15 Best Construction Company Loans
Key Takeaways
- The best construction company loans depend on the use case: payroll and materials gaps need fast capital; equipment purchases need amortized terms; long-term expansion needs SBA or bank financing.
- 63% of construction businesses expect favorable economic conditions in 2026, but cash flow gaps and payroll pressure remain top challenges across the industry.
- Fora Financial can approve established construction businesses in as little as 4 hours and fund in as little as 24 hours with no collateral required for qualifying borrowers.
The best construction company loans are not determined by the lowest rate. They are determined by how fast the capital arrives, whether it can be used for payroll and materials without restriction, what collateral the business needs to pledge, and whether the repayment structure fits a project-based revenue cycle. This guide covers business financing for construction companies and contractors, not residential construction mortgages for building or renovating a home, and it compares 15 actual lenders across every category, from fast working capital to bank construction financing to SBA-backed equipment and expansion loans, so you can match the product to the specific need before you apply.
Cash flow is the top challenge for 55% of small business owners, and in construction it is structural: materials, labor, and subcontractor invoices must be paid before project draws or client payments clear. Staffing and labor costs are now a top challenge for 41% of business owners, and construction is one of the most payroll-intensive industries in the country. For context on broader construction loans and financing options, including working capital, lines of credit, and revenue-based products, Fora's construction industry page covers the full range. Common cash flow gaps and equipment expenses are the two most frequent borrowing triggers in construction, and 63% of construction businesses expect favorable economic conditions in 2026, per Fora Financial's Business Insights Report — which means more projects, more capital requirements, and more pressure on the working capital cycle.
Compare the Best Construction Company Loans
| Lender | Best For | Top Callouts | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fora Financial | Fast working capital | Approvals in 4 hours; funding in 24 hours; no collateral; 5-min application; flexible use of funds | Higher cost than bank/SBA; $240K+ revenue; established businesses only |
| U.S. Bank | Construction-to-permanent | Converts construction loan to permanent financing; eliminates refinance at completion; nationwide | 700+ FICO required; no owner-builders or investment property; weeks to approve |
| Wells Fargo | Rate lock features | Rate lock during build phase protects against rising rates; relationship pricing for existing customers | Requires existing relationship for best pricing; traditional underwriting timelines |
| TD Bank | One-time close construction | Single closing for construction + permanent; up to $3M; rate discount for existing TD customers | 30% down payment required; primarily East Coast footprint |
| PNC Bank | Regional bank relationship | Available in 16 states; conventional and government-backed options; LOC alongside construction financing | Not available in all states; not for urgent capital or newer businesses |
| Bank of America | Relationship lending | Preferred Rewards discounts for existing customers; SBA access; national branch coverage | Non-customers get less favorable pricing; weeks for approval; 2+ years required |
| SBA Lenders | Long-term expansion + equipment | 7(a) up to $5M; 504 for fixed assets; Express up to $500K faster; rate caps protect long-term cost | 30-90+ days; heavy documentation; not for urgent payroll or materials |
| Crestmont Capital | Fast capital for established contractors | Term loans, equipment, working capital; faster than banks; flexible use of funds | Higher rates than bank; stronger revenue history required |
| OnDeck | Revolving LOC for recurring gaps | Term loans to $250K; LOC to $100K; fast decisions; reports to business credit bureaus | APRs typically 35%+; fixed daily/weekly payments; short terms only |
| Fundbox | Low-barrier LOC for newer contractors | Min 3 months in business; LOC to $150K; no origination fees; 600+ FICO; $30K+ revenue | Max $150K; draw fees; short repayment terms; not for large working capital needs |
| National Funding | Equipment with fast turnaround | Equipment financing and working capital to $500K; fast approval; early payoff discount | $250K+ revenue required; higher cost than bank; rates not published upfront |
| QuickBridge | Flexible credit requirements | Revenue-weighted underwriting; no collateral; loan specialist support; 24-hour funding possible | Less published info on terms; factor-rate pricing; confirm details directly |
| Triton Capital | Mid-size project working capital | $50K-$500K working capital; faster than banks; suited for project-stage businesses | Higher rates than bank; not for long-term equipment or construction mortgages |
| Greenbox Capital | Non-traditional credit profiles | Revenue-based underwriting; 1-business-day approval possible; works with construction operators | Higher factor rates; limited published term info; not for long-term financing |
| Bluevine | Banking and credit combined | LOC up to $250K + business checking; invoicing tools; SBA access via partners; no min balance | LOC max limits utility for larger contractors; not a direct SBA lender |
How to Evaluate the Best Construction Company Loans
Construction financing decisions differ from most small business lending because the cash flow cycle is project-driven rather than month-to-month. Materials and labor go out weeks before draws or client payments come in. Equipment depreciates over years but must be purchased upfront. Understanding these dynamics before comparing lenders prevents choosing the wrong product for the situation.
