Bank financing can be hard to obtain for new entrepreneurs. Most banks will fund start-ups, often through their SBA programs. Many banks loan to small business through their retail branches, requiring that the entrepreneur pledge personal assets rather than the cash flow of the business as collateral. Many new entrepreneurs state that their credit cards have been their major source of working capital. Loans against tangible assets like real estate or equipment are often key sources of funds.

Virtually all banks in Chattanooga participate in the Small Business Administration lending programs including "Low-Doc" loans that have lowered the cost of obtaining and servicing loans for participating institutions. This program has enabled banks to lower their loan limits from the $50,000 minimum that most banks previously required.

If the business history is sparse, a bank may work with small businesses through the bank’s "retail" division - the business owner’s VISA or MasterCard, for example. Besides demonstrating credit worthiness, most banks look for business owners to have significant money of their own in the business.