I got denied by Chase and Wells Fargo. Basecamp Funding matched me with three lenders and I had $185K in my account in 48 hours. No BS.
— Mike R. . General Contractor . Houston, TX
Real Results
We've Funded Contractors Like You
The Mobilization Gap
A site-work contractor in Fort Worth won a $400K municipal grading job. He needed $60K to mobilize — equipment rental, crew deposits, materials — before the first draw payment in 45 days. His bank wanted full tax returns and 3 weeks to review. The GC needed him on site in 10 days. We matched him with a working capital lender.
$65K funded → 3 days → $110K profit on the job
The Retainage Trap
An electrical contractor in Phoenix had $180K in retainage held across 3 active jobs. His P&L showed a loss because retainage isn't recognized as revenue until release. Every bank he called saw the loss and said no. We matched him with a lender who understands construction accounting — they looked at his contracts and deposit history, not his P&L.
$120K funded → 48 hours → kept crew on payroll
The Equipment Decision
A concrete contractor in Denver needed a $120K pump truck. He was about to pay cash — drain his entire reserve. We showed him the math: finance it at 9% over 5 years ($2,490/month), keep $120K in the bank for operations, and deduct the full $120K through Section 179. Net cost after tax savings: ~$72K.
$120K equipment → $72K net cost → cash reserves intact
The Seasonal Squeeze
A landscaping company in Chicago does 80% of revenue between April and October. Every November, cash flow drops off a cliff but payroll, insurance, and truck payments don't stop. A $75K line of credit — opened in August when revenue was strong — carries the crew through winter. Draw in November, repay by May. Total interest cost: ~$2,800.
$75K LOC → $2,800 interest → kept entire crew
The Growth Blocker
A roofing contractor in Atlanta was stuck at $1.2M/year. He kept turning down jobs because his bonding capacity was maxed at $500K per project. A $200K working capital line improved his balance sheet liquidity, which his bonding company used to increase his capacity to $1M per project. Revenue doubled to $2.4M the following year.
$200K LOC → bonding capacity doubled → revenue doubled
The Emergency
An HVAC contractor in Dallas had a $15K compressor fail on a commercial install mid-job. No cash on hand, GC threatening penalties for delay. Emergency working capital: $20K funded same day. Job completed on time. Penalty avoided.
$20K funded → same day → penalty avoided
Industry Data
The Numbers That Matter
82% of
construction companies report cash flow as their #1 challenge
— U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The average general contractor waits 83 days to receive payment after work is completed
— Levelset Construction Payment Report
Contractors spend $1.3 billion per year in interest costs bridging payment gaps
— Associated General Contractors of America
See What You Qualify For
Find Out What You Qualify For in 60 Seconds
Slide the calculator to see your estimated approval range. Then answer 3 quick questions to lock it in. No documents needed. No credit impact.
See What You Could Qualify For
Slide to your average monthly bank deposits.
Estimated Approval Range
Based on 100-150% of monthly revenue
No hard credit pull · No obligation · Estimate only
Your Application Gets Matched Across 70+ Lending Partners Including
Multiple lenders compete for your business — you pick the best offer
If your bank doesn’t understand retainage, draw schedules, or seasonal cash flow — they’re not the right lender for a contractor. We match you with lenders who fund construction businesses every single day.
