The short answer: Small businesses can usually choose from SBA loans, bank term loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, invoice factoring, revenue-based financing and merchant cash advances. They differ in cost, speed, collateral and what it takes to qualify. Renaissance Capital Advisors reviews your revenue, credit, existing debt and liens for free, recommends the options that fit, and refers you to financing partners when you are ready to apply.
How we help you find the right financing
- Free review. We look at your revenue, bank statements, credit profile, existing loans and merchant cash advances, and any UCC liens on record.
- Financing strategy. We work out which type of capital fits, how much, on what timeline, and what to fix first so lenders say yes, such as a stale UCC-1 lien or a stacked MCA position.
- Referral to financing partners. When you are ready, we introduce you to financing partners suited to your profile and goals.
- Application support. We help you assemble the package lenders want: clean financials, a realistic forecast and a clear explanation of any past issues.
Business financing options at a glance
| Option | Typical use | Speed | What it usually requires |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) or 504 loan | Working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisitions | Slowest (weeks to months) | Time in business, solid credit, full documentation. Cannot refinance MCAs since June 2025. |
| Bank term loan | Growth, refinancing higher-cost debt | Weeks | Strong financials, collateral, clean lien record |
| Business line of credit | Seasonal gaps, working capital | Days to weeks | Steady revenue and good credit |
| Equipment financing | Vehicles, machinery, tools | Days | The equipment serves as collateral |
| Invoice factoring or financing | Slow-paying business customers | Days | Invoices owed by creditworthy customers |
| Revenue-based financing | Growing businesses with steady sales | Days | Consistent monthly revenue |
| Merchant cash advance | Short-term emergency cash | 1–2 days | Card or bank deposits; usually the most expensive option (see our MCA APR table) |
Financing strategies for businesses carrying MCA debt
If merchant cash advances are already squeezing your cash flow, the goal is usually to replace short, expensive capital with longer, cheaper capital, without adding another stacked position. Depending on the file, that can mean:
- Refinancing or consolidating into a bank term loan or longer-term alternative lender when revenue and credit support it.
- Using equipment or receivables as collateral to free up cash elsewhere in the business.
- Restructuring first, then refinancing. Sometimes the right first step is restructuring or resolving the MCA positions so the business qualifies for better capital later.
- Cleaning the record. An old blanket lien can sink an application. See how to remove a UCC lien.
SBA 7(a) proceeds can no longer be used to refinance merchant cash advances; here is what changed and what options remain. For a step-by-step guide, see how to refinance a merchant cash advance.
Financing opportunities for growth
Financing is not only about getting out of debt. We also help owners plan capital for expansion, new equipment, larger contracts, inventory, hiring or an acquisition, and map out what it takes to qualify for SBA or bank financing over the next six to twelve months. For the strategy side of this work, see our business financing strategy service.
No obligation: our review is free. You are never obligated to accept any offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renaissance Capital Advisors provides business consulting and referral services only. We are not a lender, broker-dealer or law firm, and we do not make credit decisions. Financing is offered by independent third-party financing partners on their own terms and subject to their approval. Nothing on this page constitutes legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice.