The Ultimate Lending Reference for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses
Powered by Wise Business Plans — Your Trusted Business Funding Advisor
Navigating the world of small business financing can be overwhelming. From SBA loans and equipment financing to venture capital, microlenders, and alternative funding platforms—each option comes with its own set of requirements, benefits, and risks.
That’s why Wise Business Plans, the trusted leader in custom business planning and funding preparation, has created the Ultimate Lending Reference — a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the top banks, SBA lenders, microlenders, fintech platforms, equipment financiers, and venture capital firms.
Wise Business Plans® Overview
Whether you’re a startup seeking seed capital, a franchise owner looking for SBA 7(a) financing, or an established business upgrading machinery, our curated database will help you:
- Compare the best lenders across every funding category
- Understand eligibility requirements
- Identify lender specialties by industry and loan type
- Access direct links to apply or get pre-qualified
- Gain insights from 15+ years of funding preparation expertise
As seen in Forbes, Business.com, and Entrepreneur, Wise Business Plans has helped over 15,000 entrepreneurs raise $2B+ in funding — and now we’re bringing that insight to you.
Start exploring the most trusted small business funding sources below — and let us help you craft a plan that gets funded.
Top SBA Banks and Financial Institutions
Newtek One
A national SBA lending leader offering tailored financing solutions across diverse industries, including equipment, real estate, and working capital.
Live Oak Bank
Specializes in SBA loans for niche industries, providing a fully digital lending experience with competitive loan amounts and fast processing.
Huntington National Bank
One of the top SBA lenders nationally, supporting startups and underserved entrepreneurs with flexible SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans.
Ready Capital (Readycap Lending)
A non-bank SBA Preferred Lender focused on commercial real estate and high-capital lending, including acquisition, expansion, and refinancing.
Celtic Bank
Trusted SBA lender known for quick approvals and strong support for franchise, expansion, and equipment financing under the SBA 7(a) program.
BayFirst National Bank
Combines traditional SBA expertise with streamlined application processes for small businesses seeking 7(a) loans and working capital.
TD Bank
A top SBA lender offering funding for working capital, equipment, and commercial real estate with personalized small business service.
U.S. Bank
National SBA loan provider offering 7(a), 504, and SBA Express loans with options for both new and growing businesses.
JPMorgan Chase
Offers SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans with no origination fees on select loans under $50,000—ideal for small business growth.
Bank of America
Provides SBA 7(a) and 504 loans alongside full-service business banking solutions and competitive loan terms.
Byline Bank
Midwest-based SBA lender known for customized mid-to-large loan packages with deep experience in franchise and acquisition funding.
First Internet Bank
Digital-first SBA Preferred Lender with nationwide service, known for fast online applications and quick loan decisions.
Northeast Bank
Nationwide SBA lender with a focus on mid-sized loans for working capital and business expansion, offering fast turnarounds.
Cadence Bank
Provides expedited SBA loan funding under $350,000 with easy qualification processes, ideal for startups and smaller ventures.
Wells Fargo
Top SBA lender offering SBA 7(a) and Express loans, unsecured business lines of credit, and startup-friendly term loans.
First Citizens Bank
Specializes in SBA-backed equipment financing and commercial term loans.
SmartBiz
A fintech-powered platform that matches small businesses with top SBA lenders and accelerates approvals.
BlueVine
Known for flexible working capital solutions including lines of credit, often used alongside SBA loans.
Fundera (by NerdWallet)
SBA loan marketplace that connects business owners with lenders and simplifies comparisons.
Kabbage (by American Express)
Provides rapid access to credit lines, often used as a supplement to traditional SBA financing.
Five Star Bank
Regional lender focused on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for small businesses in the Western U.S.
OnDeck Capital
Fintech lender offering fast funding and streamlined applications for working capital loans.
Balboa Capital
Provides equipment financing and small business loans, often used alongside SBA programs.
Guidant Financial
Specializes in SBA loans and 401(k) rollover financing, popular among franchisees and new ventures.
Rapid Finance
Alternative lender offering SBA bridge loans, term loans, and working capital financing.
Golub Capital
Middle-market lender supporting larger SBA-type funding for growth-stage companies.
