PMF Match the funding to the job
An equipment purchase and a gap between project payments create different financing needs. Separate the costs before comparing options.
Scroll the table sideways to compare all three columns.
| What you need to cover | What to explore | Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
| Materials, mobilization or payroll before a customer pays | Working capital | Which costs are due before the next expected collection? |
| Cash gaps that repeat across projects | A business line of credit | When does the balance come back down, and how would payments overlap? |
| A truck, machine or specialized tool | Equipment financing | What is the full asset cost, including delivery and setup? |
Availability depends on the business, transaction and financing provider. Compare each offer's repayment schedule with the way the business collects cash.
Construction funding highlights from September
PMF LA's September 2026 funding report includes these working capital loans for construction businesses:
$150,000 working capital loan
$135,000 working capital loan
Review working capital options, or talk through your funding needs.
Past funding examples do not guarantee approval, amounts, terms or timing for another business.
Estimate the gap before the next project payment
List payments due before the next expected customer receipt. Keep projected receipts separate from cash already in the bank, especially when billing approval or collection timing is uncertain.
Illustrative planning example—not a PMF LA customer or financing offer.
| Before the next expected project receipt | Amount |
|---|---|
| Materials payments | $30,000 |
| Payroll | $20,000 |
| Other project costs | $5,000 |
| Total payments due | $55,000 |
| Cash available for these costs | $15,000 |
| Estimated timing gap | $40,000 |
The $40,000 difference is a planning gap, not a recommended loan amount. This simple example excludes new financing costs and additional delays. Use actual payment dates, avoid counting the same commitment twice, and repeat the plan with the customer paying later. When comparing an offer, include its payments and fees in the forecast.
Bring the project details to the conversation
- The amount needed, its purpose and the dates costs are due.
- The job budget and contract or awarded-work details, where relevant.
- Expected progress payments, outstanding invoices and collection dates.
- Retainage, disputed invoices or unapproved change orders listed separately from amounts currently due.
- Recent business bank statements and existing financing payments.
- An equipment quote when the request includes an asset purchase.
This is a preparation list, not a universal underwriting checklist. The provider may request different or additional documents. Use the secure document process identified for your application.
Compare repayments against project collections
Ask how much the business will actually receive, total repayment, fees, payment frequency and any collateral or personal-guarantee requirements. Check early-payoff terms and how existing financing affects the proposed arrangement.
A payment that fits the monthly budget may still fall before a project draw. Look at the dates together, including a delayed-collection scenario, before committing.
Questions contractors often ask
Does an awarded contract guarantee financing?
No. It can help explain the funding need, but the provider still reviews the business, transaction and repayment capacity. Keep the contract value separate from the amount you need to spend before collecting.
Can retainage or an unapproved change order be treated as an available invoice?
Do not assume so. Keep these items separate in your cash forecast. If invoice-based financing is being considered, ask the provider which receivables it will accept and what approvals or documentation it requires.
Bring us the job costs and the payment dates
Tell PMF LA what you need to pay for, when it is due and when the business expects to collect. A specialist can discuss the funding paths available for review and the information needed next.
Approval, amounts, costs, terms and timing depend on the financing provider, business and transaction.