1. Match the Loan Structure to the Project Need
Urgent payroll and material gaps require fast capital with flexible use. Equipment purchases with multi-year useful lives need amortized term loans where the repayment window aligns with how long the asset will be used. Expansion into new markets, fleet additions, or commercial real estate acquisitions benefit from SBA or bank products with longer repayment windows and lower rates. Using a 6-month working capital loan to fund a 5-year equipment purchase creates repayment pressure that arrives before the asset has generated sufficient return.
2. Compare Speed Against Total Cost
Fast lenders cost more. This is a reliable rule across the lending market. The question is whether the cost of speed is justified by the cost of waiting. A payroll run that cannot be delayed justifies paying a premium for same-day or next-day capital. An equipment purchase that can wait three weeks does not. Calculate the total repayment amount across each option, not just the rate, before deciding how much speed is worth in a specific situation.
3. Review Eligibility Before Applying
Eligibility requirements vary significantly across the lenders in this guide. Fora Financial works with businesses as young as 6 months with a 570 FICO floor. Fundbox accepts businesses as young as 3 months with a 600 FICO minimum. U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and the major bank construction lenders typically require 700+ FICO, 2 years in business, and full financial documentation. Applying to a lender whose minimums the business does not meet wastes time and may result in an unnecessary hard credit inquiry. Confirm credit floor, revenue minimum, and time-in-business requirement before submitting any application.
Best Construction Company Loans by Lender and Use Case
1. Fora Financial: Best for Fast Working Capital and Urgent Job Costs
Fora Financial is best for established construction businesses that need capital fast — within 24 hours from offer acceptance — to cover payroll, materials, subcontractor invoices, bid deposits, or short-term project gaps. For contractors who cannot wait on traditional bank underwriting cycles and need flexible use of funds without pledging equipment or real estate, Fora is the most practical fast-funding option for businesses that meet the qualification floor.
Callouts:
- 5-minute online application with approvals in as little as 4 hours and funding in as little as 24 hours from offer acceptance
- No collateral required for qualifying borrowers — approval based on revenue and time in business
- Minimum qualifications: 6+ months in business, 570+ FICO, $240,000+ in annual revenue
- Unrestricted use of funds: payroll, materials, equipment, bid costs, or any working capital need
- Dedicated funding advisor who reviews options with you directly; see Fora Financial's Business Insights Report for SMB economic data informing funding decisions
Limitations:
- Factor-based pricing means total repayment cost is higher than a bank term loan; evaluate on total repayment amount, not rate alone
- Not designed for long-term equipment purchases or projects requiring 5- to 10-year amortization
- Minimum $240,000 in annual revenue — not suited for brand-new or pre-revenue contractors
2. U.S. Bank: Best for Construction-to-Permanent and Established Borrowers
U.S. Bank is best for established contractors and developers financing ground-up commercial builds who need a loan that converts to permanent financing after project completion. The construction-to-permanent structure eliminates the need to refinance at project completion, reducing closing costs and paperwork. Available nationwide with both branch and online application support.
