Rise Business Funding

Revenue-Based Financing in Tennessee

Tennessee's economy spans advanced manufacturing in the greater Memphis corridor, healthcare systems anchored in Nashville, and a thriving hospitality sector. Revenue-based financing gives local businesses flexible capital that scales with monthly sales, helping owners across the Volunteer State manage growth without rigid fixed payments.

Check EligibilityPre-Qualify Now

Decision Within 2 Hours

Get a decision within 2 hours of a complete document submission.

Funding $5K to $500K

Amounts range from $5K to $500K, based on your revenue and credit profile.

Statewide Coverage

Serving small businesses in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and beyond

About Revenue-Based Financing in Tennessee

Tennessee's small businesses generated 80.7% of the state's net private-sector job growth between March 2023 and March 2024, adding more than 40,000 net jobs in a single year, according to the SBA Office of Advocacy. That output reflects an economy where transportation corridors, entertainment districts, and assembly plants create constant revenue movement but uneven cash flow timing. Revenue-based financing matches repayments to that rhythm: you pay a percentage of monthly revenue, not a fixed installment, so slower months cost less.

Consider how that structure fits the industries driving Tennessee's growth right now. Logistics operators running freight through the I-40/I-65/I-24 corridors near Nashville or supporting FedEx's global hub at Memphis International Airport carry heavy fuel, maintenance, and driver costs that precede invoice collection by weeks. Trucking business loans built around revenue share absorb that gap without forcing fixed payments during a slow freight cycle. On Music Row and along the Beale Street Entertainment District in Memphis, entertainment-focused businesses face the opposite problem: concentrated revenue around festival seasons and touring cycles, followed by leaner quarters. A flexible repayment model lets a recording studio or live-venue operator scale payments down when bookings thin out rather than drawing on reserves.

Automotive suppliers serving the Nissan assembly plant in Smyrna or Volkswagen's Chattanooga facility often run on net-30 to net-60 supplier payment terms, which creates a predictable but persistent working-capital gap. Equipment financing can address capital-intensive tool purchases, while revenue-based financing covers operating expenses between purchase orders. For general contractors active in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA, where Davidson County recorded 47,037 new business applications in 2023 alone, construction business loans structured around project revenue keep materials procurement and subcontractor payments on schedule. Tennessee exported $38.9 billion in goods in 2024, and the supplier ecosystems around those exports need working capital that moves as fast as the revenue does. Lenders in the Rise Business Funding network structure financing around your actual monthly receipts, not a bank's fixed-payment schedule. Use the business funding calculator to see what an advance against your Tennessee revenue could look like.

Financing Options in Tennessee

Revenue-Based Financing

Receive a lump-sum advance repaid as a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly revenue. Payments flex with your sales volume, making it ideal for Tennessee businesses with variable income.

Learn more

Merchant Cash Advance

A merchant cash advance delivers fast capital in exchange for a portion of future credit and debit card receipts. It suits retail shops, restaurants, and hospitality businesses throughout Tennessee that process high card volumes.

Learn more

Business Line of Credit

A revolving credit line lets Tennessee business owners draw funds as needed and repay on a flexible schedule. It is well suited to managing payroll gaps, inventory purchases, or unexpected expenses.

Learn more

Short-Term Business Loans

Short-term loans provide a fixed amount of capital with repayment terms typically ranging from 3 to 18 months. They are a strong fit for Tennessee businesses that need immediate working capital and can repay quickly.

Learn more

SBA Loans

SBA loan programs offer longer repayment terms and competitive rates for qualifying Tennessee small businesses. Lenders in our network can help you navigate SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 options for larger capital needs.

Learn more

Equipment Financing

Equipment financing allows Tennessee businesses to acquire machinery, vehicles, or technology without a large upfront payment. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which can make qualification more accessible.

Learn more

Requirements to Qualify

Personal FICO Score

550+

RBF is more accessible than traditional loans. Revenue consistency matters more than credit score, though a higher score can improve your terms.

