Knoxville Business Funding

Start-Up Business Loans in Knoxville, TN

Ignite your idea's rocket boosters with up to $500,000
+ $20,000 in free digital marketing services  

Get Pre-Approved  
No Impact on Credit!
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Written by:
Corey Showers
Funding Specialist
Edited by:
Matt Labowski
Lead Editor
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Aim for the Stars

Start Your New Business Right

The thrill of starting your own business is unparalleled, but running out of capital can turn excitement into stress. With a start-up business loan in Knoxville, TN, and the right guidance, your sky has no limits.

2-Minute Online App
Dedicated Specialist
Multiple Funding Options
No Impact on Credit to Apply
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No Collateral? No Problem!

No need to pledge your spaceship—our unsecured loans are designed to let you focus on launching, not stressing.

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Terms up to 10 Years

From liftoff to cruising altitude, our repayment options stretch up to 10 years, giving your business room to grow.

Funding at Light Speed2

Need funds fast? We’ll deliver in record time—because the universe waits for no entrepreneur.

Like Jet Fuel for Tennessee Start-Ups

Knoxville Business Loan Options

Take the first step toward success with StartCap. From funding to expert advice, we’re here to help your business thrive.

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From idea to orbit, we've got you covered.

No matter where you're at in your journey, we have options to help you get to the next level.

Idea-Stage

Got a brilliant idea and ready to launch? We’ll help you get registered with your state and secure the funding you need to take off.

Early-Stage

Lifting off can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to give your new venture the boost it needs to soar.

Well-Established

Keep operations running seamlessly with the right funding for vendors, inventory, payroll—whatever your business needs to stay on course.

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Top Tier; Very Cutesy; Very Demure

+ 3-Months of Free Digital Marketing

For a limited time, our expert in-house marketing team is offering 3 months of premium marketing services—valued at $20,000—to help drive leads and sales for your start-up, whether you're in Knoxville or nationwide.

Here's a truck load of stuff to get kicked off

Domain Name
Custom Website
Logo Design
Google Ads Management
Social Media Management
GMB Setup & Optimization
Professional SEO
Web Hosting

Terms & conditions apply

Knox County

Find Start-Up Business Loans
Near Knoxville, TN

Businesses in Knoxville and throughout Knox County, StartCap is ready to support you with funding and expertise. See the nearby cities we serve and let’s get started! From Eagleton Village to Pigeon Forge and beyond, we've got you covered.

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Start-Up Loan FAQ's

  Are there any local lenders in Knoxville that offer start-up loans?

Entrepreneurs in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains find securing start-up business loans feels like balancing on a razor's edge. Traditional local lenders in Knoxville, TN, often hesitate to extend credit to new businesses without extensive financial history or collateral, making initial funding monumentally challenging.

StartCap understands the complex landscape of business financing in East Tennessee. While local banks may present barriers, alternative funding sources exist for motivated entrepreneurs willing to explore comprehensive documentation, strong business plans, and creative financial strategies.

Here are a few local suggestions:
  • First Tennessee Bank at Gay Street & Market Square
  • Knoxville TVA Credit Union at Sutherland Avenue & Kingston Pike
  • Mountain Commerce Bank at Campbell Station Road & Parkside Drive
  • Pinnacle Bank at Cedar Bluff Road & Westland Drive
  • Bank of Tennessee at Chapman Highway & Moody Avenue
  • SmartBank at Kingston Pike & Lovell Road
Note: StartCap is not associated with the above lenders in any way. Contact your local branch for the most accurate information & minimum requirements.

Interest rates for start-up business loans in Knoxville, can vary widely based on the lender, loan type, and your personal credit profile. Traditional banks typically offer rates between 6% to 12% for well-qualified borrowers, though approval can be strict. SBA loans in Knoxville, which are popular for new businesses, generally have rates ranging from 7% to 13%, depending on the loan program. Alternative and online lenders may have higher rates, often between 6% to 30%, as they take on more risk, offer more flexible requirements, and time to funding is much faster. Alternatively, many business & personal credit cards have introductory rates starting at 0% for up to 2 years.

No, not always—it depends on the type of loan you're applying for. Some funding options require business registration, while others focus on personal credit, income, or assets instead. If your business isn’t registered yet, don’t worry! We can either guide you through the registration process or explore funding alternatives that don’t require it.

Yes, Knoxville, TN offers several startup grant opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Innovation Collaborative provides seed funding for tech-driven ventures, while the Knoxville Entrepreneurship Center administers micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for small businesses demonstrating strong community potential.

Additional funding sources include the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, which connects entrepreneurs with regional grant programs and low-interest loans. Local business accelerators like the Knoxville Startup Network also facilitate funding connections, offering potential financial support through competitive application processes and mentorship networks.

Elevate Yourself

Get Pre-Approved