Short answer
Merchant Fund Express funds franchise owners who already carry an SBA loan and need more capital. It does not touch or replace the SBA loan; it adds working capital, a line of credit, equipment financing or revenue-based financing from $5,000 to $5,000,000, sized on what the store deposits after the SBA payment. Before you sign, check your SBA loan agreement for covenants or lien terms on new financing. A complete file usually gets a decision in 2–4 hours.
Why going back to the SBA is often the slow road
A second round through the same long process can take longer than the problem allows. The SBA payment is already on your statements, so Merchant Fund Express does not have to guess about it: the review subtracts it, looks at what is left and sizes the new payment to fit.
| Today's need | Fits | Why it works with an SBA loan in place |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a broken oven, cooler or lift | Equipment financing | The new machine anchors the deal |
| Cover payroll in a slow month | Working capital | One-time, sized to the gap |
| Recurring timing gaps | Line of credit | Draw only what you use |
| Seasonal swings | Revenue-based financing | Payments track revenue |
| Franchisor-required refresh | Remodel funding | Split equipment from finish work |
Check your loan agreement first: five minutes, no surprises
SBA loans often come with covenants and a lien on business assets. Some agreements limit additional debt or require notice before new financing. Pull your loan documents and look for these before you sign anything new:
If you are not sure what a clause means, ask your SBA lender or your accountant. Merchant Fund Express needs to know about the SBA loan too: list it with the monthly payment on the application.
If this, then that
- If the need is urgentApply now. Decision in 2–4 hours on a complete file; same-day funding available.
- If the SBA payment already feels heavySize the ask small and specific. The review sizes the new payment against what is left after it.
- If the need is equipmentLead with Equipment financing; send the vendor quote.
- If you also carry an advanceList it too and read funding with existing advances.
Weighing a second SBA round against a fast product? See the SBA vs working capital comparison or the SBA alternative page.
Hypothetical: a sandwich owner with an SBA loan
An owner of one sandwich shop bought the store's equipment package with an SBA loan three years ago. Now a reach-in cooler fails in July and the store has a large catering week booked. The owner asks for $25,000: the cooler on a vendor quote and the rest for catering inventory.
The reviewer reads three months of deposits, subtracts the SBA payment and the franchise fees that leave each month, and sees healthy room. The cooler goes on equipment financing and the inventory on a smaller working capital amount, both sized so the slowest normal week still covers everything. The owner checked the SBA agreement first and confirmed new financing was allowed with notice.
This is an illustration of how a file is reasoned, not a past transaction.
Who this fits best
Owners who used an SBA loan to buy or build the store, now run it with steady deposits and need a smaller, faster amount for a specific problem. Owners who would rather not reopen a long application for a cooler or a payroll gap. Owners in all 50 states, including sole proprietors and ITIN applicants.
What to send
No tax returns to apply. 500+ FICO accepted. Sole proprietors, Spanish-speaking owners and ITIN applicants are welcome.
Owner questions, answered
Can I get more funding if I already have an SBA loan?
Yes. Merchant Fund Express funds existing franchise owners alongside an SBA loan, sized on the store's deposits after the SBA payment.
Does Merchant Fund Express replace my SBA loan?
No. The SBA loan stays exactly as it is. This is additional capital for a separate need.
Do I need my SBA lender's permission?
Check your loan agreement. Some include covenants or notice requirements on new financing. Your SBA lender or accountant can confirm.
Will the SBA payment lower how much I can get?
It is part of the math. The review subtracts every current payment before sizing a new one.
How fast is the decision?
Usually 2–4 hours on a complete file, and most files go from application to funds in under 72 hours.
Keep going
Merchant Fund Express is a separate company with no franchisor ties. Terms depend on the business's revenue and history.