Blog | Resolve

5 The Business Backer Alternatives

Written by Resolve Team | Nov 19, 2025 4:41:44 PM

While The Business Backer built a reputation for personal service in traditional business lending, the platform is currently not accepting new applications. Modern B2B companies seeking alternatives now have superior options that offer faster implementation, transparent pricing, and AI-powered underwriting. From Resolve's non-recourse financing to OnDeck's established lending platform, these alternatives deliver the working capital solutions businesses need without the limitations of traditional approaches.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-recourse financing eliminates seller risk: Resolve provides non-recourse net terms financing with the option to advance up to 100% of approved invoices, protecting merchants from customer defaults
  • AI underwriting transforms approval speed: Modern platforms deliver credit decisions in seconds compared to The Business Backer's typically next-business-day funding, with Resolve's AI-powered system leading the innovation
  • AR automation saves significant time: Resolve's full accounts receivable automation saves 14+ hours per week of manual work, while traditional lenders offer no automation capabilities
  • Transparent flat-fee pricing: Resolve's 2.61-3.5% flat fees compare favorably to The Business Backer's factor rates of 1.2-1.47, which can translate to much higher effective costs
  • Deep ERP integrations streamline operations: Resolve offers 2-way sync with QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Oracle, while traditional lenders like The Business Backer provide limited or no integrations
  • B2B BNPL drives sales growth: Resolve enables businesses to offer embedded net terms at checkout, increasing average order value by 40% and driving 20% YoY revenue growth

1. Resolve — AI-Powered Net Terms Without the Risk

Resolve stands out as the premier alternative to The Business Backer by completely eliminating merchant risk through its 100% non-recourse financing model. Developed from the same venture studio that created Affirm and launched in 2019, Resolve brings consumer fintech innovation to B2B payments with a focus on embedded finance solutions.

Key Features:

Pricing Structure:

  • Standard risk customers: 2.61% on 30-day net terms
  • High-risk customers with 100% advance: Up to 3.5% flat fee
  • No monthly minimums, setup fees, or hidden charges
  • Credit card fees passed on to buyers through the payment portal

The platform's AI-powered accounts receivable automation reduces manual work by 50%+, while its LLM-powered invoicing workflow automatically syncs transactions across systems. The B2B net terms solution enables businesses to offer flexible payment options that drive sales growth while maintaining immediate cash flow.

Unlike traditional invoice factoring, Resolve maintains merchant control over customer relationships while eliminating the collections burden. The platform serves over 15,000 businesses and has raised over $85 million across equity and credit facilities from investors including Initialized Capital, Commerce Ventures, and Insight Partners.

Total Cost of Ownership Advantage:

For a business processing $1.2M in annual invoices, Resolve's total Year 1 cost would be approximately $37,800 (3.15% x $1.2M), compared to The Business Backer's estimated range of $80,000-$166,000 when factoring in factor rates, potential bad debt, and manual AR labor costs. This represents around 53-77% cost savings while providing superior functionality and risk protection.

2. OnDeck — Established Online Lending Platform

OnDeck represents the most direct alternative to The Business Backer's traditional lending model, offering term loans and lines of credit to small businesses since 2006. As one of the longest-running online lenders, OnDeck provides the established track record that some businesses prefer.

Platform Strengths:

  • 24-hour approval and funding process
  • Term loans up to $250,000
  • Lines of credit up to $100,000
  • Established reputation with 18+ years in business
  • Traditional lending structure familiar to many business owners

Limitations:

  • Traditional recourse lending model - borrower assumes all risk
  • No accounts receivable automation capabilities
  • Limited ERP and e-commerce integrations
  • No B2B BNPL or net terms functionality
  • OnDeck requires minimum revenue, business history, and personal credit thresholds

OnDeck serves businesses that prefer traditional loan structures and don't require the advanced features of modern B2B payment platforms. While it offers faster funding than traditional banks, it lacks the risk protection, automation, and embedded financing capabilities that define the next generation of B2B payment solutions.

Notably, OnDeck is actually a partner brand that The Business Backer recommends to customers seeking alternatives, according to The Business Backer's website. This makes OnDeck a natural fallback option, though it doesn't address the specific needs of B2B companies looking to offer net terms to their customers.

3. Biz2Credit — Revenue-Based Financing Specialist

Biz2Credit specializes in revenue-based financing (RBF) and traditional term loans, making it suitable for established businesses with consistent revenue streams. Founded in 2007, the platform has processed billions in financing for small and medium-sized businesses.

Core Capabilities:

  • Revenue-based financing amounts vary, often reaching mid-six to seven figures depending on the business
  • Term loans with flexible repayment terms
  • 24-48 hour approval process
  • Focus on businesses with established revenue history
  • Traditional underwriting based on financial statements

Key Limitations:

  • Revenue-based model requires consistent cash flow
  • Traditional recourse lending with personal guarantees
  • No non-recourse options or credit risk protection
  • No accounts receivable automation
  • No B2B BNPL or embedded payment capabilities
  • Limited integration ecosystem

Biz2Credit works well for businesses that need traditional financing based on their revenue performance, but it doesn't solve the fundamental challenge of offering net terms to B2B customers while protecting cash flow. The platform serves a different use case than what most B2B companies need when seeking The Business Backer alternatives.

4. Fundbox — Small Credit Lines for SMBs

Fundbox occupies a distinct niche providing small credit lines from $1,000 to $150,000 for small businesses that may not qualify for larger financing options. Since 2013, the platform has focused on quick, accessible working capital for SMBs.

