Private Funds Available

Introduction

A promising project, a strong asset, and a narrow deadline. The business case is sound, the numbers line up, yet the bank still says no or asks for months of paperwork. For many developers and business owners seeking seven or eight figures, this is where progress stalls. This is also where private loans and other private funds can change the story.

Across Canada and the US, there is a deep pool of private capital ready to finance commercial real estate, operating companies, and complex projects from $1 million to $500 million. These private loans come from non-bank lenders, pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, and specialized funds that look at deals differently than traditional banks. They focus on assets, project strength, and exit strategies instead of rigid checklists.

Private funding does not stop at simple term loans. Asset-based lending, mezzanine debt, project finance, and construction facilities all sit under the broad umbrella of private capital. When matched properly, these tools can help acquire properties, expand operations, manage cash flow, and build large projects that banks may hesitate to support.

Equis Capital Finance has spent more than 20 years connecting clients to this side of the market, especially in the non-bank space. Acting as a boutique investment banking and consulting firm, the team structures and presents deals so they receive serious attention from private lenders across North America. That means less red tape and more real options.

As Walter Wriston, former CEO of Citicorp, observed: “Capital goes where it is welcome and stays where it is well treated.”

By reading this guide, a reader gains a clear view of how private loans work, how they differ from bank financing, the main types of private funding available in Canada, and what it takes to qualify. The article also walks through the application process, how to choose the right lender, and how Equis Capital Finance helps turn difficult financing needs into funded transactions.

Key Takeaways

• Private capital can provide funding when banks move too slowly or decline a file. It includes private loans ranging from senior debt to mezzanine financing and project finance for complex developments.
• Private loans differ from traditional bank financing because underwriting is more flexible and focused on asset value, project strength, and exit strategy. Private lenders often close in weeks instead of months, which matters for time-sensitive acquisitions and construction timelines. Rates may be higher, but the trade-off in speed and flexibility often justifies the cost.
• Working with a specialized advisor such as Equis Capital Finance connects borrowers to a wide network of banks, private lenders, pension funds, and insurance companies across North America. This network increases the odds of approval and supports better terms while saving time.
• Commercial private loans commonly range from $1 million to $500 million across Canada and the US. Structures include senior secured loans, subordinated or mezzanine debt, asset-based facilities, and dedicated construction or project loans. The right mix allows businesses to protect ownership, improve cash flow, and move ahead on projects that would otherwise sit on the shelf.

What Are Private Loans and How Do They Differ From Traditional Bank Financing?

In a commercial setting, private loans are sources of capital provided by non-traditional lenders. These lenders can be private funds, mortgage investment corporations, insurance companies, pension funds, family offices, and specialized finance companies. They operate outside the tight rules that govern most banks, which gives them room to consider deals that do not fit standard banking checklists.

Traditional banks rely heavily on past financial statements, strict ratios, and long credit histories. If a business is growing quickly, in transition, or dealing with a complex project, that profile may not look tidy on paper. Private loans approach the same file from a different angle. A lender may place more weight on real estate value, projected cash flow from a project, or the strength of a long-term contract.

The modern private lending market is sophisticated, and research on banks and private credit shows how these sectors increasingly complement each other rather than compete directly. It is not just for distressed borrowers or last‑minute rescues. Many experienced developers, real estate operators, and business owners choose private loans even when they qualify for bank financing. They may need larger loan advances, creative structures, faster approvals, or a lender that understands an unusual asset.

Of course, there is a balance between risk and return. Private loans usually come with higher interest rates than standard bank loans, because lenders take on more perceived risk or provide more flexible terms. In exchange, borrowers gain access to capital when timing is tight, when projects are complex, or when banks say no.

Because the private market is so broad, working with an advisor who knows which lenders focus on which types of deals is vital. Equis Capital Finance maintains long-standing relationships with key private lenders across North America and understands how each group reviews transactions. That knowledge helps borrowers match their financing need with a lender that can act quickly and constructively.

