Eleven options we can help you explore, explained simply. Not sure which fits? That's what the first conversation is for.
Common types include working capital and merchant cash advances, business lines of credit (syndicated and revenue-based), equipment financing, invoice factoring, real estate investment loans, SBA and long-term loans, startup funding and business-use HELOCs. The right fit depends on what the funds are for, how long you need them and your revenue and credit profile.
By Robbie Garvey, Founder ยท Last updated
Already know the products? Scan the table and start your path. New to this? Each row says what it means.
| Option | What it means | Often a fit for | Lenders usually look at | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCA / Working Capital | Short-term money for day-to-day costs, often repaid from future sales. | Payroll, inventory, a slow season or a big order. | Deposits and monthly revenue more than credit alone. | Usually among the faster options. |
| Business Line of Credit | A pool of money you draw from when you need it and use again as you pay it down. | Ongoing or uneven needs, like covering gaps between jobs. | Credit, revenue and time in business, depending on the type of line. | Varies by type of line. |
| Syndicated Line of Credit (SLOC) | Credit lines from several lenders, arranged together and built around the owner's credit. | Newer businesses with a strong personal credit profile. | Mainly the owner's personal credit profile. | Varies by lender. |
| Revenue-Based Line of Credit | A reusable line sized around your business deposits. | Businesses with steady deposits that want flexible access. | Deposits and revenue history. | Varies by lender. |
| Equipment Financing | Financing to buy equipment, where the equipment usually helps secure it. | Trucks, machines, ovens, tools and technology. | The equipment, credit and the business. | Varies by lender and equipment. |
| Invoice Factoring | Get cash now for invoices your customers have not paid yet. | B2B businesses waiting on slow-paying customers. | The strength of your customers and your invoices. | Varies by provider. |
| SBA and Long-Term Loans | Loans from approved lenders, partly backed by the SBA, with longer terms. | Bigger long-term plans: a location, an acquisition or expansion. | Credit, cash flow, time in business and a clear plan. | Usually one of the slower options. |
| Real Estate Financing | Investment property loans for fix and flip, rentals and ground-up construction. | Real estate investors buying, flipping, renting or building. | The property, the deal and the investor's experience. | Can close in as little as 48 hours, fast enough to compete with cash buyers. |
| Startup Funding | Paths for new or pre-revenue businesses, often built around the owner. | New LLCs, ideas getting started, no sales yet. | The owner's credit, the plan and any equipment or collateral. | Varies by path. |
| Business-Use HELOC | Borrowing against your home equity for a business purpose. | Owners with home equity who understand the tradeoffs. | Your home equity, credit and income. | Varies by lender. |
| Credit Repair | Help strengthening your credit profile before you apply. | Owners whose credit is the first thing to work on. | Your current credit reports. | Ongoing, at your pace. |
| Payment Processing | A review of how you accept card payments and what it costs you. | Businesses that take cards and want a second look. | Your current processing statements. | Usually quick to review. |
Options, terms and availability depend on the lender and your business. Every funding decision is made by the lender.
Short-term funds for payroll, inventory, marketing or a slow season. Often repaid from future sales.
Credit lines arranged across lenders, built around a strong personal credit profile.
Reusable credit sized around your business deposits and revenue.
Get the trucks, ovens, units or machines you need. The equipment usually backs the financing.
Turn unpaid invoices into cash now, so slow-paying customers don't slow you down.
Investment property loans for flips, rentals and ground-up builds.
Credit improvement support through our partner ASAP Credit Repair, when credit is the right first step.
Longer terms for bigger plans like expansion or buying a location. More paperwork, more patience.
Paths for newer businesses, often built around the owner's personal credit profile.
Using home equity for business needs. A big decision, so we talk through the tradeoffs first.
A business service, not funding. Help reviewing card processing so more of each sale stays with you.
Always ask for the total payback: everything you'll pay back, start to finish. It's the easiest way to compare options fairly. We'll help you read every offer before you decide.
Options, terms and availability depend on the lender and your business. Natural Lending Co is a broker and does not make lending decisions.
No pressure and no hard credit pulls to start. Tell us where your business stands, and we'll walk the options together.
