EXPERT ADVISING

Get Funded



Our financial expert Business Advisors can provide guidance in reviewing your financing opportunities and introducing you to our network with more than 100 funding institutions.

We’ve helped countless businesses secure needed capital to advance their dreams.

Our team of experts understands how to secure the right capital for your business. They are committed to connecting entrepreneurs with the best financial resources — whether you are starting your very first venture or if it’s time to take your business into the next phase of growth. 

If you’re a small business owner, we’ll help you prepare, review, and present all the required legal documents that will help position you as ‘bankable’ and ‘lendable.’

Expert Advising to Get Funded



We can help you target and request funding for:

  • Buying commercial real estate
  • Purchasing equipment
  • Working capital
  • Expansion/growth capital
  • Start-up financing
  • Buying an existing business
  • Purchasing equipment
  • Other business financing

And we can help you identify and seek the best sources of funding:

  • SBA loans
  • Other traditional loans
  • Venture Capital
  • Structuring funds from family & friends
  • Microloans
  • Personal business loans
  • Angel investment
  • Crowdfunding
  • Lines of credit
  • Other creative financing

Small Business Funding FAQs

How do I finance my startup business?

Most businesses are financed out of a combination of owner’s equity (owner’s investment) and loans/investments from friends, family and business associates. Commercial lending is also an option. 

However, banks normally make loans to businesses with operating histories. You can request our services to review financing options for your business. You can also check out the SBA’s website for more information on small business loans. 

Get started today by requesting our services.

How can I get an SBA loan?

The SBA does not make direct loans, but they have programs to encourage commercial lenders to make loans directly to business owners and entrepreneurs. 

We offer no-cost expert business advising to help you with your specific business needs, including putting together your best package for the SBA.

How important is my credit score when I am seeking a commercial loan?

Extremely important. While there are occasional exceptions, most lenders want a credit score of 650 or better for a commercial loan. In addition, a recent bankruptcy (last seven years) is almost always a stumbling block.

Does my business qualify as a “Small Business” for SBA-backed financing?

To find out if your business is defined as a “Small Business” by the SBA, visit sba.gov/content/am-i-small-business-concern

I  heard there is grant money available for startups/women/minority businesses. How do I get this?

Grants are rare. While there are thousands of grant programs across the country, most are NOT targeted toward for-profit businesses. Careful research may reveal small, isolated opportunities in specific markets. However, as a general rule, grant dollars are not available to help start a small business. 

View Funding section to see any current grants available in Solano or Napa County or our Other Grants page for resources to find other grants.

What are the different funding sources available for startups?

Business funding can come from many sources including: 

  • Personal Savings
  • Lenders (Banks and Credit Unions)
  • SBA Guaranteed Loans
  • Commercial Loans
  • Credit Cards
  • Family and Friends
  • Retirement Account
  • Partners
  • Lines of Credit
  • Micro Lenders – Accion, People Fund, etc.
  • Crowdfunding – Kickstarter, etc.
  • Factoring Companies
  • Trade Credit
  • Venture Capital
  • Angel Investment
  • Other investors


TAPA THE WORLD

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Client Spotlight

Turned down repeatedly by lenders, the SBDC helped this small business understand their financials and tell their story to the bank, allowing them to obtain a loan to purchase their dream business successfully.

By the Numbers

$53.8M

in Capital INFusion

Since October 2020, Solano-Napa SBDC has helped local businesses receive capital funding in excess of $53.8 Million to start, strengthen and grow.

4,736

Jobs

The SBDC team helped local businesses keep or create 4,736 jobs keeping our community strong.

No-cost advising, practical tools, and access to sources of capital to foster your business growth.