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Bridge Loans for Business

Fast. Flexible. Funding.

What Is a Business Bridge Loan?

A business bridge loan is a versatile short-term financing tool used to help small business owners and large companies to cover urgent expenses until longer-term funding or revenue can fill the void.

Unlike SBA loans or conventional bank financing, which can take weeks, if not months, to fund, bridge loans are known for their quick funding, flexible terms, and easy accessibility.

Entrepreneurs and business owners who need quick access to capital often turn to these loans for economic relief or to make a purchase or acquisition.

When to Use a Business Bridge Loan

Business bridge loans are most commonly used when timing is critical. 

If your company is facing a temporary cash crunch or you have identified a business to take over or to roll up into your existing operation, a business bridge loan could be an ideal solution for you.

Bridge Loan for Business Acquisition

Bridge Loans for Small Business Working Capital

Bridging Loans for Business Expansion Opportunities

How Business Bridge Loans Work

1

Pre-Approval Process

Contact a bridge lender, provide them with basic information about your property and your business’s financial situation. Usually, within 5-10 minutes, you will be pre-approved or denied.

2

Value of the Asset

An appraisal company, a broker's price opinion (BPO), or recent comparable sales in the area will be used to determine the value of your collateral property.

Current condition, occupancy rates, and long-term rental contracts will be examined.

3

Terms 

Bridge loans for businesses are usually interest-only payments, with a loan duration of 6 to 24 months is most common. Bridge loan lenders are cautious about protecting themselves from a time perspective due to fluctuations in the economy.

Loan extensions might be possible, ask before agreeing to the deal.

4

Closing

After approval, funds are released to escrow and then disbursed to the buyer in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. 

This process only takes a few days. 

5

Exit Strategy

Lenders funding business bridge loans will want to know how they will be repaid before funding the loan.

Common repayment methods include selling the property, refinancing, or paying off the debt with cash-flow from the business.

SBA vs Bridge Loans

SBA loans might be the most well-known financing option for buying a business, but in reality, these loans are rarely used due to their lengthy approval process, the vast amount of paperwork, and the need for personal guarantees, which can be very risky.

Business bridge loans, conversely, are much more straightforward and easier to fund.

SBA Loans

Approval Time
​​1 to 3 months, or longer
Credit Standards
​​Requires strong personal & business credit
Collateral
​​Usually required, but flexible
Down Payment 
10% to 20%
Interest Rates
Low to moderate (5% to 9%)
Term Length
5 to 25 years 
​​Documentation
Comprehensive: tax returns, bank statements, business strategy, etc.
​Flexibility
​​Moderate
Use Case
Buying a business, equipment, or expansions

Bridge Loans

Approval Time
​​1 to 3 days
Credit Standards
​​Less critical, more focused on collateral
Collateral
Property or business assets
Down Payment
​​25% to 40% 
​Interest Rates
​​Moderate to higher (8% to 15%)
Term Length
​​6 to 24 months
Documentation
​​Minimal: appraisal, basic info, purchase contract, and exit strategy, etc.
​​Flexibility
High, great for unconventional deals
Use Case
​​Quick property or business acquisitions 
Top-Rated

Business Bridge Loan Lenders

Crescent Lenders are top-rated California Bridge Lenders, providing residential bridge loans from San Diego to San Francisco and everywhere in between.

We have established ourselves as one of California's premier bridge lenders by offering quick funding approval, competitive rates, and dependable service, resulting in numerous repeat borrowers.

If you are looking for a direct lender in California with decades of experience servicing residential and commercial bridge loans, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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About the Author

Author photo

Russell Barneson
Hard Money Lending Expert

Russell is a seasoned real estate investor, writer, and hard money lending expert, as well as the co-founder of Crescent Lenders. He holds a degree from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. Outside of work, Russell enjoys surfing and spending time outdoors with his dog, Amy.

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