National Funding

Founded in 1999, National Funding has established itself as a significant alternative lender in the small business financing space, particularly focusing on serving businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. The company was built around the recognition that many small businesses with solid operations face persistent challenges in securing timely funding through conventional banking channels due to stringent credit requirements, extensive documentation needs, and lengthy approval processes. National Funding's business model centers on providing accessible financing solutions with streamlined application procedures, flexible qualification criteria that look beyond just credit scores, and rapid funding timelines measured in days rather than weeks or months. Unlike traditional banks that typically serve a broad range of clients from individuals to large corporations, National Funding has remained specialized in the small business segment, allowing them to develop particular expertise in understanding the funding needs and challenges of smaller enterprises across diverse industries.

What distinguishes National Funding in the alternative lending landscape is their personalized approach combined with technological efficiency. Unlike many online lenders that operate entirely through automated systems with minimal human interaction, National Funding pairs digital application processes with dedicated funding specialists who work directly with business owners to understand their specific needs and circumstances. This hybrid approach allows them to balance the convenience and speed of technology-driven lending with the nuanced understanding that comes from person-to-person interaction. Additionally, their willingness to work with businesses that have less-than-perfect credit histories—evaluating factors such as business cash flow and time in operation alongside traditional credit metrics—opens financing possibilities for enterprises that might be automatically rejected by more rigid lending systems. Their direct lending model (as opposed to functioning solely as a marketplace connecting borrowers with third-party lenders) gives them greater control over approval criteria and funding timelines, allowing for more consistent experience and expectations for borrowers.

National Funding offers several core financing products tailored to different small business needs. Their equipment financing program provides funding from $5,000 to $150,000 for purchasing new or used equipment, with terms ranging from 2 to 5 years. Their working capital loans range from $5,000 to $500,000 with terms typically from 6 to 15 months, designed to help businesses manage cash flow, expand operations, or capitalize on time-sensitive opportunities. For businesses with regular credit card sales, their merchant cash advance product advances funds based on projected future credit card revenues, with repayment occurring as a percentage of daily credit card receipts rather than fixed monthly payments. Approval decisions are typically provided within 24 hours, with funding following in as little as one business day after documentation is completed. To qualify, businesses generally need to have been operating for at least one year and generate at least $100,000 in annual revenue, though credit score requirements are more flexible than traditional lenders, with options available for businesses with scores as low as 600 depending on other factors like revenue consistency and industry stability.