Most owners mix loans, credit lines, and vendor terms to cover the first $50,000 – $150,000 in start-up costs. See the options below, then check our startup-cost guide and full furniture-store blueprint.
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Top funding choices
- SBA 7(a) loan. Up to $5 million, 10-year terms, and low rates.
- SBA 504 loan. New rules in 2024 cut fees and widen access for real-estate or equipment buys.
- Bank line of credit. Use for seasonal inventory; pay interest only on what you draw.
- Vendor financing. Suppliers let you pay in 30–90 days so stock sells before bills arrive.
- Floor-plan financing. A special loan that uses each piece of inventory as collateral—common in furniture retail.
- Equipment leasing. Spread the cost of delivery trucks, lifts, and POS hardware over three to five years.
- Microloans. SBA and nonprofits lend up to $50,000—helpful for online-only stores.
- Crowdfunding or community investors. Trade perks or small equity slices for launch cash.
- Personal savings. Still the most common starter fund—keeps interest costs at zero.
How to pick the right mix
- Match term to asset life. Use five-year money for trucks, ten-year for buildings.
- Compare total cost. Add fees, interest, and any vendor incentives.
- Keep cash buffer. Hold 10 % of start-up costs for surprise repairs.
Funding checklist
- Two-year sales forecast
- Personal credit score > 680
- Business plan PDF (see template)
- Quotes for inventory and build-out
- Collateral list (trucks, fixtures, stock)
Key takeaways
Combine low-rate SBA loans with vendor credit and a small line of credit. Pay big items over time, keep stock turning fast, and update funding every year.
FAQs
- How much can I borrow with SBA 7(a)? Up to $5 million over 10 years.
- What credit score do banks want? Many lenders like 680 or higher.
- Is vendor credit expensive? Rates can be higher but payments start after goods arrive.
- Can I lease delivery trucks? Yes—leasing lowers upfront cost and keeps cash free.
- What if I need only $30,000? Try an SBA microloan or local nonprofit lender.
Further reading
- Full breakdown of furniture store startup costs
- Furniture profit margin and markup guide
- Furniture store business plan template
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