News & article

Loan Myths That Keep Entrepreneurs Stuck

Loan Myths That Keep Entrepreneurs Stuck

Launching and growing a business is one of the boldest decisions you can make as an entrepreneur. But when it comes to financing, many new…

The Real Cost of a Startup Loan

The Real Cost of a Startup Loan

Discover the true cost of startup loans, interest, fees, risks, and smarter financing options. Learn how to fund your business wisely with Starting Gate Financial.…

How Restaurant & Hospitality Owners Can Leverage the FICA Tip Credit

How Restaurant & Hospitality Owners Can Leverage the FICA Tip Credit

For many restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses, tips make up a significant portion of employee compensation. While tips benefit staff directly, they can also create…

Can’t Get a Bank Loan? Here Are 5 Smarter Small Business Financing Options

Can’t Get a Bank Loan? Here Are 5 Smarter Small Business Financing Options

For many entrepreneurs, walking into a bank and applying for a business loan feels like the obvious choice. But the reality? Traditional bank loans are…

Franchise Financing Hacks: How to Secure Capital Before You Even Pick a Brand

Franchise Financing Hacks: How to Secure Capital Before You Even Pick a Brand

Thinking about owning a franchise but not sure how to secure the money before committing to a brand? You’re not alone. One of the most…

Equipment Loan Calculator: Find the Right Financing for Your Business Needs

Equipment Loan Calculator: Find the Right Financing for Your Business Needs

Running a business often requires investing in new equipment—whether it’s construction machinery, medical devices, commercial vehicles, or even updated technology for your office. For many…

How Rental Loans Help You Build a Real Estate Portfolio Faster | Starting Gate Financial

How Rental Loans Help You Build a Real Estate Portfolio Faster | Starting Gate Financial

You’ve tasted success with your first rental property. The cash flow is steady, the equity is building, and now you’re hooked. The question isn’t if…

SBA Loan Requirements 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Documents, Eligibility & Approval

SBA Loan Requirements 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Documents, Eligibility & Approval

Securing an SBA loan in 2025 can be the catalyst that propels your business into its next growth phase. But the path to approval is…

SBA Loan Application Timeline: The Real Timeline from Application to Funding

SBA Loan Application Timeline: The Real Timeline from Application to Funding

You’ve decided an SBA loan is the right fuel to grow your business. The excitement is palpable. But then, a daunting question pops into your…

Rental Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Investment Property Payments & ROI | Starting Gate Financial

Rental Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Investment Property Payments & ROI | Starting Gate Financial

You’ve found a potential rental property. The excitement is real. But does the excitement translate into profit? The difference between a wealth-building asset and a…

Business Startup Guide: Steps, Funding & Launch Strategies | Starting Gate Financial

Business Startup Guide: Steps, Funding & Launch Strategies | Starting Gate Financial

The spark of a business idea ignites something primal in entrepreneurs – a blend of excitement, ambition, and sheer determination. But transforming that spark into…

Business Loan Calculator: Plan Smart Repayments | Starting Gate Financial

Business Loan Calculator: Plan Smart Repayments | Starting Gate Financial

Staring at a loan offer? That monthly payment might look manageable today—but what happens when sales dip or equipment breaks? As a financial content strategist…

Why Your Home Mortgage Fell Through & How to Fix It

Why Your Home Mortgage Fell Through & How to Fix It

Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life. From house hunting to securing financing, the journey can feel both exciting and stressful.…

Business vs Personal Credit: Loan Impact Decoded | Starting Gate Financial

Business vs Personal Credit: Loan Impact Decoded | Starting Gate Financial

When seeking financing for your business, few questions create more confusion than: “Do lenders care about my personal credit or business credit?” The answer isn’t…

Tips to Help Improve Your Credit Score for SBA Loan Approval

Tips to Help Improve Your Credit Score for SBA Loan Approval

Your Credit Score Is Your SBA Loan Gatekeeper As a former SBA underwriter who reviewed 1,500+ applications, I’ve seen credit scores make or break funding…

