| ✅ Key Point | 📌 Details |
|---|---|
| 🏦 What is Guidant Financial? | Guidant Financial is a Boise-based business financing facilitator founded in 2003. It has helped entrepreneurs secure over $4.5 billion in small business financing. |
| ⚙️ How it Works | The company offers both direct funding and facilitation services (such as SBA loans) across all 50 states. |
| 💰 Financing Options | Products include ROBS, SBA loans, unsecured business loans, franchise financing, and portfolio loans. |
| 📑 Qualifications | ROBS requires $50,000+ in retirement savings, with no credit or revenue requirements, while SBA loans typically need a credit score of 680+ and 2+ years in business, as well as $150k+ annual revenue. |
| ⏳ Timeline | ROBS funding averages 2–4 weeks, while SBA loans typically take 30–90 days to process. |
| 📞 Customer Service | Mixed reviews: some clients report strong support, while others cite mistakes, IRS issues, and poor responsiveness. |
| 👍👎 Pros & Cons | Pros: unique ROBS program, diverse financing options, nationwide services. Cons: high fees, customer service issues, and slow processing. |
| ⭐ UCS Rating | We rate Guidant Financial 3.7 out of 5, primarily due to its unique products, but also due to concerns over service and complaints. |
Securing funding for a business is rarely a straightforward process. Startups in particular often face rejection from traditional lenders because they lack established revenue streams, collateral, or lengthy credit histories.
Even established small businesses encounter obstacles such as high fees, slow processing times, and stringent qualification requirements. To address these challenges, online business loan lenders like Guidant Financial position themselves as partners for entrepreneurs—offering creative financing solutions and advisory services.
But before committing to any financial provider, it’s essential to carefully examine the company’s products, services, and reputation. Many lenders and facilitators make big promises, but business owners must thoroughly understand the details before signing agreements that affect their finances and long-term stability.
In this review, we’ll examine the online business financing facilitator, Guidant Financial, to help you determine if it’s the right company for your funding needs. Specifically, we’ll answer these questions and more:
Guidant Financial is a business financing facilitator and a provider of small business services. Its focus is on helping entrepreneurs start, buy, or grow businesses through a mix of traditional and non-traditional financing options. The company’s offerings are especially popular with startups and franchise owners who often face hurdles securing funds through banks alone.
The company’s core offerings include ROBS, SBA loans, unsecured loans, and equipment financing. Guidant Financial operates its services across all 50 states in the United States. It is essential to consult with professionals to understand state-specific regulations and compliance requirements when utilizing Guidant Financial’s services.
Guidant Financial was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Over the past two decades, the company has established itself as a recognized leader in alternative financing for small businesses.
Guidant Financial has facilitated over $4.5 billion in small business financing, making it one of the most significant players in its niche. The company also offers a range of business services, including bookkeeping, payroll, HR support, and administration of 401(k) plans.
Guidant Financial operates as both a direct funder and a facilitator, depending on the product. For example, it directly structures and manages Rollovers for Business Startups (ROBS), while SBA loans are handled through its partner lender network.
The company offers a variety of commercial loan products and financial solutions to meet diverse business needs. The loan amounts and terms provided by Guidant Financial vary depending on the type of business financing.
Business owners should compare loan terms, business loan interest rates, and fees across options to ensure they are getting the best deal for their specific needs.
Guidant is best known for its expertise in ROBS. For qualified business owners with retirement savings of at least $50,000, a ROBS (Rollovers for Business Startups) offers a debt-free alternative to traditional financing methods. The process involves rolling over retirement funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA account to finance a new business.
ROBS allows entrepreneurs to tap into their retirement funds to start or buy a business without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. Guidant offers various loans, including unsecured and term loans, that can be combined with ROBS. However, using ROBS carries the inherent risk of losing retirement savings if the business fails.
The average funding time for ROBS is 2–4 weeks. Guidant Financial charges a $4,995 ROBS setup fee and monthly administration costs starting at $139. Guidant Financial offers ROBS financing solutions accessible to entrepreneurs across all 50 states in the U.S. Notably, there is no minimum credit score requirement for utilizing ROBS funding.
Guidant also facilitates SBA 7(a) loans for small businesses. These loans are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and are recognized for their competitive rates and extended repayment terms.
Some SBA loans may have higher revenue thresholds than the typical requirement of $150,000. SBA loans typically take 30–90 days to process at Guidant Financial.