— Bobby Friel, Basecamp Funding - Founder
Real Challenges
The Real Challenges Contractors Face (And How Funding Solves Each One)
| Challenge | What It Looks Like | What It Costs You | Funding Solution | Typical Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobilization gaps | Won the job, can't start without upfront capital for crew, materials, equipment | Lose the job to a competitor who can mobilize faster | Working capital | $25K–$250K | 1–3 days |
| Retainage holdbacks | 5–10% held on every draw, released 30–90 days after completion. Cash is earned but untouchable | Payroll strain, can't bid new jobs, forced to take MCAs | Working capital or LOC (lenders who understand retainage) | $50K–$500K | 2–5 days |
| Seasonal revenue drops | Revenue drops 30–60% in winter months but fixed costs don't | Lay off crew, lose trained employees, scramble to rehire in spring | Line of credit (open before winter) | $50K–$200K | Pre-approved, draw as needed |
| Equipment costs | Excavators $80K–$300K, trucks $50K–$120K, specialty equipment $20K–$200K | Pay cash and drain reserves, or pass on jobs requiring equipment you don't own | Equipment financing + Section 179 | $10K–$5M | 3–5 days |
| Bonding capacity limits | Can't bid jobs over your bonding limit, stuck at a revenue ceiling | Turn down profitable jobs, competitors with higher bonds win the work | Working capital LOC (improves balance sheet) | $100K–$500K | 5–10 days |
| Slow-paying GCs | GC pays net-60 or net-90, you've already paid your subs and suppliers | Cash crunch between finishing work and getting paid | Invoice factoring or LOC | $25K–$300K | 1–2 days (factoring) |
| Insurance requirements | Need $1M/$2M GL, workers comp, commercial auto before you can bid | Can't start work until coverage is bound, COI delays cost jobs | Premium financing | Varies | Same day |
Need commercial insurance? Our sister company InsuranceService365.com covers contractors across 29 states with same-day COIs.
Found your scenario? See what you qualify for — 60 seconds, no credit pull.
Every week without funding in place is a week you're exposed. The next equipment failure, the next cash flow gap, the next opportunity you can't move fast enough on — you want capital ready before you need it. Pre-qualifying takes 60 seconds and doesn't affect your credit.
Check My OptionsNo hard credit pull · No obligation · 60 seconds
Applied on a Tuesday, had $65K in my account Thursday morning. My bank would still be asking for paperwork.
Why Us
Why Contractors Choose Us Over Banks
We built our process around the way contractors actually operate — not the way banks wish you did.
We Understand Draw Schedules
Banks don't get that you need $80K for mobilization before the first draw hits. Our lenders fund against contracted revenue, not just what's in your account today.
We Fund Around Retainage
You've earned the money but 10% is held for 90 days. Banks see a gap. Our lenders see a guaranteed receivable and approve through it.
Seasonal Slowdowns Don't Scare Us
December revenue is half of June. Banks flag declining deposits. Our lenders understand construction seasonality and underwrite based on your annual cycle.
We Fund Multi-Job Cash Gaps
Running three jobs at once means three sets of upfront costs before any draws land. Our lenders evaluate your contract pipeline, not just your bank balance.
Equipment Doesn't Require Quotes
Banks and equipment lenders need appraisals and invoices before they'll fund. We provide working capital you can use for any equipment, any vendor, same day.
Change Orders Won't Stall Your Project
Scope changes mean you're fronting costs before the change order is approved. Our lenders move fast enough to keep your crew working, not waiting.
Free Tool
What Can Your Contractor Qualify For?
Enter your monthly revenue, time in business, and industry to see your estimated approval range and recommended products. No credit pull.
Avoid These
What Most Contractors Get Wrong About Funding
They wait until they're desperate
The best time to get a line of credit is when you DON'T need one. Your application looks strongest when cash flow is good, not when you're scrambling. The best rates and highest approvals go to contractors who plan ahead.
They only call their bank
One bank = one answer. One application through Basecamp = 70+ lenders competing for your business. The difference can be $20K+ in total cost on the same loan. Banks reject 73% of small business loan applications.
They think bad credit means no funding
Wrong. A 580 credit score with $40K/month in deposits gets funded every day. Revenue matters more than FICO for most alternative lenders. We've funded contractors with scores in the 500s.
They pay cash for equipment
See Section 179 above. Financing + tax deduction beats paying cash almost every time. Your $120K excavator costs $72K after taxes and you never touched your reserves.
They don't factor in the cost of NOT getting funding
Turning down a $400K job because you can't mobilize $60K doesn't save you money — it costs you $110K in profit. The cost of inaction is almost always higher than the cost of capital.
They understood what retainage was without me having to explain it. That alone told me I was in the right place.
