You can fund a food truck with equipment financing for the truck and kitchen gear, an SBA loan for a bigger startup budget, a line of credit for slow months, or a merchant cash advance once you have steady card sales. The right mix depends on how long you've been open and what the money is for.
A food truck is a restaurant, a vehicle and a small business all rolled into one. That means three kinds of costs: the truck itself, the kitchen equipment inside it, and the cash to get through your first season. Each one fits a different type of funding.
In our experience, a lot of owners think a bank loan is their only option. It's not. Below we walk through the main choices, what each one is good for, and how to get ready before you apply.
What does it cost to get a food truck running?
Costs vary a lot by truck, menu and city, so there's no single number. What matters is breaking your budget into buckets so you can match each one to the right kind of funding.
Most food truck budgets include:
- The truck or trailer. New, used, or a custom build.
- Kitchen equipment. Grills, fryers, refrigeration, generators, hoods and fire suppression.
- Permits and licenses. Health permits, business licenses and any local vending permits.
- Startup inventory and supplies. Food, packaging, propane and cleaning supplies.
- Payments and tech. A card reader or POS, plus online ordering.
- Working capital. Cash for fuel, payroll, insurance and repairs while you build a following.
Write down a real number for each bucket. Partners will ask what the money is for.
How does equipment financing work for a food truck?
Equipment financing pays for the truck or the kitchen gear, and the equipment itself usually serves as collateral. You make regular payments over a set term, and you use the equipment the whole time.
This is often the most natural fit for the biggest purchase: the truck. Because the truck backs the financing, partners can look at the value of what you're buying, not only your business history.
A few things to know:
- Used trucks and trailers can often be financed, but age and condition matter.
- You can finance kitchen equipment on its own if you already own the vehicle.
- Have the seller's quote or invoice ready. Partners will want to see exactly what you're buying.
Learn more about all of our business funding options.
Can you use an SBA loan for a food truck?
Yes. SBA loans can be used for things like equipment, inventory and working capital. The SBA doesn't usually lend the money itself. It backs loans made by approved lenders, which can make those lenders more willing to say yes.
There are a couple of SBA programs worth knowing about:
- SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA's main loan program. It can cover a wide range of business needs, including equipment and working capital.
- SBA microloans. Smaller loans of up to $50,000, made through nonprofit lenders. They can be used for working capital, supplies, inventory, equipment and similar costs.
SBA loans take more paperwork and more time than some other options. They're a good fit when you can plan ahead and aren't in a rush. Read more on our SBA loans page.
What's the best way to fund your first season?
For first-season cash, a line of credit is often a good fit because you only draw what you need. It can cover fuel, inventory and payroll while sales build.
Food trucks live and die by the calendar. Festival season, football weekends and nice weather can be packed. Cold snaps, rain and summer heat can be slow. In our experience, local businesses across North Florida and South Georgia all deal with busy and slow seasons, and food trucks feel it more than most.
Here's a simple way to think about first-season funding:
- Estimate your slowest months and what it costs to stay open during them.
- Set aside cash, or set up a line of credit, before those months arrive.
- Draw only what you need, and pay it down when the busy season comes back.
It's usually easier to arrange funding while your sales look steady than in the middle of a slow stretch.
When does a merchant cash advance make sense for a food truck?
A merchant cash advance can make sense once you have steady card sales and need money fast. Instead of a fixed monthly payment, you repay it from a share of your future card sales.
It's not a loan, and it usually costs more than traditional financing, so it's best for short-term needs where speed matters. Think of a broken generator the week before a big event.
Because it's based on card sales, it's generally not an option for a truck that hasn't opened yet. See how it works on our merchant cash advance page.
Which funding option fits which need?
Match the type of funding to what you're paying for. Long-lasting things fit longer-term funding, and short-term needs fit short-term funding.
| What you need | Common fit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| The truck or trailer | Equipment financing | The truck usually serves as collateral |
| Kitchen equipment | Equipment financing | Bring the seller's quote |
| A full startup budget | SBA loan | More paperwork, more time |
| Slow-season cash | Line of credit | Draw only what you need |
| A fast, short-term need | Merchant cash advance | Needs steady card sales; usually costs more |
What documents should you have ready before you apply?
Have your ID, business details, bank statements and a clear list of what the money is for. Being organized speeds things up.
The question we hear a lot is what to have ready, because many owners don't know until a partner asks. Here's a good starting list:
- Driver's license or other government ID
- Business name, entity type and EIN
- Recent business bank statements
- Card processing statements, if you already take cards
- Business and personal tax returns, especially for SBA loans
- A quote or invoice for the truck or equipment
- A short business plan or startup cost list if you're brand new
Once you're rolling, don't forget the other side of cash flow: what you pay to accept cards. Check out our food truck page for payment and software options built for trucks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance a used food truck?
Often, yes. Many equipment financing partners will consider used trucks and trailers. The age, condition and value of the vehicle all play a part in what a partner will offer.
Do I need a down payment to finance a food truck?
It depends on the funding partner, the type of funding and your business profile. Some options ask for money down and some don't. Ask about it early so you can plan your cash.
Can a new food truck business get funding?
Yes, it can be possible, but options are usually narrower for a brand-new business. A clear business plan, startup cost list and personal financial information help partners understand your plan.
Does BRIDGEVANTI run a credit check?
No. BRIDGEVANTI never runs a credit check. Our funding partners may do a soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your credit score.
Does BRIDGEVANTI charge fees for funding?
No. BRIDGEVANTI is not a lender and doesn't charge you any fees for funding. We connect you with funding partners, and we may be compensated by those partners for referrals.