9 CAN Capital Alternatives: Modern Solutions for B2B Growth Financing

While CAN Capital has served over 200,000 small businesses since 1998, today's B2B companies need more than just working capital—they need integrated payment solutions that combine credit, liquidity, and automation. Resolve Pay delivers exactly this, offering non-recourse net terms financing with AI-powered underwriting and same-day cash flow acceleration.

Key Takeaways

Non-recourse financing reduces risk: Resolve provides low-risk net terms financing with the option to advance up to 100% of approved invoices
AI underwriting delivers fast decisions: Modern platforms use proprietary AI models to evaluate thousands of data points, delivering credit decisions in minutes versus days
Many SMBs are turning to non-bank lenders, seeking faster, more flexible alternatives amid tighter bank lending standards
Embedded finance is growing rapidly: The U.S. embedded lending market is valued at an estimated $6.35 billion and expected to reach approximately $23.31 billion by 2031, creating opportunities for integrated B2B payment platforms
Free business credit checks streamline onboarding: Resolve offers business credit checks at no charge with typical turnaround around 24 hours; required information may vary
API-first solutions are expanding: Around 40% of the lending market is forecasted to be API-first by 2026, enabling seamless integration with existing business systems

1. Resolve — Integrated B2B Payments with Risk-Free Net Terms

Resolve Pay stands out as the premier CAN Capital alternative by combining embedded credit, payments, and accounts receivable automation into a single platform. Founded by veterans from Amazon, PayPal, and Fortune 500 companies, Resolve brings enterprise-grade credit expertise to businesses of all sizes.

Key Features:

Non-recourse financing on approved invoices; standard exceptions (e.g., disputes, fraud, documentation issues) may apply—see program terms
Fast credit decisions using proprietary AI models that evaluate thousands of buyer data points
Net 30, 60, 90 terms with flexible options tailored to each customer
Advance pay options available on approved invoices; funding can be as fast as 24 hours depending on risk and terms
Fees vary by invoice terms, buyer risk, and industry; see Resolve’s pricing/terms for current rates
Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, Oracle, and more
AI-powered AR automation that reduces manual work by automating payment reminders and collections

Comprehensive Platform Benefits:

Resolve's platform goes beyond simple financing to transform the entire B2B transaction experience. The AI-powered AR automation streamlines credit, invoicing, and collections while empowering finance leaders to scale operations without manual overhead. The platform's LLM-powered invoicing workflow ensures every transaction is synced and reconciled automatically, reducing days sales outstanding (DSO) and accelerating cash flow.

For businesses serving other companies, Resolve's business credit checks eliminate a major barrier to offering net terms. Requiring only a customer's business name and address, Resolve delivers data-rich credit decisions within approximately 24 hours—significantly faster than traditional processes.

The platform's white-label payment portal accepts ACH, credit card, wire, and check payments while maintaining your brand identity. Passing credit card surcharges to buyers is permitted only where allowed by card-network rules and applicable state laws; disclosure and caps may apply.

Unlike traditional merchant cash advances or term loans that add debt to your balance sheet, Resolve's non-recourse model means you face significantly reduced risk if customers default on approved invoices. The platform handles credit assessment, credit decisions, and the majority of late payment or default risk, allowing you to offer competitive terms while protecting cash flow.

Resolve serves thousands of businesses and has processed substantial B2B volume; confirm current figures from Resolve’s latest public disclosures.

2. Merchant Cash Advance Companies

Merchant cash advance (MCA) providers offer an alternative to CAN Capital's working capital loans, providing upfront capital in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales or daily bank account withdrawals.

How MCAs Work: MCAs provide lump-sum funding repaid through a fixed percentage of daily credit card sales or automatic bank account withdrawals. Unlike traditional loans, MCAs use factor rates (typically 1.1-1.5) rather than APRs, making cost comparisons challenging.

Key Providers:

OnDeck: Offers working capital loans with same-day funding and flexible repayment
Bluevine: Offers business lines of credit with competitive rates
Kabbage: Now part of American Express, offering flexible business lines of credit

Cost Considerations: MCA factor rates translate to effective APRs often exceeding 50%, significantly higher than traditional financing. However, the trade-off is speed—with approvals possible in minutes and funding within 24-48 hours.

Best For: Businesses with strong daily sales volume that can handle consistent daily/weekly repayments. MCAs work well for seasonal businesses or those with predictable cash flow patterns, though the high costs make them less suitable for long-term financing needs.

