Audience · First-Time Business Owners
Small Business Funding for First-Time Business Owners. Same underwriting. Same speed.
First-time business owners most often qualify for ICG equipment financing, business cash advances, or revenue-based funding after 6 months of consistent deposits, ICG does not underwrite pre-revenue startups.
Last updated · 2026-04-16
Why ICG for first-time business owners
Capital that meets first-time business owners where they are. Revenue first, always.
Your first business is the hardest to capitalize, every lender wants operating history you haven't accumulated yet. ICG's 6-month minimum is lower than almost any traditional bank and is designed specifically for first-generation operators.
Certifications
Certifications worth pursuing. Outside our underwriting, but worth knowing.
SCORE Mentorship
Free business-mentor matching through the SBA's SCORE network, recommended as a first step for new operators.
SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Free business plan and financial coaching, most SBDC offices will help review ICG term-loan applications before submission.
Am I eligible?
If these four things are true, you probably qualify.
6+ months
Time in business
$15K+
Monthly revenue
500+ FICO
Personal credit
Required for deposit
Business bank account
Grants and capital
Grants and capital. How they combine.
First-time owners typically cannot qualify for revenue-based grants because they lack the trailing operating history. Local Chamber of Commerce micro-grants and pitch competitions are usually the first accessible grant dollars.
Compatible products
ICG products that fit. Pick one. Mix two.
Equal Credit Opportunity Notice
ICG Funding complies with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Credit decisions are made on the same underwriting criteria, revenue, bank-deposit history, time in business, and credit profile, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
FAQ
FAQs. Plainly.
ICG underwrites every applicant on the same revenue-first criteria. Certifications can unlock third-party grant and contracting programs outside ICG. See the certifications list on this page.
SCORE Mentorship: Free business-mentor matching through the SBA's SCORE network, recommended as a first step for new operators. SBA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Free business plan and financial coaching, most SBDC offices will help review ICG term-loan applications before submission.
First-time owners typically cannot qualify for revenue-based grants because they lack the trailing operating history. Local Chamber of Commerce micro-grants and pitch competitions are usually the first accessible grant dollars.
ICG Funding complies with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Credit decisions are made on the same underwriting criteria, revenue, bank-deposit history, time in business, and credit profile, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.