Cablecroft Capital Group, a small-business funding broker in Albany, Georgia, works in four stages: a first call about purpose, matching the purpose to a funding structure, a lending partner's review, and the owner's own comparison of any offers. Lending partners make every credit decision and set rates and terms; the owner can decline any offer.
Broker or lender: what does a loan broker do?
A lender advances its own money, or money it manages, and makes the credit decision. A broker does not do either of those things. Cablecroft Capital Group is a broker, not a lender: we help you choose the structure, prepare the request, and introduce it to lending partners that offer that structure. The partner reviews the business, decides, and sets every rate and term.
Stage 1: The first conversation
You dial (229) 210-0891, or send the short form (full name, email, phone and business name, plus ranges for time in business, revenue and amount), and we call you. We ask what the money is for, roughly what it costs, how the business earns, and when the cost falls due. Nothing is sent to a partner at this stage.
Stage 2: Purpose meets structure
A dated payroll gap points to working capital. Bills that recur at uneven sizes point to a credit line. A remodel or a buyout points to a term loan. Stock bought before it sells points to inventory financing, and a machine to equipment financing. A merchant cash advance, which is not a loan, comes up only when the sales pattern suits it and you understand the total it collects.
Stage 3: The partner reviews
With your agreement, the request goes to partners offering that structure. Expect a partner to ask for some of these:
- A run of recent business bank statements.
- Business tax returns and, for larger amounts, financial statements.
- A quote or budget for what the money buys.
- Proof the business is active with the state.
- Your go-ahead to pull business and personal credit.
The partner may ask questions, make an offer, or decline. That decision belongs to the partner alone.
Stage 4: Comparing offers yourself
| Ask for | Why |
|---|---|
| Total amount repaid or remitted | The single number that lines up loans, leases and advances |
| Each payment's size, and how often it is taken | Daily, weekly and monthly schedules feel very different |
| All fees | Origination, documentation and draw fees change the real cost |
| Collateral and guarantees | What can be claimed if payments stop |
| Prepayment terms | Whether paying early saves anything |
You are free to turn down any offer.
Steps to get a business loan, compressed
- Name the purpose and the cost.
- Check your records are current.
- Gather statements and returns.
- Choose a structure.
- Let partners review.
- Compare offers by total cost.
- Sign only what you have read in full.
The stages above expand each of these.
Warning signs to watch for when comparing funders
- Anyone promising approval before seeing your records.
- Requests for upfront payments to unlock a loan.
- A push to sign before the day is out.
- An offer that shows only a daily payment and no total.
- Asking for bank passwords instead of statements.
Free advice is available too. Southwest Georgia small business resources lists where to look, short answers cover the common questions, and the broker disclosures set out our role formally.
By Cablecroft Capital Group · Updated
