How U.S. SMBs Get Funding Fast

Securing funding for a small or mid-sized business can be a challenge—especially when you need capital quickly. Traditional bank loans often require extensive documentation and weeks of underwriting. Many entrepreneurs turn to alternative lenders to bridge cash flow gaps, finance expansions, or respond to unexpected opportunities.

Know your funding options

Before approaching lenders, it helps to understand the main types of financing available to U.S. businesses:

Merchant Cash Advances

MCAs involve selling a percentage of your future card receipts for a lump sum today. Payments fluctuate with your sales volume. They’re ideal for businesses with strong daily card revenue who need funds fast. Learn more from Nicolas’s guide to MCAs.

Term loans

Fixed-term loans provide a lump sum repaid over a set schedule, often monthly. They are suited to equipment purchases, renovations, or larger working capital needs. See Term Loans for U.S. Businesses for details.

Lines of credit

Revolving credit facilities give you a credit limit you can draw down as needed. You only pay interest on what you use. LOCs are useful for managing seasonal fluctuations or covering inventory purchases.

Bridge financing

Short-term loans or advances used to “bridge” a gap while you wait for longer-term capital. For example, bridging the time between project completion and payment, or between purchase and sale of an asset. Bridge financing explained.

Equipment financing and leasebacks

Specialized lenders finance machinery, vehicles or technology. The equipment serves as collateral, often allowing for longer terms and lower rates.

Prepare your documents

Even alternative lenders will request documentation. Prepare the following:

• Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
• Tax returns (business and sometimes personal)
• Profit and loss statements
• Accounts receivable and payable reports
• Business plan or use-of-funds statement

Having these ready speeds up underwriting. Nicolas works with clients to gather and review these documents ahead of time, so offers can be secured quickly.

Shop offers strategically

Every lender has its own underwriting criteria and fees. Nicolas’s network allows him to compare multiple offers and negotiate terms. When reviewing offers, consider:

• Factor rate or annualized percentage rate (APR)
• Total payback amount
• Repayment schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Origination or closing fees
• Prepayment discounts or penalties

A lower factor rate doesn’t always mean a better deal if fees or daily payments are high relative to your cash flow.

Case examples

• Retail expansion: A New York boutique used a mix of an MCA and a short-term loan to open a second location. The MCA provided quick funds for inventory, while the loan financed lease improvements.
• E‑commerce inventory: An online seller leveraged a line of credit to stock up for the holiday season, ensuring products were in stock during peak demand.
• Construction bridge: A Texas contractor used bridge financing to pay subcontractors and suppliers while waiting for progress payments from a municipal project.

For more success stories, explore Client Success Stories — U.S. Businesses.

External resource

For an independent overview of small business funding options in the U.S., visit the Small Business Administration’s funding programs.

Next steps

Every business situation is unique. To discuss your funding needs and receive personalized guidance, contact Nicolas Lescalier for a free consultation.