To make the contrast clearer, consider a simple comparison:

Factor	Private Lenders	Traditional Banks
Typical Deal Size	~$1M to $500M+	Wide range, often conservative on higher-risk deals
Speed To Close	Often 2–8 weeks	Commonly 3–6 months for complex files
Primary Focus	Asset value, project strength, exit strategy	Historical financials, ratios, long credit history
Structural Flexibility	High – custom terms, staged funding, interest reserves	Lower – standard products and policy-driven terms
Covenant Approach	Often lighter, focused on key triggers	Detailed covenants and ongoing ratio tests
Typical Borrower Profile	Growth, transition, special projects, tight timelines	Stable operations and predictable earnings

Types Of Private Funding Options Available In Canada

Private funding in Canada covers far more than a simple secured term loan. There is a wide range of structures that can support working capital, acquisitions, development, and large projects. Understanding the main categories helps borrowers see which private loans or facilities best fit their goals.

Broadly, private capital can be organized around what secures the financing and where it sits in the capital stack. Asset-based lending focuses on specific collateral such as real estate, receivables, or inventory. Mezzanine or subordinated debt fills the space between senior debt and equity. Project finance and construction loans are built around the cash flow and value of a single project rather than the general balance sheet of the borrower.

Equis Capital Finance works across this spectrum. The firm arranges senior and subordinated debt, asset-based facilities, and project funding for clients in real estate and operating businesses. Below are three core funding approaches that many Canadian borrowers rely on.

Asset-Based Lending

Asset-based lending is a type of financing where the lender advances funds against the value of specific assets. Those assets may include accounts receivable, inventory, machinery, real estate, or other valuable holdings. Instead of focusing only on earnings or traditional ratios, the lender looks closely at what can be pledged as collateral.

This approach allows a business to release capital that is tied up in its balance sheet without having to sell assets. For example, a company can borrow against its receivables to cover seasonal cash flow needs, or against inventory to finance a large purchase order from a major client. The strength and liquidity of the underlying assets drive the amount and terms of the facility.

Asset-based lending often comes with higher advance rates than a bank line secured by the same assets. That can be especially helpful for businesses with strong asset bases but uneven cash flow. Equis Capital Finance even extends this idea to specialized art financing, arranging private loans where fine art serves as collateral to support liquidity, acquisitions, or tax needs.

Mezzanine Debt and Subordinated Financing

Mezzanine debt and other subordinated financing sit between senior secured debt and equity in the capital structure. These private loans often come into play when a borrower has already reached the limit of traditional senior lending but still needs more capital. Instead of raising more equity and giving up ownership, the business or developer uses mezzanine funding to fill the gap.

Because mezzanine debt ranks behind senior lenders in priority, it carries higher interest rates and often includes some form of equity participation. This may be through warrants, options, or conversion rights that give the lender a share of upside if the project performs well. In exchange, the borrower can move forward with less equity and retain tighter control of the asset.

Common uses include real estate development, leveraged buyouts, and growth capital for established companies that want to expand. Mezzanine lenders pay close attention to project viability, exit strategies, and the capability of the management team rather than only to historic numbers. Equis Capital Finance regularly structures both senior and subordinated facilities, helping clients stack their capital in a way that balances risk, cost, and ownership.

Project Finance and Construction Loans

Project finance is a structure where repayment of the loan depends largely on the future cash flows and value of a specific project. The lender evaluates contracts, off‑take agreements, projected revenues, and the long‑term economics of the development. This model is common in sectors such as healthcare facilities, power generation, transportation projects, and large industrial plants, as well as major commercial real estate developments.

Construction loans are closely related. They provide funding to build or redevelop properties, with money advanced in stages as work progresses. Private construction lenders understand that development involves delays, changes, and market risk, so they design their loans around milestones, budgets, and exit strategies. High loan‑to‑cost ratios and limited recourse to the sponsor are often possible when the project numbers are strong.

For borrowers, this means they can pursue sizable projects without placing their entire balance sheet on the line. Instead, the project itself becomes the primary focus. Equis Capital Finance arranges project and construction financing for developments such as multi‑family residential buildings, mixed‑use complexes, office towers, retail plazas, and industrial facilities. International project finance through the firm usually starts at around $3 million USD, with structures designed to reflect sector and country risk.