Lendio
Loan marketplace that connects business owners with over 75 SBA and alternative lenders via one application.
Credibly
Provides working capital and term loans for small businesses, including SBA lending partnerships.
Funding Circle
Offers SBA 7(a) loans via its lending partners, along with term loan products up to $500K.
National Business Capital
Matches borrowers with SBA lenders for 7(a), 504, and Express loan programs nationwide.
Rockefeller Capital Management
While focused on private wealth, offers business clients high-level financing including SBA access through partners.
Harvest Small Business Finance
Specializes in SBA 504 and 7(a) loans for commercial real estate and long-term capital needs.
Stearns Bank
Offers fast SBA 7(a) loans and is known for responsive customer service and small business support.
Fountainhead Commercial Capital
A national nonbank lender focused on SBA 504 loans and commercial real estate financing.
Liberty SBF
SBA 504 and bridge loan provider with expertise in owner-occupied real estate deals.
Bankers Healthcare Group
Specializes in SBA financing for healthcare professionals, offering tailored term loans.
East West Bank
Provides SBA loans and specializes in cross-border and immigrant entrepreneur financing.
Umpqua Bank
Offers SBA and business banking products with a relationship-based approach across the Western U.S.
BankUnited
South Florida lender offering SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to local and regional small businesses.
Seacoast Bank
Florida-based SBA lender focused on community growth through access to capital and advisory services.
Northwest Bank
Mid-Atlantic lender with a growing SBA program, focused on small-town entrepreneurs.
Customers Bank
Offers SBA loans as part of its technology-forward commercial banking division.
Zions Bank
Western U.S. SBA lender providing both 7(a) and 504 loans with strong service to startups and rural businesses.
Sunflower Bank
Regional SBA lender offering personalized small business loan solutions across several western and midwestern states.
Peoples Bank (MS)
A community development financial institution (CDFI) in Mississippi offering SBA 7(a) loans with a mission to serve underbanked and rural businesses.
Five Star Bank (CA)
California-based community bank specializing in SBA 7(a) and 504 lending for local businesses.
D.L. Evans Bank
Idaho and Utah community bank offering personalized SBA loan services for small-to-mid sized businesses.
Hanmi Bank
Los Angeles-based bank offering SBA and commercial real estate loans with a focus on small and mid-market businesses.
KeyBank
National regional bank offering SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, widely available in the Northeast and Midwest.
PNC Bank
Full-service lender offering SBA 7(a), 504 loans, equipment financing, with strong commercial banking support.
Regions Bank
SBA lender active across the South, offering term loans and lines of credit with business banking expertise.
Comerica Bank
Strong SBA lender in Texas and California, supporting working capital, real estate, and equipment needs.
Fifth Third Bank
Midwestern bank offering comprehensive SBA loan programs with both 7(a) and 504 options.
BMO Harris Bank
Midwest regional lender offering SBA-backed financing for small business expansions and acquisitions.
Umpqua Bank
West Coast regional lender offering SBA loans with a relationship-based approach to entrepreneurs.
BankUnited
Florida-based bank active in SBA 7(a) and 504 lending, supporting small business growth in the Southeast.
Seacoast Bank
Community-focused lender in Florida offering SBA 7(a) loans and advisory services to local SMEs.
Northwest Bank
Mid-Atlantic regional bank offering SBA financing solutions for small and rural businesses.
Customers Bank
Technology-forward commercial bank offering SBA loans and modern business banking services.
Zions Bank
Western U.S. SBA lender providing both 7(a) and 504 loans to startups and rural businesses.
Sunflower Bank
Regional SBA lender offering personalized SBA loan solutions in the western and midwestern U.S.
Arvest Bank
Regional bank serving the Ozarks and Midwest, providing SBA-backed financing and business support.
Centennial Bank
Southeastern lender offering SBA 7(a) loans to small businesses across Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida.
Simmons Bank
Arkansas-based regional lender offering 7(a) and 504 loan products to small businesses.
M&T Bank
Northeast/regional lender with SBA 7(a) and 504 loan capabilities and close ties to community businesses.
Webster Bank
New England lender offering SBA loan products and strong commercial banking partnerships.
Eastern Bank
Massachusetts-based community bank offering SBA financing alongside local business advisory services.
