Business Funding for Contractors and Construction Companies
Bridge loans, equipment financing, and working capital for general contractors, subcontractors, and construction firms. Up to $3M. Lenders who understand construction cash flow.
12+ months in business preferred. Progress billing statements accepted.
Why Construction Companies Have Unique Funding Needs
Construction is one of the most capital-intensive industries in North America — and one of the most cash-flow challenged. You buy materials and pay subcontractors weeks before the project owner pays you. Progress billing creates predictable gaps. Retainage locks up 5–10% of your revenue until project completion. Mobilization costs hit before the first dollar arrives.
Traditional banks often struggle to underwrite construction businesses because the revenue patterns look irregular — large, inconsistent deposits tied to project milestones rather than steady monthly income. Alternative lenders who understand the industry can look past the irregular deposits to the underlying contract values and owner creditworthiness.
ClearSide works with lenders that specialize in construction-sector cash flow. We understand that a contractor doing $3M in annual revenue might show $0 in deposits one month and $500K the next — and we match you to lenders who get that.
6 Cash Flow Challenges Construction Companies Use Funding to Solve
Progress billing gaps
Owners pay on milestone — but your subs and material suppliers don't care about the owner's schedule. Working capital bridges the gap between when you spend and when you get paid.
Mobilization costs
Most commercial contracts don't include mobilization payments. You're funding equipment, site setup, and initial labor before you see a cent. Bridge loans and working capital cover this front-loaded spend.
Retainage holdbacks
5–10% held until project completion means your true margin is locked up for months. Invoice financing against retainage or a revolving line of credit maintains cash flow while you wait.
Equipment acquisition
Buying versus renting an excavator on every job changes your margins. Equipment financing lets you own key assets without burning working capital, with tax benefits via Section 179 / CCA.
Bonding and insurance fronts
Performance bonds and project-specific insurance are often required before first payment. Working capital covers these upfront costs before the contract starts generating cash.
Sudden crew scaling
Winning a large commercial contract often requires hiring immediately. Payroll capital lets you scale your crew without waiting for the first draw.
Construction Funding Products Available Through ClearSide
Each product serves a different stage of your project and cash flow cycle.
Construction Bridge Loan
Best Used For
Bridge between project milestones or during permitting delays
Typical Rate
12 – 35% APR
Working Capital Loan
Best Used For
Payroll, materials, subcontractor payments while awaiting draws
Typical Rate
18 – 55% APR
Equipment Financing
Best Used For
Excavators, cranes, scaffolding, vehicles, heavy machinery
Typical Rate
6 – 18% APR
Business Line of Credit
Best Used For
Ongoing cash flow management across multiple active projects
Typical Rate
15 – 40% APR
Invoice / Retainage Financing
Best Used For
Advance against unpaid draws and retainage from creditworthy GCs/owners
Typical Rate
1.5 – 3.5% monthly
Qualifying for Construction Business Funding
Construction companies typically need 12+ months in business for most products due to seasonal revenue patterns
Bank statements showing progress billing deposits are the primary underwriting document
Active bonding and licensing documentation improves approval odds significantly
Projects with creditworthy GCs or public owners can support invoice financing even with weaker operator credit
Equipment financing approval is primarily based on the asset value — not just your cash flow
Seasonal construction businesses in northern climates may qualify based on peak-season revenue averages
Documents That Speed Up Approval for Contractors
Signed contracts significantly strengthen construction loan applications by documenting future revenue that lenders can underwrite against.
Construction Funding from Lenders Who Understand Your Business
Progress billing, retainage, and seasonal cash flow — we match you to lenders who get it.
Construction Business Funding FAQs
Keep Your Projects Moving. Get Funded Today.
Construction-specific lenders. Up to $3M. Apply in 5 minutes.