Bridge Loan: Short-Term Financing for Business Transitions
Learn what bridge loans are, how they work, and when short-term bridge financing makes sense for your business needs.
What Is a Bridge Loan?
A bridge loan is short-term financing designed to "bridge" a gap until permanent financing or other funds become available. Bridge loans provide immediate capital when timing is critical, accepting higher costs in exchange for speed and flexibility.
Common scenarios include purchasing a new property before selling an existing one, funding a business acquisition while arranging long-term financing, or covering expenses until expected revenue arrives.
Bridge Loan Characteristics
Bridge loans share several distinctive features that differentiate them from traditional financing.
| Feature | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term Length | 6-36 months | Short by design |
| Interest Rate | 8-15% | Higher than permanent loans |
| Points/Fees | 1-4% | Charged upfront |
| LTV Ratio | 70-80% | Based on collateral value |
| Funding Speed | 1-4 weeks | Much faster than traditional |
Common Uses for Bridge Loans
Businesses use bridge financing in various transitional situations.
- Real estate acquisition before selling existing property
- Business purchase while arranging SBA or bank financing
- Renovation funding until property qualifies for permanent loan
- Working capital until receivables are collected
- Time-sensitive opportunity requiring immediate capital
- Covering expenses during a capital raise
Exit Strategy Requirements
Bridge lenders require a clear plan for repaying the loan. Your exit strategy must be realistic and documented.
- Sale of property or business
- Refinance to permanent financing
- Receipt of expected income or investment
- Collection of receivables
- Completion of project enabling better financing
Before taking a bridge loan, confirm that your exit strategy is viable. Speak with long-term lenders to ensure you will qualify for permanent financing when the bridge matures.
Ready to explore your options?
See what financing you qualify for in minutes — no impact to your credit score.
Related Articles
What is Term Length?
Understanding loan term length, how it affects payments and total cost, and how to choose the right term for your business needs.
Read more →What is Collateral? (Business Loan Context)
Understanding collateral requirements for business loans, what assets qualify, and how collateral affects your loan terms and approval.
Read more →Refinancing: Replacing Existing Business Debt
Learn when refinancing makes sense, how the process works, and what to consider when replacing existing business loans.
Read more →Important Disclosure
Not Financial Advice: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. You should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
No Guarantee of Financing: Liminal Lending Co. is a business loan marketplace that connects borrowers with third-party lenders. We are not a lender and do not make credit decisions. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding. Loan terms, rates, and availability vary by lender and are subject to borrower qualifications and lender criteria.
Third-Party Lenders: All loan products are offered by independent third-party lenders. Liminal Lending Co. is an Independent Sales Organization (ISO) and receives compensation from lenders for successful referrals. Terms and conditions of any loan are between you and the lender.
Rate Information: Rates, terms, and fees mentioned in this article are estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect current market conditions or specific lender offers. Actual rates depend on creditworthiness, business financials, and lender policies.
Information May Change: Financial markets, lending regulations, and economic conditions are subject to rapid change. While we strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date, information in this article may become outdated. Always verify current rates, terms, program availability, and regulatory requirements with lenders and official sources before making financial decisions.