Question 1

What is T.A.G. Business Funding?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G. Business Funding is a minority-owned Independent Sales Organization (ISO) founded by Carlos Torres and based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. We connect small business owners with merchant cash advances and working capital through a network of 40+ funding partners. We are not a direct lender — we submit your application to multiple funders and help you compare offers.

Question 2

Is there any fee to apply?

Accepted Answer

No. The application is completely free. T.A.G. Business Funding earns a commission from the funder — only if you are funded. There is never any fee charged to the merchant to apply or receive an offer.

Question 3

Who is Carlos Torres?

Accepted Answer

Carlos Torres is the founder and CEO of T.A.G. Business Funding. He is a minority business owner based in northeast Ohio who founded T.A.G. to give small business owners access to fast working capital with transparent, honest terms. He can be reached directly at (330) 238-3003.

Question 4

How does the funding process work?

Accepted Answer

The process has three steps: (1) Click "Apply" and complete the short online form, then securely upload your documents through our portal. (2) T.A.G. matches your file with multiple funding partners and you receive customized capital offers within 24–48 hours. (3) Choose the offer that fits your business, sign electronically, and funds are wired directly to your business bank account.

Question 5

Will someone actually call me after I apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carlos or a member of the T.A.G. team will follow up directly after your application is received. You can also call (330) 238-3003 directly during business hours.

Question 6

What is the minimum credit score to get a merchant cash advance?

Accepted Answer

The minimum FICO score is 500. MCA approval is primarily based on monthly revenue and bank deposit history — not credit score alone. Bankruptcies, tax liens, and prior bank turndowns are acceptable in most cases.

Question 7

How much monthly revenue do I need to qualify?

Accepted Answer

The minimum monthly revenue is approximately $4,000 deposited into your business bank account. Most applicants qualify for an advance of 100–150% of one month's average deposits. Higher and more consistent revenue results in larger offers and better factor rates.

Question 8

How long does my business need to have been open?

Accepted Answer

Most funders require at least 6 months of business operating history. Some programs accept businesses as young as 3 months with strong monthly revenue. Startups under 3 months old are not eligible for MCA funding.

Question 9

Can I qualify if a bank already rejected me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bank rejections are one of the most common reasons business owners come to T.A.G. MCA approvals are based on revenue consistency and deposit history — not the same criteria banks use. A bank decline does not disqualify you.

Question 10

Can I qualify with bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bad credit does not automatically disqualify you for a merchant cash advance. The primary approval factor is monthly business revenue. Credit scores as low as 500 are accepted. What matters most is that your business has consistent deposits and has been operating for at least 6 months.

Question 11

Can I qualify if I have a tax lien?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Tax liens are reviewed case by case. An active federal tax lien with an IRS payment plan in place is often acceptable. Active IRS levies on your bank account are generally disqualifying. Submit an application and your specific situation will be evaluated.

Question 12

Can I qualify after a bankruptcy?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type and timing. Chapter 7 bankruptcies discharged over 1 year ago are generally acceptable to most funders. Open bankruptcies (Chapter 11, Chapter 13 still active) are typically disqualifying. Consult your specific file details with the T.A.G. team.

Question 13

Can seasonal businesses qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seasonal businesses are evaluated based on their most recent active months of revenue. If your business has strong seasons with consistent deposits, those months are used to calculate your qualifying amount. The funder wants to see that you can service the advance during your revenue period.

Question 14

What industries are eligible for MCA funding?

Accepted Answer

Most cash-flow businesses are eligible, including restaurants, contractors, construction, trucking, retail, auto repair, medical, dental, HVAC, roofing, salons, gyms, landscaping, staffing, manufacturing, and professional services. Some restricted industries include adult entertainment, firearms dealers, cannabis (in most states), and financial services firms.

Question 15

Can sole proprietors and home-based businesses qualify?

Accepted Answer

Sole proprietors can qualify if they have a business bank account with consistent deposits, a business EIN or SSN on file, and at least 6 months of operating history. Home-based businesses are evaluated the same way as brick-and-mortar locations.

Question 16

What is a merchant cash advance?

Accepted Answer

A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a revenue-based financing product — not a loan. A funder provides a lump sum of capital upfront in exchange for a fixed amount of your future business revenue, repaid via daily or weekly debits from your bank account. Because it is not a loan, it is not subject to usury laws and does not show up as debt on your credit report in the same way a loan does.

Question 17

Is a merchant cash advance a loan?

Accepted Answer

No. A merchant cash advance is legally structured as a purchase of future receivables, not a loan. This means it is not subject to state usury (interest rate cap) laws. It also means there is no APR — instead, the cost is expressed as a factor rate. This distinction matters legally and for credit reporting purposes.