Busey Bank
Midwest regional bank providing SBA 7(a) loans and personalized business relationship management.
Old National Bank
Midwestern bank offering SBA lending services with deep support for small businesses in local markets.
SBA-Backed Microlenders
Accion U.S. Network
Accion is one of the largest nonprofit microlenders in the U.S., offering SBA-backed microloans up to $50,000. They provide credit-building loans, personalized coaching, and support for minority and women-owned businesses.
LiftFund
LiftFund is a trusted SBA intermediary offering microloans and small business financing in 14 states. Known for flexible terms, bilingual support, and startup-friendly funding.
Ascendus
Ascendus provides SBA microloans to entrepreneurs nationwide, with amounts up to $50,000 and low interest rates. Great for home-based businesses and early-stage founders.
Justine Petersen
Specializing in credit-building and SBA microloans, Justine Petersen supports disadvantaged and underbanked entrepreneurs across the Midwest and beyond.
SBA Microloan Program
The SBA’s official Microloan Program partners with 200+ local nonprofits to fund startups, solo entrepreneurs, and small firms with loans up to $50,000.
Top Community & CDFI Microlenders
Grameen America
Grameen America offers group-based microloans to women entrepreneurs in underserved communities, helping build credit and financial independence.
Accessity
Accessity (formerly Accion SoCal) provides SBA microloans to diverse entrepreneurs in California, including immigrants, veterans, and low-credit borrowers.
Accompany Capital
New York-based microlender supporting immigrant and refugee-owned businesses with startup capital and multilingual resources.
Adirondack Economic Development Corp.
A regional nonprofit in upstate New York offering small business loans, entrepreneur training, and technical assistance.
Arcata Economic Development Corp.
California-based CDFI providing microloans and small business support services for rural and local startups.
Androscoggin Valley COG
Maine-based organization funding microbusinesses in rural communities with small loans and development resources.
Top Online & Fintech Microlenders
Kiva U.S.
Kiva offers 0% interest, crowdfunded microloans up to $15,000 with no credit check. Ideal for founders without traditional banking access.
LendThrive
LendThrive is a fintech lender offering microloans and small business loans up to $150,000 with predictable rates and no prepayment penalties.
OnDeck
Online lender providing fast working capital loans and micro-sized financing with quick approvals for businesses with solid revenue history.
BlueVine
BlueVine offers flexible lines of credit that function like microloans, with fast online applications and minimal paperwork.
Funding Circle
Funding Circle partners with SBA-approved lenders to provide microloans and term loans to businesses looking to grow.
Specialized & Niche Microlenders
USDA Farm Service Agency Microloans
Ideal for farmers and agricultural startups, these microloans fund equipment, livestock, or land with low rates and flexible terms.
Accion Opportunity Fund
Provides inclusive financing to women-, Black-, and Latino-owned businesses with coaching, credit education, and SBA microloans.
Grameen Bank
A global pioneer in microfinance, Grameen Bank offers small, collateral-free loans to entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
Global & Peer-to-Peer Microlenders
Zidisha
Zidisha connects small businesses in developing countries directly to individual lenders online, skipping banks entirely.
Best Equipment Financing Companies for Small Businesses
Crest Capital
Crest Capital offers fast and flexible equipment financing for small businesses—up to $500,000 with no collateral required. Ideal for purchasing vehicles, machinery, or office equipment with 100% financing including soft costs like delivery and setup.
Balboa Capital
Balboa Capital provides easy-to-qualify small business equipment loans and leasing options. Their same-day funding and online application make them a top choice for businesses looking to upgrade tools, computers, vehicles, or machinery quickly.
OnDeck
OnDeck delivers fast equipment loan solutions through short-term working capital financing. Perfect for businesses needing cash to buy or lease equipment without long bank delays.
U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
U.S. Bank provides competitive equipment loans for businesses, offering amounts up to $2.5 million. Their flexible repayment options and broad eligibility make them a leading lender for heavy machinery and commercial assets.
Bank of America Equipment Loans
Bank of America offers fixed-rate business equipment loans for startups and established companies. Great for financing commercial vehicles, medical devices, and industrial tools with predictable payments.
