How to Get a Loan for a Seasonal Business in 5 Steps

Seasonal businesses face financial challenges that year-round operations often don’t. Whether you’re preparing for your busiest months or managing expenses during the off-season, maintaining cash flow can be difficult without the right support.

From purchasing inventory and hiring seasonal staff to covering fixed costs when sales slow down, having access to funding can make a big difference. The key is choosing a loan that aligns with your business cycle and financial goals.

In this guide, we’ll walk through five straightforward steps to help you secure the financing your seasonal business needs—no matter what time of year it is.

1. Identify Your Financing Needs

Before applying for a loan, it’s important to clarify how the funds will be used. Seasonal businesses often face two main challenges: covering off-season expenses or preparing for the next busy season. Knowing your goal will help determine the type of financing that’s right for you.

Common reasons seasonal businesses seek funding include:

• Purchasing inventory: Stocking up ahead of peak season to meet customer demand
• Hiring staff: Bringing on seasonal employees to support increased volume
• Marketing campaigns: Running promotions to drive early sales or stay top of mind
• Covering fixed expenses: Paying rent, utilities, insurance, and other overhead during slower months
• Bridging cash flow gaps: Managing operations when revenue is inconsistent or delayed

By defining your financing needs early, you’ll be better equipped to select the right loan product and strengthen your application.

2. Explore the Types of Loans for Seasonal Businesses

Seasonal businesses need flexible financing options that match their revenue cycles. Whether you’re managing slow months or investing in growth before peak season, the right loan can help you stay on track without straining your cash flow.

Here are some common loan types that work well for seasonal businesses:

• Term loans: A fixed amount of capital with set repayment terms. Ideal for large, one-time expenses like inventory purchases or equipment upgrades.
• Business lines of credit: Flexible access to funds that you can draw from as needed. Useful for covering variable expenses or filling cash flow gaps during the off-season.
• Revenue-based financing: Repayments are tied to your sales volume. This option adjusts with your income, making it a good fit for businesses with fluctuating revenue.
• Working capital loans: Short-term funding that helps cover everyday operational costs. Often used to bridge the gap between seasons.
• SBA loans: Government-backed loans with longer terms and lower rates. Best suited for businesses with strong financials and long-term growth plans.

Each option has its own benefits, so the best choice depends on your timing, cash flow needs, and how you plan to repay the funds.

3. Understand What Lenders Look For

When applying for financing, it’s important to understand how lenders evaluate your business. At SBG Funding, we work with many seasonal businesses and offer flexible options that account for fluctuations in revenue.

Here’s what we typically look for:

• Time in business: You should have at least 6 months of operating history. Longer time in business may improve your eligibility and loan terms.
• Annual revenue: Most programs require at least $180,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue. Higher revenue can qualify you for larger amounts or longer repayment terms.
• Credit score: A credit score in the 500–600 range is generally the minimum. We look at both personal and business credit, but we don’t rely on credit scores alone.
• Bank statements: You’ll need to submit 3 to 6 months of recent business bank statements. This helps us assess your cash flow, including how it varies between seasons.
• Loan purpose: A clear plan for how the funds will be used helps us match you with the right solution—whether that’s supporting off-season expenses or preparing for a busy period.
• No collateral required: Most of our loans are unsecured, so you don’t need to put up equipment, inventory, or property to qualify.

Our goal is to make the process simple and supportive, even if your revenue isn’t consistent throughout the year. We understand the seasonal nature of your business and take that into account during the approval process.

4. Choose the Right Loan for Your Business

Not every loan is built for seasonal cash flow. The best financing option depends on when you need the funds, how you’ll use them, and how your revenue is spread throughout the year.

Here are a few examples of how to match the loan type to your business goals:

• Preparing for peak season: A short-term loan or working capital loan can help you buy inventory, run marketing campaigns, or bring on seasonal staff before sales start coming in.
• Managing off-season expenses: A business line of credit gives you flexible access to funds that you can draw from as needed to cover fixed costs like rent, utilities, or payroll.
• Revenue that changes month to month: Revenue-based financing allows you to make payments based on a percentage of your sales, which can help you stay on track even during slower periods.
• Long-term growth plans: If your business is well established with strong financials, an SBA loan may offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.

SBG Funding offers all of these options, and our team can help you determine which one makes the most sense based on your seasonal cycle and cash flow patterns.

5. Apply for the Loan with Confidence

Once you’ve identified the right loan for your seasonal business, the final step is submitting your application. At SBG Funding, we make the process fast and straightforward—so you can secure the capital you need without slowing down your operations.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Basic business information: Legal name, business structure, time in operation, and business address
• Recent bank statements: Typically the last 3 to 6 months of business bank activity
• Annual revenue figures: Your total business income, which helps us evaluate your cash flow and seasonal trends
• Loan amount and purpose: A clear explanation of how the funds will be used, whether it’s for growth, operations, or bridging slow periods

You can complete the application online in just a few minutes. Once submitted, our team reviews your details and typically provides a decision within 24 hours. If approved, funds can be deposited into your account as soon as the next business day.

For seasonal business owners, timing is everything. With SBG Funding, you can apply on your schedule and access capital when you need it most.

Fast Loans for Seasonal Businesses from SBG Funding

Whether you’re gearing up for your busiest season or managing cash flow in the off-season, SBG Funding offers fast and flexible financing tailored to seasonal businesses. Our funding solutions are designed to support your business through every part of the cycle.

Why Choose SBG Funding?

• Fast Approvals: Get a decision in as little as 24 hours.
• Seasonal-Focused Solutions: Use funds for inventory, payroll, marketing, or operational expenses.
• No Collateral Required: Access working capital without putting up assets.

How to Apply

• Apply Online: Complete our short application in minutes
• Get a Fast Decision: We’ll review your request and respond within 24 hours.
• Receive Funding: Approved funds can be in your account as soon as the next business day.

Applying won’t affect your credit score. Get the capital your seasonal business needs—right when you need it.