The Best Businesses to Start in 2026

(That Commercial Lenders Actually Like to Approve & Fund)

As we wrap up the year and head into 2026, more entrepreneurs are looking to start up their own businesses — and many of them are doing it with equipment-driven, revenue-generating companies. New business applications in the U.S. remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Business Formation Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

But here’s the real question most new business owners don’t consider:
Which Business types are the most fundable — the ones commercial lenders are actually willing to finance in 2026?

Anyone can make themselves a “top business ideas” list, but commercial lenders see the market from a different angle. They look at risk, revenue potential, collateral strength, and long-term visibility — because those factors determine whether a business is financeable.

This list focuses on real businesses that lenders currently like to approve, fund, and feel confident supporting as we move into 2026.

What Makes a Business “Financeable” in 2026?

• Commercial lenders tend to prefer businesses that have:
• – Essential or year-round demand
• – Equipment with strong resale value
• – Predictable revenue pathways
• – Owners with relevant experience

If your business checks these boxes, approvals are terms are often more favorable — sometimes even for true startups.

Top Businesses to Start in 2026

1. 1. Material-Handling, Warehouse Support & Industrial Equipment Services

With continued U.S. manufacturing and distribution growth, warehouse-driven businesses remain strong going into 2026.

• Equipment that lenders like to finance in this sector:
• – Forklifts & telehandlers
• – Reach trucks, pallet stackers, warehouse lifts
• – Scissor & boom lifts
• – Warehouse floor scubbers/sweepers
• – Conveyor & pallet racking systems

• Why lenders like it:
• – Work is long-term, not one-off
• – Contracts and maintenance agreements make revenue predictable
• – Equipment

If this is an industry you are looking to get into, check out one of our recent posts on Financing Warehouse and Material-Handling Equipment.

1. 2. Construction & Site-Service Contracting

Construction remains one of the most financeable industries for equipment-driven startups — especially those purchasing yellow iron. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook continues to show long-term labor demand, driven by infrastructure and development spending.

• Popular 2026 startup segments:
• – Grading/excavation
• – Demolition & debris removal
• – Concrete, paving & site prep
• – Utility trenching
• – Dump hauling

• Lender advantages:
• – High-demand work with contract potential
• – Yellow iron holds collateral value
• – Equipment is core to revenue (no equipment = no job)

1. 3. Towing & Emergency Roadside Services

Tow-and-recovery remains recession-resilient when structured with strong planning.

• Approvals improve significantly when applicants can demonstrate:
• – Motor club relationships
• – University/municipal contract potential
• – Police rotation application
• – 24/7 call capacity & insurance readiness

• Why lenders like it (with a solid file):
• – Collateral-based deals with strong resellability
• – Year-round customer demand
• – Revenue scales quickly with dispatch volume

1. 4. Mobile Repair, Maintenance & Fleet Service Businesses

One of the better approval-rate startup types we’ve been seeing in recent times — why? Because the asset is clear, the work is essential, and cash flow builds fast.

• Strong 2026 niches:
• – Mobile diesel repair
• – Fleet tire replacement & PM services
• – On-site equipment repair (construction, ag, utility fleets)
• – Mobile hydraulics, welding, fabrication, attachment repair

• Lender-friendly factors:
• – Low overhead compared to a shop
• – Work is need-based, not luxury-based
• – Service trucks + tools = financeable collateral

1. 5. Agriculture & Farm Support Businesses

Agriculture remains of the most consistent lending categories because equipment is valuable, durable, and tied directly to production output — something lenders understand clearly.

The USDA reports continued growth in farm output efficiency and agricultural equipment modernization heading into 2026.

• Examples of Ag-based businesses well-positioned for financing:
• – Hay & forage production
• – Custom bailing + ag service contracting
• – Grain transport (short-haul)
• – Land prep, bush-hogging, pasture clearing
• – Feed delivery & livestock support
• – Irrigation, fencing & farm infrastructure contracting

• Why lenders like these deals:
• – Tractors & implements retain resale value
• – Seasonal income still predictable year-over-year
• – Ag businesses often scale via equipment additions (repeat financing cycle)

For a quick refresher or more info on Farm/Agriculture Financing, check out one of our recent blogs on Farm Equipment Financing.

1. 6. Essential Service + Recurring Contract Businesses

If it solves a recurring need, the revenue is stickier — and lenders love recurring cash flow.

• Best examples going into 2026:
• – Commercial cleaning contracts
• – Landscaping/vegetation management
• – Snow removal (high-margin seasonal)
• – Waste hauling, scrap & recycling services

• Why they work:
• – Contractability = predictable receivables
• – Equipment is financeable + recoverable
• – Less economic sensitivity than trend-based ideas

How to Make Your New 2026 Business More Approve-Ready

• To improve approval odds, focus on:
• – Experience in the field: reduces risk, increases lender confidence
• – Clear projections + contract paths: shows revenue predictability
• – Reasonable debt structure: payment terms must match cash flow
• – Organized documents: speeds up underwriting + reduces back-and-forth

Thinking About Starting a Business in 2026?

The most financeable new businesses going into 2026 will be:
⭐ Equipment-driven
⭐ High-demand, year-round
⭐ Collateral-secured
⭐ Revenue-producing

If you’re eyeing towing, construction, fleet repair, or another service business requiring equipment — lenders are actively funding startups in these categories.

And we’d love to help you get started. Give us a call at (805) 422-7342 or submit a quick contact form to get in touch with one of our specialists today.

• Sources:
• – U.S. Census Bureau, “Business Formation Statistics,” [https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/index.html].
• – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Construction and Extraction Occupations,” [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/].
• – U.S. Department of Agriculture, “U.S. Agriculture Production Grew Steadily From 1948 to 2021 as Productivity Increased,” [https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/september/u-s-agriculture-production-grew-steadily-from-1948-to-2021-as-productivity-increased].