American Express Business Equipment Loans
American Express provides customized financing options for equipment purchases, helping business owners preserve cash flow while accessing high-quality tools and technology.
Midlands Equipment Finance
Midlands delivers large-scale equipment financing for businesses across industries—loan sizes range from $50,000 to $5 million. Known for supporting agriculture, medical, and construction sectors.
GreatAmerica Financial Services
GreatAmerica partners with vendors to offer embedded financing for business equipment. They focus on IT, telecom, and office technology, making them ideal for B2B service providers.
Siemens Financial Services
Siemens Financial Services supports global equipment leasing and capital investment for healthcare, energy, and industrial businesses. Perfect for organizations investing in high-value, long-lifecycle equipment.
Top Venture Capital Firms
Sequoia Capital
Top global venture capital firm supporting early- to growth-stage startups. Known for backing tech leaders like Apple, Google, and Airbnb.
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
Silicon Valley VC firm investing in high-growth sectors like software, fintech, biotech, crypto, and AI from seed to mega rounds.
Accel
Early-stage venture capital firm with a strong track record in consumer tech and SaaS, backing startups globally.
Kleiner Perkins
Veteran VC firm investing in transformative technology and health companies, including Amazon and Google.
Bessemer Venture Partners
Multi-stage venture capital firm known for funding category leaders like Shopify, LinkedIn, and Yelp.
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
One of the world’s largest VC firms, investing across all growth stages in technology and healthcare.
Lightspeed Venture Partners
Global venture capital firm with investments in Snap, Grubhub, and other leading enterprise, consumer, and healthcare brands.
Khosla Ventures
Early-stage investor focused on AI, clean energy, healthtech, and visionary startup ideas.
Tiger Global Management
Growth-stage venture fund with a global presence, focusing on software, fintech, and internet-enabled businesses.
General Catalyst
Multi-stage investor backing mission-driven startups in healthcare, fintech, and software sectors.
Benchmark Capital
Elite early-stage VC firm with a portfolio that includes Uber, Twitter, and Dropbox.
Founders Fund
VC firm investing in bold, disruptive technologies including aerospace, deep tech, and data infrastructure.
Sapphire Ventures
Growth-stage investor focused on enterprise software companies like LinkedIn, Box, and 23andMe.
Battery Ventures
Global venture capital and private equity firm investing in cloud, SaaS, and enterprise software across all stages.
CRV (Charles River Ventures)
Early-stage VC with a legacy of backing breakout tech startups across consumer and enterprise sectors.
TCV (Technology Crossover Ventures)
Later-stage venture firm investing in high-growth software and digital media companies.
Qiming Venture Partners
Cross-border venture capital firm investing in early and growth-stage healthcare and tech startups in the U.S. and China.
ARCH Venture Partners
Science-driven investor specializing in early-stage biotech, life sciences, and advanced healthcare innovation.
Venrock
Legacy VC firm with strong roots in healthcare, energy, and cutting-edge technology ventures.
Index Ventures
Global early- and growth-stage investor backing iconic startups like Dropbox, Robinhood, and Notion.
Greylock Partners
Veteran venture capital firm with early investments in LinkedIn, Airbnb, Coinbase, and other transformative tech platforms.
Insight Partners
Global growth-stage VC investing in software, internet, and tech-enabled businesses with scalable models.
Menlo Ventures
Multi-stage investor backing innovations in consumer apps, enterprise software, fintech, and emerging technologies.
SoftBank Vision Fund
One of the largest tech-focused VC funds, investing globally in AI, robotics, and breakthrough platforms.
SOSV
Accelerator-driven VC investing in biotech, climate tech, and hardware startups through IndieBio, HAX, and Orbit.
Techstars
Global accelerator and early-stage VC providing mentorship and seed funding to high-potential startups worldwide.
500 Global
Seed-stage venture firm with investments in 2,500+ startups across 75+ countries, focused on diverse founders and scalable growth.
Alumni Ventures
Network-powered VC enabling alumni communities to co-invest in top-tier early-stage startups across industries.
Antler
Global early-stage VC and startup generator that helps founders build and scale startups from the ground up.
FJ Labs
Seed investor with a strong focus on marketplaces, SaaS, and consumer platform models around the world.
