Your shortcut to smarter financial decisions.
DoughRating is Bread Route’s proprietary scoring system designed to simplify and standardize the way small business owners evaluate capital providers. From lenders to equity investors to insurance carriers, each partner is rated across categories that matter most to founders, operators, and advisors.
Used to score banks, non-bank lenders, fintech platforms, leasing companies, and other debt providers. Prioritizes trust, flexibility, and total borrowing experience.
Cost - Interest rates, fees, and total cost of capital.
Transparency - Clarity of terms, disclosures, and borrower communications.
Underwriting & Loan Flexibility - Adaptability of structures and borrower qualification criteria.
Credit Requirements - Rigor and accessibility of credit standards.
Application Experience - Ease, speed, and digital experience of applying for capital.
Customer Service - Post-funding support, responsiveness, and borrower satisfaction.
Weighting: Balanced (each category 16.7%)
Format: 1 to 5 stars per category, with an overall DoughRating average.
Used to score private equity, growth equity, and venture capital investors focused on small and mid-market businesses.
Alignment & Reputation - Fairness, trust, and cultural alignment with entrepreneurs.
Strategic Value - Niche knowledge and ability to help scale.
Deal Structure - Flexibility, transparency, and founder-friendly conditions.
Speed & Communication - Clarity and responsiveness throughout the investment process.
Track Record - Demonstrated success in growing and exiting businesses.
Weighting:
Format: 1 to 5 stars per category with a weighted composite score.
Used to score business insurance carriers, underwriters, and brokers based on performance and trustworthiness.
Financial Strength - Stability and ability to pay out claims reliably.
Consumer Complaints - Frequency and severity of complaints from business clients.
Shopping Experience - Ease of comparing, quoting, and binding coverage.
Customer Service - Quality of support for policyholders, including claims resolution.
Weighting: Balanced (25% each)
Format: 1 to 5 loaves, with simple visual indicators of trustworthiness.
Most small business owners don’t have the time or resources to vet every lender, insurer, or investor. DoughRating cuts through the noise with an intuitive scoring system built on real-world business priorities — not just financials or fine print. It’s our way of empowering founders to Build with the right dough.
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