Tips to Help Improve Your Credit Score for SBA Loan Approval

Tips to Help Improve Your Credit Score for SBA Loan Approval

As a former SBA underwriter who reviewed 1,500+ applications, I’ve seen credit scores make or break funding dreams. 78% of SBA loan rejections stem from…

MCA Calculator: Find Your True Borrowing Costs | Free Tool

MCA Calculator: Find Your True Borrowing Costs | Free Tool

As a former small business lender with 16 years in commercial finance, I’ve seen merchants pay 40–200% effective APRs on cash advances without realizing it.…

Three Ways to Fund Your Home Improvement Project

Three Ways to Fund Your Home Improvement Project

Your Dream Renovation Doesn’t Need a Lottery Win As a 20-year financial advisor who’s helped hundreds of homeowners transform spaces, I’ve seen too many people…

Home Mortgage Refinance Options Explained | Rate & Savings Guide

Home Mortgage Refinance Options Explained | Rate & Savings Guide

As a mortgage industry veteran with 15+ years advising homeowners, I’ve seen refinancing save families over $1.8M in collective interest. But choosing the right refinance…

How Do Small Business Loans Work

How Do Small Business Loans Work

Small business loans provide business owners with the capital they need to start, operate, or grow their business. These loans are offered by banks, credit…

The Ultimate Guide to Equipment Financing for Small Businesses

The Ultimate Guide to Equipment Financing for Small Businesses

Securing essential equipment—whether it’s machinery, vehicles, or technology—can strain your capital. But with the right equipment financing strategy, you can access the tools you need…

How to Get Working Capital Without Sacrificing Your Business Equity

How to Get Working Capital Without Sacrificing Your Business Equity

In today’s fast-moving business environment, cash flow is king. But what do you do when you need extra funds to manage operations, seize opportunities, or…

SBA 7(a) Vs. SBA 504: Which Loan Is Right For Your Business? 

SBA 7(a) Vs. SBA 504: Which Loan Is Right For Your Business? 

In today’s uncertain lending market, SBA loans remain a reliable capital source for ‘story’ loans where small business owners are seeking to expand, stabilize, and/or…

Fast Funding vs. Smart Funding: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business

Fast Funding vs. Smart Funding: Choosing the Right Path for Your Business

In today’s fast-paced economy, a small business’s access to capital can determine whether it seizes a growth opportunity or misses it entirely. Whether you’re launching…

Is a Business Line of Credit Right for You? Signs It’s Time to Apply

Is a Business Line of Credit Right for You? Signs It’s Time to Apply

Growing a business is like piloting a ship: you need space to navigate your daily currents and deal with unexpected storms. A line of credit serves…

How to Use Term Loans for Small Business Growth

How to Use Term Loans for Small Business Growth

With today’s small-business world more competitive than ever, getting the right financing is more than just smart—it’s critical. Well-used term loans for small businesses can…

How to Keep Your Business Financially Healthy

How to Keep Your Business Financially Healthy

As we journey deeper into 2025, small businesses across America will be presented with monumental opportunities and massive financial challenges. Things are changing as businesses…

Top Medical Equipment Lenders in 2025

Top Medical Equipment Lenders in 2025

As the healthcare industry continues to advance at a rapid pace, hospitals must adopt cutting-edge medical equipment to ensure the highest standard of patient care.…

What’s the Best Way to Finance Medical Equipment?

What’s the Best Way to Finance Medical Equipment?

As healthcare practices evolve to meet the changes, one constant remains: the importance of acquiring medical equipment while maintaining working capital. Whether you are opening…

How to Finance Cloud Infrastructure & Software Upgrades

How to Finance Cloud Infrastructure & Software Upgrades

You will find many different funding sources for your next digital upgrade in this guide. In the current fast-paced, dynamic digital world, to survive and…

The Smart Way to Fund Your Inventory and Expansion

The Smart Way to Fund Your Inventory and Expansion

Running a retail store typically requires a substantial amount of capital to operate, whether for inventory purchases or scaling. In this entry, I will detail…

How to Fund Your Business Without the Hassle

How to Fund Your Business Without the Hassle

While starting or growing a business can be challenging in today’s era, finding funding doesn’t have to be one of them. Maybe it’s the middle…

SaaS Financing Solutions: Fuel Your Subscription Business Growth

SaaS Financing Solutions: Fuel Your Subscription Business Growth

In the rapidly evolving world of Software as a Service (SaaS), securing the right funding is crucial for survival. As for traditional funding approaches, opt…

How to Secure Trucking Business Loans for Fleet Expansion

How to Secure Trucking Business Loans for Fleet Expansion

The trucking industry is the foundation of American trade, moving more than 70% of all freight in the nation. Rising demand means fleet owners need…

IT Equipment Financing: Lease vs. Buy—What’s Best for Your Business?

