Fund and Grow - Everything You Need To Know [Full Review] - ZIK Homes

Every entrepreneur knows that access to capital can make or break a business. You’ve got the ideas, the ambition, and the opportunities — but without the financial backing, everything comes to a screeching halt. It’s a common problem, but the solution? It might be simpler than you think.

There are a lot of banks and money lenders out there, each one with its own set of rules and mechanisms. Here’s another one that has helped a lot of real estate investors over the years: Fund and Grow. In this article, we are going to cover what Fund and Grow is, how it works, how to get started, and its downsides. Let’s get to it.

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What is Fund and Grow?

Imagine you’re an entrepreneur looking to expand your business, but instead of looking for ways to secure funding, you have a team of experts doing it for you. That’s what Fund and Grow is all about.

Fund and Grow is simply a financial service that offers entrepreneurs and small business owners access to up to $250,000 in unsecured credit. This means no collateral, no complicated hoops to jump through—just direct access to funding that can help fuel growth.

In practical terms, think of Fund and Grow as your backstage pass to securing 0% interest business credit—without the headaches of figuring out which cards to apply for or how to maximize your credit potential. Fund and Grow’s experts handle all the grunt work, applying for multiple high-limit credit cards on your behalf through a signed power of attorney, so you can focus on growing your business.

Speaking in terms of track record, Fund and Grow has been in business since 2007, empowering over 30 thousand business owners and securing over $1.8 billion in funding. We’re talking about a diverse range of industries—from real estate and eCommerce to trucking, law firms, medical practices, and even Airbnb landlords.

So, how exactly does Fund&Grow pull this off? How have they unlocked so much funding for so many? Let’s break down the process and uncover how they work their magic.

How Fund & Grow Works

To better understand Fund&Grow, we’ll explain how the process of getting money through them works.

First, you grant them a power of attorney, allowing Fund and Grow to act on your behalf. This allows them to leverage their industry expertise to apply for multiple business credit cards, focusing exclusively on those with enticing introductory rates ranging from 6 to 18 months. These being business cards means you won’t have to worry about the burden of personal credit implications, as these are business cards specifically designed to keep your personal finances separate.

Once approved, Fund&Grow doesn’t just hand you the cards and send you on your way. Their dedicated team coaches you on how to use your newfound credit strategically depending on what your purpose is for it, from wire transfers to paying contractors. Their negotiation skills also come into play as they work with various banks to maximize your credit limits, conducting up to four rounds of applications each year.

How to Get Started with Fund & Grow

If you’d like to get started with Fund and Grow, this is the step by step process that you have to follow:

Initial Consultation: Reach out to Fund&Grow for an initial chat. This is your opportunity to explore your needs and learn how their services can be tailored to your business.
Documentation Submission: After your consultation, you’ll submit the necessary documentation to your account representative. This step ensures they have all the information needed to assist you effectively.
Financial Counseling: You’ll receive personalized financial counseling from a specialist who will help guide you through the next steps, including setting up your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and DUNS number if you don’t already have one.
Signing the Power of Attorney: To allow Fund&Grow to advocate on your behalf, you’ll sign a power of attorney. This gives them the authority to apply for credit cards that best suit your business needs.
Application Process: Once everything is in place, Fund&Grow goes to work, applying for multiple business credit cards on your behalf. Their team will engage directly with banks and financial institutions, advocating for the best lines of credit available.
Accept Your Funding: After your applications are approved, you’ll receive your credit card offers. From there, the funds are yours to use as you see fit—be it investing in your next big project or covering operational costs.

Fund&Grow offers two business credit stacking plans: the 12-Month Membership, priced at $3,997, which provides up to $250,000 in 0% interest business credit, a DIY corporate credit program, and a free partner upgrade, all with a 60-day money-back guarantee, and the Performance-Based Program, which requires no upfront fees (just $1 to verify payment) and then charges 8% of the funding amount only after securing credit, with a credit score of 700+ and $10,000 – $20,000 in existing card limits recommended.

Is Fund & Grow Legit?

With the benefits they offer, one may have questions about how legitimate Fund and Grow is, and if it is safe to work with them. Well, the numbers speak volumes.

Since its inception over 14 years ago, Fund&Grow has successfully assisted more than 28,000 business owners, helping them access an impressive $1.2 billion in unsecured business credit. This track record of financial support for entrepreneurs across various industries highlights their effectiveness in delivering the resources businesses need to grow.

With a stellar 4.87 out of 5 rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and more than 200 reviews, they’ve built a solid reputation among small businesses and real estate investors as a trusted business. Additionally, the company boasts a 4.8 rating with over 700 reviews on TrustPilot, further solidifying its credibility.

While individual experiences may vary, the overwhelmingly positive feedback and substantial impact Fund&Grow has made in the financial sector suggest they are indeed a legitimate option for those looking to leverage credit for business growth, and if you’re considering their services, this impressive resume is certainly worth examining in detail.

