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Staten Island, New York · Richmond County · Credit-based startup funding
Startup Funding for Staten Island Entrepreneurs
Staten Island is New York City's most suburban borough, a close-knit community connected to Manhattan by the free Staten Island Ferry. If you have the idea but not the capital, get up to $150,000 at an introductory 0% rate for up to 24 months, approved on your personal credit.
Requires a 680+ FICO and every credit card below 50% utilization. Approval is not guaranteed. Terms set by our funding partner. Read the funding disclaimer.
Watch
How Startup Funding Works for Staten Island Founders
Read the video transcript
You have the idea. You have the plan. Maybe you've even picked out the name.
But when you walk into a bank, the first thing they ask for is two years of business history. And on day one, you don't have it.
That's the wall most New York entrepreneurs hit. Not a bad idea. Just no track record yet.
There's another way to fund a startup. It's called credit-based startup funding, and it's built for founders who are just getting started.
Instead of looking at your business history, approval is based on your personal credit.
That means no revenue required. No time in business. No bank statements. No tax returns.
Qualified founders can get up to $150,000, with an introductory 0% rate for up to 24 months.
Here's what you need. A FICO score of 680 or higher. Every credit card below 50% of its limit, with none maxed out. And a credit report pulled within the last seven days, with no credit freezes.
You can pull your report for free at annualcreditreport.com. Checking your own credit doesn't affect your score.
From Buffalo to Brooklyn, from Albany to Long Island, New Yorkers are turning ideas into businesses.
If you have the idea, the mission, and the credit, the funding may be closer than you think.
Check if you qualify today at nystartupfunding.com.
Local profile
Starting a Business in Staten Island
Staten Island is the least populous and most suburban of New York City's five boroughs, with single-family neighborhoods, strong local loyalty, and many family-owned businesses.
The free Staten Island Ferry links St. George to Lower Manhattan, and the borough's homeowners create steady demand for trades, renovation, and home services.
For a new founder, Staten Island offers a loyal customer base and dedicated local help from the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and the SBDC at the College of Staten Island.
Opportunities
Startup Ideas That Fit Staten Island
Ideas that line up with how Staten Island's economy and community actually work.
Delis, bakeries, and restaurants
Neighborhood food businesses for loyal local customers.
Home renovation
Kitchens, baths, and remodeling for homeowners.
Skilled trades
Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Landscaping
Yard care and snow removal for single-family homes.
Fitness and youth sports
Training, classes, and camps for families.
Auto services
Repair and detailing in a car-dependent borough.
Free local help
Free Business Resources for Staten Island Founders
Free and low-cost help for Staten Island founders. Use it to sharpen your plan, whether or not you apply for funding.
Staten Island Small Business Development Center
Free business advising for Staten Island founders, hosted at the College of Staten Island.
Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC)
Supporting Staten Island businesses since 1993, with free financing assistance, job training, and technology help for small businesses.
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Support
A guide to Staten Island small business help, from the SBDC and SCORE to NYC Business Solutions and SIEDC.
NYC Small Business Services: Financing Assistance
Free help from the City to choose a loan, prepare documents, and connect with banks, credit unions, nonprofit lenders, and SBA lenders, plus city loan funds and the NYC Funds Finder marketplace.
SCORE New York City
Free one-on-one mentoring from experienced business owners and executives across the five boroughs, plus free workshops.
Pursuit: New York City Small Business Loans
A mission-driven lender offering SBA microloans up to $50,000, SmartLoans up to $100,000, and SBA loans for New York City businesses.
We are not affiliated with these organizations. Details can change, so confirm services and hours directly with each one.
The process
Four Steps from Idea to Funded
The whole qualification rests on your personal credit, so the paperwork is short.
Pull your credit report
Get a free copy at annualcreditreport.com. Checking your own report does not affect your score.
Confirm you fit
Make sure your FICO is 680 or higher, every credit card is below 50% of its limit, and any credit freezes are lifted.
Apply with your report
Complete the application through our funding partner and attach the report you pulled in the last 7 days.
Review your offer
Go over the amount, the length of the 0% period, and the rate that follows before you accept.
Questions
Startup Funding FAQ for Staten Island Founders
Can I get startup funding in Staten Island with no revenue?
Yes. This credit-based program does not require revenue, bank statements, or time in business. Approval rests on your personal credit: a 680+ FICO, every credit card below 50% utilization, and an unfrozen credit report pulled within the last 7 days.
Where can Staten Island founders get free help?
The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation offers free financing assistance and other help for small businesses, and the Staten Island SBDC at the College of Staten Island provides free advising.
What credit utilization do I need?
Each existing credit card must be below 50% of its limit, and none can be maxed out. On a card with a $1,000 limit, the balance needs to be under $500.
How much can a Staten Island business get?
Up to $150,000, at an introductory 0% rate for up to 24 months. Your actual amount depends on your credit profile and the funding partner's review. Standard rates apply after the introductory period.
Ready to Fund Your Staten Island Startup?
See if you qualify for up to $150,000 at 0% for up to 24 months.