Next Steps
When you have declined business loans—whether as a broker, vendor, or advisor—the next step is not to give up. Referral networks exist to review these opportunities and match them to lenders with different credit standards, program guidelines, and risk appetites than the original source. See our declined business loans guide for a full overview.
A decline from one lender does not mean the deal is dead. Brokers, vendors, and advisors routinely face the question: what do I do with declined business loans? The answer is to submit them for second look review through a referral partner network.
These networks work with lenders that take declined deals and second look business lenders. The referral partner—with a signed referral agreement—sends declined business loans for evaluation. The financing partner reviews the opportunity and may match it to a lender in their network. Deals may qualify depending on structure, revenue, collateral, and lender appetite. Financing options vary by lender.
Leaving declined business loans on the shelf costs revenue and damages relationships. Clients expect their broker or vendor to exhaust options before giving up. Advisors who cannot help clients find financing after a decline provide incomplete service. Knowing what to do—and having a clear process—preserves deals and professional credibility.
Where brokers send declined deals and where to place declined loan files matters. Networks with broad lender relationships can often find a fit. Participants in the commercial lending ISO program and other referral partners use this path. Vendors can refer declined equipment financing through the same process.
Referral partners submit declined business loans through a referral agreement. The agreement defines compensation—typically revenue share when the deal closes—and the submission process. The financing partner reviews the opportunity and identifies possible lender matches based on credit, revenue, structure, collateral, and program fit.
Opportunities are evaluated on multiple factors. Approval is not guaranteed. Financing options vary by lender. When a match is found and the deal closes, the referral partner receives payment per the agreement—often 35% of gross commission, within 30 days of funds received. This aligns incentives: the partner benefits when the client gets funded.
Broker with bank-declined working capital. A broker's client was declined by their bank. Instead of telling the client there are no options, the broker submits to a referral network. An alternative lender with revenue-based programs may consider depending on structure and cash flow.
Vendor with declined equipment buyer. A manufacturer needs machinery; the vendor's in-house program declined. The vendor refers through a partnership. An alternative equipment lender may consider depending on collateral and revenue.
CPA with declined client. A consultant's client was declined for a term loan. The consultant refers through a referral partnership. The financing partner evaluates and may identify a fit with a different lender structure.
Brokers use this path when a deal is declined and they have no alternative in their lineup. Vendors use it when in-house financing declines a buyer. Consultants and CPAs use it 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. Declined deals and hard-to-place business loans can be submitted for review through the referral partner process. Review the referral agreement before submitting.
Partners review and sign the referral agreement before submitting declined loans.
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
When a business loan is declined, brokers and vendors can submit the deal to a referral network for second look review. A signed referral agreement is required. The financing partner evaluates the opportunity and may match it to a lender with different guidelines.
Yes. Many declined business loans close when matched to the right lender. Different lenders have different credit standards and appetites. Deals may qualify depending on structure, revenue, collateral, and other factors. Approval is not guaranteed.
Referral partners can submit declined loans by email once they have signed the referral agreement. The financing partner evaluates and responds. Turnaround varies by deal complexity and lender requirements.
Referral partners should maintain appropriate communication with borrowers. Submitting for second look review typically requires borrower consent and cooperation. The referral agreement and process should be followed.
Equipment financing, working capital, term loans, lines of credit, and other commercial structures. Financing options vary by lender. Each deal is evaluated based on multiple factors.
Yes. Vendors whose in-house program declines a buyer can refer the deal through a referral partnership. Vendors may earn revenue share when the deal closes.
Have a declined business loan?
Review the referral agreement, sign it, and submit opportunities for evaluation.
