Startups
New business? No problem.
Businesses under two years old and owner-operators are welcome. App-only options, programs that help you build business credit, and fast decisions.
- Under 2 years OK
- Owner-operators welcome
- Build business credit
- Used & high-mileage OK
Updated October 31, 2026
Can a startup or brand-new business finance equipment?
Yes. Avanti finances startups and businesses under two years old, including first-time owner-operators with no business history. App-only options are available on many deals, and a down payment is typically required. Terms depend on your application and the equipment; decisions can come in as little as 24 hours after review of a complete file.
Why finance with Avanti
New businesses can apply for their first truck or machine. Strong credit can qualify for $0 down; challenged credit typically requires a down payment. Your representative explains the requirements for your credit profile and equipment before you commit.
For a future purchase, the terms will depend on the application, equipment and financing options available at that time.
At a glance
- Amounts
- $20K – $500K+
- Terms
- Up to 72 months
- Credit
- All considered
- Equipment
- New & used
What a startup can expect by credit score
The planning figures our credit-based pre-qualification shows a business under two years old, by the credit range you'd pick on the application:
| Credit score | Down payment | Longest term | Truck age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700+ | Often $0 down up to $50k | Up to 72 months | Age sets the term |
| 660–699 | 20% down minimum | Up to 60 months used / 72 new | Age sets the term |
| 640–659 | 30–40% down | Up to 60 months used / 72 new | Age sets the term |
| 600–639 | Around 40% down | Up to 36 months used / 48 new | 2017 or newer |
| 550–599 | Around 40% down | Up to 36 months used / 48 new | 2017 or newer |
| Below 550 | 30–40% down | Up to 36 months used / 48 new | 2017 or newer |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Planning figures from Avanti's credit-based pre-qualification for a $40,000 truck bought by a business under two years old. Over $50,000, a 700+ startup can need 10–20% down. With credit under 700, expect to send your last 3 months of business bank statements. Final terms are set by the lending partner after review.
Starting a towing company?
The first tow truck has its own playbook: which truck finances best, where the CDL line falls, and the work that strengthens a file with no history. The guide walks through it step by step.
What makes a startup file stronger
With no business history to review, these carry the file:
- Personal credit
- The down payment: the strongest lever you control
- Years of experience in the industry
- Work lined up for the equipment
- A business bank account with steady deposits
- Equipment you already own, pledged as additional collateral
How it works
Pick your equipment
Choose the truck or machine you need, from a dealer or a private seller, new or used.
Apply in minutes
A short application and the equipment details. We review your credit to pre-qualify, usually in just a few minutes.
Get a decision
Decisions come back in as little as 24 hours, with terms matched to your credit and time in business.
Get funded
Sign, and we coordinate funding, usually within a few days, so your equipment can get to work.
Frequently asked questions
Can a startup get equipment financing?
Yes. Businesses under two years old and owner-operators are welcome. A down payment is typically required, and strong personal credit helps.
How much down does a startup need?
It scales with credit. Strong credit can mean $0 down up to a set amount, while lower scores generally require 20 to 40 percent down on 2017-or-newer equipment.
Do you require tax returns?
App-only programs are available with no tax returns required up to higher amounts, depending on the profile.
Can financing help build my business credit?
Yes. Financing equipment in the business name and paying on time helps establish business credit over time.
Related financing
- Collateral-based financingWhen the equipment carries the deal instead of the credit score.
- Private party equipment financingBuy from a private seller, not just a dealer: same terms, title handled.
- No money down equipment financing$0 down for qualified credit, and real ways to lower it for everyone else.
- Working capitalPayroll, inventory and repairs. For businesses with at least one year of history and business-bank deposits.
Read more on this
- 7 min readHow to Finance a Tow Truck as a Startup BusinessStarting a towing company? How first-truck financing works: down payments by credit score, which truck to buy first, and what to have ready to apply.Read →
- 7 min readChallenged Credit Equipment Financing: A to D Credit ExplainedHow equipment financing works with challenged credit: what A, B, C and D credit mean, down payments by score and time in business, and what helps.Read →
- 4 min readTow Truck Financing in 5 Steps: From Quote to KeysThe financing process from first quote to a funded tow truck, broken into five simple steps so you know exactly what to expect.Read →
