Food & Beverage
Business Funding for Convenience Stores
Convenience stores require constant inventory replenishment across hundreds of SKUs. Tobacco, lottery, and fuel margins are slim, so profitability depends on volume and high-margin items like prepared food and beverages. Buying an existing location with an established customer base is often smarter than building from scratch, but acquisition costs are steep.
Common Uses
What Convenience Stores Use Funding For
- Purchase an existing convenience store location with inventory and equipment
- Install or upgrade fuel pumps, underground tanks, and canopy structures
- Stock initial inventory across tobacco, beverages, snacks, and lottery
- Renovate the store layout and add a prepared food or coffee service area
Funding Options
Best Funding Types for Convenience Stores
SBA 7(a) Loan
The most common funding source for buying an existing convenience store. SBA loans allow you to finance the business acquisition including goodwill, inventory, and equipment in a single loan with a 10-year term.
Inventory Financing
Borrow against the value of your inventory to maintain stock levels without draining cash. This is especially useful for tobacco and beverage distributors that require large minimum orders.
Merchant Cash Advance
Convenience stores with high daily card transaction volume qualify easily for MCAs. Use one for a quick remodel, new signage, or to stock up before a high-traffic holiday weekend.
What Lenders Look For
Qualification Notes for Convenience Stores
Related Industries
Related Food & Beverage Funding
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