Pros and Cons of Fund & Grow

Pros

Access to 0% Interest Credit: Fund&Grow allows clients to leverage substantial amounts of unsecured business credit, potentially up to $250,000 at 0% interest, which can be critical for funding business growth without incurring debt.
Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Credit Building: Clients receive guidance on building their D&B credit profile, which can result in additional vendor credit of up to $100,000 and improved PAYDEX™ score.
Credit Inquiry Removal: Fund&Grow educates clients on how to remove credit inquiries from their profiles within 45 days, saving potential costs of $350 or more for professional services.
Business Entity Formation Support: The service assists in obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and helps with various state licensure types, such as LLCs and corporations, for minimal state filing fees.
Customized Credit Strategies: Clients receive tailored strategies to improve their personal credit, which may include referrals to discounted credit repair services or free resources.
SBA Loan Guidance: The program includes insights on applying for partially-guaranteed Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, helping clients understand the requirements for securing this type of funding.
Educational Resources: Fund&Grow offers a newsletter filled with financial education, investment ideas, and even vacation getaways, adding value to the client experience.

Cons

Risk of Mismanaged Debt: Using credit cards, especially for significant purchases like real estate, carries inherent risks. If balances aren’t paid off within the promotional period, interest rates can skyrocket up to 24%.
Credit Inquiries on Personal Reports: Although Fund&Grow claims to help clients access business credit without affecting personal credit, the inquiries from applications do appear on personal reports, which could impact credit scores.
Subscription to Educational Newsletter: Clients are automatically signed up for a $50/month newsletter, which may not provide value to everyone. Canceling this can be overlooked if not promptly addressed.
DIY Possibility: The services offered by Fund&Grow can be replicated independently, meaning clients may spend money on services that they could potentially handle themselves, provided they have the time and willingness.
Limited Card Usability on Plastiq: Certain credit cards obtained through Fund&Grow have restrictions when used on platforms like Plastiq, which could limit options for liquidity and fund utilization.
Expiration of 0% Rates: The 0% interest rates are temporary, typically lasting 12-18 months, after which the rates can become significantly higher. Clients need to be prepared to pay off their balances before this period ends to avoid accruing high-interest debt.
Long Application Process: The process of applying for and receiving funding can be lengthy and may require considerable documentation and patience, which might not suit everyone’s immediate needs.

Alternatives to Fund & Grow

If you’re exploring different options for obtaining business credit lines, here are some alternatives to Fund&Grow that offer varying credit amounts and services:

Credit Suite

Credit Amount: $5,000 to $50,000
Overview: Credit Suite helps businesses access multiple revolving credit lines. They focus on building business credit independently from personal credit, offering guidance through their credit-building programs.

LenCred

Credit Amount: $25,000 to $150,000
Overview: LenCred specializes in securing business credit lines for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their team provides personalized consultations and funding strategies. LenCred is a well-known alternative, especially for startups and small businesses looking for substantial credit.

Business Credit Builders

Credit Amount: $50,000 to $150,000
Overview: This service focuses on providing unsecured revolving credit lines. Business Credit Builders assists clients in establishing strong business credit profiles, allowing them to qualify for higher amounts of credit without the need for collateral.

Midwest Corporate Credit

Credit Amount: Up to $500,000
Overview: Midwest Corporate Credit provides high-credit limits at low-interest rates. Their services are aimed at more established businesses that need significant capital, offering a comprehensive approach to securing large-scale funding.

Is Fund & Grow Right for You?

Fund&Grow offers a convenient solution for real estate investors and business owners who need quick, short-term financing without the hassles of traditional loans or profit-sharing partnerships. However, their services are not for everyone. You must be able to manage the risks associated with credit, particularly if you cannot pay off the balance before the promotional 0% interest rates expire. If you mismanage the credit or carry a balance beyond the introductory period, you risk high-interest rates and damaging your credit score.

That said, for the right person—someone who knows how to handle credit responsibly and understands the risks—Fund&Grow is an excellent option. If you have good personal credit, some upfront capital, and prefer a service that handles most of the application process for you, Fund and Grow could be a valuable resource for you.

FAQs for Fund & Grow

How Does Fund&Grow Help Me Secure 0% Interest Business Credit?

Fund&Grow specializes in helping business owners and real estate investors access unsecured business credit lines at 0% interest for an introductory period, typically between 6-18 months. They manage the application process for you, negotiating with lenders to secure the highest credit limits possible. This allows you to finance business operations or investments without the immediate burden of interest payments.

Does Applying for Credit With Fund&Grow Affect My Personal Credit Score?

Yes, while Fund&Grow helps you build business credit, the initial credit inquiries during the application process do show up on your personal credit report. However, Fund&Grow offers a service to help remove these inquiries, or they provide guidance on how you can do this yourself. The long-term impact on your credit score depends on how well you manage the credit lines.

What Are the Costs Associated With Fund&Grow’s Services?

Fund&Grow offers two pricing options. The 12-month membership costs $3,997 and includes access to their full range of services, including credit consultation and application management. Alternatively, if you have a FICO score of 730 or higher, you can opt for their performance-based plan, which costs $1 upfront and 8% of the total credit secured. Both options come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Can I Use Fund&Grow’s Credit Services for Real Estate Investing?

Yes, Fund&Grow’s services are popular among real estate investors who need short-term financing. You can use the credit lines to purchase properties, flip houses, or cover operational expenses for rental properties. However, it’s important to manage the debt responsibly and pay it off or refinance within the 0% interest period to avoid high-interest rates later.