A lot of business owners assume they won't qualify for funding before they ever apply — usually because they're picturing a bank's checklist. The reality is that alternative funders weigh things very differently. They care far more about whether your business is healthy and generating revenue today than about a flawless credit history. Here's what actually moves the needle.
The four things funders really look at
Time in business
This is the baseline. Most funders want to see that you've been operating for at least six months — long enough to show your business isn't a brand-new idea but an actual going concern. Longer history helps, but you don't need years. If you've been open and generating revenue for half a year, you're already past the first gate that stops a lot of people from applying.
Monthly revenue
This is the single most important factor for revenue-based funding. Funders generally want to see consistent deposits of around $10,000 a month or more. They're not looking for huge profits — they're looking for steady, predictable cash flow, because that's what repayment comes from. Strong, regular revenue can outweigh a weaker credit score almost every time.
Recent bank statements
Your last three to four months of business bank statements tell the whole story: how much comes in, how steady it is, and how you manage your account. This is why funding decisions can happen so fast — the statements do most of the work. Keeping a positive balance and avoiding frequent overdrafts in the months before you apply makes a real difference.
Credit — but not the way you think
Credit matters, but for many products it's one input among several, not a pass/fail gate. A less-than-perfect score doesn't automatically disqualify you — especially when your revenue is strong. Banks lead with credit; alternative funders lead with cash flow.
The big picture: a bank decision is mostly about your past. A revenue-based funding decision is mostly about your present. If your business is open, generating steady deposits, and you can show a few months of statements, you're likely in the running — even if a bank already said no.
The baseline at a glance
How to strengthen a borderline file
If you're close but not certain, a few small moves before applying can tip a decision:
• Keep your balance positive. A few months without overdrafts signals stability.
• Run revenue through one account. Scattered deposits across multiple accounts make your cash flow look thinner than it is.
• Have your statements ready. The faster you can provide them, the faster you get a decision.
• Be honest about what you need. Asking for an amount that fits your revenue gets approved faster than overreaching.
Not sure if you qualify? That's the easy part.
You don't have to guess. One short application tells you exactly where you stand — with no credit check and no obligation. Whether you run a restaurant, a trucking company, a retail store, or any industry we fund, the requirements above are the starting point. Not sure which product fits once you qualify? Our guide to the main funding types breaks down the options.
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Check My Eligibility →This article is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Eligibility criteria vary by funder and are subject to underwriting review. The figures above are general guidelines, not guarantees of approval. ShopFunders is a funding facilitation service, not a bank. Funding amounts, approval times, and terms vary based on business qualifications and are not guaranteed.