Check out our comparison of these two national small business lenders:
National Business Capital is a loan marketplace—it connects you with a network of lenders, which can be helpful for comparison shopping but means your experience and rates will depend on the lender you’re matched with.
South End Capital is a direct lender (a division of Stearns Bank N.A.) with a reputation for flexibility, fast funding, and working with borrowers who may not qualify elsewhere. They offer a broad product suite, including SBA loans, with streamlined processes and dedicated support.
Loan Products
Offers a broad marketplace of business loans, including SBA loans, equipment financing, lines of credit, and working capital loans. Specifics on flexibility and credit requirements may vary by partner lender.
Provides a wide range of loan products: SBA 7(a) and Express loans, conventional loans, working capital, commercial real estate, bridge loans, and business credit lines. Known for flexibility and willingness to work with less-than-perfect credit.
Borrower Requirements
Generally partners with lenders that require a minimum personal credit score (often 600–660) and annual revenues of $100,000–$250,000, but may have options for lower-revenue businesses.
Accepts borrowers with lower credit scores and low revenue. Minimum 3+ months in business; most industries considered. No collateral required for many products. Flexible credit minimums and low revenue requirements.
Application Process
Streamlined online application that matches borrowers with multiple lenders. Funding speed and process depend on the partner lender.
Streamlined online application with dedicated support. Offers expedited approvals, sometimes same-day funding, and a single application for multiple options.
Speed of Funding
Fast, but varies by lender; some partners offer same-day funding.
Same-day funding available for some products, especially SBA Express and working capital loans.
Customer Service
Acts as a marketplace/aggregator, so service quality can depend on the matched lender.
Personalized service with guidance from experienced professionals throughout the loan process.
Fees & Rates
Varies by lender; marketplace may help compare rates but some options may have higher costs, especially for riskier borrowers.
Competitive rates, but some products may have higher fees (origination, prepayment) than traditional banks. No prepayment penalties on some credit lines.
Unique Features
Access to a large network of lenders, which can increase approval odds and allow rate comparison.
Willingness to work with borrowers turned down elsewhere, reduced SBA guarantee fees on certain loans, and a wide variety of loan types. Offers both small ($1,000+) and large ($15M) loans.
Consider National Business Capital if:
- You want to compare multiple offers from a variety of lenders to find the best rate or terms.
- You prefer a marketplace approach and are comfortable with variable service levels depending on the matched lender.
Consider South End Capital if:
- You have less-than-perfect credit, low revenue, or have been turned down elsewhere.
- You want a direct lender with a fast, streamlined process and personalized support.
Industries Best Served by Each Lender
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Wholesalers
- Cannabis and CBD businesses
National Business Capital acts as a marketplace, connecting businesses in virtually any sector to a network of lenders. Their platform is particularly helpful for:
- Businesses in industries that often face challenges with traditional bank financing (e.g., cannabis, restaurants, construction).
- Companies seeking tailored options from multiple lenders for comparison shopping.
- Entrepreneurs with fair or average credit who may not qualify for traditional loans.
- General Contractors and Construction
- Healthcare (Chiropractic, Dental, Rehab Therapy)
- Restaurants and Catering
- Transportation and Logistics (e.g., FedEx route operators)
- Agriculture and Farm Suppliers
- Retail and Auto Parts
- Tattoo Studios
- Startups and New Businesses
- Commercial Real Estate Investors
- Most other industries, including those turned down elsewhere
South End Capital is a direct lender and tech-enabled marketplace, known for its flexibility and willingness to work with a broad spectrum of industries, including those with lower credit or revenue, and startups.
Business Needs Best Served by Each Lender
- Working capital for day-to-day operations, payroll, or inventory.
- Equipment financing for essential machinery or technology.
- Expansion or renovation projects.
- Fast funding for urgent business opportunities.
- Access to multiple offers to compare rates and terms
- Startups seeking funding with minimal time in business.
- Borrowers with low credit scores or low revenue.
- Businesses needing same-day or expedited funding.
- Equipment financing, commercial real estate loans, and working capital.
- Debt consolidation or refinancing.
- Expansion, renovation, or opening new locations.
- Businesses that have been declined by other lenders or banks
Key Takeaways
National Business Capital is ideal for businesses in diverse industries seeking a range of lender options and fast access to capital, especially if they want to compare terms or are in sectors underserved by banks.
South End Capital excels in serving startups, businesses with credit challenges, and those needing flexible or expedited funding—including industries and situations often declined elsewhere. They are especially strong for equipment, real estate, and working capital needs needs.