Financing & Loan Advisory
Service Overview
Financing decisions shape the long-term trajectory of a business. The type of capital used, the structure of the deal, and the way the transaction is presented to a lender can materially affect approval likelihood, repayment flexibility, and future growth capacity.
DirectPlan Consulting provides structured financing advisory support for entrepreneurs, business buyers, and operators pursuing debt-based funding. The focus is not simply on applying for a loan, but on identifying the right capital structure, preparing a defensible funding request, and presenting the transaction in a way that aligns with lender evaluation criteria.
Our advisory work often includes:
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Clarifying the appropriate loan program based on use of funds and borrower profile
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Structuring the capital stack, including equity, seller financing, and debt components
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Evaluating repayment capacity and coverage ratios before submission
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Preparing documentation in a format that facilitates underwriting review
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Coordinating information flow between borrower and lender during due diligence
This service is frequently paired with Business Plans and Financial Modeling to produce a complete, lender-ready package. For more complex transactions, particularly acquisitions or real estate-backed projects, integrated advisory support can materially reduce friction during underwriting.
Specialty Programs
SBA 7(a)
Commonly used for acquisitions, working capital, equipment, and franchise financing, with flexible use of proceeds and longer repayment terms.
SBA 504
Typically used for owner-occupied real estate and major fixed assets, combining bank financing with a long-term fixed-rate component.
USDA B&I
Designed for businesses in eligible rural areas, often supporting acquisitions, expansions, refinancing, and capital-intensive projects.
Conventional bank financing
Best suited for established businesses with strong financials, typically used for real estate, equipment, and expansion funding.
These programs offer structured financing options that are generally more flexible than standard short-term lending, with longer amortization periods, lower down payment requirements in some cases, and terms designed to support sustainable business growth rather than short-term cash flow pressure.
However, each program has distinct eligibility criteria, documentation standards, and underwriting expectations. Selecting the wrong loan structure or presenting an unclear funding request can delay approval or result in unnecessary friction during lender review.
Our advisory role is to help clarify which financing pathway is most appropriate based on the transaction type, use of funds, borrower profile, and overall capital structure. This includes aligning the funding request with realistic repayment capacity, organizing supporting documentation in a lender-friendly format, and ensuring the overall financing narrative is internally consistent before submission.
In practice, this leads to more efficient underwriting conversations, clearer lender feedback, and a more structured financing process from initial inquiry through review and closing.
Impact on Clients
$85M+
in funding supported across SBA, USDA, and bank loan programs
Dozens
of successful loan approvals for new ventures, acquisitions, and real estate projects
9 out of 10
clients report improved understanding of their financing options
Fast
clear deliverables that help lenders make quick decisions
Insights & Case Studies
Franchise Expansion with SBA 7(a) Loan
Secured $450K financing with fundability review and projections for a multi-unit franchise operator.
Franchise Expansion with SBA 7(a) Loan
Secured $450K financing with fundability review and projections for a multi-unit franchise operator.
Client Success Stories
DirectPlan helped us secure a $1.2M SBA loan when we were about to give up. Their business plan made all the difference.
Jason Miller
CEO, Urban Roasters
DirectPlan helped us secure a $1.2M SBA loan when we were about to give up. Their business plan made all the difference.
Jason Miller
CEO, Urban Roasters
DirectPlan helped us secure a $1.2M SBA loan when we were about to give up. Their business plan made all the difference.
Jason Miller
CEO, Urban Roasters