3. Small Business Loans for Startups with No Revenue

For pre-revenue startups or very new businesses, traditional lenders often require established revenue history. However, several alternatives specifically cater to early-stage companies.

Microloan Programs:

Kiva: Offers 0% interest microloans up to $15,000 with no minimum credit score requirements
Accion Opportunity Fund: Provides loans from $5,000 to $250,000 with business coaching support
SBA Microloans: Government-backed loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders

Qualification Requirements: These programs typically require a solid business plan, founder's personal credit (usually 600+ minimum), and sometimes personal guarantees or collateral. The focus is on the founder's experience and the business concept rather than historical financial performance.

Best For: Early-stage businesses needing modest capital for initial operations, inventory, or equipment. These programs often include mentorship and business development resources alongside funding, making them valuable for first-time entrepreneurs.

4. SBA Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs designed to provide affordable capital to qualifying businesses.

Primary SBA Programs:

SBA 7(a) Loans: General-purpose loans up to $5 million with terms up to 25 years for real estate or 10 years for working capital
SBA 504 Loans: Specifically for major fixed assets like real estate and equipment, with terms of 10, 20, or 25 years
SBA Express: Streamlined version with faster processing but lower maximum amounts ($500,000)

Qualification Requirements: SBA loans typically require:

Business operational for at least 2 years (preferred by many lenders)
Strong personal credit (680+ recommended)
Adequate collateral
Demonstrated ability to repay
U.S. based operations

Processing Timeline: Traditional SBA loans can take 30-90 days for approval and funding, significantly longer than alternative lenders. However, the trade-off is much lower interest rates (typically prime + 2.25% to 4.75%) and longer repayment terms.

Best For: Established businesses seeking affordable, long-term capital for expansion, equipment purchases, or real estate acquisition. Many businesses have increasingly turned toward alternative solutions as traditional bank lending has tightened.

5. Small Business Loans for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

Specialized lenders and grant programs exist to support women and minority entrepreneurs who may face additional barriers in traditional financing.

Specialized Lenders:

Amber Grant: Awards $10,000 monthly grants to women-owned businesses
IFundWomen: Combines funding, coaching, and community for women entrepreneurs
Tory Burch Foundation: Provides affordable loans and business education

Certification Benefits: Businesses can pursue certifications that unlock additional funding opportunities:

WBENC certification for women-owned businesses
Minority-owned business certifications through local and national organizations
8(a) Business Development Program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): These mission-driven lenders focus on underserved communities and often offer more flexible terms than traditional banks, with rates typically ranging from 8% to 13%.

Best For: Women and minority business owners seeking both capital and business development support. These programs often include mentorship and networking opportunities alongside funding.

6. Small Business Grants as Zero-Cost Alternatives

Grants provide non-repayable capital, making them the most cost-effective financing option when available.

Federal Grant Programs:

SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research): Funding for R&D in technology and innovation
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer): Similar to SBIR but requires partnership with research institutions

Private and Corporate Grants:

FedEx Small Business Grant: Annual competition awarding grants to small businesses
Local chamber of commerce grants: Many local business organizations offer small grants
Industry-specific grants: Professional associations often provide funding for members

Application Process: Grant applications are typically competitive and time-intensive, requiring detailed business plans, financial projections, and specific use-of-funds justifications. Success rates can be low, but the zero-cost nature makes them worth pursuing.

Best For: Businesses with innovative products, strong community impact, or specific qualifications that align with grant criteria. Grants work best as supplemental funding rather than primary capital sources.

7. Business Lines of Credit and Revolving Credit

Revolving credit lines provide flexible access to capital that can be drawn and repaid as needed, similar to a credit card but typically with better rates.

Key Features:

Revolving access: Draw funds up to your credit limit, repay, and reuse
Interest on drawn amounts: Pay interest only on amounts used
Flexible terms: Variable rates based on prime plus a margin
Reusable funding: Continuous access without reapplying

Top Providers:

BlueVine: Offers lines up to $250,000 with same-day funding
Fundbox: Provides credit lines up to $150,000 with weekly repayment options
Traditional banks: Often offer better rates but require stronger qualifications

Best For: Businesses with variable cash flow needs, seasonal operations, or ongoing working capital requirements. Lines of credit are ideal for managing short-term gaps between receivables and payables.

8. Invoice Financing and Accounts Receivable Factoring

Invoice financing allows businesses to access cash tied up in outstanding B2B invoices, providing immediate working capital without taking on debt.

