A business term loan is one of the most straightforward forms of small business financing available. You receive a lump sum of capital upfront, then repay it — plus interest — over a fixed period through regular payments.Term loans are used for:
A direct lender means the company you're applying to is the one actually providing the money. There is no middleman, no marketplace, no broker in between. The lender evaluates your application, makes the underwriting decision, and funds the loan — all under one roof. This is different from a broker or marketplace model, where an intermediary collects your financial information and shops it to a network of lenders on your behalf.
When you apply through a loan marketplace or broker, here's what typically happens:
At every step, there are inefficiencies. Your information is shared with parties you didn't choose. Multiple lenders may pull your credit. The broker's incentive is to earn a commission — not necessarily to find you the best terms. And the back-and-forth adds time.The average broker-originated small business loan takes 7 to 14 business days from application to funding. Some take longer. For a business owner who needs capital to meet payroll, stock up before a busy season, or close a supplier deal — two weeks can be the difference between a good decision and a missed opportunity.
When you apply directly with a lender like RTMI Capital, there's no information relay. Your application goes straight to the underwriting team. Decisions are made internally with full visibility into your file. Funds move the moment a deal is approved. That's how RTMI Capital can fund businesses in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Speed comes from streamlined processes, technology-driven underwriting, and a team that makes decisions — not just referrals. RTMI Capital has funded over $500 million across more than 30,000 transactions in 80+ industries.
Direct lenders underwrite holistically. Where a traditional bank might decline a business with under 700 personal credit score on the spot, a direct lender evaluates:
Revenue and cash flow. The most important signal is whether your business generates enough consistent revenue to support loan repayments. RTMI looks at bank statements, not just tax returns.
Time in business. Businesses operating for at least 12 months have a track record. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Monthly revenue volume. A business doing $20K/month tells a different story than one doing $100K/month — even if credit scores are similar.
Industry context. Seasonal cash flow patterns, longer payment cycles, or higher average ticket sizes all shape what healthy financials look like.
Overall debt load. Existing obligations factor in — not to disqualify, but to ensure new terms are realistic and manageable.
Loan amounts are typically tied to average monthly revenue — most lenders offer 50–150% of monthly revenue. A business generating $80,000/month might qualify for $40,000–$120,000 depending on profile and existing obligations. Terms can range from a few months to several years.
Questions to Ask Any Lender Before You Sign
RTMI Capital: A Direct Small Business Lender Based in Miami
RTMI Capital is a direct lender — not a marketplace or broker. When you apply, you're working with the team that makes the funding decision and sends the wire.
With over $500 million funded, 30,000+ transactions, and experience across 80+ industries, RTMI has the underwriting depth to evaluate businesses that don't fit a bank's template — and fund them fast.
Apply for a Business Term Loan
