Skip the Bank:Here’s Why Alternative Lenders Are Winning

If you’re a business owner, you already know that access to capital is the lifeblood of growth and stability. Whether you’re expanding your operations, purchasing inventory, hiring staff, or simply managing cash flow, securing financing is often a necessary step.

Traditionally, banks were the go-to resource for business loans. But times have changed—and so have the challenges of dealing with banks. The application process is lengthy, the approval requirements are strict, and the timelines simply don’t align with the realities of running a small business.

That’s where alternative lenders, like Fordham Capital, step in to fill the gap.

Alternative lending has grown exponentially over the past decade, providing business owners with a faster, more flexible, and more accessible path to funding. Here’s why working with an alternative lender could be the smartest decision for your business.


The Speed Advantage — Because Opportunities Don’t Wait

Imagine this: You run a busy restaurant, and your walk-in freezer suddenly goes down. Replacing it will cost thousands—but without it, you can’t operate at full capacity. You go to your bank for a loan, only to be met with mountains of paperwork and a months-long waiting period.

By the time a bank approves your application (if they approve it at all), the damage to your business could be significant.

Alternative lenders understand the urgency. At Fordham Capital, we specialize in providing fast approvals and funding. Many of our clients receive decisions within hours, and funding can hit your account in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

When an opportunity arises—whether it’s a bulk inventory discount, seasonal demand, or the chance to open a new location—you can’t afford to wait. With an alternative lender, you don’t have to.


A Streamlined Application Process — No Endless Paperwork

Let’s face it—most business owners didn’t get into business because they love filling out forms and gathering financial statements. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what traditional banks expect.

Bank applications often require:

  • 2-3 years of financial statements
  • Tax returns
  • Business plans
  • Collateral documentation
  • Credit reports
  • And more…

It’s not only overwhelming—it’s time-consuming. Worse, after all that effort, many businesses still face rejection.

Getting access to capital shouldn’t be harder than running your business. That’s why the alternative lender application process is designed to be simple, fast, and accessible.

In most cases, they can provide pre-approval based on:

✅ Basic business information
✅ Recent bank statements
✅ A quick conversation with our team

That means less time chasing paperwork—and more time focused on running and growing your business.


Flexible Approval Criteria — Real Solutions for Real Business Owners

Traditional banks have rigid, black-and-white approval requirements. If your credit score isn’t perfect, if you’re a relatively new business, or if your industry is considered “high-risk,” your chances of securing financing drop significantly.

But let’s be honest—many successful, hardworking business owners don’t check all those boxes. Maybe you had a rough patch during COVID. Maybe your personal credit took a hit while building your dream. Maybe you operate in a fast-paced, cash-driven industry like construction, hospitality, or retail.

Alternative lenders take a different approach. They look beyond the numbers on a credit report and evaluate:

✅Your daily business operations
✅ Your cash flow and revenue trends
✅The overall health and potential of your business

This means that even if the banks have said “no,” alternative lenders may still be able to say “yes.”


Customizable Funding Solutions to Fit Your Needs

Banks typically offer a narrow range of financing products — most commonly, term loans or lines of credit — with rigid structures, lengthy approval processes, and strict repayment schedules. But the reality is, no two businesses are alike, and your financing options shouldn’t be, either.

You need tailored funding solutions designed to meet the unique needs of your small and mid-sized businesses, including:

Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)
An MCA provides a lump sum of capital based on your future sales, giving you fast access to working capital when you need it most. Repayment is typically structured as a percentage of your daily credit card or overall sales, so payments naturally adjust with your revenue. That means when business slows, your payments do too — making it a flexible option for businesses with variable income.

Revenue-Based Financing
Similar to an MCA, revenue-based financing allows you to repay based on your business’s incoming revenue, but it can apply to a broader range of sales beyond just credit card transactions. It’s ideal for businesses that experience seasonal swings or fluctuating sales, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

Short-Term Working Capital Loans
When unexpected expenses arise — whether it’s covering payroll, managing a slow month, or bridging the gap between invoices — short-term working capital loans provide fast, straightforward funding. These loans are designed to help you meet immediate needs without long-term debt obligations hanging over your head.

Equipment Financing
Need to purchase new equipment, vehicles, or technology to grow your business? Equipment financing allows you to acquire the tools you need without depleting your cash reserves. Spread out payments over time while keeping your business operations running smoothly.

Whether you’re looking for short-term cash flow relief or strategic growth capital, alternative lenders can craft a solution that works for your business.


Alternative Lending Fills the Gaps Banks Leave Behind

The reality is, despite their size, resources, and brand recognition, traditional banks often fail to meet the needs of small businesses. In fact, industry studies show that nearly 8 out of 10 small business loan applications are rejected by banks.

This leaves countless hardworking entrepreneurs without access to the capital they need to grow, operate, or simply stay afloat. But alternative lenders have stepped in to fill that gap — providing billions of dollars in funding to businesses that would otherwise be left behind.

A wide range of financing options, tailored to your business’s unique needs and goals, not the other way around.
Access for newer businesses that don’t yet meet banks’ strict time-in-business requirements.
Support for industries banks often avoid, including construction, hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses, by understanding their specific challenges and cash flow patterns.

By addressing these gaps, alternative lenders empower businesses to access the capital they need, when they need it most.


Relationships That Banks Can’t Match

At big banks, you’re often just another application in a long line of paperwork. Decisions are made by underwriting departments that may never speak to you directly, and personalized service is rare.

Alternative lenders operate differently.

When you work with alternative lenders, you work with real people who take the time to understand your business. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships, not just completing transactions. Our team is available to answer your questions, help you navigate the funding process, and support your business as it grows.

Many of our clients return to us repeatedly—not only because we provide fast capital, but because they know they can rely on us as a trusted financial partner.


Is an Alternative Lender Right for You?

Banks will always have their place in the world of business financing. But for many entrepreneurs—especially those looking for speed, flexibility, and a human touch—alternative lenders are the smarter choice.

✅ If you’ve been turned down by a bank…
✅ If you need funding quickly…
✅ If you want a partner who understands your business…

Discover how simple, fast, and stress-free alternative business funding can be.


Fordham Capital is ready to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and discover how we can help your business grow.

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