Alternative Financing – altLINE

Can You Refinance a Merchant Cash Advance? Risks, Options, and Alternatives

Michael McCareins — Tue, 12 May 2026 21:02:59 +0000

A merchant cash advance (MCA) may provide quick access to capital, but it usually comes at a high cost. If daily or weekly withdrawals are draining your cash flow, you might wonder, “Can you refinance an MCA loan?” In most cases, you cannot in the traditional sense. MCAs are not technically considered loans, so refinancing […]

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What Is an Equity Injection and How Can Your Business Get One?

Michael McCareins — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:06:12 +0000

For startups and small businesses, getting a company off the ground can feel like a catch-22. You need funding to grow, but lenders often want to see that you have invested your own money before they approve financing. That is why many entrepreneurs look for ways to inject equity into their businesses. In some cases, […]

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Merchant Cash Advance vs. Bank Loan: Which Makes Sense for Your Business?

Michael McCareins — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:38:16 +0000

Every business needs capital to get started. There are plenty of funding options available, but in many cases, businesses consider a merchant cash advance (MCA) versus a bank loan. Both options will give you quick access to capital, but with different terms and long-term effects on cash flow. Bank loans are the go-to for many […]

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What Is an MCA Reverse Consolidation?

Michael McCareins — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:47:45 +0000

Many small business owners turn to one or more merchant cash advances (MCAs) for fast funding to fill cash flow gaps. However, once their repayment begins, the frequent withdrawals and high fees can quickly put significant pressure on business revenue, making it difficult to manage payments while still covering operational expenses. An MCA reverse consolidation […]

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How Does MCA Loan Consolidation Work?

Michael McCareins — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:00:25 +0000

Many small business owners often turn to merchant cash advances (MCAs) as a convenient financing solution. Quick access to these working capital funds can help you cover cash-flow gaps caused by seasonal fluctuations, unexpected expenses, and other extenuating circumstances. However, it’s all too easy to fall down the slippery slope of stacking these MCA loans. […]

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What to Do if Your Small Business Loan Was Denied

Michael McCareins — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:25:41 +0000

Getting denied for a business loan can be frustrating, especially when you already have a clear picture of how that funding would help you grow. Loan rejections are spiking, and Forbes reports that small businesses are especially impacted, with a 45% denial rate. If you recently had a business loan denied, you’re not alone, and […]

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SBA Loan Rule Change to Limit Access for Green Card and Visa Holders

Michael McCareins — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:53:01 +0000

Many small business owners will face a new hurdle as changes have been announced to Small Business Administration (SBA) loan eligibility. Under the new rules, non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders, will no longer qualify for certain SBA lending programs beginning on March 1, 2026. The change will affect a significant portion of small business […]

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What Is Capital Stacking for LLCs? What It Is, How It Works, & Examples

Michael McCareins — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:09:35 +0000

Starting an LLC is an exciting first step for any entrepreneur, but funding your business can quickly become one of the biggest challenges. Relying on a single loan or investment may not provide enough cash to cover payroll, inventory, and growth expenses. That’s where capital stacking comes in. By combining multiple funding sources like equity, […]

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What Is a Merchant Cash Advance and How Does It Work?

Michael McCareins — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:08:39 +0000

For small businesses with poor or no credit history, a merchant cash advance (or MCA) may seem like a viable choice. Though while a merchant cash advance can help you get cash quickly, it can be riskier and more expensive than other options. It is important for small business owners to understand how this MCAs […]

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Asset-Backed Lending vs. Cash Flow Loans: How Are They Different?

Michael McCareins — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:32:18 +0000

Plenty of businesses face funding challenges. Whether you just need enough to make payroll or you want funding to grow your business, there are plenty of options to get the cash you need. Most lending options fall into one of two categories: asset-backed loans and cash flow-based loans. Each loan type comes with different requirements […]

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Cash Flow Lending for Small Businesses

Michael McCareins — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:46:59 +0000

Many small businesses need a cash infusion to keep operations running smoothly in the early stages. Often, these businesses rely on external funding so they can maintain a positive cash flow and fund essential expenses. One problem? Most small and new companies struggle to qualify for traditional bank loans. In fact, a 2025 QuickBooks report […]

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What Is Debt Financing?