Monthly Revenue

$10,000+

The lender uses your monthly revenue to calculate the advance amount and determine the repayment percentage. Stronger, more consistent revenue qualifies for larger amounts.

Time in Business

6+ months

Lenders need enough operating history to evaluate your revenue patterns. Businesses with at least 6 months of consistent deposits are typically eligible.

Bank Account

Business Account Required

Used to verify revenue patterns and calculate your monthly repayment percentage. Personal accounts are not accepted.

How Rise Works

1

Submit Your Application

Complete our secure online application in minutes and share your recent business bank statements. No hard credit pull is required to apply, and there are no upfront fees.

2

Get Matched and Get a Decision

Rise Business Funding reviews your application and matches you with lenders in our network suited to your business. You get a decision within 2 hours of a complete document submission.

3

Receive Your Funds

Once you accept an offer and finalize documents with the lender, funds go to your business bank account. Typical funding time is within 24 hours of approval.

Why Business Owners Choose Rise Business Funding

  • Decision Within 2 Hours

    Get a decision within 2 hours of a complete document submission.

  • Free to Apply, No Obligation

    Applying costs nothing, and you're never obligated to accept an offer.

  • Compare Before You Commit

    See the options you qualify for side by side, then pick the one whose payments fit your cash flow.

Tennessee-Specific Resources

Tennessee entrepreneurs have access to several public-sector resources worth knowing before you decide how to structure your capital stack. Fund Tennessee administers $117 million in federal SSBCI 2.0 funding through programs like LendTN, which channels debt capital through Treasury-certified CDFIs across all 95 counties. Pathway Lending, a Nashville-based CDFI endorsed by the Tennessee Bankers Association, offers term loans and lines of credit averaging $202,000 and can serve as a complementary source for longer-horizon needs. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, provides free consulting on loan packaging and financial projections. These programs are valuable, but they carry approval timelines and eligibility criteria that do not fit every situation. Rise Business Funding's revenue-based financing and short-term products are designed to move on your schedule, bridging gaps that public programs cannot always close quickly enough.

Fund Tennessee

Tennessee's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) program, administering $117 million in federal funding statewide through three components: LendTN (a $47 million debt program delivered via Treasury-certified CDFIs across all 95 counties), InvestTN (equity investments into Tennessee-located startups at the pre-seed and seed stages), and AssistTN (technical assistance to help SEDI-owned and very small businesses become capital-ready). At least 58% of loaned dollars must serve socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

fundtennessee.org

Pathway Lending

Nashville-based, U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI and the only CDFI endorsed by the Tennessee Bankers Association, offering small business term loans, lines of credit, equipment and commercial real estate financing starting at $5,000 (average small business loan size of $202,000 in 2024), with a focus on veteran-, women-, minority-, rural, and low-to-moderate-income borrowers across all regions of Tennessee. Pathway is a participating lender in the LendTN program under Fund Tennessee and has delivered more than $587 million in direct lending over 25 years.

pathwaylending.org

LiftFund

Treasury-certified nonprofit CDFI operating a Tennessee-specific lending portal, offering SBA Community Advantage loans (up to $350,000, 7 to 10 year terms) and microloans to small businesses in Tennessee that do not qualify for traditional bank financing, with particular emphasis on underserved entrepreneurs including minorities, women, and veterans. LiftFund has deployed nearly $1 billion in funding to more than 28,000 business owners across 13 states, with Tennessee as a primary service market.

tennessee.liftfund.com

SBA Tennessee District Office

The U.S. Small Business Administration's single district office for Tennessee, located in Nashville, serves all 95 counties of the state and delivers SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans through more than 120 approved lending partners, which collectively approved over $670 million in SBA-backed loans for Tennessee businesses in Fiscal Year 2025. The office also provides counseling referrals, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance.

sba.gov

Hope Credit Union

Treasury-certified CDFI credit union serving the Deep South including Tennessee, providing small business loans up to $250,000 and commercial loans above that threshold, with 64% of small business loans historically going to Black-owned businesses and 74% made in economically distressed regions. HOPE also administers the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund, which explicitly covers Tennessee, and offers start-up loans, business real estate lending, and SBA-sponsored financing for businesses in underserved areas.

hopecu.org

Tennessee Small Business Development Center

Statewide network of Small Business Development Centers hosted by Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro and accredited by the National Association of Small Business Development Centers, providing free, confidential consulting on business planning, financial projections, loan packaging, and market research to Tennessee entrepreneurs at every stage. The TSBDC also serves as the designated technical assistance partner for the AssistTN component of Fund Tennessee (SSBCI).

tsbdc.org

Frequently Asked Questions

About Funding in Tennessee

What is revenue-based financing and how does it work in Tennessee?

