LEAF Commercial Capital Alternatives: Modern B2B Payment Solutions for Growing Businesses

While LEAF Commercial Capital has financed $15.7 billion in equipment since 2002, modern B2B businesses facing cash flow challenges need solutions that address working capital gaps without equipment requirements. From Resolve's non-recourse invoice financing to SBA loan options, these alternatives deliver the flexibility businesses need to grow without the constraints of traditional equipment financing.

Key Takeaways

• Non-recourse financing eliminates risk: Resolve provides 100% non-recourse financing with zero merchant risk on approved invoices, unlike LEAF's recourse equipment loans
• No revenue requirements for startups: Resolve evaluates buyer creditworthiness instead of merchant revenue, making it accessible to businesses under $250K annual revenue that typically can't qualify for LEAF
• Complete AR automation reduces workload: Resolve's AI-powered platform handles the entire receivables lifecycle, reducing manual AR management time by an average of 14+ hours weekly
• Universal invoice financing: Resolve finances any B2B invoice regardless of product type, while LEAF is limited to equipment/machinery purchases only
• Transparent flat-fee pricing: Resolve offers clear upfront pricing (estimated 2.61-3.5% for 30-day terms) versus LEAF's APR-based structures that can range from 7.49% to 22.99%
• 24-hour funding speed: Resolve delivers invoice advances within within 1–2 business days—far faster than traditional approval timelines

1. Resolve — AI-Powered Invoice Financing Without the Risk

Resolve stands out as the premier LEAF Commercial Capital alternative by completely eliminating merchant risk through its 100% non-recourse financing model. Originally spun out from Affirm in 2019, Resolve brings consumer fintech innovation to B2B payments with a focus on working capital rather than equipment acquisition.

The B2B payments landscape has transformed dramatically, with AI-powered automation and non-recourse financing becoming essential for growing companies. While LEAF Commercial Capital excels at equipment financing as part of M&T Bank, businesses needing working capital solutions require different capabilities that modern platforms like Resolve deliver.

Independent industry research shows that invoice financing provides immediate cash flow without creating debt on the balance sheet, making it fundamentally different from equipment loans that require asset collateral and create long-term liabilities.

Key Features:

• 100% non-recourse financing with zero merchant risk
• Instant credit decisions using proprietary AI underwriting
• Flexible payment terms (Net 30, 60, or 90 days)
• Up to 100% advance payment within 24 hours
• Risk-based fees ranging from around 2.61-3.5% for 30-day net terms
• Major platform integrations including QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Shopify
• White-label payment portal for customers

Pricing Structure:

• Fees range from approximately 2.61% to 3.5% for 30-day net terms based on risk
• No monthly minimums or setup fees
• No hidden charges or revenue requirements
• Custom pricing for enterprise volumes

The platform's AI-powered reconciliation reduces manual work by an estimated 90%, while its LLM-powered invoicing workflow automatically syncs transactions across systems. Recent case studies demonstrate significant impact: businesses have reported an average 40% increase in average order value and 20% year-over-year sales growth after implementation.

Unlike traditional invoice factoring, Resolve maintains merchant control over customer relationships while eliminating collections burden. The platform currently serves over 15,000 businesses with backing from Initialized Capital and Commerce Ventures.

Resolve is ideal for B2B businesses offering net terms to customers, companies experiencing cash flow gaps from 30-90 day payment cycles, and startups unable to qualify for traditional financing. The platform's complete AR automation handles credit assessment, invoicing, payment reminders, and collections—allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than payment chasing.

2. SBA 7(a) Loans — Government-Backed Working Capital

SBA 7(a) loans represent the most established alternative for businesses seeking traditional financing with government backing. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, these loans provide working capital up to $5 million with terms up to 10 years and interest rates typically between 6-10%.

Key Advantages:

• Lowest long-term interest rates for qualified businesses
• Government guarantee reduces lender risk
• Flexible use of funds for working capital
• Established program with widespread lender participation

Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years in business
• $250,000+ annual revenue typically required
• Personal credit score of 680+
• Strong business financials and cash flow

While SBA loans offer competitive rates for qualified businesses, they require extensive documentation and approval processes that can take 30-90 days. The rigid qualification requirements exclude many startups and growing businesses that Resolve serves through its buyer-focused underwriting approach.