The Difference
Why Contractors Choose Basecamp Over Their Bank
| Your Bank | Basecamp Funding | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | 45 minutes + document upload | 60 seconds, minimal documents |
| Credit pull | Hard pull (hurts your score) | Soft pull (no impact) |
| Lenders reviewing your app | 1 | 70+ |
| Understands retainage? | Usually no | Yes — our lenders work with contractors daily |
| Understands seasonal revenue? | "Come back when your P&L looks better" | Revenue-based approval, not P&L-based |
| Time to funded | 2–6 weeks | As fast as same day |
| If they say no | You're stuck | 69 other lenders still competing |
Funding by Size
How We Fund Contractors at Every Stage
🔨Solo Operator / 1-2 Crew
Common Needs
Working capital, equipment financing
24-48 hours
Marco, solo electrician in Phoenix — needed $18K for a panel truck after his van was totaled. Approved in 4 hours, funded next morning.
👷Small Contractor / 3-15 Employees
Common Needs
Line of credit, working capital, equipment financing
24-72 hours
Rivera Concrete, 8-person crew in Houston — $120K line of credit for payroll and materials. Their bank said no because of a tax return loss. Funded through our network in 3 days.
🏗️Mid-Size & Large GC / 15-100+ Employees
Common Needs
Term loans, SBA loans, large equipment financing
1-2 weeks for complex financing
Cornerstone Building Group, 45 employees — $2.2M equipment line for a fleet of excavators and loaders. Traditional bank wanted 60 days. Funded in 12 days through our commercial lending partners.
Funding Built for Your Stage of Growth
Whether you're a solo operator or running a 100-person crew, we match you with the right product and amount.
Growing Businesses
$10K – $1M
Revenue-based funding for working capital, equipment, and growth. Most fund in 1–3 days.
See What You Qualify For →Established Businesses
$1M – $5M
Structured financing with capital stacking. Dedicated commercial specialist. Multiple lenders optimized for your transaction.
Talk to a Commercial Specialist →Commercial & Complex
$5M – $10M+
Complex transactions. Multi-lender capital stacks. Acquisitions, commercial real estate, fleet buildouts. Dedicated commercial team.
Request a Financing Review →Pricing Transparency
What Construction Funding Actually Costs
Most lenders hide the real cost behind jargon. Here's what businesses actually pay.
| Product | Typical Amount | Term | Cost Range | Speed to Fund | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Capital | $10K–$500K | 3-18 months | 1.1-1.4 factor rate | 1-3 days | Payroll gaps, mobilization |
| Equipment Financing | $25K–$5M | 6 mo - 10 yrs | 5-15% APR | 3-7 days | Excavators, trucks, heavy equipment |
| Business Line of Credit | $10K–$5M | Revolving | 8-24% APR | 1-5 days | Materials, ongoing expenses |
| SBA Loan | $50K–$5M | 5-25 years | 6-10% APR | 30-60 days | Expansion, real estate, large equipment |
| Invoice Factoring | $10K–$5M | Per invoice | 1-3% per 30 days | 1-2 days | Retainage, slow-paying GCs |
| Term Loan | $50K–$2M | 6 mo - 10 yrs | 7-25% APR | 2-7 days | Shop buildout, second location |
Rates and terms vary by credit profile, revenue, and time in business. These are typical ranges for construction businesses in our network.
Real Numbers
What Contractor Funding Actually Costs
| Scenario | Product | Amount | Rate | Term | Monthly Payment | Total Cost | Net Cost After §179 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavator purchase | Equipment financing | $120,000 | 9% APR | 5 years | $2,490 | $149,400 | ~$101,400 (40% tax rate) |
| Mobilization capital | Working capital | $60,000 | 15% APR | 18 months | $3,685 | $66,330 | N/A |
| Winter cash flow bridge | Line of credit | $75,000 drawn | 12% APR | 5 months used | Interest only: $750/mo | ~$3,750 | N/A |
| Retainage bridge | Working capital | $120,000 | 14% APR | 12 months | $10,747 | $128,964 | N/A |
| Fleet truck | Equipment financing | $65,000 | 8% APR | 5 years | $1,318 | $79,080 | ~$53,080 (40% tax rate) |
| Emergency repair | Working capital | $20,000 | 18% APR | 6 months | $3,498 | $20,988 | N/A |
These are real numbers from real funding scenarios in our network. Your rate depends on your credit profile, revenue, and time in business. But this is what it actually looks like — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Tax Strategy
Section 179: The Tax Deduction Every Contractor Should Know
Section 179 lets you deduct the FULL purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year you buy it. Not depreciated over 5 years. The full amount, year one.