Who Qualifies For Private Loans In Canada?

One of the main attractions of private loans in Canada is that qualification is more flexible than with banks. Private lenders are not bound to a single universal policy manual. They can look at the full story behind a deal and decide whether the risk makes sense in light of the collateral, business plan, and exit strategy.

Eligibility depends heavily on the type of financing. An asset-based facility backed by high-quality receivables may be available even if recent earnings are uneven. A mezzanine loan for a real estate project might rely more on projected cash flow and sponsor experience than on corporate balance sheets. What matters most is whether the lender can see a clear, realistic path to repayment or refinance.

Business and Personal Credit Profile

Credit history still carries weight, but private lenders are often more forgiving of past issues if the current numbers and plan look solid. They may accept a business that had a rough period due to a one‑time event, provided that the situation is now stable and the deal makes sense. This style of credit‑flexible financing can work for companies in transition, such as turnarounds or rapid expansions.

Rather than using a single credit score as a pass‑fail test, private lenders review the entire financial picture. They consider payment trends, the reasons behind any past problems, and the sponsor’s current obligations. Equis Capital Finance helps clients present this information in a clear and honest way so lenders can see beyond a simple number.

Asset Quality and Collateral

For secured private loans, the nature of the collateral is central. Lenders look at real estate equity, equipment values, receivable quality, and inventory that can be readily sold or collected. A property with strong location and rental demand, for example, may support a higher advance rate than a similar building in a weaker market.

Private lenders usually have more room to value specialized or non‑standard assets than banks do. An operator with high‑value machinery or a collection of fine art might access capital that would be ignored by standard lending programs. Advisors such as Equis Capital Finance know which lenders are open to these asset classes.

Project Viability and Business Plan

A well‑thought‑out plan can compensate for weaker historic numbers. Lenders want to see detailed financial projections, clear assumptions, and a credible exit or repayment strategy. They will test the story behind the business model and ask how the borrower will handle setbacks.

Preparing an investor‑grade business plan is one of the areas where Equis Capital Finance adds strong value. The firm works with clients to shape projections, explain market positioning, and highlight risk controls so that private lenders and private equity investors can quickly understand the opportunity.

Management Experience and Track Record

Lenders often say they invest in people as much as in assets. A management team that has delivered similar projects or grown businesses before gives a lender confidence that problems will be handled responsibly. In some cases, strong sponsors can offset weaker collateral or tighter timelines.

Deal Size and Structure

Many private loans in the commercial space start at $1 million and extend up to $500 million or more. Larger, more complex deals bring additional reporting, legal work, and third‑party reviews. Structuring these files for success requires experience with capital stacks, intercreditor agreements, and lender expectations. Equis Capital Finance plays a central role here, aligning project needs with lenders that have the appetite and capacity for large or unusual transactions.

Strategic Uses Of Private Capital For Business Growth

Private capital is far more than a backup when banks decline a file, and studies on digital lending and financial well-being demonstrate how alternative financing sources support broader economic participation and business growth. Used thoughtfully, private loans and facilities help businesses shape their capital structure, protect ownership, and move on opportunities that others cannot reach. Many successful developers, real estate operators, and business owners include private funding as a regular part of their growth plans.

Strategic use of private capital often centres on speed and flexibility. Funding that arrives in a few weeks instead of a few months can secure a property, close an acquisition, or keep a project on schedule. Structures that match repayments to cash flow cycles allow a business to grow without straining working capital. Below are three common ways commercial borrowers apply private funding.

Commercial Real Estate Acquisition and Development

Real estate investors and developers often rely on private loans to buy, build, and reposition properties. This can include multi‑family residential buildings, mixed‑use complexes, office towers, retail centres, shopping centres, and industrial facilities. Private lenders understand the numbers behind rent rolls, net operating income, and exit cap rates, and they know time is often tight when a good property comes to market.