Question 18

What is a factor rate?

Accepted Answer

A factor rate is the multiplier used to calculate your total repayment on a merchant cash advance. For example, a $50,000 advance at a factor rate of 1.30 means you repay $65,000 total ($50,000 × 1.30). Factor rates typically range from 1.10 to 1.50 depending on your credit profile, industry, and monthly revenue. Unlike interest, the factor rate does not change if you pay early or late.

Question 19

How does MCA repayment work?

Accepted Answer

Repayment is made via daily or weekly ACH debits from your business bank account. The amount debited each day or week is called the 'holdback' and is typically 10–20% of your average daily or weekly deposits. On slower revenue days, you pay less. On stronger days, the same fixed amount is debited — so repayment speed varies with your cash flow.

Question 20

How long does repayment take?

Accepted Answer

Most MCA terms range from 4 to 18 months. The actual repayment timeline depends on your holdback percentage and your revenue volume. Higher holdback means faster repayment. Lower holdback preserves more daily cash flow but extends the term. T.A.G. provides a written repayment estimate with every offer.

Question 21

Can I pay off my MCA early?

Accepted Answer

Some funders offer early payoff discounts — if you pay off before a certain milestone, you may pay only 90% of the remaining balance. Other funders charge the full factor rate regardless of early payoff since it is a fixed-cost product, not interest-based. Ask specifically about the early payoff policy before accepting any offer.

Question 22

How much can I borrow?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G. works with funders offering advances from $10,000 to $1,000,000. Your offer amount is typically based on 100–150% of your average monthly deposits. A business with $30,000/month in deposits might qualify for $30,000–$45,000. Maximum amounts depend on your revenue, industry, and time in business.

Question 23

What documents do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

The core requirements are: (1) your last 6 months of business bank statements, and (2) a completed one-page application. No tax returns, financial statements, profit and loss statements, or business plans are required for the initial offer. Additional documents may be requested by the funder during underwriting.

Question 24

Are business bank statements required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business bank statements are the primary underwriting document for MCA funding. Funders use them to verify monthly revenue, average daily balance, NSF frequency, and deposit consistency. Personal bank statements are generally not accepted unless the business runs through a sole proprietor's personal account.

Question 25

How long does underwriting take?

Accepted Answer

Initial decisions typically return within 4–24 hours of a complete application submission. Complex files may take 24–48 hours. Once you accept an offer, funding is typically in your account within 1–3 business days. Same-day funding is available on some approved files.

Question 26

Will I need to speak with someone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only briefly. After your application is submitted, a T.A.G. representative will call you to confirm your information and walk you through the offers received. The call typically takes 5–10 minutes. This is not a hard sell — it is a review of what you qualify for.

Question 27

Can I apply online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The application is entirely online at funding.towersassetgroup.com. Complete the short form, upload your last 6 months of bank statements, and submit. You will receive a follow-up call within a few hours during business hours.

Question 28

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Document uploads are encrypted in transit. Your bank statements and personal information are shared only with vetted funders for the purpose of evaluating your application. T.A.G. does not sell, rent, or share your information with third-party marketers.

Question 29

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G.'s initial application process uses a soft credit pull only — this does not affect your FICO score. Some funders may conduct a hard pull during underwriting, but this is disclosed before it occurs. Hard pulls from financial applications typically affect credit scores by fewer than 5 points and only temporarily.

Question 30

Is there any obligation to accept an offer?

Accepted Answer

No. Submitting an application and receiving offers creates no obligation to accept anything. You review what you qualify for, ask questions, and decide whether to proceed. There is no pressure and no deadline.

Question 31

What happens if I am declined?

Accepted Answer

If the funders in T.A.G.'s network decline your application, we will explain why — to the extent the funders share that information — and advise on what you can do to improve your fundability. Common reasons include insufficient monthly revenue, excessive NSFs on bank statements, or active legal judgments. Many declined applicants successfully reapply after 60–90 days.

Question 32

Can I apply again if I was previously declined?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Previous declines from T.A.G. or other MCA providers do not permanently disqualify you. If your revenue has improved, your bank account shows fewer NSFs, or some time has passed since a bankruptcy or judgment, your situation may look different to funders. T.A.G. evaluates every new application on its current merits.

Question 33

Can restaurants qualify for merchant cash advances?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Restaurants are one of the most commonly funded industries through MCA. Funders look at total monthly deposits, not just card volume. Restaurants with $20,000+ in monthly deposits and 6+ months in business typically qualify for $20,000–$100,000 in working capital.

