Advisor Referrals
Advisors—CPAs, consultants, fractional CFOs—often work with business owners who need capital. Rather than brokering loans, many advisors refer clients to commercial financing partners. The advisor makes the introduction; the partner evaluates the opportunity and matches the client to appropriate programs.
Advisors have trusted relationships with business owners. They understand client financials, goals, and capital needs. When a client needs financing, the advisor is often the first person they ask. Referral programs allow advisors to connect clients with options without becoming brokers or lenders.
The referral model preserves the advisory relationship. The advisor does not originate loans, negotiate terms, or handle compliance for lending. They introduce the opportunity and may receive revenue share when the deal closes. This creates a way to monetize introductions while staying focused on advisory work. See how consultants monetize client relationships for more context.
Steps advisors typically follow when referring business loans:
Typical referral submissions include borrower name, business type, financing need (amount, purpose, structure), and basic financials. The financing partner may request additional information during evaluation. Each deal is reviewed on multiple factors: credit, revenue, time in business, collateral, industry, and structure. No approval is promised—opportunities are evaluated on their merits.
Advisors can refer both new opportunities and declined deals. Second look lenders may consider opportunities that banks or other sources declined. See second look business lenders for context.
CPA refers equipment financing. A CPA's client is a contractor buying $250K in equipment. The client was declined by the vendor's in-house program. The CPA refers the deal to a financing partner. The partner evaluates and may match it to equipment-backed programs depending on structure.
Consultant refers working capital. A business consultant's client needs working capital for seasonal inventory. The bank declined due to industry. The consultant submits the referral. Alternative structures may create options depending on revenue and credit.
Fractional CFO refers growth capital. A fractional CFO advises a manufacturer scaling operations. The client needs term financing. The fractional CFO introduces them to a financing partner. See fractional CFO financing referrals for more.
Referral partners typically receive revenue share when deals close—often around 35% per the referral fee structure. Payment is issued within 30 days of funds received. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone.
Advisors should confirm their participation complies with any professional rules, employer policies, or licensing requirements. Disclosure to clients is recommended. Review the referral agreement and commercial lending referral agreement concepts before participating.
Submit borrower and request details by email.
We evaluate the opportunity and identify possible funding paths based on multiple factors.
Partners stay informed throughout the process.
When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
FAQ
Advisors with a signed referral agreement introduce clients to a financing partner. The partner evaluates the opportunity and, if appropriate, matches the client to lenders. The advisor does not broker the loan—they make the introduction. Revenue share may apply when deals close.
CPAs, fractional CFOs, business consultants, and other advisors who work with business owners can participate in referral programs. You do not need to be a licensed broker. A signed referral agreement is typically required.
Compensation varies by agreement. Many referral partners receive revenue share when deals close—often around 35%. Payment is issued after funding. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone.
Typical submissions include borrower name, business type, financing need (amount, purpose, structure), and basic financials. The financing partner evaluates and may request additional information. Each deal is reviewed on its merits.
Yes. Many referral partners specialize in second look situations—deals declined by banks or other lenders. Advisors can submit declined opportunities for evaluation. Alternative lenders may consider deals based on different criteria.
Advisor with clients who need financing?
Review the referral agreement, sign it, and submit opportunities for evaluation.
