As 2025 approaches, economic uncertainty looms large. Whether due to new policies or market shifts, businesses must remain agile to navigate unexpected changes. Traditional financing methods can also be slow and rigid. To stay nimble, consider faster, more flexible alternatives – like private loans, asset-based loans, and bridge financing – with the guidance of a qualified broker.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of three loan types and how you can use them to make your business more maneuverable. With these tools, you’ll be prepared to respond to rapid economic changes, safeguarding your investments and your company.

Private Loans

Private loans are sourced through non-traditional lenders like high-net-worth individuals and private organizations. With fewer underwriting requirements and minimal restrictions on how you use the funds, private loans allow businesses access to capital quickly. Private lenders don’t always advertise directly to consumers, so your broker will be the key to unlocking these opportunities.

Land Acquisition

With more and more companies considering onshoring to avoid supply chain disruptions and potential tariffs, securing land in key locations is critical. With competition for prime sites intensifying, waiting for traditional bank financing could mean losing out. Instead of waiting weeks or months to obtain a bank loan, a private loan can be approved in as little as a few hours. Then you’ll be prepared to make a quick, cash-backed offer to secure the land your business needs.

Asset-Based Loans

Private lenders offer asset-based or secured loans in addition to other loan types. Asset-based loans allow you to leverage your business’s valuable assets – such as equipment, real estate, inventory, or vehicles – to secure funding. These loans rely less on credit scores, enabling you to access higher loan amounts and lower interest rates than unsecured loans. Consult your broker to determine if an asset-based loan is the right fit for your business before you apply.

Machinery & Raw Materials

Developments in AI technology and potential increases in the cost of imports next year may make machinery more expensive and difficult to obtain. If the price of importing raw materials skyrockets, manufacturers will likely charge more for the machinery they produce. Whether your business needs direct access to raw materials or updated machinery with new capabilities, you can use an asset-based loan to get it. Leverage the value of your company’s assets to get the capital you need without liquidating them.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans offer short-term capital to bridge the gap between point A (like closing on a real estate deal) and point B (a commercial mortgage). Whether you’re securing real estate or acquiring new assets, a bridge loan gives you the flexibility to act quickly, without missing opportunities. Typically used alongside other financing options, bridge loans can be replaced by long-term loans or improved cash flow, without early repayment penalties. Your broker can help you assess if a bridge loan meets your financial needs.

Industrial Facilities

Government policies on emissions, zoning, and energy supply, can significantly impact industrial facilities. Pressure from climate concerns can force regulations requiring costly upgrades and new equipment to stay compliant. To avoid penalties and slowed production times, businesses need quick access to capital. A bridge loan offers the fast funding to meet these demands, while you secure long-term financing options.

All of these loan types have short terms, from just a few months to a few years. While a shorter term means you won’t be paying for a long time, it also means you’ll need to budget carefully for repayment. Share your short-term outlook with your broker so they can help you develop a comprehensive repayment plan.

There are uncertainties ahead. Changes proposed by the incoming presidential administration will impact the economy in many ways if they succeed. However, not all of these impacts will be predictable. Businesses will need to stay on their toes and be aware of current events to decide how best to respond. Being flexible enough to pivot when needed will ensure your company can take advantage of the new year’s opportunities. Finding capital can be hard in a challenging economy, but with our team by your side, you’ll be prepared to succeed.