Why “No” Shouldn’t Be the First Answer.
In the world of commercial finance, too many conversations start—and end—with “no.”
Business owners hear it all the time. They walk into a bank seeking capital to grow their operations, cover payroll, or simply bridge the gap between invoicing and payment—only to be met with rejection. Why? Because their story doesn’t fit neatly inside a rigid checklist.
At Interstate Business Capital, we believe that’s the wrong way to do business. We don’t try to force our clients into predefined product boxes. Instead, we ask: How can we help this business grow? That shift in mindset makes all the difference.
Let’s explore a few common reasons traditional lenders say “no”—and how IBC takes a more flexible, solution-driven approach.
New Businesses Aren’t a Red Flag to Us
Most banks won’t even consider financing companies less than two or three years old. If you're not an established brand with a lengthy operating history, it’s usually a hard stop.
But we look deeper. If you’ve built strong relationships with creditworthy customers, have signed contracts or MSAs in place, and are generating reliable revenue, we see potential.
At IBC, we know that some of the best companies start lean, with hustle and grit—not a perfect balance sheet. That’s why we routinely fund startups and early-stage businesses with solid fundamentals and a clear path to growth.
Recent Losses Aren’t the Whole Story
Another common barrier? A track record of recent losses. Many traditional lenders expect consistent profitability over multiple years.
But anyone who’s built a business knows the early years are often turbulent. Investments in equipment, talent, or infrastructure can temporarily skew your financials. We get that.
Instead of focusing solely on historical earnings, we look at where your business is going. What’s your customer pipeline? Are you trending upward? If the long-term indicators are strong, we’ll find a way to support your trajectory.
Existing UCC Filings? We’ll Work Around Them
Traditional lenders often walk away when assets are already pledged elsewhere. But in today’s capital stack, layered financing is more the rule than the exception.
At IBC, we specialize in working with businesses that already have UCC filings or other encumbrances. Whether it’s negotiating a shared collateral position, working with existing lenders, or creatively structuring a facility around available assets—we focus on making the deal work.
You shouldn’t have to start from scratch just because someone else got there first.
Our Philosophy: “Find a Way to Yes”
Saying “yes” requires more than capital. It takes curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to listen.
We don’t judge a business by a single financial statement or line item. We ask about your goals, your clients, and your pain points. We explore different ways to structure a deal that fits your specific needs—not ours.
And if we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you in the direction of someone who is. Because we believe every business deserves the chance to succeed.
Ready to Talk?
If traditional lenders have turned you away—or if you’re just looking for a financing partner who truly understands the challenges of growing a B2B business—let’s start a conversation.
At Interstate Business Capital, we don’t just fund invoices. We fuel potential.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward.
