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Funding options

Every kind of capital, explained plainly

The right funding depends on your goal, your numbers and your timeline. Here is the landscape we work in.

Important. Metro Capital NYC does not offer these products. They are offered by lenders and programs. Availability, rates, terms and eligibility are set by each lender and change often. Higher-cost products such as merchant cash advances can be very expensive, and we show you the full cost before you decide.

Term loans and working capital SBA-backed programs Lines of credit and cards Asset, invoice and order-based financing Contract-based financing Real estate financing Business purchase, startup and franchise Fast and alternative capital (read the cost carefully)Grants, public programs and other capital

Term loans and working capital

Short-term loans

Fixed repayment over roughly 3 to 24 months for urgent needs or a quick opportunity.

Best for: bridging cash flow, seasonal needs

Medium and long-term loans

Larger amounts repaid over several years at lower payments.

Best for: expansion, renovation, refinancing

Working capital loans

Funds for payroll, rent, inventory and everyday operating costs.

Best for: steady businesses with predictable sales

Bank and credit union term loans

Traditional lenders with the lowest rates and the strictest standards.

Best for: strong credit, records and collateral

Community (CDFI) and microloans

Mission-driven lenders that serve owners banks often turn away, with advisory support.

Best for: newer businesses, immigrant and minority owners, smaller amounts

Secured loans

Backed by collateral such as equipment, property or inventory, which usually lowers the rate.

Best for: owners with assets to pledge

Unsecured loans

No specific collateral, so approval leans on credit, cash flow and a personal guarantee.

Best for: strong cash flow, limited assets

SBA-backed programs

SBA 7(a) loans

The most common SBA program, with long terms for working capital, equipment, acquisition or real estate.

Best for: good businesses that need longer terms

SBA 504 loans

Fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as owner-occupied property and heavy equipment.

Best for: buying property or large equipment

SBA Express and Community Advantage

Faster or mission-focused SBA options through participating lenders.

Best for: smaller SBA requests

SBA microloans

Small loans, typically through nonprofit intermediaries, with training and support.

Best for: startups and very small businesses

Lines of credit and cards

Business lines of credit

Borrow up to a limit, repay, and borrow again. You pay interest only on what you use.

Best for: uneven cash flow and recurring needs

Business credit cards

Flexible revolving credit for purchases, travel and vendors, often with rewards.

Best for: day-to-day spending you will repay quickly

Personal-guarantee and credit-builder lines

Smaller starter lines that build business credit history.

Best for: young businesses building a track record

Asset, invoice and order-based financing

Equipment financing and leasing

The equipment itself secures the loan or lease, which often means faster approval.

Best for: kitchens, trades, salons, vehicles, machinery

Purchase order (P.O.) financing

Funds to pay suppliers so you can fill a confirmed customer order.

Best for: product businesses with large orders

Invoice financing and factoring

Get cash against unpaid invoices instead of waiting 30 to 90 days.

Best for: businesses that invoice other businesses

Inventory financing

A loan or line secured by the stock you hold.

Best for: retail and wholesale

Asset-based lending (ABL)

A revolving facility sized to receivables, inventory and other assets.

Best for: growing companies with strong balance sheets

Contract-based financing

Contract financing

Low-cost funds to perform awarded contracts, including City and agency contracts (the NYC Contract Financing Loan Fund is one example).

Best for: contractors and vendors with awarded work

Mobilization and contract-backed lines

Cash to start work before the first payment arrives, secured by the contract.

Best for: construction, services, government vendors

Bonding and surety support

Guidance on the bonds some contracts require, through licensed surety providers.

Best for: public and large private contracts

Real estate financing

Commercial real estate acquisition loans

Buy an owner-occupied or investment property used for business.

Best for: owners moving from renting to owning

Construction and improvement loans

Fund build-outs, renovations and tenant improvements.

Best for: new locations and upgrades

Refinance and cash-out

Replace an existing loan with better terms or release equity.

Best for: owners with equity and high-rate debt

Bridge loans

Short-term financing between a purchase and permanent funding.

Best for: time-sensitive deals

Business purchase, startup and franchise

Business acquisition loans

Finance the purchase of an existing business, often with seller financing.

Best for: buyers of established companies

Startup financing

Options for businesses under two years old, with a heavier focus on the owner and the plan.

Best for: new ventures with a solid plan

Franchise financing

Loans built around a franchise system's costs and performance data.

Best for: franchise buyers

Debt refinancing and consolidation

Combine or replace costly debt with a structure you can sustain.

Best for: owners stacking several payments

Fast and alternative capital (read the cost carefully)

Merchant cash advance (MCA)

An advance repaid from a share of daily sales. Fast, but often the most expensive capital available.

Best for: rare, short-term cases after other options are reviewed

Revenue-based financing

Payments rise and fall with revenue. Terms and cost vary widely, including City-sponsored programs.

Best for: seasonal or fast-growing sales

Online and fintech lenders

Fast digital applications with higher rates than banks.

Best for: speed when you cannot wait for a bank

Community crowdfunding

Borrow from customers and supporters on platforms such as Kiva and Honeycomb Credit.

Best for: businesses with loyal customers

Grants, public programs and other capital

Small business grants

Non-repayable awards from public and private programs, including programs for women- and minority-owned firms.

Best for: eligible owners willing to apply and report

State and City programs

Programs such as the NY Forward Loan Fund and City-sponsored funds through the NYC Funds Finder. Availability changes.

Best for: New York businesses that meet program rules

Vendor and trade credit

Payment terms negotiated with suppliers, which can ease cash flow at little cost.

Best for: businesses with strong supplier relationships

Investor and equity capital

Money from investors in exchange for ownership. We guide the preparation; securities rules apply.

Best for: high-growth ventures

Next step

Not sure which one fits?

That is exactly what the free consultation is for.

Book a free consultation Call (646) 951-7543