IT Equipment Financing: Lease vs. Buy—What’s Best for Your Business?

When considering technology for your business, the question often isn’t what to buy, but rather how to afford it. Deciding between leasing and buying IT…

Best Restaurant Financing Options for 2025

Best Restaurant Financing Options for 2025

Fund, Grow, and Scale Your Restaurant Business This Year The restaurant industry is changing rapidly, and so are the financial difficulties that accompany this industry.…

Smart Equipment Financing Strategies to Help You Save Money.

Smart Equipment Financing Strategies to Help You Save Money.

Strategic planning for equipment purchases allows a business to navigate through each purchase in accordance with the huge plans of the organization. For the vast…

DSCR Loans vs. Traditional Mortgages

DSCR Loans vs. Traditional Mortgages

This article explains some key differences in DSCR between regular loans and short-term rental loans, which borrowers should consider when choosing their financing option. The…

How to Finance Rental Property with Rental Loans

How to Finance Rental Property with Rental Loans

The right financial decision can make or break your real estate investment. This guide covers different types of rental property loans for real estate investors…

Equipment Financing for your business

Equipment Financing for your business

What You Need to Know About Equipment Financing for Your Business Equipment financing allows businesses to acquire necessary assets like vehicles, technology, and production equipment…

Understanding Franchise Financing

Understanding Franchise Financing

Franchise Financing: How to Secure Capital for Your New Franchise Business Securing the right financing can be the biggest hurdle. Starting a franchise can be…

Small Business Administration (SBA): How Can They Help Your Small Business Grow?

Small Business Administration (SBA): How Can They Help Your Small Business Grow?

The SBA (Small Business Administration) provides loans for small businesses by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lending risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier…

The Essential Guide to Medical Equipment Financing: How to Secure the Right Loan for Your Practice

The Essential Guide to Medical Equipment Financing: How to Secure the Right Loan for Your Practice

To secure a loan for medical equipment financing, you can consider the type of loan, the interest rate, and your business’s cash flow. Equipment financing…

Everything You Need To Know About Merchant Financing

Everything You Need To Know About Merchant Financing

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every organization, yet according to studies, cash flow concerns cause 82% of small business bankruptcies. Merchant financing may be…

Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points: What It Means for Economic Growth

Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points: What It Means for Economic Growth

The Federal Reserve recently reduced interest rates by 25 basis points, signaling a potential shift in economic momentum. While this might seem like a minor…

Is It Possible to Secure a Loan for Office Supplies?

Is It Possible to Secure a Loan for Office Supplies?

When running a small or medium-sized business, having the correct office supplies isn’t just a luxury; it’s a must. Whether it’s high-quality desks and chairs…

Quick Business Loans: How to Apply and Get Approved Fast

Quick Business Loans: How to Apply and Get Approved Fast

Financial difficulties are a common part of operating a business. Having access to fast cash might be crucial whether you need to expand operations, buy…

Navigating SBA 504 Loans: Key Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Navigating SBA 504 Loans: Key Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Learn how SBA 504 loans can help your small business expand with low-interest, long-term financing. Find out about current rates, eligibility, and how to apply!

Unlocking Capital for Business Expansion: Strategies and Funding Options

Unlocking Capital for Business Expansion: Strategies and Funding Options

Every growing business eventually reaches a point where extra funding becomes essential. Whether you need to purchase new equipment, expand operations, or hire more staff,…

Rental Property Investing in the Current Market with Starting Gate

Rental Property Investing in the Current Market with Starting Gate

Are you considering investing in rental property in the current market? Despite ongoing challenges related to the pandemic, the rental property market has remained relatively…