Deal Placement
Hard-to-place business loans are deals that do not fit traditional lender programs—credit, structure, industry, or size. Brokers, vendors, and advisors routinely encounter these situations. Alternative placement networks exist to review and potentially match these deals to lenders with different guidelines. See our declined business loans guide for a full overview.
Not every business financing request fits a standard lender program. Hard-to-place business loans arise when credit, structure, industry, or other factors push a deal outside typical parameters. These deals are not unfinanceable—they require a lender or network with different appetites.
Referral networks that specialize in hard-to-place deals connect brokers, vendors, and advisors with lenders willing to review non-standard situations. The referral partner submits the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates it and may match it to a lender in their network. Deals may qualify depending on structure, revenue, collateral, and lender criteria. Articles on why deals get declined and exposure caps provide additional context.
Brokers who cannot place a deal lose commission and may damage the client relationship. Vendors who cannot finance a buyer lose the sale. Advisors whose clients cannot get funding provide incomplete service. Hard-to-place business loans represent real revenue and relationship opportunities—if there is a path to placement.
Understanding that alternative placement exists helps professionals avoid dead ends. When a primary lender or in-house program says no, the next step is not necessarily to give up. Second look lenders and lenders that take declined deals provide that path. Send declined business loans and hard-to-place deals through the referral partner process after signing the referral agreement.
Hard-to-place deals flow through referral networks. The referral partner—broker, vendor, advisor—has a signed referral agreement with a financing partner. They submit the deal by email with borrower and request details. The financing partner evaluates the opportunity and identifies possible lender matches based on credit, revenue, structure, collateral, and program fit.
Opportunities are reviewed based on multiple factors. Approval is not guaranteed. Financing options vary by lender. When a match is found and the deal closes, the referral partner receives revenue share per the agreement—typically 35%, paid within 30 days of funds received. This structure aligns incentives: the partner benefits when the client gets funded.
Construction company equipment. A contractor needs excavators; bank declined due to industry. Broker submits to referral network. Alternative lender specializing in construction equipment financing may consider depending on revenue and collateral.
Medical practice expansion. A practice needs diagnostic equipment; vendor program declined due to credit. Vendor refers through partnership. Medical equipment financing lenders may have broader standards.
Manufacturing working capital. A manufacturer needs cash flow; bank declined due to exposure. CPA refers client. Revenue-based or alternative structures may create options.
Brokers use hard-to-place networks when a deal does not fit their lender lineup. Vendors use them when in-house financing declines a buyer. Consultants and CPAs use them when clients need financing and have been declined elsewhere. The trigger is always the same: the primary path did not work, and an alternative is needed.
Where brokers send declined deals and hard-to-place files matters. Networks with broad lender relationships—including second look business lenders and lenders that take declined deals—can often find a fit. ISO program participants and other referral partners can submit through the established process.
Email borrower and request information.
We evaluate based on multiple factors and identify possible funding paths.
Partners stay informed throughout the process.
When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% per the agreement.
FAQ
Deals become hard to place when they fall outside traditional lender credit boxes, program limits, or risk appetites. Factors include lower credit scores, shorter time in business, industry restrictions, exposure caps, complex structures, or deal size outside program guidelines.
Brokers can submit through referral partner networks that work with lenders having broader credit standards. A signed referral agreement is required. The financing partner evaluates and may match the deal to an appropriate lender.
Yes. Many hard-to-place deals close when matched to the right lender. Different lenders have different appetites. Deals may qualify depending on structure, revenue, collateral, and other factors. Approval is not guaranteed.
Yes. Equipment vendors whose in-house program cannot accommodate a buyer can refer the deal through a referral partnership. Vendors may earn revenue share when the deal closes.
Credit requirements vary by lender. Some programs may consider borrowers starting around 500+ FICO depending on deal structure, revenue, time in business, and collateral. Each deal is evaluated on multiple factors.
Equipment financing, working capital, term loans, lines of credit, revenue-based financing, and commercial real estate. The right structure depends on the deal. Financing options vary by lender and situation.
Have a hard-to-place deal?
Review the referral agreement and submit opportunities for evaluation.