Unsecured business loans are another option offered by Guidant. Unlike traditional loans, these do not require collateral, making them appealing for entrepreneurs who may not want to risk assets. However, approval usually depends on the business loan applicant’s credit score and financial profile.
Guidant has a strong presence in franchise financing, helping entrepreneurs cover franchise fees, equipment, and build-out costs. Since franchises often have established business models, lenders view them as less risky, and Guidant works to connect clients with funding packages tailored to their specific needs.
Portfolio loans enable business owners to borrow against the value of their investment portfolios without having to liquidate their assets. This type of financial leverage enables clients to access funds while maintaining their long-term investment positions.
Guidant isn’t just about securing business funding—it offers a range of business services and solutions. Guidant offers additional business services, including payroll, HR assistance, and business valuation. Guidant provides outsourced bookkeeping and tax assistance to help business owners manage their financial obligations.
While technology has streamlined many of these business services, there is still room for improvement in customer service responsiveness and follow-up.
Qualifications depend on the financing product. ROBS has the least stringent requirements, while unsecured business loans and SBA loans have stricter standards.
ROBS funding does not require a minimum credit score. ROBS funding does not impose any time-in-business requirements. Annual revenue requirements are not set for ROBS funding, allowing new entrepreneurs to access financing without established revenue streams. However, some industries may face additional scrutiny or challenges when securing financing under ROBS.
Guidant Financial’s SBA loans typically require a minimum credit score of 680. For SBA loans, businesses are generally required to have been operational for at least two years. Businesses usually need to demonstrate annual revenues of at least $150,000 to qualify for SBA loans.
A strong business credit score is a key factor in qualifying for many small business financing options. To improve their chances of securing funding, small business owners should take several actions to build business credit over time.
This includes paying bills promptly, maintaining low credit utilization, and regularly reviewing business credit bureau reports for errors or inaccurate data that could trigger issues. By taking these steps, businesses can continue to strengthen their financial profile, meet lender requirements, and keep more financing options open as they plan for future growth.
| Product | Credit Score Requirement | Time in Business | Revenue Requirement | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROBS | None | None | None | Must have $50,000+ in retirement funds |
| SBA Loans | 680+ | 2+ years | $150,000+ | Longer approval timeline (30–90 days) |
| Unsecured Business Loans | Varies (typically 650+) | Flexible | Varies | No collateral required |
| Franchise Financing | Varies | Flexible | Depends on franchise | Often combined with ROBS |
| Portfolio Loans | Based on portfolio value | None | None | Uses investment accounts as collateral |
Guidant acts as a business lending facilitator for several products while directly handling others. One of its standout features is facilitating ROBS for startups, a service that many lenders don’t support. However, it’s essential to understand the trade-offs.
The company charges hefty fees for ROBS and SBA loans, which is a considerable concern. Portfolio loans and franchise financing are additional non-traditional financing options available, providing clients with a diverse range of solutions.
But the company’s reputation is mixed. Guidant has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but it also has a history of consumer complaints. Guidant has received complaints about errors in 401(k) funding processes, which have resulted in IRS issues for some clients. Some customers have found it challenging to receive timely responses from support, and there have been complaints about the responsiveness of the account handlers.
Guidant’s customer service reliability fluctuates, contrasting with competitors like My Solo 401k Financial, which advertises excellent customer service. Specific customers have claimed that Guidant Financial’s customer service has declined over the past three years. Reviews and complaints are often submitted to the BBB, which helps establish transparency. You can review the company’s BBB file for more information.
Some clients reported that the company provided them with documents that required additional formatting or adjustments before they could be signed. Additionally, customers have reported that closing or managing an inactive or empty 401(k) account can take more than a month due to processing delays.
Fees are another concern. The company’s ROBS product is subject to a $4,995 setup fee and a monthly fee of $149. Guidant Financial offers a one-time setup fee of $2,500 for SBA loans. Many customers report delays in application processing when working with Guidant Financial. Still, Guidant Financial maintains a position among the top 1% of SBA loan facilitators nationwide.
Guidant Financial offers a business loan affiliate program. Franchisors, consultants, business loan brokers, and lenders can sign up to become a partner on the company’s website.
Applicants typically need to provide a comprehensive set of documents during the application process with Guidant Financial. The timeline for receiving funds through Guidant Financial varies depending on the type of financing chosen.
Follow these steps to complete the small business loan application process:
Speak with a Guidant team member to discuss your goals, options, and timeline.
Provide personal and business financial documents, including retirement account statements (for ROBS), tax returns, or revenue records.
Guidant reviews the documents, verifies information, and ensures compliance with IRS or SBA requirements.
