Frequently asked questions

Start by completing a short application—under 10 minutes—with basic details about your business and how much funding you need. Alta then reviews your profile and matches you with options from a large network of trusted lenders, using a soft credit inquiry only. A Principal Funding Advisor walks you through the offers in plain English or Spanish so you can choose the small business loan that fits.

Working capital financing is funding used to cover everyday operating expenses—payroll, inventory, rent, supplies, and seasonal cash-flow gaps—rather than a single large purchase. It helps a business keep running smoothly between the time you pay your costs and the time your revenue comes in. Common forms include working capital loans, business lines of credit, and revenue-based financing.

There are many ways to finance a business: term business loans, business lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, invoice factoring, and commercial real estate loans. The right option depends on your revenue, time in business, credit profile, and what you're funding. Alta compares multiple financing options across its lender network so you can match the product to your goal.

Many traditional business loans look for a personal credit score around 650 or higher, but requirements vary widely by lender and product. Alternative financing options—such as merchant cash advances, equipment financing, and revenue-based funding—may be available to owners with lower scores, since lenders also weigh business revenue and time in business. Because Alta uses a soft inquiry during pre-qualification, checking your options won't lower your score.

Yes. While many lenders prefer at least six months to a year in business, startups can still access options such as business credit cards, equipment financing, certain SBA programs, and financing based on personal credit or projected revenue. Building business credit early and keeping clean financial records improves your chances. Alta can point newer businesses toward the startup funding options most likely to fit.

Common documents include recent business bank statements (often the last three to six months), basic business details, and identification. Larger or longer-term financing such as SBA loans may also ask for tax returns, financial statements, and a business plan. To start with Alta, you don't need to share your SSN, EIN, or bank login—just enough to match you with options.

An SBA loan is a government-backed term loan known for lower rates and longer repayment periods, but it involves more paperwork and a longer approval timeline—best for larger, planned investments. A business line of credit is revolving, flexible funding you can draw from as needed and only pay interest on what you use—best for managing cash flow and short-term needs. Many businesses use both for different purposes.

It depends on the product. Many clients are matched with offers within 24 to 48 hours, and funding for options like lines of credit, equipment financing, or merchant cash advances can arrive in as little as 1 to 7 business days. SBA loans typically take several weeks because of the additional underwriting. Timelines vary by lender and loan type.

Yes. Online and e-commerce businesses can access inventory financing, working capital, business lines of credit, and revenue-based funding. Lenders often look at sales history and platform revenue, so consistent online sales can work in your favor. Alta helps online sellers fund inventory, advertising, and seasonal growth.

Amazon sellers and other marketplace and Shopify businesses can use inventory financing, working capital loans, business lines of credit, and revenue-based financing to stock up before peak seasons, fund advertising, and smooth out cash flow between payouts. Because these options weigh sales performance, strong marketplace revenue can help you qualify. Alta matches Amazon seller financing needs with lenders that understand e-commerce.