A Simple Guide for New and Growing Service Owners
Starting or growing a cleaning business is one of the most accessible paths to entrepreneurship. It has low overhead, flexible startup costs, and can become profitable quickly. But whether you’re just launching or scaling up, most cleaning businesses hit the same roadblock: needing funding to move forward.
The good news? You have more options than you might think.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to get cleaning business funding, what lenders typically look for, and which types of funding work best for cleaning service owners.
Why You Might Need Funding for Your Cleaning Business
Even though cleaning businesses are relatively affordable to start, expenses can add up—especially when you’re ready to expand or take on commercial jobs. Some common reasons cleaning businesses seek funding include:
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Buying supplies and equipment
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Hiring and training staff
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Purchasing or upgrading a service vehicle
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Marketing to get new clients
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Covering cash flow while waiting on invoices
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Expanding into new service areas or specialties
Whether you’re residential, commercial, or specialized (like post-construction or short-term rental cleaning), having access to capital can help you grow faster and more confidently.
What Lenders Look for in a Cleaning Business
Lenders typically want to see that your business is either already making money or has a clear plan for how it will.
Here are a few things that can help you qualify:
✅ 3–6 months of consistent revenue (if already operating)
✅ A business bank account and proper licensing
✅ Personal credit score (especially for startups)
✅ A simple business plan or service overview
✅ Details on how you’ll use the funding
If you’re just starting out, you may still qualify for certain types of funding—especially unsecured options like credit card stacking or equipment financing.
Best Types of Cleaning Business Funding
Credit Card Stacking
A great option for startups or those with limited revenue. This involves accessing multiple 0% interest business credit cards, often bundled through a specialist. No collateral required.
Equipment Financing
Need a new floor buffer, carpet cleaner, or service vehicle? Equipment loans let you spread the cost over time, using the equipment itself as collateral.
Short-Term Working Capital Loans
Ideal if you’re already earning but need help with cash flow, payroll, or scaling. These are usually based on your revenue and don’t require perfect credit.
Merchant Cash Advances (MCA)
If you accept credit/debit card payments, an MCA offers a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of your future sales. These are fast but can come with higher costs.
Microloans or Local Programs
Some nonprofits or local agencies offer microloans or grants specifically for service-based or women-owned businesses. These take more research but can offer lower rates.
Tips to Improve Your Approval Odds
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Keep your business account clean—avoid overdrafts and keep deposits steady
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Build a simple service menu and pricing sheet to show how you make money
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Open a business credit card or vendor account to start building credit
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Put together a basic business plan—don’t overthink it, just explain what you do
📌 Need help with your plan? Our free template in the guide below makes it easy.
✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t let a lack of funding hold back your cleaning business. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to expand, we’re here to help you make informed decisions.
Download our Ultimate Business Funding Guide to access tools, templates, and funding advice—or Get Pre-qualified (below) to be matched with lenders who understand service businesses like yours.