Working capital is the money your business uses to run day to day — covering payroll, rent, inventory, and the gaps between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers. When that cushion runs thin, working-capital funding gives you cash to keep operating smoothly without dipping into reserves.
What working capital funding is
“Working capital” is an umbrella term rather than a single product. In practice it’s short-to-medium-term funding sized to your revenue and used for everyday operating needs. Depending on the provider and your situation, it may be structured as a short-term loan, a revenue-based advance, or a line of credit — but the purpose is the same: keep cash flowing.
Because it’s tied to how your business actually operates, approval usually leans more on your recent revenue and bank-deposit history than on your credit score alone.
How it works
Most working-capital funding follows a simple shape:
- You receive funds quickly. Once matched and approved, funds can often arrive in as little as 24–72 hours.
- You repay over a set period. Repayment is commonly daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the product and provider.
- The amount is sized to your revenue. Providers look at your monthly deposits to determine what you can comfortably support.
Typical amounts and terms
Every provider is different, but in the broader small-business market you’ll commonly see:
- Amounts: roughly $5,000 to $500,000, based on revenue.
- Terms: often 3 to 18 months.
- Repayment: daily, weekly, or monthly, frequently as an automated draft.
- Speed: funding often within 1–3 business days of approval.
These are typical ranges for illustration, not an offer. Your actual options depend on the provider’s underwriting.
See real options before you decide. Comparing takes about a minute and won’t affect your credit.
Check eligibility →When working capital makes sense
It tends to be a good fit when you need to:
- Bridge a seasonal slowdown or a gap between invoicing and getting paid.
- Make payroll or cover rent during a temporary crunch.
- Buy inventory ahead of a busy season.
- Take on a large order or a time-sensitive opportunity.
Because it’s meant for short-term needs, it works best for specific, near-term uses rather than long-term financing.
What you’ll typically need
Requirements vary, but providers in our network generally look for:
- Around 6+ months in business.
- Roughly $20,000+ in average monthly revenue.
- Recent business bank statements (usually the last 3–6 months).
Frequently asked questions
Is working capital a loan?
It can be — but not always. “Working capital” describes the use of funds, not one specific product. Providers may structure it as a short-term loan, a revenue-based advance, or a line of credit.
How fast can I get funded?
Once you’re matched and approved by a provider, funds can often arrive in as little as 24–72 hours, depending on the provider and your bank.
Will checking my options affect my credit?
Seeing your options through Access Funding Network is a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. A provider you choose to move forward with may later perform a hard inquiry.
What can I use working capital for?
Common uses include payroll, rent, inventory, supplier payments, bridging seasonal gaps, and covering large or time-sensitive orders.
Want to see what you qualify for? Compare options from our network in about 60 seconds — with no impact to your credit.
See my funding options →This page is for general educational purposes and is not financial advice. Access Funding Network is a free matching service, not a lender. Funding products, amounts, rates, and terms are offered solely by independent third-party providers and are subject to their underwriting. Amounts and terms shown are typical industry ranges for illustration only and are not an offer or guarantee. Not all applicants will qualify or be matched.