Callouts:
- Construction-to-permanent loan converts at project completion — eliminates a second closing
- Broad product range including conventional, jumbo, VA, and FHA loan types alongside construction products
- Available nationwide with online and branch application support
Limitations:
- Does not work with owner-builders, investment properties, or manufactured homes for construction loan products
- Documentation-heavy; approval process typically takes weeks — not suited for urgent capital needs
- 700+ FICO required for construction-specific products; borrowers below that threshold are unlikely to qualify
3. Wells Fargo: Best for Rate Lock Features and Relationship Borrowers
Wells Fargo is best for existing business banking customers who want to leverage an established relationship for favorable loan terms, and for contractors seeking rate lock options during a construction phase on longer builds. Rate lock protection is a meaningful advantage on projects with 6- to 18-month timelines where rate movement during construction can materially affect total cost.
Callouts:
- Rate lock features protect against rising interest rates during the construction phase
- Available in all U.S. states; conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loan types available
- Existing business banking customers may qualify for relationship rate discounts
Limitations:
- Non-customers are unlikely to see the same pricing advantages as established relationship borrowers
- 620+ FICO minimum for conventional; higher for construction-specific products
- Traditional underwriting timelines apply — not a fast-funding option for urgent project costs
4. TD Bank: Best for One-Time Close Construction Loans
TD Bank is best for contractors and owner-builders who want to combine the construction and permanent mortgage into a single closing, avoiding duplicate fees and two separate underwriting processes. Construction loans up to $3 million with a one-time close structure and a dedicated draw schedule tied to project milestones. Primarily available in TD Bank's East Coast footprint.
Callouts:
- One-time close structure combines construction and permanent financing — saves time and closing costs
- Construction loans up to $3 million with a structured milestone draw schedule
- Existing TD Bank customers eligible for a rate discount
Limitations:
- 30% down payment requirement is higher than many competing construction lenders
- Product availability concentrated in East Coast states within TD Bank's footprint
- Not suited for short-term working capital, payroll gaps, or material purchases outside of construction draw financing
5. PNC Bank: Best for Established Businesses Seeking Regional Bank Financing
PNC Bank is best for established construction businesses with strong credit and financials in PNC's 16-state service area who want a regional bank alternative to the largest national institutions. Construction loans are available alongside business lines of credit that can support ongoing working capital alongside project financing.
Callouts:
- Available in AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NJ, NM, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WA
- Conventional and government-backed construction loan options; business LOC available alongside construction products
- Business banking relationship can support additional credit products over time
Limitations:
- Not available in all U.S. states — contractors outside the footprint need another option
- Not a fit for contractors needing fast approval or businesses under 2 years in operation
6. Bank of America: Best for Relationship-Based Business Lending
Bank of America is best for established construction businesses that already hold business banking accounts, credit cards, or other products with the institution and want to consolidate lending under one relationship. Preferred Rewards discounts for existing customers can reduce borrowing costs meaningfully over time. Broad product access including SBA loans through partner channels, lines of credit, and term loans.
Callouts:
- Preferred Rewards discounts for existing business banking customers reduce effective borrowing cost
- Broad access: SBA loans via partners, lines of credit, term loans, and national branch support
- Useful for contractors managing multiple active projects across multiple accounts
Limitations:
- Non-customers are unlikely to access the same pricing and service advantages
- Traditional bank timelines; approval and funding takes weeks — not for urgent capital needs
- Not designed for contractors under 2 years in business
7. SBA Approved Lenders: Best for Long-Term Expansion and Equipment Purchases
SBA-approved lenders using 7(a) and 504 programs are best for established contractors planning fleet expansion, equipment acquisition, commercial real estate purchases, or long-term business growth. Government-backed structure means lenders are often more willing to work with contractors who have uneven revenue but a 2+ year track record. SBA Express Loans offer faster turnaround for amounts up to $500,000.
