Second Look Financing

Second Look Lender Network

A second look lender network reviews deals that were declined by other financing sources. When a bank, credit union, or primary lender says no, the network may evaluate the opportunity based on different criteria—credit standards, program guidelines, and deal structure. Brokers, vendors, and advisors with a signed referral agreement can send declined business loans for evaluation.

  • Deals reviewed based on multiple factors
  • Broader credit standards than many traditional lenders
  • 35% revenue share on funded transactions

Why Second Look Networks Matter

A decline from one lender does not mean no options exist. Lenders have different credit boxes, program limits, and risk appetites. Second look lender networks fill a gap by evaluating deals that fall outside traditional parameters.

Brokers, vendors, and advisors routinely encounter clients who were declined elsewhere. Without a second look channel, those deals may die—and the relationship may suffer. Second look networks provide a path for deals that may qualify depending on structure, revenue, collateral, and other factors. Financing options vary by lender; what one source declines, another may consider. See second look business lenders for related context.

Common Scenarios

Situations where second look lender networks are often consulted:

  • Bank decline—Borrower applied to a bank and was declined for credit, industry, or policy reasons.
  • Exposure cap—Primary lender has maxed out exposure to the borrower, industry, or geography.
  • Equipment vendor decline—In-house vendor program declined the buyer; alternative financing may be available.
  • MCA shop overflow—Client needs term financing, equipment financing, or a structure outside the MCA product.
  • Broker lender mismatch—Deal does not fit the broker's current lender lineup.
  • Time in business—Borrower is newer than the first lender's requirements.

How Second Look Networks Work

Second look lender networks operate through referral partnerships. A broker, vendor, or advisor with a signed referral agreement submits the deal. The financing partner evaluates the opportunity and, if appropriate, matches it to a lender in their network. The referral partner does not broker the loan—they introduce the opportunity and may receive revenue share when the deal closes.

Deals are reviewed based on multiple factors: credit profile, revenue, time in business, collateral, industry, and structure. Opportunities may qualify depending on how these factors align with lender appetites. No approval is promised—each deal is evaluated on its merits. Learn more about lenders that take declined deals and where brokers send declined deals.

Practical Examples

Equipment purchase declined by vendor program. A manufacturer needs machinery; the vendor's in-house program declined due to credit. The vendor refers the deal to a second look network. An alternative lender with equipment-backed financing may consider the deal depending on structure and collateral.

Working capital declined by bank. A contractor needs working capital; the bank declined due to industry or exposure. The contractor's CPA refers the client to a financing partner. Revenue-based or alternative structures may create options.

Broker deal outside lender box. A broker has a solid deal that does not fit any of their current lenders. They submit to a referral partner network for second look. The network may match the deal to a lender with different guidelines.

When to Use a Second Look Network

Brokers use second look networks when deals fall outside their primary programs. Vendors use them when in-house financing declines a buyer. Consultants and CPAs use them when clients need financing and have been declined elsewhere. The common thread: a need for a different evaluation than the first lender provided.

Second look is not a guarantee. It is an additional path to explore when the first path did not work. Send declined business loans and hard-to-place business loans for review through the referral partner process. Review the referral agreement before submitting.

How Axiant Partners May Review Opportunities

1

Agreement required

Partners review and sign the referral agreement before submitting deals.

2

Deal submission

Submit borrower and request details by email.

3

Evaluation

We evaluate the opportunity and identify possible funding paths based on multiple factors.

4

Communication

Partners stay informed throughout the process.

5

Revenue share

When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.

FAQ

Questions about second look lender networks

What is a second look lender network?

A second look lender network is a group of lenders and financing partners that review business loan applications previously declined by other lenders. The network may have broader credit standards, different program guidelines, or alternative structures that create options depending on deal structure, revenue, and collateral.

Who can submit deals to a second look lender network?

Brokers, lenders, ISOs, equipment vendors, CPAs, and consultants who have a signed referral agreement can submit declined deals for second look review. The referral partner introduces the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates it.

What credit scores do second look lenders consider?

Credit requirements vary by lender. Some programs may consider borrowers starting around 500+ FICO depending on deal structure, revenue profile, time in business, and collateral. Approval is not guaranteed—each deal is evaluated on multiple factors.

How do referral partners get paid with second look networks?

Referral partners typically receive revenue share when a deal closes—often around 35%. Payment is issued within 30 days of funds received. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone.

Do I need a referral agreement to submit deals?

Yes. Referral partners must review and sign the referral agreement before submitting any deals. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process.

How does a second look network differ from my primary lenders?

Second look networks provide access to lenders with different credit boxes, program limits, and risk appetites than your primary lenders. When your lenders decline, the network may offer an additional evaluation path.

Have a declined deal?

Submit for second look review

Review the referral agreement, sign it, and submit opportunities for evaluation.