Question 34

Can contractors and construction companies qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. General contractors, specialty contractors, HVAC companies, roofing companies, plumbers, and electricians commonly qualify for MCA funding. Funders understand project-based revenue patterns. Most require 6 months of bank statements and $10,000+ in average monthly deposits.

Question 35

Can trucking companies qualify for MCA funding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trucking and freight businesses are eligible for merchant cash advances. Approval is based on total monthly deposits, not load-specific income. Owner-operators and small fleets qualify, provided they have 6+ months of business history and consistent revenue.

Question 36

Can retail stores qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Retail businesses — including clothing boutiques, hardware stores, specialty retailers, and gift shops — commonly qualify for MCA funding. Card volume and total monthly deposits are both acceptable as proof of revenue.

Question 37

Can I use MCA funding for payroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Payroll is one of the most common and legitimate uses of merchant cash advance funding. If a slow month has left you short on payroll, MCA funding can bridge that gap in 1–3 business days — far faster than any bank loan.

Question 38

Can I use working capital funding for equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Equipment purchases — whether a restaurant oven, a contractor's truck, a trucking company's trailer, or a salon chair — are common uses of MCA funding. If equipment financing is specifically needed, T.A.G. can also explore equipment-specific funding programs through its partner network.

Question 39

Can I use MCA funding for inventory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Inventory financing is a common use of MCA working capital. Retail businesses, distributors, and wholesale operations frequently use MCAs to stock up for high-demand seasons or take advantage of supplier discounts for bulk orders.

Question 40

Can I use business funding for marketing and advertising?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marketing, Google Ads, social media advertising, SEO, direct mail campaigns, and business development are all acceptable uses of working capital. Funders do not restrict how business owners use the capital — it is your business decision.

Question 41

Can I use MCA funding for emergency cash flow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emergency cash flow needs are one of the most common reasons business owners contact T.A.G. — a broken piece of equipment, a slow week, an unexpected supplier payment, or a gap between invoices and income. MCA funding can reach your account within 24–72 hours of approval.

Question 42

Can I renew or get additional funding after my first MCA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many businesses renew their MCA once they have repaid 50–70% of the original advance. Some funders offer renewal offers proactively once repayment reaches that threshold. A successful first advance with on-time repayment typically results in better terms on renewal — lower factor rate and higher advance amount.

Question 43

Does collateral affect MCA qualification?

Accepted Answer

No collateral is required for a standard merchant cash advance. MCA funders secure the advance via a UCC-1 filing against your business assets and the purchase-of-receivables agreement — not physical collateral like real estate or equipment. This is one of the key differences between MCA and traditional secured loans.

Question 44

What is a UCC-1 filing and should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

A UCC-1 (Uniform Commercial Code) filing is a standard legal notice filed by the funder that establishes their interest in your business's receivables during the advance period. It shows up on business credit checks. It does not mean you have lost ownership of anything — it simply gives the funder legal priority on your receivables. The filing is released when the advance is repaid.

Question 45

What makes T.A.G. different from a direct MCA funder?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G. is an ISO — an independent broker with relationships across 40+ funders. This means we submit your file to multiple funders competitively and show you all the offers we receive, so you can choose the best terms. A direct funder will only show you one offer — their own. Working with T.A.G. typically results in better pricing because funders compete for your business.

Question 46

How does T.A.G. get paid?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G. Business Funding earns a commission from the funding partner — only when a deal is successfully funded. The commission is paid by the funder, not the merchant. There is no fee to apply and no fee deducted from your advance. In states that require disclosure (California, New York, Utah, Virginia, Georgia), broker compensation is disclosed in writing.

Question 47

Is T.A.G. Business Funding a licensed lender?

Accepted Answer

T.A.G. Business Funding is an ISO (Independent Sales Organization) — we are a broker, not a direct lender. The actual funding is provided by licensed funding partners in T.A.G.'s network. As an ISO, T.A.G. operates under the regulatory requirements applicable to commercial finance brokers in the states where we do business.

Question 48

What happens after I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

Here is the typical sequence after submitting: (1) T.A.G. reviews your application and bank statements — usually within 1–2 hours during business hours. (2) Your file is submitted to multiple funders. (3) Offers return within 4–24 hours. (4) T.A.G. calls you to review the offers — factor rate, total repayment, holdback, and estimated term. (5) If you accept an offer, the funder sends a contract for your electronic signature. (6) Funds are deposited in 1–3 business days.

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What They Said After Getting Funded

We Fund Small Businesses Across the United States

About the Founder

Carlos Torres

Frequently Asked Questions

About T.A.G. Business Funding

Qualification Requirements

Understanding Merchant Cash Advances

Application Process

Trust & Transparency

How Business Owners Use MCA Funding

Resources for Small Business Owners