Callouts:
- SBA 7(a) up to $5 million; terms to 10 years for general use, 25 years for real estate
- SBA 504 for fixed asset purchases: heavy equipment, machinery, commercial facilities
- SBA Express up to $500,000 with 36-hour SBA response; no collateral required under $50,000
- Variable rates capped at 9%-13.25% depending on loan size and term; predictable long-term cost
Limitations:
- 2 years of business and personal tax returns, P&L statements, balance sheets, and use-of-funds plan required
- Standard 7(a) approval takes weeks — not a same-week funding option
- Eligibility and collateral requirements vary by participating SBA lender
8. Crestmont Capital: Best for Fast Funding for Established Contractors
Crestmont Capital specializes in construction company financing including business term loans, equipment financing, and working capital. For established construction companies that need faster capital than a traditional bank can provide but want more structured terms than a short-term cash advance, Crestmont offers a practical middle ground. Funds can be used for payroll, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general working capital.
Callouts:
- Specializes in construction financing: term loans, equipment, and working capital from one lender
- Online application with faster approval than traditional bank lenders
- Flexible use of funds across payroll, materials, equipment, and project costs
Limitations:
- Rates are higher than traditional bank financing — compare total repayment cost carefully
- Better suited to established businesses; may require stronger revenue history than entry-level lenders
9. OnDeck: Best for Short-Term Lines of Credit for Recurring Cash Flow Gaps
OnDeck is best for general contractors and subcontractors who experience recurring payroll and materials gaps between project draws and need a revolving credit line to bridge them. Fast online application with same-day or next-day decisions for qualifying borrowers. OnDeck reports to business credit bureaus, which provides a credit-building benefit for contractors actively establishing commercial credit history.
Callouts:
- Term loans to $250K and revolving LOC to $100K; fast decisions and same-day or next-day funding
- Reports to Experian, Equifax Business, and PayNet — builds business credit history
- 625 FICO minimum, 12 months in business, $100,000 in annual revenue
Limitations:
- APRs typically starting around 35%, averaging significantly higher — best for short-duration urgent needs
- Fixed daily or weekly payments do not flex with project-based revenue cycles
- Short loan terms — not for long-term equipment or multi-year expansion financing
10. Fundbox: Best for Low-Barrier Lines of Credit for Newer Contractors
Fundbox is best for subcontractors and smaller construction businesses that have been operating for as little as 3 months and need a revolving line to cover supply orders between invoice payments. The 3-month minimum time in business is significantly lower than most competing lenders. Lines of credit up to $150,000 with funding within 2 business days, no prepayment penalties, and no origination fees.
Callouts:
- Minimum 3 months in business — significantly lower barrier than most construction lenders
- LOC up to $150,000; funding within 2 business days; no prepayment penalties or origination fees
- Minimum 600 FICO, business bank account, and $30,000+ in annual revenue
Limitations:
- $150,000 maximum limits utility for larger contractors with higher working capital demands
- Draw fees apply each time capital is accessed — frequent small draws add cost over time
- Short repayment terms — not suited for equipment or multi-project expansion financing
11. National Funding: Best for Equipment Financing With Fast Turnaround
National Funding is best for contractors who need to finance a specific piece of equipment — a skid steer, excavator, trailer, or service truck — without going through a lengthy bank approval process. Equipment financing decisions can come through quickly, with funds available within 24 hours of approval for qualifying borrowers. No collateral required beyond the financed equipment itself for equipment-specific products.
Callouts:
- Equipment financing, term loans, and working capital up to $500,000 with fast online application
- Equipment financing can approve quickly; funds available within 24 hours for qualifying borrowers
- No additional collateral required for equipment-specific products
Limitations:
- $250,000+ annual revenue required — higher than most entry-level alternative lenders
- Rates not publicly disclosed — request a detailed cost breakdown before committing
- Not suited for SBA loan products, long-term real estate, or construction-to-permanent structures
12. QuickBridge: Best for Working Capital With Flexible Credit Requirements
QuickBridge is best for established contractors with uneven or seasonal revenue who need same-week working capital without pledging equipment as collateral. The credit scoring model considers time in business and average monthly revenue alongside credit score, making it accessible for businesses with some credit variability. Funds may be available within 24 hours of approval through direct work with a loan specialist.