Because they can move faster than many banks, private lenders help borrowers close on time-sensitive acquisitions, especially when there are multiple bidders. Once a property is stabilized, a borrower may refinance into lower‑cost bank debt and repay the private facility. This approach is also common in value‑add situations where the plan is to renovate, lease‑up, and reposition a building before seeking long‑term financing.

Bridge loans are another tool for real estate. These private loans allow owners to extract equity from existing properties to fund new purchases or improvements. Equis Capital Finance specializes in commercial loan placement from $1 million to $500 million, drawing on relationships with private lenders, insurance companies, pension funds, and other institutional sources that actively finance these asset types.

Business Expansion and Equipment Financing

Operating businesses often reach points where growth requires more capital than retained earnings can support. Opening new locations, adding a production line, buying a competitor, or purchasing major equipment all demand sizable investment. Traditional banks sometimes view such growth plans as too aggressive, especially if recent financial statements show heavy reinvestment.

Private lenders are often more open to these situations. They look at the upside of increased capacity and market share, and they may be comfortable with debt levels that banks would consider high. Term private loans with fixed or floating rates give businesses a clear repayment schedule that can be built into cash flow planning.

In many cases, repayment structures can line up with business cycles. For example, a manufacturing company might prefer seasonal adjustments to payments, while a service firm with steady contracts may want level payments over the term. This flexibility helps businesses take big steps forward without creating unmanageable financial pressure.

Working Capital and Cash Flow Management

Even strong companies struggle with cash flow when receivables stretch, inventory builds, or large contracts require upfront spending. Private lines of credit and asset‑based facilities give these companies a flexible pool of working capital they can draw from as needed. Interest is usually charged only on the amount used, which helps manage costs.

These facilities can be used to finance inventory, support purchase orders from major customers, or provide receivable financing when payment terms are long. Some also back up Letters of Credit for import and export transactions. For businesses with seasonal patterns, such as construction or retail, an asset‑based working capital line can smooth the highs and lows.

Private working capital facilities typically come with fewer restrictive covenants than bank lines, and academic research examining the effect of various loan programs shows how flexible financing structures can improve business outcomes and access to capital. Instead of setting tight ratio tests, lenders focus on the quality and value of the underlying collateral. This approach allows companies to accept larger contracts or move into new markets without worrying that one quarter of weaker numbers will lead to a cancelled line. Equis Capital Finance structures these working capital private loans so they support growth rather than hold it back.

How To Choose The Right Private Lender For Your Business

The private lending market is wide and varied. Some lenders focus on small balance mortgages, others on mid‑market corporate loans, and others on large development projects. Selecting the right partner is as important as securing the financing itself, because the wrong match can slow a deal or add friction later.

The best lender for a project depends on deal size, sector, timeline, risk profile, and long‑term plans. A thoughtful selection process looks past headline rates and digs into specialization, stability, and flexibility. Working with an experienced advisor such as Equis Capital Finance can make this assessment far easier.

As Warren Buffett has said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” That idea applies directly to comparing different financing offers.

Evaluate Specialization and Track Record

Lenders who specialize in a given industry or asset class tend to understand that area’s risks and opportunities better. A group that finances multi‑family housing every day will be more comfortable with issues like lease‑up risk and rent controls. A lender focused on energy projects knows how to review power purchase agreements and regulatory concerns.

Looking at a lender’s history is important. How many similar private loans have they closed? Do they follow through on term sheets? Are they known for supporting borrowers during difficult periods, or for defaulting quickly? Advisors with deep market knowledge can share informal feedback that never appears in marketing materials.

Assess Network and Capital Access

Capital comes from somewhere. Some lenders rely on a single funding line, while others have multiple sources such as banks, pension funds, and private investors. A lender or intermediary with access to several sources can often secure better terms and has more stability in changing markets.

Equis Capital Finance has built a wide network that includes private lenders, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, credit unions, and trust companies across North America. This network allows the firm to match each deal with lenders that are actively seeking that type of exposure at that moment. It also enables competitive tension, where several lenders review a transaction, pushing terms in the borrower’s favour.