Revenue-based financing in Tennessee is a funding structure where a lender advances capital to your business in exchange for a fixed percentage of future monthly revenue until the total amount owed is repaid. Unlike traditional loans with set monthly installments, your payments move up or down based on how much revenue you bring in. This makes it a popular choice for Tennessee businesses with seasonal or variable income, such as tourism-adjacent hospitality businesses or food service operators in Nashville and Knoxville.

What credit score do I need to qualify for revenue-based financing in Tennessee?

Most lenders in our network look for a minimum FICO score of 550 to qualify for revenue-based financing. However, because this product places heavy emphasis on monthly revenue rather than credit history alone, Tennessee business owners with credit scores in the mid-500s may still find options depending on their revenue volume and time in business. Checking your eligibility through our network does not impact your credit score.

How fast can I get funded through revenue-based financing?

Many Tennessee businesses receive a funding decision within 2 hours of a complete document submission. Once an offer is accepted and final verification is complete, funds are typically deposited into your business bank account within 24 hours. This speed makes revenue-based financing a strong option when you need capital quickly for payroll, inventory, or an unexpected expense.

What documents do I need to apply for revenue-based financing in Tennessee?

Typical documentation includes three to six months of business bank statements, proof of business ownership, a valid government-issued ID, and basic information about your Tennessee business such as its legal name, industry, and time in operation. Some lenders may also request recent tax returns or profit and loss statements. Our application is designed to be straightforward, and a funding specialist can guide you through any additional requirements.

Can my Tennessee LLC or sole proprietorship qualify?

Yes. LLCs, sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-corporations, and C-corporations operating in Tennessee are all eligible to apply. The key factors lenders evaluate are monthly revenue, time in business, and overall business health rather than the legal structure of your entity. Both established businesses and those that have been operating for at least six months may qualify depending on their financial profile.

Are there Tennessee-specific rules that affect revenue-based financing?

Revenue-based financing is offered through private lenders and is not subject to the same state licensing rules as traditional bank loans in many cases. Tennessee does not impose additional state-level restrictions that typically prevent qualifying businesses from accessing this product. That said, lenders in our network comply with all applicable federal and state regulations. It is always a good idea to review offer terms carefully and consult a financial advisor if you have questions about how a specific product fits your business situation.

What can I use revenue-based financing for in my Tennessee business?

Tennessee business owners use revenue-based financing for a wide range of purposes, including purchasing inventory ahead of a busy season, covering payroll during a slow period, funding a marketing campaign, upgrading equipment, renovating a commercial space, or hiring additional staff. Because lenders typically do not restrict how funds are used, you have the flexibility to direct capital where your business needs it most.

How does revenue-based financing compare to an SBA loan for Tennessee businesses?

SBA loans generally offer longer repayment terms and lower rates but involve a lengthier application process and stricter eligibility requirements. Revenue-based financing in Tennessee can be approved and funded in days rather than weeks or months, and qualification leans more on revenue than credit score. For businesses that need capital quickly or do not yet qualify for SBA programs, revenue-based financing is often a practical bridge. You can explore both options through Rise Business Funding's lender network.

Revenue-Based Financing in Tennessee Cities

We serve businesses in Memphis, Nashville. Pick your city for local programs, qualification specifics, and city-tailored FAQs.

Get Revenue-Based Financing Today

Apply in under 5 minutes. No credit impact. Get a decision within 2 hours of a complete document submission.

Apply NowPre-Qualify Now