Callouts:
- Revenue-weighted underwriting considers time in business and monthly revenue alongside credit score
- No collateral required; no perfect credit score needed to apply
- Product range: term loans, working capital, LOC, receivables, inventory, and equipment financing
Limitations:
- Less published information on borrower requirements and terms than most competitors — requires direct inquiry
- Factor-rate pricing on working capital products — compare total repayment cost before signing
13. Triton Capital: Best for Mid-Size Working Capital for Project-Stage Businesses
Triton Capital focuses on mid-size working capital loans from $50,000 to $500,000 for businesses with ongoing project-based revenue cycles. For regional contractors taking on larger commercial bids who need staged working capital to cover pre-construction costs, labor, and materials, Triton offers faster approval and funding than traditional bank lenders at a scale that fills the gap between entry-level online lenders and bank minimums.
Callouts:
- $50,000-$500,000 working capital focused on project-based construction businesses
- Faster than bank lenders; viable for contractors responding to bid opportunities
- Flexible use across payroll, materials, subcontractors, and general business operations
Limitations:
- Not a fit for six- or seven-figure long-term equipment financing or construction-to-permanent structures
- Rates higher than bank alternatives — evaluate total cost relative to the revenue opportunity
14. Greenbox Capital: Best for Fast Approval on Non-Traditional Credit Profiles
Greenbox Capital is best for contractors with lower credit scores or limited credit history who have been declined by traditional lenders and need fast capital for a bid deposit, material purchase, or short-term payroll gap. Revenue-based underwriting evaluates business cash flow rather than relying solely on credit score, and some applications are approved within one business day.
Callouts:
- Approvals in as little as one business day for qualifying applicants
- Revenue-based underwriting — cash flow history matters more than credit score alone
- Works directly with construction operators including general contractors and specialty trades
Limitations:
- Higher factor rates than bank financing — compare total repayment amount carefully
- Not suited for long-term amortized financing, equipment-secured loans, or SBA products
- Limited published information on exact terms — confirm details directly with a Greenbox representative
15. Bluevine: Best for Business Banking and Credit Combined
Bluevine is best for smaller construction businesses looking for a fintech-native banking solution that combines business checking, invoicing tools, and a line of credit in one platform. For contractors managing multiple active jobs who want to simplify cash flow management without switching to a traditional bank, Bluevine provides operational utility alongside capital access. LOC up to $250,000 with rates starting at 7.8% for top-qualifying borrowers. SBA and term loans are available through partner lenders.
Callouts:
- Business checking + LOC up to $250K in one platform; rates from 7.8%; no minimum balance
- Invoicing tools and payment solutions built in; SBA access via lending partners
- Competitive interest on deposited funds
Limitations:
- $250,000 LOC maximum limits utility for larger contractors; Bluevine is not a direct SBA lender
- Not suited for construction-to-permanent loans, large equipment financing, or commercial real estate
What Construction Lenders Look for Before Approving a Loan
Credit and Cash Flow Benchmarks
Personal credit score is evaluated by almost every construction lender. Bank and SBA lenders typically require 680-700+ FICO. Online and alternative lenders may work with scores as low as 570-600. Annual revenue thresholds range from $30,000 at Fundbox to $240,000+ at Fora Financial to $250,000+ at National Funding. Time in business minimums range from 3 months at Fundbox to 2 years at most bank and SBA lenders. Cash flow consistency, typically assessed from 3 to 12 months of bank statements, is weighted more heavily by online lenders than credit score alone.
Documents Lenders Usually Request
Online lenders typically require 3 months of business bank statements, a government-issued photo ID, and basic business information including EIN and entity type. Traditional bank and SBA lenders require 2 years of business and personal tax returns, profit and loss statements, a balance sheet, 12 months of bank statements, business licenses, and a detailed use-of-funds explanation. For equipment financing, a quote or invoice for the equipment is also required. The more documentation you can provide in advance, the faster the review moves regardless of lender type.
