Ready for Funding? Let's Get You There.
Getting funded starts with getting prepared. Here’s your roadmap to funding readiness. There’s no quick fix when it comes to funding — every option carries its own cost and risk, so the smartest move is to go in prepared.
Building a business takes hard work — and often, it takes capital, too. Covering start-up costs, expanding your products, entering new markets, or investing in your operations — funding can make the difference. Before you apply, request a mentor. They’ll help make sure your request is strong from the start.
Know Your 5 C's of Credit Readiness
Lenders look at five things:
- Character — Your track record with credit and payments.
- Capacity — Your ability to keep up with debt payments.
- Capital — Your financial strength, including other assets you could tap if needed.
- Collateral — Assets you can pledge to secure the loan.
- Conditions — Market timing and risks tied to launching now.
Have a Complete Business Plan
Your plan tells your story: what you offer, who your customers are, your competition, and your marketing and sales approach. Include the numbers, too — revenue, expenses, cash flow, and how much funding you need. Once you have your plan, you’ll create a financial forecast — the dollarized version of your business plan — showing lenders the real potential for your business to make money. A strong plan, backed by solid financials, helps lenders see your business’s potential and feel confident in your request.
Request a Mentor
They’ll guide you through it all — so your funding request puts your best foot forward.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your request below. It goes out to several of Cultivate Lancaster’s funding partners, and someone will follow up to talk next steps.
Start-Up Funding Request Form
Now that you’re ready, let’s submit a request. Fill out this funding request form, and your input will help us match you with the right lender to get the conversation started
Your start up funding request will be sent to the following organizations specializing in early stage funding requests . One of them will respond to you directly to follow up on your request.
Assets, Finanta, Small Business Financial Assistance (SBFA) program for the Lancaster City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ).