Real Answers to the Questions People Actually Ask

Call us at (866) 598-1215, email info@gulfcoleasingandfunding.com, or fill out the application at apply.html. The first step is a conversation — not a full application. We want to understand your situation before we ask you to fill out paperwork. Most people know within the first conversation whether we can help them.

No. Applying costs nothing. Talking to us costs nothing. Our fee comes from the lender when your deal closes — you never pay us directly. If your deal does not close, you pay nothing.

It depends on the product:

• Merchant Cash Advance: 24–72 hours from application to funding in many cases
• Working Capital / Term Loan: 3–10 business days for most deals
• Equipment Leasing (App-Only, under $150K): 2–5 business days
• SBA 7(a) Standard: 30–90 days depending on complexity
• Commercial Real Estate (Conventional): 30–60 days
• Hard Money / Bridge: 7–14 days in many cases

If speed is your primary concern, tell us upfront — we will match you with the fastest viable option.

A decline from one lender is not a decline from all lenders. Every lender has a different credit box, risk appetite, and product focus. We have gotten approvals for businesses that had been turned down by their bank and by other brokers. Tell us why you were declined — that helps us target the right lenders.

It varies by product. General ranges:

• SBA Loans: 640+ preferred, though some lenders will go lower
• Equipment Leasing (A credit): 720+
• Equipment Leasing (B credit): 650–719
• Equipment Leasing (C credit): 580–649 — programs exist, rates are higher
• Working Capital / Term Loans: 580+ preferred
• Merchant Cash Advance: Credit score is less important — card revenue history is primary
• Hard Money / Bridge: Asset value is primary — credit score less critical

If your credit is challenged, tell us — we will focus on the products where credit matters least for your situation.

Most products require 2+ years in business. Exceptions: MCA often only requires 3–6 months with consistent revenue. Startups and new businesses can sometimes access equipment financing or SBA acquisition loans. We assess case by case — do not assume you are disqualified.

An active bankruptcy is typically disqualifying across all products. A discharged bankruptcy that is 2+ years old may still allow qualification for some products — particularly equipment financing and MCA. Tell us your specific situation and we will assess honestly. We do not automatically disqualify for past credit events.

Yes, though options are more limited. SBA loans for business acquisition, equipment financing, and some MCA programs are available to businesses under 2 years old. The key is demonstrating either a strong personal credit profile, relevant industry experience, or strong projected revenue. Call us and describe your situation — we will tell you honestly what exists.

Our initial consultation does not require a hard credit pull. When we submit your application to lenders, a hard inquiry typically occurs at that stage. We minimize unnecessary pulls by targeting only the lenders most likely to approve your deal before we submit.

It varies by product and loan size. Generally:

• MCA and small working capital (under $75K): 3–6 months business bank statements, voided check
• Equipment under $150K (app-only): Application + equipment invoice or description
• Equipment over $150K and working capital over $150K: 2 years business and personal tax returns, current YTD P&L and balance sheet, 6 months bank statements
• SBA Loans: 3 years tax returns, current financials, business licenses, business plan if startup, personal financial statement
• Commercial Real Estate: 3 years returns, rent rolls, property financials, appraisal (ordered during process)

We tell you exactly what is needed for your specific deal in the first conversation — not a blanket document list.

We do not shotgun blast your application to every lender in our network. We select the 2–4 lenders most likely to approve your specific deal at the best terms, then submit to those sources. We tell you which lenders we are submitting to and why. You are not in the dark about where your information is going.

We present all offers to you with a clear breakdown of rate, term, total cost, and any conditions. We give you our recommendation on which offer is best for your situation and why. You decide. No pressure. If none of the offers work for you, you are under no obligation to accept anything.

Approvals have expiration dates — typically 30–90 days depending on the product. If your deal falls through, contact us immediately. Sometimes we can put the approval on hold, sometimes we need to re-submit. Either way, we stay with you through the process.

Current approximate ranges by product:

• SBA 7(a): Prime + 2.75% to 4.75% — currently approximately 9–11%
• Equipment Leasing (A credit): 4–8% implied rate depending on term
• Equipment Leasing (B/C credit): 9–18% implied rate
• Working Capital / Term Loans: 8–25% depending on credit and term
• Commercial Real Estate (Conventional): 6.5–9.5% depending on property type and LTV
• MCA: Factor rate 1.10–1.50 — not an interest rate, total cost = advance × factor
• Hard Money: 9–14% with 2–4 points origination, 6–24 month terms

Rates vary based on credit profile, deal size, term, and market conditions. Call us for a current estimate on your specific deal.

A factor rate is used for Merchant Cash Advances. It is not an interest rate — it is a multiplier. If your advance is $50,000 at a factor rate of 1.30, your total repayment is $65,000 ($50,000 × 1.30). The cost does not change regardless of how fast or slow you repay. There is no APR in the traditional sense because repayment is tied to revenue, not a calendar. If you need an APR equivalent for comparison purposes, ask us — we will calculate it honestly for your specific deal so you can compare it to other options.

We present all fees before you sign anything. Common fees to know about: origination fees (1–3% on some products), documentation fees, appraisal costs on real estate, prepayment penalties on some SBA and CRE products. We itemize everything in advance. No surprises at closing.

We receive a fee from the lender when your deal closes. You do not pay us directly. Our fee is built into the lender's compensation structure — it does not increase the rate you pay above what the lender would charge any other originator. If you want to know specifically what we earn on your deal, ask us — we will tell you.

A sale-leaseback is when you sell equipment you already own to a financing company, which then leases it back to you. You receive a lump sum of cash immediately and continue using the equipment exactly as before — in your facility, in your operations, no interruption. You then make lease payments over the agreed term. It is a way to convert the equity in owned equipment into immediate working capital without taking on traditional debt secured by other assets.

An Equipment Lease is a rental agreement — the lender holds title during the term. At term end you can return the equipment, purchase it at fair market value, or buy it for $1 depending on the structure. Payments may be fully deductible as operating expense. Lower monthly payments. Off-balance-sheet treatment possible.

An Equipment Finance Agreement (EFA) is a loan — you hold title from day one. The equipment appears on your balance sheet. Eligible for Section 179 depreciation. Fixed payments. Can pay off early without penalty in most programs. Higher monthly cost than a lease for the same equipment.

SBA 7(a) loans can fund: commercial real estate purchase and refinance, equipment, working capital, business acquisition, debt refinancing (with restrictions), construction and tenant improvements. SBA 504 is limited to major fixed assets only — real estate and large equipment. Working capital cannot be financed through 504.

Use an MCA when: you need capital in 24–72 hours, your credit is challenged, you are a younger business that does not yet qualify for SBA or term products, or you need a bridge while longer financing is arranged. MCA is typically the most expensive option on a cost basis.

Use a term loan when: you can afford 1–2 weeks for processing, you have 2+ years in business with solid revenue history, and you have a specific one-time capital need. Lower cost. Predictable fixed payments.

We will always tell you the lowest-cost option you qualify for first.

Neither, in the traditional sense. We are a commercial financing company — we originate and arrange financing through our network of 250+ lender sources. We are not a direct lender that holds loans on our own balance sheet. We are not a passive broker who submits your file and disappears. We manage the entire process — deal structuring, lender selection, application packaging, and closing — and stay with you after funding as your ongoing capital partner.

Gulfco Leasing and Funding LLC is a Florida LLC, active since 1994. Our mailing address is 411 Walnut Street #9500, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. We serve businesses in all 50 states. Commercial financing and business lending broker activities are regulated at the state level — licensing requirements vary by state and product type. Contact us directly if you have specific licensing questions for your state.

Gulfco Leasing and Funding LLC has been an active Florida LLC since 1994 — over 30 years. We have $7.1 million in annual revenue. We have been operating continuously through multiple economic cycles including the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic period. Our longevity is one reason our lender relationships and market knowledge are significantly deeper than newer entrants in this space.

All 50 states. Our lender network covers every state. Some specific products may have geographic restrictions — for example, some hard money lenders are regional. We flag any geographic limitations upfront when they apply to your deal.