Consider Speed and Execution Capability

Commercial opportunities rarely wait for slow approvals. A lender that can analyse, approve, and close within weeks often makes the difference between getting a deal and watching a competitor step in. While private loans are usually faster than bank financing, there is still a range in how different lenders perform.

An established intermediary can filter out lenders that talk fast but move slowly. Because Equis Capital Finance has closed many deals with its network, lenders place more trust in its underwriting and packaging. That trust can shorten review periods and reduce follow‑up questions, leading to faster closings.

Evaluate Flexibility and Problem‑Solving Ability

Complex deals rarely fit into a neat template. There may be environmental issues on a property, cross‑border cash flow, or a management team in the middle of a reorganization. Lenders that approach such questions with a problem‑solving mindset can often structure private loans that work for everyone.

Borrowers with unusual situations or “difficult to obtain financing” needs should look for partners known for creative structuring. Equis Capital Finance focuses heavily on this area, bringing forward innovative and flexible ideas rather than forcing deals into rigid formats.

Understand Terms Beyond Just Interest Rates

Interest rate is only one part of the total cost and impact of a loan. Fees, prepayment rules, loan‑to‑value ratios, amortization, financial covenants, and personal guarantees can all change how a financing arrangement feels in practice. A slightly higher rate with lower fees and generous prepayment rights might be better than a lower headline rate with heavy restrictions.

Clear, transparent communication about all terms before signing is essential. Advisors help compare full structures side by side so borrowers avoid surprises later. This careful review is especially important on larger private loans, where small differences in terms can have large financial effects over time.

The Private Loan Application Process and What To Expect

The application process for commercial private loans is often more conversational and collaborative than standard bank lending. While private lenders follow their own underwriting standards and perform detailed due diligence, they usually focus on understanding the story behind a deal rather than running it through a single formula. Preparation and the right guidance can make this process faster and smoother.

Most applications move through three broad stages:

1. Initial consultation and deal assessment
2. Documentation and due diligence
3. Term sheet, negotiation, and closing

At each stage, an advisory firm such as Equis Capital Finance helps align expectations and keep momentum.

Initial Consultation and Deal Assessment

Everything starts with a frank discussion about the project or financing need. An advisor asks about objectives, timelines, strengths, and potential challenges. For example, a developer may explain zoning status, pre‑leasing levels, and planned exit. A business owner may walk through expansion plans and current debt.

During this stage, Equis Capital Finance gives early feedback on whether the request suits the private market and what structures might fit. This filters out ideas that are unlikely to succeed and protects the borrower’s reputation with lenders. It is also the right time to talk about loan size, security, and what type of private loans are realistic.

Documentation and Due Diligence

Once a deal appears viable, the focus shifts to information. Lenders typically ask for:

• Recent financial statements and tax returns
• Corporate documents and ownership details
• Personal net worth statements for key principals
• Detailed project budgets or pro formas
• Appraisals and environmental reports for real estate
• Customer lists, contracts, and aged receivables for operating companies

Private lenders then perform their own analysis on both the borrower and the collateral or project, reviewing personal loan documents to verify creditworthiness and collateral quality. They test projections, review assumptions, and may run sensitivity cases. Strong, investor‑grade business plans and clear financial models make this phase far easier. Equis Capital Finance works closely with clients to build these packages in a way that aligns with what private capital providers want to see.

Term Sheet, Negotiation, and Closing

If the lender likes what it sees, it issues a term sheet outlining proposed loan amount, pricing, fees, security, covenants, and key conditions. This document is usually non‑binding at first but sets the framework for the final agreement. It is also the moment when an experienced advisor can negotiate improvements by drawing on market knowledge and other interested lenders.

Once the term sheet is accepted, formal closing work begins, with lawyers preparing loan documents that outline all terms, conditions, security provisions, and covenants. Lawyers draft documents, third‑party reports are finalized, and any final questions are resolved. For well‑prepared files, commercial private loans often close in three to six weeks. That is a major contrast with the three to six months common for similar bank financing. By managing the steps and communication, Equis Capital Finance helps keep timelines tight and predictable.

