Graniteford Finance, a small-business funding broker in Casper, WY, works in four steps: you describe what the funding is for, we match it to a funding type and lending partners, a partner reviews the request and makes the credit decision, and you decide whether to accept. Graniteford Finance never lends, approves or sets rates and terms.
Step 1: Describe the need
Call (307) 368-2297 or send the short online form. The first conversation is about purpose: what the money will pay for, roughly how much it costs, and what income will pay it back. We also ask how long the business has operated, its approximate yearly revenue and what it already owes. Paperwork comes later, once a partner requests it.
We work only on business funding. If what you need is a personal, payday or auto title loan, we will tell you so at the start.
Step 2: Pick the funding type
Most needs point to one of six types: working capital for a timing gap, a term loan for a defined project, a line of credit for recurring gaps, inventory financing for stock, equipment financing for a specific asset, or a merchant cash advance, which is not a loan. We explain the trade-offs and then send the request to lending partners that offer the chosen type.
Step 3: A lending partner reviews the request
The partner underwrites. It may ask for documents, verify information, check credit with your authorization, and decide whether to make an offer and on what terms. Partners commonly look at:
- business bank statements: deposits, balances and existing payments
- tax returns and financial statements, especially for larger or longer funding
- credit history of the business and often the owners
- time in business and the industry
- collateral, where the funding is secured
- existing liens and debts, including any open advances
Each partner applies its own criteria and timing. Graniteford Finance does not make or influence the credit decision.
Step 4: You compare and decide
If a partner makes an offer, read the whole agreement, not only the summary. Loans and merchant cash advances are priced in different ways, so convert everything to dollars:
| Pricing you may see | What it means | How to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | The rate charged on the outstanding loan balance | Ask for the total of all payments plus fees |
| APR | A yearly cost measure that can include certain fees; how it is calculated depends on the disclosure rules that apply | Useful for comparing loans with each other |
| Factor rate | A merchant cash advance multiplier on the amount advanced; not an interest rate | Multiply it out to the total remitted, then add fees |
| Fees | Origination, documentation, draw or other charges | Add them to the total cost and note any deducted up front |
Then look at the payment rhythm (daily, weekly or monthly), the term, collateral, personal guarantees, prepayment terms and what counts as a default. Accepting is your decision, and turning down an offer costs you nothing with us.
Broker or lender: what is the difference?
A lender, or a funder in the case of an advance, provides the money, makes the credit decision and sets the terms. A broker helps a business prepare and place its request with lenders. Going directly to a bank works well for many owners; a broker can help when you are unsure which type of funding fits or which lenders offer it.
Red flags to watch for
- Anyone who promises approval before a lender has reviewed your business
- Requests to pay a fee before you have seen a written offer from a lender
- Pressure to sign the same day or without reading the full agreement
- An advance described as a loan, or a loan whose total cost is never stated in dollars
- Requests to send Social Security or account numbers by ordinary email or text
If you see any of these, from anyone, stop and ask questions. Our owner questions page and broker disclosures explain what we do and do not do.
By Graniteford Finance ยท Updated