Michael McCareins — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:02:16 +0000

If you’re starting a new business, you need capital to fund rent, utilities, software subscriptions, salaries, and the many other expenses required to open your doors. Whether you’re a small business or an established company planning your next big move, there are many options out there for securing startup funding. Debt financing is one of […]

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Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing: What’s the Difference?

Michael McCareins — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:55:03 +0000

Entrepreneurs are faced with a plethora of big decisions when it comes to business financing, so much so that it can feel intimidating. One way to narrow down your options early on is to decide whether you want to use debt financing or equity financing. Both debt financing and equity financing have their advantages and […]

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Alternative Financing Options for Startups

Michael McCareins — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:15:28 +0000

From paying rent to hiring employees, startup needs financing to get off the ground. However, qualifying for funding is one of the biggest hurdles for startups, especially when traditional loans and venture capital seem out of reach. Fortunately, alternative financing offers a lifeline for startups. It provides flexible, accessible funding options that align with the […]

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Invoice Financing Guide: What it Is, How it Works & More

Michael McCareins — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:01:02 +0000

It’s common for businesses to struggle with cash flow and working capital because of outstanding debtor invoices. Small businesses in particular are hit hard by slow-paying customers due to tight margins. Invoice financing is a form of lending that combats this frustrating issue. Business owners who find themselves struggling with long payment terms or slow-paying […]

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9 Alternatives to Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)

Michael McCareins — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:19:07 +0000

For some business owners, merchant cash advances (MCAs) might seem like a quick fix for cash flow issues. But most MCAs are expensive, have unpredictable repayment schedules, and lack transparency between lender and borrower. There are plenty of alternatives to merchant cash advances—with better terms, lower costs, and more flexibility. Check out this guide to […]

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What Are High-Risk Business Loans?

Michael McCareins — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:22:46 +0000

Many businesses rely on external financing to get the cash they need for growth. However, many businesses are considered high-risk borrowers, making it challenging to qualify for funding. A variety of factors could make a business high-risk and ineligible for standard loans, from bad credit to a lack of hard assets. In these circumstances, businesses […]

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What Are the Pros and Cons of SBA Loans?

Michael McCareins — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:18:35 +0000

SBA loans can be a valuable way for businesses to get a much-needed cash infusion. SBA loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as purchasing real estate, inventory, and equipment, or to improve working capital. While there are several benefits of SBA loans for small business owners looking for a working […]

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SBA Loans: How They Work, Different Types & Eligibility Requirements

Michael McCareins — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 19:55:51 +0000

For many small businesses in need of funding, one of the best ways to get a cash infusion is through an SBA loan, which are somewhat different from traditional bank loans. Understanding key elements of an SBA loan, such as loan eligibility requirements, the different types of SBA loans, and even the pros and cons […]

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11 Alternatives to SBA Loans

Michael McCareins — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:15:27 +0000

Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) can feel like your golden ticket to profitability. SBA loan terms are favorable and also offer competitive interest rates. However, SBA loans are notoriously difficult to qualify for, especially if you have bad credit. Your business might be too small to qualify, or you might not have enough […]

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Your Guide to Small Business Growth: Strategies, Financing Options, & When to Expand

Michael McCareins — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:37:42 +0000

Small business growth is an important consideration for any business owner—especially since it can look very different for each company. For some, expanding a business simply entails increasing their customer base and potentially hiring a few additional employees to manage the extra workload. For others, the growth plan involves expanding to new cities or states. […]

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What Is Inventory Financing & How Does It Work?

Michael McCareins — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:54:11 +0000

For many new businesses, figuring out how to increase inventory while appropriately managing cash flow can be a major challenge. Thankfully, businesses can obtain the necessary funding through inventory financing. This business financing solution might not be as well-known as more traditional methods such as lines of credit or business credit cards, but it can […]

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What Is Non-Dilutive Funding?