Advantages Of Working With a Specialized Financing Advisor

Navigating private capital markets takes time, relationships, and specialized knowledge. Many business owners and developers only approach large financing transactions a few times in their careers. Private lenders, on the other hand, review deals every day and negotiate terms from a position of experience. Working with a financing advisor helps balance that gap.

A firm such as Equis Capital Finance acts as a “capital architect,” designing how each piece of funding should fit together to support a project or business. Rather than simply chasing any lender that might say yes, the advisor develops a deliberate funding strategy, then connects the borrower to lenders that fit that plan.

Management thinker Peter Drucker once noted: “Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” A strong advisor turns funding plans into executed transactions.

Access to Exclusive Lender Networks

Most individual borrowers know only a handful of lenders. Advisors with long histories in the market know dozens or hundreds. Over more than two decades, Equis Capital Finance has built relationships with private lenders, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, credit unions, trust companies, and other capital providers across North America.

Many of these institutions do not advertise widely. They rely on trusted intermediaries to bring them screened, well‑structured deals. For borrowers, this means access to private loans and funding programs that would be difficult to discover directly. It also means a higher chance of reaching the right decision‑makers quickly.

Expert Deal Structuring and Packaging

The way a deal is structured and presented can be as important as the underlying numbers. Decisions such as how much to ask for, how to divide security between lenders, and how to shape covenants all influence whether a loan is approved and on what terms. Advisors draw on their experience from many previous transactions to make these decisions with confidence.

Equis Capital Finance has more than 20 years of experience originating, negotiating, and closing commercial loans over $1 million. The firm knows what lenders expect to see in a file, what raises concern, and how to address those points before a package goes out. That means stronger first impressions and less back‑and‑forth during underwriting.

Negotiation Strength and Speed

Lenders tend to give more weight to files that come from advisors they trust. When a firm like Equis Capital Finance presents a transaction, the lender already knows that basic checks have been done and that the package will be complete. This trust can shorten review times and lead to more favourable terms on private loans.

Advisors also create negotiation strength by bringing more than one lender to the table when it makes sense. Even a small amount of competition can lead to better pricing, lighter covenants, or improved prepayment rights. Meanwhile, the advisor manages the process day to day, so borrowers can focus on running their businesses rather than chasing paperwork.

Specialized Expertise for Complex Deals

The larger or more unusual a transaction is, the more careful structuring it requires. Projects in healthcare, energy, transportation, mining, or international markets each come with their own risk factors and lender expectations. Construction finance, mezzanine debt, and cross‑border private loans add further layers.

Equis Capital Finance specializes in complex and “difficult to obtain” financing. The firm has experience with project finance, construction loans that feature high loan‑to‑cost ratios and limited recourse, mezzanine funding, and international financing for projects in Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. For borrowers, this specialized guidance often marks the difference between a declined application and a funded project.

Conclusion

Private funds and private loans give Canadian businesses, developers, and project sponsors a powerful alternative to relying solely on traditional banks. Rather than acting as a last resort, this side of the market supports growth, acquisitions, development, and working capital needs for projects that demand speed and flexibility. From asset‑based lending to mezzanine debt and project finance, there is a structure for nearly every serious commercial plan.

The Canadian and North American private capital markets reach into almost every sector. They back multi‑family housing, mixed‑use developments, office and retail properties, industrial facilities, healthcare projects, energy assets, and mid‑market operating companies. While terms and pricing differ from bank loans, the ability to close in weeks, accept higher borrowing levels, and design structures that fit specific projects often makes private funding the more practical option.

Because the choices are wide and the details matter, experienced guidance is important. Many of the most successful investors and business owners choose to work with specialized advisors who understand both the nuances of capital markets and the real‑world challenges of each sector. They know that smart use of private capital can separate them from competitors who are limited by slower, more rigid funding sources.