When a Fast Lender May Be a Better Fit
A fast online lender is the better fit when the capital need is urgent, when the business cannot wait 2 to 8 weeks for a bank decision, when the funding purpose is operational rather than a long-horizon investment, or when the documentation required for a bank or SBA application is not yet organized. The cost premium over bank rates is the tradeoff. When the cost of waiting — lost project opportunity, missed payroll, damaged supplier relationship — exceeds the cost of the premium, fast lending is the more economically rational choice.
How to Choose the Best Construction Company Loans for Your Stage
Early-Stage Contractors
Contractors under 2 years in business face the tightest qualification constraints. Fundbox accepts businesses as young as 3 months with a 600 FICO floor and up to $150,000 in revolving credit. Fora Financial works with businesses as young as 6 months with a 570 FICO floor. Greenbox Capital and QuickBridge evaluate cash flow more heavily than credit history, making them accessible for businesses with thin credit files but solid deposit activity. SBA and bank products are largely unavailable at this stage. Focus on building bank statement history, keeping accounts in good standing, and avoiding overdrafts — these factors have the largest impact on qualification as the business matures.
Established Firms Adding Capacity
Established contractors with 2+ years of operating history and organized financials have the full range of products available. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are the best cost option for fleet expansion, equipment acquisitions, and commercial real estate. Crestmont Capital, National Funding, and OnDeck provide faster alternatives for equipment and working capital needs that cannot wait on SBA timelines. Fora Financial is the fastest option for operational capital without collateral requirements.
Operators Covering Short-Term Gaps
For contractors managing recurring gaps between project draws and operating expenses, a revolving line of credit is typically the most efficient structure. Drawing down when expenses are due, repaying when the draw or client payment clears, and redrawing for the next cycle prevents the repeated application process of lump-sum loans and reduces idle borrowing costs. OnDeck, Bluevine, and Fundbox all offer revolving lines with varying qualification thresholds. Fora Financial's revenue advance product ties repayments to incoming revenue rather than a fixed schedule, which is more compatible with uneven project-based cash flow.
Compare Common Costs, Terms, and Tradeoffs
Rate alone does not determine total borrowing cost. Payment frequency, term length, origination fees, and factor rate structure all affect what the financing actually costs over its life. The table below compares the top five construction financing categories across the dimensions that matter most for contractors evaluating their options.
| Loan Type | Best Use | Typical Speed | Collateral | Term Range | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working capital loan | Payroll, materials, urgent gaps | 24 hours | Often none for online lenders | 3-24 months | Higher rate; factor pricing; evaluate total repayment, not rate alone |
| Line of credit | Recurring gaps, draw and repay | 1-3 days | Usually none for online LOC | 6-24 months | Weekly repayment; draw fees; max limits may be low for larger contractors |
| Equipment financing | Specific equipment purchase | 1-5 days | Equipment itself | 2-7 years | Equipment must be the funded item; not for general working capital |
| SBA 7(a) / 504 | Expansion, real estate, equipment | 30-90+ days | All available collateral pledged | Up to 25 years | Lowest long-term cost; heavy documentation; not for urgent needs |
| Bank term loan | Planned long-term investments | 2-8 weeks | Often required for larger loans | 2-10 years | Best rates for qualified borrowers; slow timeline; collateral and 700+ FICO |
Why the Lowest Rate Is Not Always the Best Option
A 9% SBA loan that takes 60 days to fund does not help when a subcontractor invoice is due this week. A factor rate product at 1.30 that funds in 24 hours and bridges a $50,000 payroll gap may cost $15,000 more than the equivalent bank loan, but if the alternative is losing a $500,000 contract because the crew was not paid, the cost premium is economically rational. Evaluate rate in context of urgency, project opportunity cost, and the actual alternative available at that moment.
