LiftFund Alternatives

For B2B businesses, traditional microlenders like LiftFund solve one problem: providing a lump sum of capital. But what if your real challenge is extending net terms to customers without sacrificing your cash flow or taking on credit risk? This is where modern B2B payment platforms like Resolve offer a superior, purpose-built solution. While LiftFund excels at long-term business loans for equipment or expansion, Resolve provides B2B payment financing that lets you offer flexible net terms (30–90 days) while you get paid in as little as 1 day—with zero recourse or bad-debt exposure

Key Takeaways

Solve a different problem: LiftFund provides traditional term loans; Resolve offers B2B payment financing and AR automation to manage net terms risk-free.
Unmatched speed: Get funded in 24 hours with Resolve versus weeks or months for traditional microlenders.
Zero credit risk: Resolve's 100% non-recourse model means you keep the cash advance even if your customer defaults.
More than just funding: Resolve includes a full AR automation platform with automated bookkeeping and a white-label payment portal.
AI-powered credit decisions: Receive instant credit approvals for your buyers using proprietary underwriting, not manual processes.
Ecommerce integration: Offer net terms directly at checkout on platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce, a capability traditional lenders lack.

1. Resolve — The Modern B2B Payments Platform That Does It All

Resolve is not just an alternative to LiftFund; it's a solution for a different, critical business need. LiftFund provides capital you must repay. Resolve provides a way to grow your B2B sales by offering net terms to your customers while you get paid immediately and without risk. This makes Resolve the premier choice for B2B companies whose growth is constrained by cash flow tied up in receivables.

Why Choose Resolve Over a Traditional Loan?

Traditional lenders like LiftFund give you a lump sum that creates a debt on your balance sheet, which you must repay with fixed monthly payments regardless of your sales performance. Resolve, on the other hand, is a non-recourse invoice advancement service. You only get funding when you make a sale, and Resolve takes on the credit risk of your customer. If your customer never pays, you aren't on the hook. This aligns the financing perfectly with your business cycle.

Key Features:

Non-recourse financing: What you get is always yours to keep, even if your customer defaults.
Advance pay options of up to 90% on approved invoices within 24 hours, with options for up to 100% on lower-risk customers.
A complete AI-powered AR automation platform that manages invoicing, payment reminders, and collections.
Instant credit decisions powered by proprietary AI models that evaluate thousands of data points.
White-label payment portal that accepts ACH, credit card, wire, and check.
Seamless QuickBooks integration, automatically syncing and reconciling all transactions.
Ecommerce checkout extensions for Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento to offer net terms at the point of sale.

Pricing That Scales With Your Business:

Resolve's fees are transparent and based on the risk of the invoice and the term length. Public examples show fees of 2.61% on net terms and up to 3.5% for a 100% advance. There are no monthly minimums, setup fees, or hidden charges.

For a business processing $100,000 in B2B invoices monthly, the cost is directly tied to sales. More importantly, the value extends far beyond the fee. A Resolve user can eliminate the risk of bad debt, which represents an estimated average cash-flow drag, save 20-40 hours per month on AR management, and increase their average order value by 30-60% by offering flexible payment terms.

Resolve has been trusted by over 15,000 businesses and is backed by leading investors. It's the easiest way to increase your customers' buying power via credit lines and net payment terms while protecting your own cash flow.

2. Kiva U.S. — The Zero-Interest Microlender

Kiva U.S. offers a unique model among microlenders: crowdfunded, zero-percent-interest loans. This makes it an attractive option for startups or businesses that can afford to wait for funding and have a strong social network to support their crowdfunding campaign.

How It Works:

A business applies for a loan of up to $15,000. If pre-approved, the loan request is posted on Kiva's platform where a network of 5 to 35 friends, family, or other contacts must first endorse the loan. After that, the general public can contribute to fund the loan. This entire process, from application to funding, can take up to 8 weeks (45 days for crowdfunding).

Pros:

0% interest: You only repay the principal amount borrowed.
No credit score requirement: Kiva's model is based on community trust, not credit history.
Builds business credit: A successful Kiva loan can help establish a credit history for future financing.

Cons:

Very long timeline: The 8-week wait is impractical for businesses with urgent cash flow needs.
Low maximum loan amount: At $15,000, it's the smallest loan limit among major microlenders.
Requires a social network: You need to be able to rally personal connections to kickstart your campaign.

Kiva is best for a very specific use case: a business that needs a small amount of capital, has no other financing options due to a lack of credit history, and can patiently wait for funding. It does not provide any of the AR management, payment processing, or sales enablement features a B2B company would get from Resolve.

3. Accion Opportunity Fund — Coaching and Capital for Underserved Entrepreneurs

Accion Opportunity Fund is a nationwide nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that focuses on providing both capital and coaching to small businesses, particularly those owned by women, people of color, and immigrants.

What They Offer:

Accion provides microloans from $5,000 to $350,000 with a mission to support entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional banks. Their interest rates range from 8.49% to 28.99% APR. A key differentiator is their extensive business support services, including free financial coaching, mentoring, and educational resources.

Pros:

Business coaching: Access to expert advice and mentorship is a major value-add.
Flexible underwriting: While they suggest a 620 credit score, they are known for their flexibility.
Wide availability: They operate in all states except Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Vermont.

Cons:

Higher interest rates: Their rates are generally higher than SBA-backed loans.
Business requirements: You typically need to have been in business for at least 12 months and have a minimum of $50,000 in annual revenue.
Traditional loan structure: It's a lump-sum debt that must be repaid on a fixed schedule, regardless of your sales.