Traditional Factoring vs. Modern Alternatives: Traditional factoring requires selling invoices at significant discounts (typically 1-5% per month) and often involves notifying customers of the arrangement. Resolve's factoring alternative offers non-recourse financing at competitive rates for 30-day terms with advances up to 100%, maintaining customer relationships while reducing risk.

Key Considerations:

Advance rates: Typically 80-90% of invoice value
Fees: Range from 0.75% to 3.5% depending on terms and risk
Recourse vs. non-recourse: Non-recourse protects against customer defaults on approved invoices
Customer notification: Some factoring requires notifying customers, while others remain confidential

Best For: B2B businesses with strong accounts receivable but cash flow constraints. Companies with reliable customers and invoices under 90 days old typically qualify for the best terms.

9. Term Loans from Online Lenders

Online lenders offer traditional term loan structures with faster approval and funding than banks, bridging the gap between speed and affordability.

Key Characteristics:

Fixed repayment schedules: Regular monthly payments over 1-5 years
APR-based pricing: Transparent annual percentage rates (typically 11%-60%)
Lump-sum funding: Single disbursement rather than revolving access
Faster approval: Decisions in hours to days versus weeks for banks

Leading Providers:

OnDeck: Offers term loans with same-day funding (limits vary)
Funding Circle: Provides business loans with competitive rates for established businesses
Lendio: Marketplace platform that matches businesses with multiple lenders

Best For: Businesses needing specific amounts for defined purposes (equipment, expansion, etc.) who want predictable repayment terms and transparent pricing. Online term loans work well for companies that don't qualify for bank financing but want to avoid the high costs of MCAs.

Choosing the Right CAN Capital Alternative

The best financing alternative depends on your specific business needs, timeline, and risk tolerance:

By Urgency:

Same-day funding needed: Resolve (24-hour advance), MCA providers
Within 1 week: Online term loans, business lines of credit
Within 1 month: SBA loans, specialized programs

By Cost Sensitivity:

Lowest cost: SBA loans, business grants
Moderate cost: Online term loans, business lines of credit
Higher cost: MCAs, invoice factoring

By Business Stage:

Pre-revenue startups: Microloans, grants, specialized programs
Established businesses: SBA loans, online term loans, Resolve's B2B net terms
B2B companies with receivables: Resolve's invoice financing, traditional factoring

Risk Considerations:

Lower risk: Resolve's non-recourse model, grants
Moderate risk: Term loans, lines of credit
Higher risk: MCAs (daily repayments), recourse factoring

For businesses specifically serving other companies, Resolve Pay offers a unique combination of benefits: low-risk net terms that enhance customer relationships, AI-powered automation that reduces operational overhead, and immediate cash flow acceleration that supports growth without adding debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a merchant cash advance and a term loan?

Merchant cash advances provide lump-sum funding repaid through a fixed percentage of daily credit card sales or automatic bank withdrawals, using factor rates rather than APRs. Term loans provide lump-sum funding with fixed monthly payments over a set period, using transparent APR-based pricing. MCAs typically cost significantly more (effective APRs often 50%+) but offer faster funding and more flexible repayment tied to business performance.

Can I get a small business loan with bad credit?

Yes, multiple alternatives exist for businesses with lower credit scores. Resolve's business credit checks focus on buyer creditworthiness rather than seller credit, making it accessible regardless of your credit score. Merchant cash advances typically accept credit scores as low as 500-600, while invoice factoring primarily evaluates your customers' creditworthiness. However, expect higher costs with lower credit scores.

How long does it take to get approved for an SBA loan?

Traditional SBA loans typically take 30-90 days for approval and funding, significantly longer than alternative lenders. Businesses seeking faster capital have turned to alternatives like Resolve's advance payments (available within 24 hours) or online lenders with same-day to 48-hour funding.

What is invoice factoring and how does it work?

Invoice factoring allows businesses to sell their outstanding B2B invoices to a third party (factor) at a discount to receive immediate cash. Traditional factoring typically advances 80-90% of invoice value upfront, with the remainder (minus fees) paid when the customer pays. Resolve offers an alternative with non-recourse financing at competitive rates for 30-day terms, advancing up to 100% while maintaining customer relationships and reducing default risk on approved invoices.

Are business grants taxable income?

Most business grants are considered taxable income by the IRS, with some exceptions for specific purposes like disaster relief or certain research activities. Unlike loans or financing, grants don't need to be repaid, making them attractive despite the tax implications. The competitive application process and limited availability mean grants work best as supplemental funding rather than primary capital sources.

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.