Articles of Incorporation
Articles of incorporation (or articles of organization for LLCs) are the state-filed business formation documents establishing legal business existence — required documentation for MCA submissions and contract preparation establishing the contracting business entity.
Why This Matters
Articles of incorporation document content: legal business name, business entity type (corporation, LLC, partnership), state of formation, formation date, registered agent, and corporate structure information. MCA underwriting reviews articles for: confirming entity legal existence and good standing, verifying legal name accuracy, establishing time-in-business calculation (state filing date), and identifying corporate structure for personal guarantee scope. Modern alternatives include state secretary of state online business registry verification, eliminating physical document requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is business formation date important?
MCA underwriting universally requires minimum time-in-business (typically 6-12 months). Formation date establishes earliest possible time-in-business calculation. Operating history before formal entity formation typically doesn't count toward time-in-business requirements.
What if the business is unincorporated (sole proprietorship)?
Most MCA funders require incorporated business entity for funding eligibility. Sole proprietorships face significant qualification challenges. Recommendation: form LLC for $50-$300 state fee before pursuing MCA funding.