Platform Features:

  • Credit lines up to $150,000
  • Minutes-fast approval process
  • Integration with accounting software
  • Focus on small, immediate funding needs
  • Unsecured credit lines without collateral requirements

Significant Limitations:

  • Limited funding amounts compared to other options
  • Traditional interest rate structure rather than flat fees
  • No non-recourse financing options
  • No accounts receivable automation
  • No B2B BNPL or net terms capabilities
  • Primarily serves very small businesses

Fundbox works for micro-businesses needing small amounts of working capital, but it doesn't address the core needs of B2B companies looking to offer net terms to their customers while protecting their cash flow. The platform's limited funding amounts and traditional lending model make it unsuitable for most businesses that would have previously considered The Business Backer.

5. FundThrough — Pure Invoice Factoring Specialist

FundThrough specializes exclusively in invoice factoring, offering a technology-enabled approach to traditional factoring services. Founded in 2014 and based in Toronto, the platform focuses on providing immediate cash flow against outstanding invoices.

Factoring Capabilities:

  • Invoice factoring with unlimited funding capacity
  • Technology-enabled factoring process
  • Focus on accounts receivable financing only
  • Established factoring expertise
  • Primarily recourse factoring; limited non-recourse options may be available

Critical Limitations:

  • Pure factoring model without additional features
  • No accounts receivable automation beyond basic factoring
  • Limited integration ecosystem
  • Traditional factoring fees that compound monthly
  • Loss of customer relationship control in notification factoring
  • No B2B BNPL or embedded payment capabilities

While FundThrough offers a modern take on invoice factoring, it still operates within the traditional factoring model that requires businesses to choose between recourse (risk) and non-recourse (higher costs). Unlike Resolve's integrated platform, FundThrough doesn't provide the comprehensive AR automation, B2B BNPL, and embedded payment capabilities that modern B2B businesses require.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

For B2B companies evaluating The Business Backer alternatives, the choice depends on your specific business model, technical requirements, and risk tolerance:

By Business Model:

  • B2B Companies Offering Net Terms: Resolve (non-recourse financing, AR automation, B2B BNPL)
  • Traditional Term Loan Needs: OnDeck (established platform, familiar structure)
  • Revenue-Based Financing: Biz2Credit (specialized RBF for established businesses)
  • Small Working Capital: Fundbox (quick access to small credit lines)
  • Pure Invoice Factoring: FundThrough (specialized factoring expertise)

Cost Comparison for $100,000 Invoice (30-day terms):

  • Resolve: $2,610-$3,500 (2.61%-3.5% flat fee, non-recourse)
  • The Business Backer: $12,000-$28,000 (factor rate 1.2-1.47, recourse)
  • Traditional Factoring: $3,000-$5,000 (3-5% monthly, often recourse)
  • OnDeck/Biz2Credit: Variable APR with recourse liability

Implementation Timeline:

  • Same day: Resolve (payment portal + net terms activation; full AR automation setup takes 1–2 weeks)
  • 24 hours: OnDeck, Fundbox (basic approval)
  • 1-2 weeks: Resolve (full AR automation setup)
  • 2-3 weeks: Biz2Credit, FundThrough (traditional underwriting)

According to The Kaplan Group, a commercial collection agency, the average annual cost from late payments is $39,406 per company, with 10% of businesses suffering over $100,000 in expenses related to payment delays. This makes the right financing solution critical for maintaining healthy cash flow and sustainable growth.

The fundamental difference is that Resolve provides a comprehensive B2B payment platform that addresses the complete order-to-cash cycle, while other alternatives focus solely on lending or factoring. For B2B businesses that need to offer net terms to grow sales while protecting cash flow and reducing manual work, Resolve offers the only complete solution that eliminates risk, automates processes, and drives revenue growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to qualify for small business loans?

Traditional lenders like OnDeck and Biz2Credit typically require personal credit scores of 600+ and established business credit history. However, modern B2B platforms like Resolve evaluate thousands of data points beyond credit scores, focusing on buyer payment history and business performance. Resolve's free business credit checks require only a company name and address, most results are instant, with some returned within 24 hours, making credit assessment more accessible for B2B transactions.

How long does it take to get approved for an SBA loan vs. alternative lenders?

SBA approvals typically take 30–90+ days depending on loan type and lender, while alternative lenders like OnDeck offer 24-hour decisions. However, modern B2B platforms like Resolve provide instant credit decisions powered by AI, enabling businesses to offer net terms to their customers immediately at checkout. This speed is critical for B2B companies that need to close deals quickly without waiting for traditional underwriting processes.

Can I get a small business loan with no revenue or collateral?

Traditional lenders generally require established revenue and often collateral, but B2B platforms like Resolve work differently. Instead of lending to your business, Resolve underwrites your customers and advances payment on their invoices. This means you can offer net terms to qualified buyers even if your business is pre-revenue, as long as your customers have strong credit profiles. Resolve's B2B net terms solution effectively makes your customers' credit strength your financing asset.

What's the difference between invoice financing and factoring?

Traditional invoice factoring typically involves selling your invoices at a discount (often 3-5% monthly) and may require notification to your customers, potentially straining relationships. Invoice financing, particularly non-recourse options like Resolve's platform, allows you to maintain customer relationships while receiving advance payment. Resolve's alternative to factoring provides flat fees (2.61-3.5%), non-recourse protection, and full AR automation, eliminating the drawbacks of traditional factoring while providing superior functionality.

Are small business grants really free money, and how do I find them?

Yes, small business grants are non-repayable funding, but they're highly competitive and often restricted to specific industries, demographics, or geographic areas. Federal programs like SBIR/STTR grants target research and development, while state and local programs may support economic development initiatives. However, grants typically can't provide the consistent, scalable funding that B2B businesses need for day-to-day operations and growth. Platforms like Resolve offer immediate, scalable working capital that grows with your sales volume.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.