Michael McCareins — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:27:20 +0000

Few things are more important for a business than ensuring it has enough funding for its operations, evidenced by financing difficulties being cited as the top reason why businesses fail. To maintain financial health and improve cash flow, business owners often turn to secondary sources to obtain additional funding, often through what is called non-dilutive […]

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ACH Advance and Cash Flow Loan Calculator

Angela Petulla — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:10:36 +0000

An ACH advance (also referred to as a cash flow loan or ACH loan) is a type of short-term small business financing. While ACH loans can be easy to qualify for, they often come with high interest rates and lower funding amounts. To help you better understand the costs associated with a cash flow loan, […]

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Merchant Cash Advance Calculator: How Much Does an MCA Really Cost?

Angela Petulla — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:24:46 +0000

A merchant cash advance is a small business financing option that provides quick funding but often comes at a high cost. We’ve put together a calculator to help you better understand how long it may take to pay off an MCA and how much it may cost. How to Use the Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) […]

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Payday Loans for Business Owners: What You Need to Know

Angela Petulla — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 21:33:02 +0000

You’ve probably heard of payday loans and want to know if businesses can also benefit from this quick financing option. While a popular alternative financing option, business payday loans come with their own set of challenges. Read on to get a better understanding of what a business payday loan is, its risks, and popular alternatives. […]

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Invoice Factoring vs. Invoice Financing: What’s the Difference?

Deborah Sabinus — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:52:21 +0000

When it comes to non-traditional financing solutions, invoice financing and factoring are common alternatives to transforming your accounts receivables for quick funding. Both options are similar as they provide a cash advance for business owners to increase working capital and scale their growth. However, some differences exist between them, and in this article, you’ll explore […]

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What Is Confidential Invoice Discounting?

Angela Petulla — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:03:15 +0000

If you run a startup or small business, you know how challenging it can be to manage cash flow while keeping customers happy. Thankfully, one alternative lending solution helps you stabilize cash flow: confidential invoice discounting. Confidential invoice discounting lets you access the money tied up in unpaid invoices without alerting your clients. This means […]

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5 Types of Equity Financing for Small Business

Grey Idol — Mon, 16 May 2022 19:55:40 +0000

Starting a new business presents many challenges, especially having insufficient capital. As a small business owner, you may not have enough money to start and grow your business. So you have to rely on others to provide you with capital. Individuals and organizations willing to finance your business will give you different terms, depending on […]

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Financing With Hard Money Loans

Grey Idol — Thu, 12 May 2022 20:55:38 +0000

Whether traditional lenders have turned you down or you’re simply considering alternative lending options for an upcoming business venture, you’ve likely come across the term “hard money loan.” What is a hard loan, though, and is it right for you? What Is a Hard Money Loan? A hard money loan is a type of loan […]

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Merchant Cash Advance Industry Statistics

Jim Pendergast — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:55:18 +0000

A merchant cash advance (MCA) is an advance that a business can get based on its credit card sales. Once a lump sum of money has been deposited into your business checking account, the cash advance lender will get a percentage of your future credit card sales until the advance is paid off. In this […]

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How to Raise Money for a Business Without a Loan

Jim Pendergast — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:20:30 +0000

Starting and growing a business can be daunting if you lack the necessary resources, especially when it comes to raising money to fund your new company. Many hopeful business owners often wonder, “is it possible to raise money for a business without a loan?” Thankfully, the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes.” Every […]

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What Is Reverse Factoring (Supply Chain Financing)?