Once approved, the business receives funds. The funding timeline ranges from a few weeks for ROBS to several months for SBA loans.
After receiving funds, Guidant positions itself as a consultative partner, offering ongoing business support. Terms, payment frequency, and repayment obligations vary based on the financing type. For example, ROBS does not require monthly loan payments, but SBA loans do.
We were unable to identify precise details regarding prepayment penalties, early payoff discounts, or renewal options. This uncertainty highlights the importance of carefully reviewing financing agreements and consulting with professionals before signing.
Guidant Financial offers specialized funding options, particularly for startups and emerging businesses. The ROBS program enables entrepreneurs to access funds without incurring debt or facing early withdrawal penalties.
The company has experience in handling franchise financing and SBA loans, providing clients with access to a range of funding options. Clients also benefit from bundled services, including payroll, bookkeeping, and tax assistance. Its nationwide reach makes it accessible to entrepreneurs across all 50 states.
Potential applicants should be aware of the disadvantages. The most significant drawbacks are fees and issues with customer service. ROBS comes with a steep $4,995 setup fee and monthly administration costs, while SBA loans also involve fees. Processing timelines can take longer than expected, which can be frustrating for business owners.
Reviews highlight customer service issues, mistakes in IRS filings, and difficulties in obtaining phone support. Many customers report challenges when calling for assistance, including long wait times and difficulty reaching a representative. Additionally, the Trustpilot score of 2.6 suggests many customers have had disappointing experiences.
Pros:
Cons:
Yes. Guidant Financial is a legitimate and well-established business financing facilitator. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, demonstrating compliance with industry standards. However, mixed reviews highlight the importance of carefully reviewing agreements and managing expectations.
User experiences with Guidant Financial are mixed, with some praising the service quality and others citing poor communication after payment has been made. Guidant Financial’s Trustpilot rating is 2.6 out of 5, indicating a mixed customer experience with their services.
Positive reviews highlight the company’s unique financing options, particularly its ROBS, and praise its team for guiding them through compliance-heavy processes. Customers who successfully received funds often describe the company’s systems and leadership as helpful in achieving their business goals.
Negative reviews focus on customer service issues and fees. Some Trustpilot reviewers have reported mistakes in 401(k) funding closures attributed to Guidant Financial. Customer feedback shows variability in service quality, with some individuals experiencing excellent support and others citing significant issues. Some customers have described Guidant Financial’s services as more expensive than those of competitors. A few reviews have accused the company of constantly trying to upsell products.
Ineffective communication and slow processing are reported issues after customers have paid for services. Consistent complaints from customers about Guidant Financial include unresponsive customer service and issues with 401(k) funding processes.
Reports suggest that customers struggle to reach a live representative when trying to contact Guidant Financial. Understanding the nature of these complaints is crucial. Thorough research can help you protect your business.
Guidant Financial may decline an application for various reasons, such as insufficient revenue, credit, or other requirements. In some instances, the company’s lender partners may decline the application.
If Guidant declines your application, the denial letter should explain the reason for the denial and include tips for improving your application, as well as information on when you can reapply. If not, or if you require further information, please contact them directly.
Fortunately, small business owners have a diverse range of business lenders to consider. While fewer financing options provide ROBS support, most lenders offer other products. Many online lenders offer faster approvals, fewer documents, and more flexible qualifications than traditional banks.
At United Capital Source, we’ve helped countless businesses secure funds even after being denied elsewhere. The key is finding a financing partner that responds quickly, verifies information fairly, and offers products aligned with your company’s needs.
You may be interested in one of the following small business loans:
Guidant Financial is a unique provider in the small business financing space. Its strength lies in offering ROBS financing, SBA loans, and franchise funding, plus complementary services that support ongoing business needs. Entrepreneurs with retirement funds available may find a ROBS particularly appealing as a debt-free option.
However, fees, customer service issues, and a low Trustpilot rating raise concerns. Business owners who require quick funding or robust post-funding support may want to explore their competitors. Guidant may be best suited for entrepreneurs with specific needs, such as ROBS financing and franchise expansion, rather than those seeking low-cost, fast, and highly responsive funding solutions.
We rate Guidant Financial as 3.7 out of 5. It offers a unique combination of non-traditional financing and business services, but the low customer reviews and complaints are a significant concern.
Disclaimer: The Guidant Financial trademark is owned by The Guidant Financial Group, Inc., and its use herein is for reference purposes only, and it does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement from The Guidant Financial Group, Inc.
