Brokers
Files that don't fit current lender lineup. Declined bank loans. Exposure-capped situations.
Referral Partner Types
Who Can Be Commercial Lending Referral Partners
Commercial lending referral partners include brokers, equipment vendors, CPAs, consultants, lenders with declined files, and other professionals who encounter business owners needing funding. You do not need to be a licensed broker to participate. This page explains who can refer deals and how the arrangement works.
Referral submissions should follow agreement review and signature.
- 35% revenue share on successful placements
- No broker license required
- Deals from $10K to $5M+ depending on structure
Introduction
Understanding Commercial Lending Referral Partners
Commercial lending referral partners are professionals who refer business financing opportunities to a financing firm in exchange for revenue share or commission when deals close. The term "referral partner" is broad—it includes anyone who encounters business owners needing funding and has a formal arrangement to refer those opportunities.
Referral partners work under a referral agreement that defines compensation and process. They can send declined business loans and hard-to-place files for review. Participants in the commercial lending ISO program and other referral partners include brokers, vendors, CPAs, consultants, and lenders with declined deals. You do not need to be a licensed broker to participate.
Why This Matters
Why Knowing Who Can Be Referral Partners Matters
Many professionals who encounter financing opportunities assume they cannot participate because they are not loan brokers. That assumption is often wrong. Equipment vendors, CPAs, consultants, and lenders with declined files can all be referral partners. Understanding who qualifies opens the door for professionals to monetize relationships they already have.
For brokers, knowing that vendors and consultants also refer creates context for the competitive landscape. For vendors and consultants, knowing they can participate without a broker license removes a common barrier. For lenders with declined files, knowing they can refer creates a path to preserve the relationship and potentially earn revenue share when the deal closes elsewhere.
Common Scenarios
Common Scenarios Where Different Referral Partners Refer
Equipment Vendors
Buyers who need financing to complete a purchase. Credit below standard program thresholds.
CPAs & Consultants
Clients who need working capital, equipment financing, or expansion funding.
Lenders
Declined files. Exposure caps. Deals outside policy or credit box.
MCA Shops
Clients who need a different funding path than MCA products allow.
Advisors
Fractional CFOs, business consultants, insurance agents with clients needing funding.
How It Works
How Referral Partners Participate
All referral partners—whether brokers, vendors, CPAs, or consultants—follow the same process. They review and sign the referral agreement. Once signed, they can submit deals for review. The financing firm evaluates each opportunity, matches it to appropriate funding sources, and keeps the referrer informed. When a deal closes and the firm receives compensation, the referrer may receive revenue share per the agreement.
Compensation is based on successful placements—not introductions alone. Different partner types may have the same or different agreement terms depending on the program. All partners should read the full agreement before signing.
1
Review and sign the agreement
Review the referral agreement and sign before submitting any deals.
2
Send the deal
Share basic borrower and request details by emailing us.
3
We review the opportunity
Our team evaluates the situation and identifies what may be possible.
4
We look for possible fits
We assess funding paths based on structure, urgency, and profile.
5
The client receives options if available
If there is a fit, the client can review next steps with clarity.
Practical Examples
Practical Examples by Referral Partner Type
Broker: A broker has a $400,000 equipment deal declined for credit. The broker refers it through the partnership. The financing firm matches it to a lender with broader standards. The deal may close; the broker earns revenue share.
Equipment Vendor: A vendor's buyer needs $60,000 for machinery. The buyer's credit is 540. The vendor refers the deal. The financing firm finds a fit. The sale closes; the vendor receives revenue share.
CPA: A CPA's client needs $120,000 for working capital. The client was declined by two banks. The CPA refers the deal. The financing firm presents it to alternative lenders. The client receives options; the CPA may earn revenue share if the deal funds.
Lender: A bank has a deal declined for exposure caps. The bank refers it through the partnership. The financing firm matches it to a non-bank lender. The deal may close; the bank's referral contact earns revenue share per the agreement.
When Used
When Different Referral Partner Types Refer
Brokers refer when they have files that don't fit their lender lineup. Vendors refer when buyers need financing outside standard programs. CPAs and consultants refer when clients need funding and traditional channels have said no. Lenders refer when they have declined files or exposure caps. MCA shops refer when clients need term loans or other products outside their suite.
All partner types use the same channel: the referral agreement and send declined deals process. The common thread is encountering a business owner who needs financing and the deal doesn't fit the referrer's usual path. The referral program creates a second look for declined deals and hard-to-place files.
How Axiant Reviews
How Axiant Works With Referral Partners
Axiant Partners works with all types of referral partners—brokers, vendors, CPAs, consultants, lenders with declined files, and others. We review each referred deal on its merits. We evaluate structure, urgency, credit profile, revenue, time in business, and collateral. We match deals to appropriate funding sources across our lender network.
All partners must review and sign the referral agreement before submitting deals. We work with referral partners, participants in our commercial lending ISO program, and professionals who send declined business loans. Deals are reviewed; placement depends on lender fit. Approval is not guaranteed. When a deal closes and we receive compensation, partners receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
FAQ
Questions about commercial lending referral partners
Do I need to be a loan broker to be a referral partner?
No. Referral partners include equipment vendors, vendor reps, CPAs, fractional CFOs, business consultants, lenders with declined files, MCA shops, and others who encounter business owners needing funding. You do not need to be a licensed broker.
Can equipment vendors be commercial lending referral partners?
Yes. Equipment vendors often encounter buyers who need financing to complete a purchase. Vendor financing referral programs exist in the industry. Vendors may receive revenue share when a deal closes, depending on the arrangement. Check your company policies.
Can CPAs and accountants refer business loans?
Yes. CPAs, fractional CFOs, and accountants often work with clients who need funding. Many lenders work with referral partners through structured arrangements. Accountants can help clients access financing options and may earn revenue share depending on the agreement.
Can lenders with declined files be referral partners?
Yes. Banks, credit unions, and other lenders with declined files or exposure caps can refer deals through referral partner programs. When a lender cannot fund a deal due to policy, exposure limits, or credit box, the deal may qualify for a second look.
Can business consultants refer commercial loans?
Yes. Business consultants, advisors, and fractional CFOs often work with clients who need funding. Many lenders work with referral partners through structured arrangements. Consultants can help clients access financing options and may earn revenue share depending on the agreement.
What types of professionals typically refer commercial financing?
Typical referral partners include loan brokers, equipment vendors, vendor sales reps, CPAs, fractional CFOs, business consultants, lenders with declined files, MCA shops, insurance agents, merchant service providers, and business brokers. Anyone who encounters business owners needing funding may qualify.
Ready to become a referral partner?
Review the referral agreement and send deals
If you encounter business owners who need funding, review the referral agreement, sign it, and send deals for review.
Referral submissions should follow agreement review and signature.