Jim Pendergast — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:50:31 +0000

Reverse factoring is a unique supply chain finance solution where businesses allow suppliers to get paid early through a financial institution while buyers extend their payment terms. Unlike traditional invoice factoring, reverse factoring is initiated by the buyer rather than the supplier. Once an invoice is approved to be reverse factored, a financial institution pays […]

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What to Know About Short-Term Business Loans and Debt Financing

Grey Idol — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:49:11 +0000

Being a small business owner comes with plenty of ups and downs. The day-to-day machinations can be thrilling to take part in. It’s exciting to watch as your business chugs along, perfecting its craft and meeting the needs of the customers for whom you started this business in the first place. In the world of […]

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How to Get Out of a Merchant Cash Advance

Grey Idol — Thu, 27 May 2021 18:45:10 +0000

Merchant cash advances (MCAs) are a go-to source of financing for business owners who need quick cash. But if you’re in a situation where you need immediate funding, you might not have time to thoroughly analyze the long-term effects an MCA might have on your financials. Sometimes, business owners realize working with high-risk MCA lenders […]

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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

Jim Pendergast — Tue, 25 May 2021 14:57:19 +0000

A merchant cash advance or MCA might look attractive to a small business owner who needs some quick cash. Revenue shortfalls or immediate expansion plans can create this need. Plus, because MCAs aren’t technically loans, you don’t have to go through a traditional bank approval process. But there are some disadvantages of MCAs that can […]

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Purchase Order (PO) Financing vs. Factoring

Jim Pendergast — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:25:09 +0000

Just about every business will run into issues with available funds at some point. While intermittent cash flow problems are normal, particularly for growing businesses, it’s important to stay one step ahead by securing financing. But what if you run a small business and can’t qualify for a traditional bank loan or line of credit? […]

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What is Debt Factoring?

Michael McCareins — Tue, 04 May 2021 16:09:20 +0000

Running a business often comes down to timing more than anything else. You can have strong sales on paper yet still feel cash flow pressure simply because customers are slow to pay. This cash flow pressure can wreak havoc on business owners who are not prepared, and it’s a common challenge. The Federal Reserve’s 2026 […]

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What Is Asset-Based Lending and How Does It Work?

Jim Pendergast — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:13:04 +0000

Financing your business can be tricky. While there’s a wide breadth of lending options at your disposal, it can be intimidating to figure out how to sort through those options to determine which is best for your business. And for small businesses in particular, traditional options aren’t always attainable. For these business owners, asset-based lending […]

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What Is Invoice Discounting and How Does It Work?

Grey Idol — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:37:53 +0000

Cash flow is something most small businesses struggle with. Around 80% of small businesses have a hard time producing enough cash flow in their first five years. Sometimes you have the customers, but expenses are due, and you don’t have time to wait for unpaid invoices. Invoice discounting companies offer loans of up to 95% […]

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What is Crowdfunding?

Grey Idol — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:13:48 +0000

It is often a struggle for entrepreneurs to find ways to fund their new business ventures. There are plenty of options, from traditional to unique. A popular and newer idea in business funding is crowdfunding. This method allows you to raise quite a bit of money without asking for a huge risk from those investing […]

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Didn’t Get a PPP Loan? Here Are Your Other Financing Options During COVID-19

Grey Idol — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:16:00 +0000

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) offers much-needed relief for small business owners struggling to stay on top of costs during the pandemic. Unfortunately, not every entrepreneur managed to secure one of these loans. Hasty implementation and high demand for funds led to system crashes, processing delays, and other complications. If you fail to benefit, there […]

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Purchase Order Financing Guide

Jim Pendergast — Fri, 15 May 2020 16:04:11 +0000

What can a small business do when it needs more cash to expand inventory? One option is purchase order financing, but it may not be the best choice for every company. It’s important to understand how the solution works before jumping into a deal. What is Purchase Order Financing? When a small business lacks the […]

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What is Alternative Lending?

Grey Idol — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:25:44 +0000

For many businesses, qualifying for traditional financing can prove difficult, and it doesn’t help that banks have become increasingly strict when reviewing business loan applications in the post-COVID era. Thankfully, there’s a different form of financing that is much easier for certain types of businesses to qualify for – alternative lending. While just 13% applications […]

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Invoice Factoring vs. Invoice Discounting: What’s the Difference?

Grey Idol — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 15:23:30 +0000

The rising popularity of invoice factoring as a no-fuss, no-muss funding source for businesses has spawned an entire industry of factoring companies offering a range of options to address the varying types, needs, and preferences of businesses. But factoring isn’t the only alternative financing solution you’ll come across. There’s also what some factoring companies call […]

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