A working capital loan provides short-term financing to cover a business's day-to-day operational expenses — payroll, inventory, accounts payable, and cash flow gaps. Unlike equipment or real estate loans, working capital loans are not tied to a specific asset purchase. They are typically unsecured and repaid over 3 months to 3 years depending on the lender and loan structure.

Canadian businesses use working capital loans to bridge seasonal revenue dips, fund a large order before a client pays, cover expenses while waiting on a slow receivable, or keep operations running during a period of rapid growth when cash outflows are temporarily outpacing inflows. The loan is repaid from operating revenue rather than from an asset sale or refinancing event.

A working capital term loan provides a fixed lump sum repaid on a set schedule, typically over 1 to 5 years. You receive the full amount upfront and make regular payments until it is repaid. It suits a specific, planned expense with a known cost and timeline.

A commercial line of credit is revolving — you draw what you need, repay it, and draw again up to your approved limit. Interest accrues only on the amount drawn. It is better suited for ongoing, variable cash flow needs where the amount required changes month to month. CBLE can arrange both through its lender network and will recommend the right structure based on your business's cash flow pattern and how you plan to use the funds.

Yes. CBLE works with alternative lenders who consider applications from businesses with poor or limited credit history, including businesses that have been declined by banks or have past credit issues. Approval for alternative working capital loans is often based on monthly revenue and time in business rather than credit score alone — lenders want to see that your business generates consistent cash flow, not a perfect credit file.

CBLE considers all credit profiles. If you have been told no by your bank, that is often the starting point of a conversation with our lender network rather than the end of one.

Alternative lenders can fund working capital loans in as little as 2 to 5 business days from a complete application. Traditional bank term loans typically take 2 to 4 weeks due to underwriting and documentation requirements. CBLE pre-qualifies most applicants within 24 hours of receiving your intake form submission and any supporting documents Stuart requests on that call.

Speed depends on the loan amount, the lender, and how quickly you can provide supporting documents such as 3 to 6 months of bank statements and recent financial statements. For urgently needed capital, lead with that context when you submit — Stuart will prioritize lenders in the network who are known for fast decisioning.

No. CBLE is a commercial finance broker, not a lender. We package your application and match it to the most suitable lender from our network of 30+ banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders across Canada. You deal with one point of contact — CBLE — rather than approaching each lender individually and going through separate application processes.

The broker model means lenders compete for your file, which typically results in better terms than approaching a single institution directly. It also means CBLE can present options that a single bank cannot — including lenders who specialize in working capital for businesses with complex credit profiles or short operating histories. Submit your details and Stuart will call you within 24 hours.