermediary lenders. [source]
- SBA Lender Match — a free tool that connects you with interested SBA lenders. [source]
- Free counseling from your local SBDC or SCORE chapter can help you build the business plan lenders ask for. [source]
The median SBA 7(a) loan approved in FY2024–FY2026 was $175,000. See loan sizes by state, industry and lender →
Before you apply, estimate payments with the loan calculator and check runway with the cash flow projection.
Business formation services
Online services file LLC/corporation paperwork and often bundle a registered agent. State filing fees are extra even when the service fee is "$0". You can also file directly with your state for just the state fee — in Arizona, an LLC filing is $50.
Payroll
Payroll services calculate withholding, file payroll taxes and pay employees. Compare per-employee pricing and whether state tax filings are included.
Business insurance
Online insurers quote general liability, professional liability and workers' comp quickly. An independent agent can compare multiple carriers.
Coming soon
Business bank accounts, business credit cards, accounting software, payment processors and POS systems, website hosting and marketing tools.