How Repayment Structure Changes Affordability
Daily automated payments create a fixed cash outflow that does not flex with project draw cycles. A contractor with $30,000 in daily expenses and a $10,000 daily loan payment may hit zero on weeks when a project draw is delayed. Monthly or revenue-based repayment eliminates this friction. Before accepting any financing offer, model the payment against the lowest-revenue week the business has experienced in the past 12 months, not its average or best week.
Fast and Flexible Funding With Fora Financial
Construction businesses operating with tight project margins, delayed draws, and rising labor costs need capital that moves on their schedule, not a bank's. Fora Financial provides working capital, term loans, and revenue-based funding to established construction businesses that need a faster, more flexible path than traditional bank underwriting allows. A five-minute application. Three months of bank statements. No hard credit pull to check initial options. Approvals in as little as four hours. Funding in as little as 24 hours from offer acceptance for qualified businesses. No collateral required for qualifying borrowers.
For established construction businesses with at least 6 months in operation, $240,000 in annual revenue, and a 570 FICO score, Fora Financial is worth evaluating before committing to a slower product. Apply now and get a decision in as little as four hours.
Best Construction Company Loans FAQs
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For urgent payroll and material purchases, Fora Financial can approve in as little as four hours and fund within 24 hours from offer acceptance. National Funding can also approve same-day and fund within 24 hours for qualified applicants. OnDeck offers revolving lines of credit with same-day or next-day decisions for recurring gap management. For contractors with a week or more of lead time, Crestmont Capital and Triton Capital provide structured working capital with faster timelines than banks. The key criteria are urgency and whether the lender allows unrestricted use of funds for payroll and operational expenses.
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Yes, in the right circumstances. SBA loans are well-suited to construction businesses planning fleet expansion, equipment acquisition, commercial real estate purchase, or long-term growth where the contractor can afford a 30 to 90+ day approval timeline and has 2 years of operating history, organized financials, and a 650+ FICO score. The 7(a) program's rate caps and longer repayment terms make it the most cost-efficient large-capital option available to most construction businesses. SBA Express loans up to $500,000 offer faster SBA review but still require full lender underwriting. For urgent payroll, material purchases, or short-term project gaps, SBA financing is not a practical option.
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Yes. Fora Financial does not require pledged collateral for qualifying borrowers. Fundbox, OnDeck, QuickBridge, and Greenbox Capital also offer options without requiring specific pledged assets. SBA loans technically require lenders to take available collateral when it exists but do not decline loans solely for insufficient collateral. Traditional bank construction loans for larger amounts typically require collateral. Equipment financing specifically requires the financed equipment as collateral, which is standard and does not prevent approval as long as the equipment itself has sufficient value.
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Difficulty depends heavily on the lender type and loan size. Online lenders like Fundbox accept businesses as young as 3 months with a 600 FICO floor. Fora Financial works with 6-month-old businesses at 570 FICO. Traditional banks and SBA lenders require 2 years in business, 650-700+ FICO, and organized financial documentation. Revenue minimums range from $30,000 annually at Fundbox to $240,000-$250,000 at mid-range lenders to higher thresholds at bank institutions. Cash flow consistency from bank statements is the most common qualifying factor across all lender types, and overdraft frequency, declining deposit trends, and irregular revenue patterns are the most common disqualifying signals.
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Most working capital and term loan products from online and alternative lenders impose no restrictions on use of funds. Common construction applications include covering payroll between project draws, purchasing materials and supplies for active jobs, paying subcontractor invoices, funding bid deposits, financing equipment purchases and repairs, covering insurance or bonding costs, supporting a new project startup before the first draw, hiring additional crew, funding marketing or business development, and bridging seasonal revenue gaps. Equipment financing products are typically restricted to the specific equipment being financed. SBA 504 loans are restricted to fixed assets including equipment and commercial real estate.
Since 2008, Fora Financial has distributed $5 billion to 55,000 businesses. Click here or call (877) 419-3568 for more information on how Fora Financial's working capital solutions can help your business thrive.