3. SBA 504 Loans — Fixed Asset Financing Without Personal Liens

SBA 504 loans specialize in fixed asset financing for real estate and major equipment purchases, providing up to $5.5 million in funding with 10-20 year terms. Unlike LEAF's equipment-only focus, 504 loans can finance real estate, buildings, and long-term assets.

Program Benefits:

• Below-market fixed interest rates
• No personal asset liens required
• Long repayment terms matched to asset life
• 50% financing from CDC, 40% from bank, 10% down payment

Limitations:

• Strict eligibility requirements including job creation
• Complex three-party structure (business, bank, CDC)
• Extensive documentation and approval timeline
• Cannot finance working capital or inventory

For businesses specifically needing equipment financing, LEAF's streamlined process and industry expertise may be more efficient than navigating the complex 504 loan structure. However, businesses seeking real estate financing or wanting to avoid personal liens may find 504 loans advantageous.

4. Traditional Invoice Factoring — Immediate Cash with Higher Costs

Traditional invoice factoring provides immediate cash by selling unpaid invoices to factoring companies, typically advancing 80-90% upfront with the remainder (minus fees) paid when customers pay. Industry-standard factoring fees range from 1-5% monthly, resulting in annualized costs of approximately 12-60%.

Factoring Characteristics:

• Immediate cash access (24-48 hours)
• No credit requirements for merchants
• Advances typically 80-90% of invoice value
• Annualized costs around 12-60%

Key Disadvantages:

• Often recourse (merchant liable if customer doesn't pay)
• Loss of customer relationship control
• Complex fee structures with hidden charges
• Limited to creditworthy customers

Resolve's non-recourse model directly addresses these factoring limitations by eliminating merchant risk, maintaining customer relationships through white-label portals, and offering transparent flat-fee pricing significantly below traditional factoring rates.

5. PEAC Solutions — Multi-National Asset Finance

PEAC Solutions provides equipment financing and working capital loans across multiple countries with specialization in construction and healthcare industries. Founded in 1997, the company offers small-ticket leases and asset-backed lending.

Service Offerings:

• Equipment financing for various asset types
• Working capital loans and lines of credit
• Multi-national lending capabilities
• Industry-specific expertise in construction/healthcare

Competitive Position:

• Similar equipment focus to LEAF Commercial Capital
• Smaller scale and less brand recognition
• Limited transparency on pricing and terms
• Traditional approval processes

Like LEAF, PEAC serves businesses needing equipment acquisition financing rather than working capital solutions. Companies seeking to finance general B2B invoices rather than specific equipment purchases would benefit more from Resolve's universal invoice financing approach.

6. Balboa Capital — Same-Day Equipment Funding

Balboa Capital specializes in equipment financing with same-day funding capabilities for qualified borrowers. The company offers competitive rates and flexible terms for businesses with established credit profiles.

Platform Strengths:

• Same-day funding approval
• Competitive equipment financing rates
• Online application process
• Established industry presence

Qualification Barriers:

• Requires established business credit
• Minimum revenue requirements apply
• Equipment must serve as collateral
• Recourse financing with personal guarantees

Balboa Capital's equipment-specific focus makes it a direct competitor to LEAF rather than a comprehensive alternative. Businesses needing working capital for non-equipment expenses would find Resolve's universal invoice financing more suitable for their needs.

7. Crest Capital — Application-Only Equipment Approval

Crest Capital offers equipment financing with application-only approval processes for amounts up to $250,000, eliminating the need for extensive financial documentation for smaller transactions.

