Frequently asked questions
Ask Sterling is free, it never runs a credit check on you, and if you ask for an introduction your details go to one named funding partner only. The answers below cover the questions owners ask most. Each one is short; follow the links for the detail.
Cost and money
What does Ask Sterling cost?
Nothing. You never pay us a fee. Our funding partner pays OPTIMAX AI LTD for each qualifying introduction, and that fee doesn't depend on whether you take funding or how much. Full detail: how we get paid.
Will using Ask Sterling make my funding more expensive?
No. Nothing is added to your price on our account and we take no commission from your funding. The funder sets the price, so check any offer with the offer checker.
How much can I ask for?
Our partner's programs typically cover from $50K to $500K+. What you're offered depends on your deposits, time in business and credit, and the funder decides. For a rough idea first, try how much can I borrow.
Credit
Will asking hurt my credit score?
Ask Sterling never runs a credit check. Our partner or a funder may run one later as part of a real application, and they'll tell you first. More on this: will asking hurt my credit score.
What credit score do I need?
Our partner's main programs suit owners with a personal score of 600+. Below that, options narrow and get pricier. See what credit score do I need.
Eligibility
Who is Ask Sterling for?
Established businesses: typically 12+ months in business, about $80K+ a month in deposits, two or fewer advances or loans running, and an owner with 51%+. Smaller businesses from about $15K a month and 4+ months in business can still ask. Full list, including excluded states and industries: who you'll speak to.
Who contacts you
Who will call me?
A funding specialist from Abbey Road Capital / SOJA Ventures, our funding partner, about the enquiry you sent. They may call, email or text. Nobody else gets your details from us.
Will Sterling call me?
No. Sterling is an illustrated guide character, not a real person. The call comes from a person at our partner.
How do I stop the contact?
Reply STOP to any text, tell the specialist on the phone, or email mike@optimax-ai.com and we'll pass it on and stop any contact from us.
Your data
Do you sell my details?
No. We don't sell or share your personal information, and we send your enquiry only to the one partner named on the form, because you asked us to. Full detail: privacy notice.
How long do you keep my enquiry?
Up to 12 months, then we delete it. You can ask us to delete it sooner, or to see what we hold.
How do I know a message is really from you?
We never ask for fees, bank logins or passwords. If in doubt, email us at the address above before you reply. See funding scams.
Questions owners ask
Is Ask Sterling a lender?
No. Ask Sterling is an introducer run by OPTIMAX AI LTD. We explain funding and, with your consent, pass your enquiry to one funding partner. Funders make every decision.
Do I have to go ahead if the partner calls?
No. Sending an enquiry commits you to nothing. You can say no on the first call, or at any point before you sign.
Can I use the calculators without sending an enquiry?
Yes. The calculators are free, run in your browser and don't send your inputs to us. Use them as often as you like.
What if my business is in a state or industry the partner doesn't cover?
The funnel tells you before you share contact details, and nothing is sent. The guides and tools still apply to your business.
Why don't you show reviews or testimonials?
Because we're new and we won't fake them. We would rather show our working: sources on every page and calculators with the method open.