Canaan Partners
Early-stage VC investing in digital health, enterprise technology, and consumer startups with growth potential.
RRE Ventures
New York–based VC supporting early-stage ventures across crypto, fintech, consumer tech, and enterprise software.
Union Square Ventures
Thematic investor focused on decentralized networks, open platforms, and scalable, impactful technology.
GV (formerly Google Ventures)
Alphabet’s venture capital arm investing in AI, robotics, life sciences, and groundbreaking deep tech.
Felicis Ventures
Early-stage investor behind high-growth startups like Canva, Notion, and Shopify across multiple verticals.
Initialized Capital
Seed-stage VC co-founded by Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian, investing in founder-led, product-focused startups.
DCVC (Data Collective)
Venture firm focused on deep tech and science-based startups solving massive global challenges.
Balderton Capital
Leading European early-stage VC backing consumer, SaaS, fintech, and future-forward tech companies.
Coatue Management
Global crossover fund investing in both private and public tech companies with a data-driven approach.
Lux Capital
Venture capital firm backing science-driven startups in space, robotics, synthetic biology, and quantum tech.
First Round Capital
Premier seed-stage investor offering hands-on operational support and a strong founder network.
Foundry Group
Boulder-based early-stage VC focused on software, infrastructure, and innovative startup ecosystems.
GV (Google Ventures)
Invests in next-gen technologies across AI, healthcare, robotics, and deep science innovation.
NextView Ventures
Seed-stage fund investing in everyday economy startups that improve work and daily life.
Wing Venture Capital
Enterprise tech–focused VC backing startups in SaaS, cloud, and B2B infrastructure markets.
Version One Ventures
Early-stage VC investing in mission-driven companies across SaaS, marketplaces, crypto, and climate.
Redpoint Ventures
Multi-stage VC with success in enterprise and consumer tech, including Netflix, Twilio, and Snowflake.
Upfront Ventures
LA-based early-stage VC firm supporting visionary founders with deep operational guidance.
Canvas Ventures
Early-stage investor backing fintech, digital health, and consumer marketplaces with breakout potential.
Y Combinator
World-renowned startup accelerator funding early-stage companies with seed capital, mentorship, and global exposure.
U.S.-Based Crowdlending Platforms
Funding Circle
A leading P2P small business lending marketplace, Funding Circle connects accredited investors to vetted small businesses seeking loans up to $500,000.
LendingClub
Initially focused on personal loans, LendingClub also offers crowdlending opportunities for small businesses seeking up to $500,000 in financing.
StreetShares
Built for veterans and small businesses, StreetShares offers business loans and lines of credit funded by investors through its platform.
Kiva U.S.
A nonprofit crowdlending platform offering 0% interest loans up to $15,000 funded by individual backers. No credit score or collateral required.
Mainvest
Equity-based crowdlending platform where small brick-and-mortar businesses raise capital from local investors in exchange for revenue-sharing.
International Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms
Zopa (UK)
One of the original P2P lenders, Zopa offers personal and business loans funded by individual and institutional lenders.
Mintos (EU/Global)
A crowdlending marketplace where investors fund business, consumer, and real estate loans across dozens of countries.
Bondora (EU)
P2P lending platform offering direct loans to European borrowers with automated investment options for crowdlenders.
Lendahand (Global Impact)
Impact-driven crowdlending platform funding entrepreneurs in developing countries. Investors can support sustainable economic growth directly.
Trine (Green Lending)
Lets individuals crowdfund solar energy projects and clean tech startups, with projected returns and impact tracking.
Crowdlending for Niche or Alternative Investments
Upstart
AI-driven crowdlending platform for personal and education loans, often used by entrepreneurs consolidating debt before seeking business funding.
Prosper
One of the first U.S.-based P2P lending platforms, offering crowdfunded personal loans that can be used for business startup costs.
SeedInvest
Equity crowdlending site for startups raising capital from retail and accredited investors. Investors receive equity, not loan repayment.
StartEngine
SEC-approved equity crowdfunding platform where startups raise funds from the public. No loan repayments—investors own shares.
Republic
Crowdlending and crowdfunding platform that allows users to invest in startups, crypto projects, real estate, and more.