Funders measure time in business from when the company started operating, and they may confirm it through your state registration, EIN letter, tax filings or the age of your business bank account. Different funders read it differently, so have the dates ready.
Longer history lowers risk in underwriting. It shows the business has come through slow seasons and has a record to review. Bank and SBA loans usually expect more history than revenue-based products.
Openbook Capital can usually help businesses with 6+ months in business, $10,000 or more in average monthly deposits and a U.S. business checking account. Each funder then applies its own criteria.