Step 1: What happens when you apply?
You complete one application with your restaurant's basic details, ownership, monthly sales, how much you are looking for and what it is for. The use of funds matters, because it points to the right product: equipment financing for a new walk-in, a term loan for a second location, or working capital for a slow season.
Be specific. "Replace a failing walk-in cooler before summer" or "fund a franchisor-required remodel due next spring" helps far more than "working capital." Mention any existing loans, equipment financing or advances upfront; they will appear on your statements anyway. Start at /apply/.
Step 2: Which documents will you need?
Most requests start with several months of complete business bank statements, government ID for each owner and a voided business check. Larger or longer requests often add tax returns, a year-to-date profit and loss statement, a schedule of existing debts, and quotes for equipment or projects. Having these ready is the biggest thing you control about speed.
- Everyone: bank statements, owner ID, business details.
- Equipment: vendor quote or invoice.
- Projects and new locations: contractor quotes, lease or letter of intent, budget.
- Franchisees: franchise agreement, and remodel scope if relevant.
- Larger requests: tax returns, P&L, debt schedule.
See what funders look for when a restaurant applies.
Step 3: How should you compare offers?
Compare every offer on the same four lines: the amount you actually receive after fees, the payment and how often it is taken, the term, and the total cost you will repay. Then test the payment against your slowest week. The lowest payment is not always the cheapest option, and the fastest option is rarely the cheapest either.
- Write each offer's amount received, payment, frequency, term and total repayment side by side.
- Ask about prepayment terms, collateral and any personal guarantee.
- Check that the payment fits a slow week, with room for payroll and food orders.
- Ask questions until you understand the agreement. You can decline any offer.
Unsure which product is which? Read types of restaurant funding explained.
Step 4: What happens after you sign?
After you sign, the funding partner completes final verification, which may include confirming bank details, ownership or a vendor invoice, and then sends funds. Some approvals come within a day or two, depending on documents, while larger loans and SBA-backed loans take longer. Timing is never promised, so plan ahead of any deadline.
Once funded, keep the payment schedule in your cash forecast, and contact the funding partner early if a slow stretch makes payments difficult. See how fast a restaurant can get funded for what speeds each product up.
Frequently asked questions
Does applying affect my credit?
It depends on the funding partner and the stage of review. Some use an initial review that does not affect your score, while a full credit check may happen later. Ask before you authorize any credit review, so you know what to expect.
Can I decline an offer?
Yes. Applying does not commit you to accept anything. Review each offer, ask questions and only sign an agreement you understand and can comfortably carry in a slow month.
Who makes the approval decision?
Our funding partners make approval and pricing decisions. Restaurant Capital Now helps match your request to suitable options and explain trade-offs, but no approval or terms are promised.
What if my restaurant has not opened yet?
You can still apply. Options before opening are narrower, usually equipment financing or comparing SBA-backed loans, since many products need months of deposits. Our first-time owner guide explains what is realistic.
Step 1 takes a few minutes
Start your application and see which options fit your restaurant.
Updated September 14, 2026 · Restaurant Capital Now Funding Team