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Bridge Loans
Short-term capital to bridge a financing gap. Fast funding, flexible terms. One application to 75+ lenders. Powered by National Business Capital.
National Business Capital network figures.
Understanding Bridge Loans
Bridge loans provide short-term capital to cover a financing gap until permanent funding or a specific event (like a property sale) closes. They are designed for speed and flexibility, not as long-term solutions.
How It Works
The lender provides fast capital secured by real estate, equipment, or other business assets. You repay the bridge loan when your permanent financing closes, your property sells, or your expected revenue materializes. Terms run 6 to 18 months.
Key Terms & Eligibility
$50K to $5M
6 to 18 months
10% to 24% APR
5 to 15 business days
600
Real estate, equipment, or business assets
One application returns matched offers from 75+ lenders, so you compare instead of guess.
Who Should Use Bridge Loans?
Businesses in transition, purchasing property before selling an existing one, or waiting for long-term financing to close. Ideal when timing matters more than cost.
Common Uses
- Buying a new property before selling the current one
- Covering operations during a business sale
- Funding renovations before refinancing
- Bridging to an SBA loan closing
Pros & Considerations
Pros
- Fast access to capital
- Short-term commitment
- Flexible qualification
- Bridges timing gaps in transactions
Considerations
- Higher rates than permanent financing
- Requires collateral
- Balloon payment at term end
How You Qualify
Lenders weigh the whole business, not just a score:
- Time in business and revenue (min. 1 year, $25K/mo)
- Bank deposit consistency and cash flow patterns
- Owner credit (min. 600), as one input among several
- Collateral or asset value, where applicable
Strong revenue or valuable assets can carry a deal that credit alone would not.
How to Apply
- Tell us how much you need and what for. One form, no fee to apply.
- Share basic business and owner details. No hard credit pull to pre-qualify.
- Send recent bank statements, plus equipment quotes, invoices, or financials if relevant.
- Compare matched offers from 75+ lenders and pick what fits.
FAQ
When should I use a bridge loan?
Bridge loans are best when you have a timing gap: buying property before selling another, waiting for SBA approval, or covering operations during a transition. They are not meant for long-term financing, only for bridging until permanent funding arrives.
How fast can I get a bridge loan?
Bridge loans fund faster than permanent financing. Most close within 5 to 15 business days, depending on collateral type. Real estate-secured bridges are fastest because the collateral is tangible and easy to value.
What collateral do I need for a bridge loan?
Bridge loans require collateral, typically real estate, equipment, or other business assets. The collateral value determines the loan amount, usually up to 65% to 75% of the asset value.
How is a bridge loan different from a term loan?
A bridge loan is short-term (6 to 18 months) with a balloon payment at the end, designed to be replaced by permanent financing. A term loan is longer (1 to 7 years) with amortized payments and no balloon. Bridge loans are faster but more expensive.
Is there a hard credit pull to pre-qualify?
No. There is no hard credit pull to pre-qualify through the NBC network, so checking your options does not affect your credit.
What happens at the end of a bridge loan term?
The full remaining balance is due as a balloon payment. You typically repay it by closing permanent financing, selling the collateral property, or refinancing into a longer-term loan. Planning your exit strategy before taking the bridge is essential.
Can I get a bridge loan if I have bad credit?
Bridge lenders focus more on collateral value than credit score. While most prefer scores of 600+, strong collateral can compensate for lower credit. The NBC network includes lenders that weigh asset value heavily.
Comparing Bridge Loans to Other Options
- vs. SBA Loans: SBA offers lower rates and longer terms but takes 30-60 days. Bridge Loans may fund faster but at higher rates.
- vs. Equipment Financing: Equipment financing is secured by the asset and limited to equipment purchases. Bridge Loans offers broader use of funds.
- vs. Working Capital Lines: Working capital lines are revolving and best for ongoing needs. Bridge Loans provides a lump sum suited to specific capital needs.
Related Financing Options
- SBA Loans — government-backed, lowest rates
- Equipment Financing — asset-secured, fast approval
- Working Capital Loans — revolving, flexible use
- Business Line of Credit — draw only what you need
Sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration, finance your business: sba.gov/business-guide
- SBA 504 Loan Program: sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans
- Federal Reserve, Small Business Credit Survey: fedsmallbusiness.org/
About Manu
Manu is a digital platform that helps US manufacturers and small businesses list facilities, showcase capabilities, and market products.
About National Business Capital
National Business Capital is a fintech financing platform that connects businesses with 75+ lenders, $3B+ secured nationwide since 2007.
Verified Reviews
Businesses funded through the National Business Capital network have left 3,000+ five-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot. NBC has secured over $3B in financing since 2007 and maintains an A+ rating. Read verified reviews on NBC's website.
This page was last reviewed July 11, 2026 by Malik Samara, Managing Partner. Our editorial team reviews and updates content on a rolling basis. Learn about our editorial standards.
Manu Business Lending is a paid referral partner of National Business Capital. Financing is provided by NBC and its lender network, not by Manu, and all loans are subject to lender approval, terms, and conditions.