Food Truck Guide
Financing a food truck is not the same as financing a restaurant. The truck is the collateral. The kitchen is inside the collateral. And most lenders are still figuring out how to underwrite a business that moves. We put this guide together for food truck owners — from first-time operators trying to get funded to established trucks looking to expand or replace aging equipment.
At eBoost Partners, we’ve worked with food truck clients across urban markets, festival circuits, and catering operations. The funding path looks different for each one. This guide covers the main financing options, what lenders actually want to see, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that get applications declined.
Jacob Shimon is a professional finance writer at eBoost Partners with over seven years of experience in the commercial lending industry. A graduate of the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business with a degree in Finance, he specializes in breaking down complex business lending topics to help entrepreneurs make smart, informed decisions.
See full bioFood truck financing
Whether you’re buying new or used, the truck itself drives most lenders’ decisions. A fully outfitted new truck runs $75,000 to $200,000. Used trucks come in at $20,000 to $75,000. Equipment loans cover most of that cost, but you’ll also need to budget for permits, commissary fees, insurance, and working capital — costs that catch a lot of first-time owners off guard. This article covers equipment loans, SBA microloans, MCAs for operating businesses, and how to structure your financing to cover the full picture, not just the vehicle.
Read: Food truck financing – how to fund your truck, equipment, and first year
Used food truck financing
Buying a used truck cuts your upfront cost significantly, but lenders treat older vehicles differently — especially if the truck is more than five or six years old or needs equipment upgrades. Some lenders won’t finance used trucks at all. Others will, but at higher rates with shorter terms. This article covers what to look for when evaluating a used truck for financing, how to get an inspection that satisfies a lender, and where to find used truck financing when traditional equipment lenders pass. Coming soon.
Food truck working capital
Most food trucks run tight between events, especially in winter. A business line of credit or working capital loan can cover commissary fees, ingredient costs, staff, and repairs in the slow months without forcing you to take on high-cost short-term financing every time cash gets thin. This article covers working capital options built for seasonal businesses and how to structure access to capital before you need it. Coming soon.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All funding products, rates, and terms are provided by eBoost Partners and are subject to application, credit approval, and our current underwriting criteria. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.