Accion is a strong choice for a small business owner who not only needs capital but also seeks guidance and support to build a sustainable company. However, it doesn't address the specific B2B need of managing net terms or accelerating receivables.

4. SBA Microloan Program — The Government-Backed Standard

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Microloan Program is the gold standard for low-cost, government-backed small business financing. It's not a direct lender but works through a network of mission-based, nonprofit community lenders.

The Offering:

The SBA provides funds to these intermediary lenders, who then make loans of up to $50,000, with the average loan being around $16,000. The interest rates from these lenders are typically between 8% and 13%, making it one of the most affordable financing options available.

Pros:

Lowest interest rates: The 8-13% APR range is significantly lower than most alternatives.
Long repayment terms: Loans can have terms of up to 7 years.
Technical assistance: Many of the nonprofit lenders also offer free business training and support.

Cons:

Slow approval process: The application and underwriting process can take weeks to months.
Strict eligibility: You must meet the SBA's definition of a small business and demonstrate a sound business plan.
Limited capital: A $50,000 maximum is often insufficient for growing businesses.

The SBA Microloan Program is an excellent resource for a startup or small business that needs affordable, long-term capital for a one-time expense like equipment or inventory and can afford to wait for the funding. It is not a tool for managing ongoing B2B payment terms or improving day-to-day cash flow from sales.

5. Credibly — Fast, High-Cost Working Capital

Credibly is an online alternative lender that specializes in providing fast working capital to established small businesses, even those with less-than-perfect credit.

The Offering:

Credibly offers two main products: a business loan and a merchant cash advance (MCA). Their loans range from $5,000 to $600,000 and can be funded as quickly as the same day or within 24 hours of approval. Their main appeal is speed and accessibility, with a minimum credit score of just 500-550.

Pros:

Speed: One of the fastest funding options available, with a 4-24 hour approval process.
Bad credit accepted: A lifeline for businesses that can't qualify for bank financing.
High funding amounts: Can provide significant capital for a growing business.

Cons:

Very high cost: Their pricing uses a factor rate (e.g., 1.11), which translates to an APR equivalent of 30% or more.
High revenue requirement: You typically need at least $180,000 in annual revenue.
Daily/weekly repayments: This can put a strain on cash flow, especially during slow periods.

Credibly is best used for an established business with an urgent, short-term cash flow need. Its high cost and aggressive repayment schedule make it a different financing model compared to the sales-aligned financing approach of Resolve.

Making the Right Choice for Your B2B Business

The "best" LiftFund alternative depends entirely on your specific business needs.

If you need to purchase equipment or real estate, a traditional loan from LiftFund, the SBA, or Accion is the right tool.
If you are a B2B seller who wants to offer net terms to boost sales, accelerate cash flow, and eliminate credit risk, Resolve is the logical choice.
If you are a true startup with no credit and a strong community, Kiva's 0% interest may be worth the wait.
If you have an urgent need for capital, options like Credibly can provide fast solutions.

For most B2B companies focused on scalable growth, the future of financing is embedded in the sales process itself. This is the core promise of Resolve's B2B platform: to unlock your sales potential and protect your cash flow simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Resolve and LiftFund?

LiftFund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides traditional term loans for business expansion, equipment, or working capital. You receive a lump sum and repay it with fixed monthly payments over several years. Resolve is a B2B payment platform that provides non-recourse invoice advancement. You get paid on your B2B sales in 1-2 days while your customer gets 30, 60, or 90 days to pay. Resolve assumes the credit risk. They solve fundamentally different problems.

How can a startup with no revenue secure business financing?

A true startup with no revenue is unlikely to qualify for debt financing from lenders like LiftFund or Credibly, as they typically require a track record of sales and cash flow. The best options are usually Kiva U.S., which doesn't require a credit score or revenue, or equity financing from angel investors or venture capital. Resolve is designed for businesses that are already making B2B sales and need to manage their receivables, so it requires an existing sales history.

What are the benefits of using a B2B payments platform over a traditional online lender?

A B2B payments platform like Resolve is directly tied to your sales cycle. It doesn't create a debt on your balance sheet. Instead, it accelerates your cash flow from existing sales. Key benefits include non-recourse protection, which eliminates bad debt risk; AR automation that saves significant time; and the ability to offer net terms at checkout, which directly drives sales growth. Traditional online lenders like Credibly provide a one-time lump sum that must be repaid on a rigid schedule, which can strain cash flow during slow periods.

How does offering net terms impact a business's cash flow, and what are the risks?

Offering net terms, like Net 30 or Net 60, can significantly increase your sales and average order value by making it easier for customers to buy. However, it ties up your cash flow for weeks or months, which can be a serious problem for growing businesses. The primary risk is bad debt—if a customer defaults, you lose the sale amount. This is why using a service like Resolve is so powerful. Resolve pays you upfront on those net terms invoices and takes on the risk of late payments or defaults, effectively turning your accounts receivable into immediate, risk-free working capital.

Are there specific loan programs designed for women-owned small businesses?

Yes, several lenders focus on supporting women entrepreneurs. Grameen America is a microlender that exclusively serves women. Accion Opportunity Fund and other CDFIs like LiftFund also have a strong focus on providing capital and coaching to women-owned businesses. In addition to loans, women business owners can explore non-dilutive grant opportunities from various private and public 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.