2026 limit: over $1.16 million.
Here's what that means in real dollars:
| Equipment | Cost | Your Tax Rate | Section 179 Deduction | Tax Savings | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavator | $120,000 | 40% | $120,000 | $48,000 | $72,000 |
| Pump truck | $85,000 | 35% | $85,000 | $29,750 | $55,250 |
| Work truck + upfit | $65,000 | 40% | $65,000 | $26,000 | $39,000 |
| Skid steer | $45,000 | 30% | $45,000 | $13,500 | $31,500 |
| HVAC commercial unit | $35,000 | 35% | $35,000 | $12,250 | $22,750 |
Finance the equipment. Keep your cash. Take the deduction. Your $120K excavator costs you $72K after taxes and you never touched your reserves.
Bobby's take: If you're paying cash for equipment over $25K, you're leaving money on the table. Finance it, deduct it, keep your cash working.
How It Works
From Application to Funded in 5 Steps
No paperwork avalanche. No bank lobby. No guessing.
60-Second Application
Answer a few quick questions about your business. No documents needed yet.
Soft Credit Check
We check your options with zero impact on your FICO. Your score stays untouched.
Lenders Compete Behind the Scenes
Your profile is matched to 70+ lending partners. They compete - you never hear from them directly.
One Specialist, Multiple Offers
Your funding specialist presents your best options. No spam calls. No runaround.
Pick Your Offer & Get Funded
Choose the rate and terms that fit. Sign digitally. Funds hit your account - same day available.
Use Your Capital For
How Contractors Use Basecamp Funding
Payroll & Operations
Bridge cash flow gaps. Keep crews paid when receivables run 30-60-90 days.
Job Mobilization
Fund upfront costs — materials, permits, equipment rental — before first draw.
Scale & Win Bigger Jobs
Take on larger contracts. Expand territories. Hire key staff.
AI & Technology
Drones, AI estimating, GPS fleet tracking, project management tools.
Equipment & Vehicles
Excavators, dump trucks, skid steers. Finance or lease — all credit profiles.
Marketing & Branding
Truck wraps, websites, Google Ads. Build the brand that wins contracts.
Refinance Costly Debt
Consolidate high-cost MCAs or credit cards into one manageable payment.
Bonding & Insurance
Finance bid bonds, performance bonds, and premiums. Never lose a contract.
Cash Flow Cushion
Build a war chest before you need it. Seasonal dips won't catch you off guard.
We needed $2.2M for equipment. Banks wanted 60 days. Basecamp closed it in 12. That's the difference.
Full Transparency
What Kills Your Qualification (And What Doesn't)
Most lenders won't tell you this upfront. We will.
These Won't Stop You
These Can Be Deal-Breakers
Before You Apply
What to Have Ready
Having these speeds up your approval. Don't have everything? Start anyway — we'll guide you.
4 months of bank statements
PDF download or online banking credentials
Business checking account
Must be a dedicated business account
Valid business license or EIN
Proof your business is registered
Government-issued ID
Driver's license or passport
Outstanding debt details
Existing loans, MCAs, or credit lines
Approximate monthly revenue
Doesn't need to be exact
See What You Qualify For
See What You Qualify For. No Credit Impact. No Obligation.
Slide the calculator, answer 3 questions, and a specialist pulls your options within the hour.
See What You Could Qualify For
Slide to your average monthly bank deposits.
Estimated Approval Range
Based on 100-150% of monthly revenue
No hard credit pull · No obligation · Estimate only
Recommended Products
Recommended Loan Products for Contractors
The most popular funding types for contractors businesses. Each links to a detailed product page.
💰Working Capital Loans
Bridge mobilization costs, payroll, and material purchases between draws.
View Product Details →🚜Equipment Financing
Finance excavators, skid steers, and dump trucks without draining cash reserves.
View Product Details →🏦Business Line of Credit
Draw funds across multiple active jobs and repay as draws come in.
View Product Details →📄Invoice Factoring
Turn outstanding retainage and slow-paying invoices into same-week cash.
View Product Details →Purchase Order Financing
Landed a big contract? Fund materials and labor against the confirmed PO.
