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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bridge Marketplace?

Bridge Marketplace (“Bridge”) is an initiative led by Foro Holdings, Inc and our investors. Our mission is to democratize lending by making it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses like yours to access competitive banking products. The platform connects these businesses with a range of banks who compete to provide optimal banking solutions. We aim to offer you the same choices enjoyed by large corporations, so that you can review multiple offers at the same time before making a decision on raising capital or using other banking products.

What products do you offer?

Bridge currently connects businesses with participating lenders that offer term loans, P.O. financing, lines of credit, commercial mortgages, SBA loans, equipment loans, acquisition loans among others. If you’re unsure about what product would suit your business best, select the "I'm not sure" option when answering the question, "What type of loan are you looking for?"​

Can I use Bridge to search for a personal loan?

No. At the moment, Bridge only facilitates business loans.

What kind of lending terms should I expect to receive?

When creating your Request for Proposal, you’ll have the opportunity to indicate your preferred terms as part of your submission, although preferred terms are not guaranteed. After submitting your RFP, lenders then decide whether they are able to offer you terms based on your request. You may receive multiple indications of interest from various lenders, from which you will pick a lender to further discuss your needs. Keep in mind, lender responses are not binding or a firm offer of credit and you must work with your chosen lender through their due diligence process, which can result in modifying or even improving your final terms.

Will my business qualify for a loan?

Because each business is unique, a loan offer is not guaranteed. If you do not receive an indication of interest from any lender after submitting an RFP, we can follow up with you to discuss potential next steps.

What information do I need to apply?

To help complete your RFP, you’ll need to provide a basic profile of your business (e.g. overview, NAICS code, number of employees, date of incorporation, etc.), as well as financial metrics for the past three years (e.g. revenue, net income, EBITDA, total assets, total liabilities, typical cash balance, etc.).

What fees will I be charged for using Bridge?

None! Bridge does not charge borrowers any fees for using the platform. Our goal is to help you connect with the best lender for your needs. Bridge does not determine rates or any other loan terms — that’s up to the lenders.

Who is actually lending the capital to my business?

Bridge does not make any loans through its platform nor does it service any loans you may obtain. You will borrow directly from your chosen lender after the lender approves you for a loan.

Do I need to complete this entire process online?

Not at all—Bridge is intended to facilitate the initial introductions with lenders, but once you’ve connected, you can choose to talk over a call, through Zoom, or even in person.

Is there anyone at Bridge I can speak with about my business and its financing options?

Bridge is just a technology platform and does not offer financing, legal or other advice. However, as you connect with lenders, you are free to talk with them about your business and financing options. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to Bridge’s support team if you have any questions about using Bridge.

What type of financial statement should I select on the Financial Details page?

Help bankers understand the type of financials you are using. Selection should represent your method for the most recent year of financial statements:
  • "Company Prepared" financial statements are prepared by you or someone from your business.
  • "Business Tax Return" means that you are using your business tax returns that have been filed to the IRS as your financial statements.
  • "CPA Compiled" financial statements are prepared by your CPA firm without any examination of the financial data you have provided them. The CPA does not provide an opinion or assurance that they have tested or examined any of the financials or internal controls.
  • "CPA Reviewed" financial statements are prepared by you and include a limited examination by a CPA firm. The CPA performs basic analytical procedures to assess the financials but does not diligence internal controls. The CPA does not provide an opinion and expresses limited assurance about your financial statements.
  • "Audited" financial statements are prepared by a CPA firm and reflect a very thorough examination of the financial records and information. The CPA analyzes your accounting records and studies the documentation of your transactions. The CPA provides an opinion and expresses assurance about your financial statements.

How do we make money?

We've built our platform around creating the best lending experience for small and mid-size businesses. Which is why they never pay us for the services we provide.

Instead, we earn money through our partnerships with lenders, who pay us for being a part of our lender network. That compensation doesn't impact our objectivity or impartiality in recommending potential lender partners that meet the unique needs of a business.

How long should I expect it to take to get connected to a banker?

The process can be very quick. It normally takes under 5 days for a lender to respond but can take up to 10 days. 

How long will it take to submit the RFP?

About 15 minutes.

When will my financial information be shared with the banks?

Your financial information will not be shared with a bank until you select them as a preferred lender. 

What is the minimum amount you accept for a loan request?

$100,000.

Can you help startups get loans?

No. Currently, Bridge is only helping companies that have been in business for at least one year. 

Why is Bridge right for my business?

Every business is different, but the Bridge platform was built to meet the personalized needs of every business. We've paired a streamlined commercial lending process with a network of over +75 lending partners including top financial institutions, community banks, credit unions, and other capital providers. This ensures you spend less time finding the right lender to meet your needs. 

What financial institutions are part of the Bridge Marketplace lending Network?

Bridge's network of lenders consists of a diverse set of financial institutions, including national banks, community banks, alternative lenders, and others. 

We are also regularly evaluating and expanding our network to fit the evolving needs of businesses and the economy.

How do I know which type of loan is right for my business?

Financial institutions offer different types of commercial loans based on the goal of the loan and how it will be repaid. Our customer support team can help you figure out which is right for your business.