Every funding option available to Los Angeles businesses — compared in one place. SBA loans, working capital, lines of credit, equipment financing, commercial real estate, and fast funding. PMF LA helps you find the right fit before you spend time on the wrong path.
PMF LA is an independent business funding resource. We help owners compare options, prepare their story, and connect with the right lender — whether that's an SBA program, a working capital provider, or something else entirely.
Different needs call for different structures. Here is a plain-language overview of the main business funding options available to Los Angeles businesses today.
SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and SBA Express are government-backed programs administered through approved lenders. Best for established businesses seeking structured, longer-term capital with competitive terms. PMF LA works with a direct SBA lender network including Newtek, a nationally recognized SBA preferred lender.
Fast access to business capital for payroll, inventory, cash flow gaps, and growth opportunities. Usually faster than SBA with a less documented process. Best when speed matters more than rate.
A revolving credit facility businesses can draw from as needed and repay over time. Useful for managing cash flow variability, covering operating expenses, and staying ready for opportunities.
Finance equipment purchases or leases using the equipment itself as collateral. Common across construction, healthcare, restaurants, manufacturing, and transportation.
Loans for owner-occupied properties, investment real estate, refinancing, and mixed-use projects. Can include SBA 504, conventional CRE loans, and bridge financing.
Invoice factoring converts outstanding receivables to immediate cash. Purchase order financing covers supplier costs before a sale closes. Both are useful for businesses with strong orders but slow-paying clients.
No single funding type is right for every situation. Use this table as a starting point — then talk to PMF LA to narrow the fit for your specific business, timeline, and use of funds.
| Funding type | Best for | Typical speed | Documentation | PMF LA page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Working capital, expansion, refinancing, acquisitions, partner buyouts | Weeks to months | Higher — full business financials, tax returns, use of funds narrative | View |
| SBA 504 | Owner-occupied commercial real estate, major fixed assets | Months | Higher — CDC/bank/borrower three-party structure | View |
| SBA Express | Smaller working capital or business-use needs where speed matters | Faster than 7(a) | Moderate — streamlined SBA process | View |
| Working capital | Payroll, inventory, cash flow gaps, short-term growth needs | Days | Lower — often bank statements and basic business profile | View |
| Line of credit | Ongoing cash flow management, recurring expenses, revolving needs | Days to weeks | Moderate — depends on credit limit and lender | View |
| Equipment financing | Equipment purchases and leases across any industry | Days to weeks | Moderate — equipment specs, business profile | View |
| Commercial real estate | Property purchases, refinancing, investment real estate | Weeks to months | Higher — property appraisal, financials, use of funds | View |
| Invoice factoring | Businesses with outstanding receivables from creditworthy clients | Days | Lower — invoice and client verification | View |
PMF LA is one resource. Depending on your situation, these organizations may also be worth exploring — especially for free guidance, government-backed programs, and local advising.
The SBA's Los Angeles District Office administers SBA loan programs through approved lenders across Southern California. They do not lend directly but can connect businesses with approved SBA lenders and free local resources.
Best for: Understanding SBA eligibility, finding approved lenders, and accessing government-backed loan programs.
sba.gov/district/los-angeles
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network provides free, confidential business advising and low-cost training to Los Angeles business owners. SBDC advisors can help with capital access, business plans, and funding preparation.
Best for: Free preparation help before applying for an SBA loan or other funding.
smallbizla.org
SCORE is a nonprofit supported by the SBA that provides free mentoring from experienced business volunteers. SCORE Los Angeles chapter mentors can help business owners think through funding strategy, financial readiness, and growth planning.
Best for: Free one-on-one mentoring on business strategy, funding readiness, and growth decisions.
score.org/ca/los-angeles
The City of Los Angeles provides business support resources through the Mayor's Office, including programming for small businesses, neighborhood commercial corridor support, and connections to local funding programs.
Best for: City-level business programs, local incentives, and neighborhood business support.
lacity.gov
Free government resources like SCORE and SBDC are excellent for planning and preparation. Banks and online lenders are where funding ultimately comes from. PMF LA fills the gap in between — helping business owners understand their options, prepare a compelling story, and connect with the right lender for their specific situation.
Business owners who are:
Not sure whether SBA, working capital, or a line of credit is the right fit for their situation.
Have a funding need in mind and want to build the strongest possible case before talking to lenders.
Have a time-sensitive opportunity — payroll, inventory, equipment, property — and need clarity fast.
Los Angeles business owners can access SBA loans (7(a), 504, Express), working capital, business lines of credit, equipment financing, commercial real estate loans, invoice factoring, and purchase order financing. PMF LA helps owners compare these options and identify the best fit for their situation, timeline, and use of funds.
SBA loans are typically used for structured, longer-term needs like expansion, property purchases, or refinancing and involve a more documented process that can take weeks to months. Working capital is usually faster — often funded in days — and used for payroll, inventory, cash flow gaps, and short-term needs. PMF LA helps business owners decide which path fits their timeline and goals.
The SBA is a government agency that guarantees loans through approved lenders — they do not lend directly. SCORE and SBDC provide free mentoring and advising through SBA resource partners. PMF LA is an independent business funding resource that helps owners compare all funding options — SBA, working capital, lines of credit, equipment, CRE — and connect with the right lender for their specific situation. PMF LA is not affiliated with the SBA or any government agency.
Yes. PMF LA helps Los Angeles business owners compare SBA 7(a), SBA 504, SBA Express, working capital, business lines of credit, equipment financing, and commercial real estate funding. The goal is to match the right structure to the business need before time and effort are spent on the wrong path.
PMF LA recommends business owners also explore the SBA Los Angeles District Office for government-backed loan programs, the LA Regional SBDC Network for free capital-access advising, and SCORE Los Angeles for free mentoring. These are complementary to PMF LA's funding comparison and lender connection services — not alternatives to them.
PMF LA works with established businesses and growth-stage companies across Los Angeles in industries including construction, retail, restaurants, healthcare, professional services, real estate, and e-commerce. The focus is on helping business owners access the right funding at the right stage — whether that is SBA, working capital, equipment financing, or commercial real estate.
A 15-minute conversation with PMF LA can usually narrow the right path — before you spend time on paperwork or applications.