View Product Details →Needed a $200K line of credit to increase my bonding capacity. My bank of 15 years said they 'don't do that.' Basecamp matched me with a lender in 24 hours. Bonding went from $500K to $1M per project.
Financed $85K in HVAC equipment — two commercial units and a service van. Got the Section 179 deduction and it basically paid for the van. Should have done this years ago.
Don't Wait Until You Need Funding to Get Funded
68% of loan denials happen because of weak financials at time of application. The best time to apply is when your business is performing — not when you're scrambling. See what you qualify for now while your numbers are strong.
No credit impact · No obligation · 60 seconds
By Trade
Contractor Funding by Trade
| Trade | Common Funding Need | Typical Amount | Why This Trade Qualifies Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractors | Mobilization, retainage bridge, bonding support | $50K–$2M | Consistent contracts, verifiable revenue |
| Electricians | Van/truck fleet, tool inventory, licensing costs | $25K–$250K | Recurring service revenue, low claims |
| Plumbers | Equipment (jetting machines, cameras), truck buildouts | $30K–$200K | Emergency service demand = steady cash flow |
| HVAC | Commercial units ($15K–$50K each), seasonal working capital | $25K–$500K | Service contracts provide predictable revenue |
| Roofing | Materials for large jobs, equipment (lifts, tear-off machines) | $30K–$300K | High-margin work, fast job completion |
| Concrete | Pump trucks ($120K–$300K), batch plants, mobilization | $50K–$1M | Equipment holds value, steady commercial demand |
| Landscaping | Mowers, trucks, trailers, seasonal bridge | $15K–$150K | Recurring maintenance contracts |
| Framing | Crew payroll advances, nail gun/compressor sets, lumber credit | $20K–$200K | Fast job cycles, steady housing demand |
| Flooring | Material inventory, specialized tools, van buildouts | $15K–$100K | Low overhead, high margin per job |
| Demolition | Heavy equipment (excavators, loaders), disposal costs | $50K–$500K | Equipment is the collateral, demolition demand is constant |
| Excavation | Excavators, dozers, trucking, mobilization deposits | $75K–$2M | Heavy equipment = strong collateral |
| Painting | Sprayers, lifts, crew expansion, commercial job deposits | $10K–$150K | Low equipment cost, fast payback |
Financing by Trade
Every construction specialty. Click yours for tailored options.
Need commercial insurance for your contractors business?
Our sister company InsuranceService365.com covers contractors businesses across 29 states.
FAQs
Construction Business Loan FAQs
Mike R.
General Contractor | Houston, TX
Needed $185K for an excavator and a new crew truck. Bank wanted 3 months of paperwork. Basecamp had three offers on my desk in 48 hours. No BS.
The Only Risk Is Not Knowing What's Available to You
60 seconds. No credit impact. No obligation.
See What You Qualify ForNo hard credit pull · Free to check · Nationwide
Construction Business Loans & Contractor Financing — $10K to $10M+
Look — your bank doesn't understand why your P&L shows a loss when you've got $180K in retainage sitting on three active jobs. They don't get draw schedules, they don't get mobilization costs, and they definitely don't get why you need $60K wired by Friday to start a municipal grading job. We do. One 60-second application. 70+ lenders see it. No hard credit pull. No tax returns upfront.
I talk to GCs and subs every single day who waited too long. They turned down a $400K commercial bid because they couldn't mobilize $80K. They lost their best foreman because payroll was 5 days late. They paid cash for a $120K excavator instead of financing it and taking the Section 179 deduction — that's $48K in tax savings they'll never get back. Don't be that contractor.
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, roofers, concrete guys, landscapers, framers, flooring installers, demo crews, excavation companies, GCs running 50-man operations — we fund all of them. Equipment financing starting at 5% APR. Working capital in 24 hours. Lines of credit you draw on when the GC is slow to pay and repay when the check clears. We've funded $185K excavators, $75K winter bridge lines, $20K emergency compressor replacements, and $2.2M fleet expansions. All through our network.
If you're sitting on a signed contract you can't start because your bank needs 6 more weeks of paperwork — fill out the application. If your excavator is down and costing you $2K/day while you wait for bank approval — fill out the application. Takes 60 seconds. Most contractors hear back within hours. Same-day funding is on the table.