For borrowers seeking between $1 million and $500 million in financing, especially for commercial real estate, project finance, or growth capital, Equis Capital Finance offers this combination of knowledge and relationships. With more than two decades of experience and a broad North American lender network, the firm focuses on structuring funding strategies and cutting through institutional barriers. To explore how private funds can support the next stage of growth or development, a conversation with Equis Capital Finance is an excellent starting point.

FAQs

Question What Is the Typical Interest Rate Range for Private Business Loans in Canada?

Interest rates on private business loans in Canada vary widely based on risk, collateral, deal size, and structure. Asset‑based and other secured private loans often sit in a band from roughly prime plus two per cent to prime plus eight per cent, depending on the loan amount relative to the underlying security. Unsecured or higher‑risk transactions can reach the low to mid‑teens, reflecting their place higher on the risk scale.

Mezzanine and subordinated debt usually carries even higher rates, often in the 12 to 18 per cent range or more. In return, it allows borrowers to use less equity and still complete their projects or acquisitions. It is important to remember that interest rate is only one part of total cost. Flexibility, speed, covenant lightness, and the ability to prepay can add value that a slightly lower rate from another source cannot match. Equis Capital Finance uses its relationships to negotiate competitive pricing across this spectrum.

Question How Long Does It Take to Secure Private Funding for a Commercial Project?

Timelines for private loans depend on deal complexity, documentation readiness, and the type of lender involved. Simple asset‑based facilities secured by standard collateral can sometimes close in two to three weeks when information is complete and third‑party reports are straightforward. More involved real estate or project finance transactions typically require four to eight weeks, allowing time for appraisals, environmental reviews, and legal work.

This is still far faster than the three to six months often seen with large bank loans. Working with an experienced intermediary such as Equis Capital Finance speeds things up by preparing investor‑grade packages, anticipating lender questions, and steering deals to groups known for timely decisions. The result is a smoother process and a closing schedule that better matches commercial realities.

Question Can I Get a Private Loan If My Bank Has Declined My Application?

In many cases, yes. Helping borrowers who have been declined by banks is one of the main roles of private lenders. Where a bank may have rigid rules about ratios, sector exposure, or property types, private loans rely more on collateral strength, project viability, and exit strategies. A decline from a bank does not automatically mean the deal is flawed; it may simply mean the request does not fit that institution’s narrow box.

That said, it is wise to understand the reasons behind the decline. If there are serious concerns, such as unworkable projections or legal issues with collateral, those must be addressed before approaching other lenders. Equis Capital Finance specializes in the non‑bank sector and regularly arranges private loans for borrowers who were previously turned away. The firm reviews the bank’s feedback, helps fix real weaknesses, and then presents the improved file to suitable private lenders.

Question What Is the Minimum Loan Amount Private Lenders Will Consider?

Minimum loan amounts differ from one lender to another and depend on their focus. Some private lenders concentrate on smaller commercial mortgages and business loans below $500,000, while others prefer only mid‑market and large transactions. Administrative costs and internal resources often mean that very small loans are less attractive to larger funds.

Equis Capital Finance focuses on commercial loans from $1 million to $500 million for both real estate and operating companies. For international project finance, the firm usually begins work at around $3 million USD, reflecting the added complexity of cross‑border transactions. Businesses or investors looking for smaller financings may still benefit from speaking with advisors who maintain relationships with lenders geared to their size range, as this helps avoid time spent with groups that cannot consider the request.

Question Do Private Loans Require Personal Guarantees?

Whether a private loan requires a personal guarantee depends on loan structure, collateral strength, and the profile of the borrowing entity. Many mid‑market and large commercial loans still include some form of guarantee from key principals, particularly when borrowing levels are high or the business is closely tied to their involvement. However, private lenders can often be more flexible in this area than banks.

Non‑recourse or limited‑recourse financing is common in certain types of project finance and construction lending when the project’s own economics and security are strong. In those situations, the lender relies mainly on the asset and its cash flow, not on the broader net worth of the sponsor. Skilled advisors frequently negotiate limits to guarantees, such as burning them off after a project reaches certain milestones. Equis Capital Finance has extensive experience structuring construction and project private loans with non‑recourse or limited‑recourse terms where the numbers support that approach.