Key Features:

• Application-only approval up to $250,000
• Equipment financing for various asset types
• Flexible repayment terms
• Established industry presence

Market Limitations:

• Equipment financing only (no working capital)
• Revenue and credit requirements apply
• Recourse financing with asset collateral
• Limited to equipment-related transactions

Crest Capital addresses the same equipment financing market as LEAF Commercial Capital but with streamlined approval for smaller transactions. However, businesses seeking working capital solutions for general business expenses would require Resolve's invoice financing capabilities instead.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

For B2B companies evaluating LEAF Commercial Capital alternatives, the choice depends on whether you need equipment financing or working capital solutions:

Choose Resolve when you need:

1. Working capital without equipment purchases - Finance any B2B invoice regardless of product/service type
2. Non-recourse protection - Eliminate bad debt risk on approved customer invoices
3. Startup-friendly financing - No revenue requirements; buyer credit evaluated instead
4. Complete AR automation - AI-powered platform handles entire receivables lifecycle
5. Transparent, predictable pricing - Flat fees vs. variable APR structures

Choose LEAF Commercial Capital when you need:

1. Equipment-specific financing - Purchasing machinery, vehicles, technology assets
2. Long-term asset ownership - Building equity in equipment over multi-year terms
3. 100% equipment financing - No deposit required for qualified borrowers
4. Established business with $250K+ revenue - Meets typical qualification thresholds

Cost Comparison for $50,000 Working Capital Need:

• Resolve: ~$1,575 (around 3.15% flat fee for 30-day cycle) with zero bad debt risk
• LEAF Commercial Capital: ~$2,875 total 90-day cost with merchant liable for full repayment
• Traditional Factoring: $1,000-$2,500 monthly with often recourse liability

For companies seeking expert guidance on B2B payment platform selection, Resolve's consultancy services provide hands-on support through dedicated account management and technical integration assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Resolve and traditional commercial lenders like LEAF Commercial Capital?

The fundamental difference is purpose: LEAF Commercial Capital specializes in equipment financing where equipment serves as collateral, while Resolve focuses on working capital management through invoice financing with no equipment requirement. LEAF evaluates merchant creditworthiness and typically requires $250,000+ annual revenue, while Resolve evaluates buyer creditworthiness, making it accessible to startups. Additionally, Resolve offers 100% non-recourse financing that eliminates merchant bad debt risk, unlike LEAF's recourse loans where merchants remain liable for repayment.

How does Resolve's 'non-recourse' financing benefit my business compared to traditional loans or factoring?

Non-recourse financing means you have zero liability if your approved customers default on payments. Traditional loans and factoring often require personal guarantees or recourse provisions that leave you responsible for unpaid invoices. With Resolve, bad debt expense is eliminated entirely because Resolve assumes all credit risk on approved invoices. This protects your balance sheet, enables risk-free growth, and allows you to offer net terms confidently without worrying about customer payment defaults.

What are the typical fees associated with using Resolve for net terms and invoice advancements?

Resolve offers transparent flat-fee pricing ranging from approximately 2.61% to 3.5% for 30-day net terms, with fees varying based on advance percentage, term length, and buyer risk. For example, a 90% advance on a 30-day net terms invoice typically costs around 3.15%. There are no monthly minimums, setup fees, or hidden charges. Credit card fees are passed directly to your buyer through the online payment portal, and ACH/wire transfers are included at no additional cost to merchants.

How quickly can my customers be approved for credit and how fast do I receive payment for approved invoices?

Resolve delivers instant credit decisions using proprietary AI underwriting that evaluates thousands of data points in real-time. Some purchases up to $25,000 may qualify for immediate approval without additional documentation. Once approved, you receive advance payment within 24 hours (1-2 business days), compared to traditional 30-90 day payment cycles. The platform's 24-hour funding speed eliminates cash flow gaps and provides immediate working capital for business operations.

Does Resolve handle collections for late payments from my customers?

Yes, Resolve manages the entire collections process for you, including automated payment reminders, servicing, and collections management. The platform's AI agents handle routine collection activities while maintaining your brand relationship through white-label communication. Resolve takes on the credit assessment, credit decision, and majority risk of late payments or defaults, allowing you to focus on sales and growth rather than payment chasing. This comprehensive service reduces AR management time by an average of 14+ hours per week while maintaining professional customer relationships.

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.