Scripts for the decline conversation, follow-up email templates, talking points, and compliance disclosure language — everything you need for the first referral.
Use when client is declined primarily due to insufficient collateral
"[Client Name], I want to be upfront with you. Our loan approval requires [collateral requirement], and based on your current business assets, we aren't able to structure something that meets our guidelines right now.
That said — your revenue numbers are solid, and I don't want to leave you without options. There's a company called Towers Asset Group that specializes in working capital for businesses in exactly your situation. They underwrite based primarily on your bank statement activity, not collateral. Decision in 24 to 48 hours.
I want to be transparent: I have a referral arrangement with them, which means I may receive a fee if you fund through them. That doesn't affect my advice — I genuinely think this could help you. There's no cost to apply and no obligation to accept any offer.
Can I send you the link right now while we're talking?"
Decline + Referral — Business Too Young
Use when client is declined because the business is under 2 years old
"[Client Name], here's where we're running into a wall: our standard business loan program requires 2 years of business history, and you're at [time in business]. That's not a judgment on your business — it's just our underwriting minimum.
There's an alternative I want to mention. T.A.G. Business Funding works with businesses as early as 6 to 12 months in operation. Their underwriting is different from ours — they focus on your last 90 days of deposits rather than years in business.
I may receive a referral fee if you fund with them, and I want you to know that. But I'm only mentioning it because I think it's a legitimate option for your situation.
Here's the link. No obligation, free to apply — they'll show you a term sheet before you commit to anything."
Decline + Referral — Loan Too Small for Bank
Use when client needs $15K–$75K which is below the bank's minimum
"I want to be honest with you — the amount you're looking for [$amount] is actually below our minimum for this loan program. It's not a reflection on your creditworthiness; it's just that the cost of processing a small business loan at this size doesn't work for us economically.
For amounts in the $15,000 to $100,000 range, a merchant cash advance is often a much better fit. Faster, simpler, and sized for exactly what you need. I work with T.A.G. Business Funding for situations like this.
Fair warning: there's a referral arrangement and I may earn a fee — just want to be up front about that. If you want, I can send you their application link right now."
Follow-Up Email Templates
Same-Day Follow-Up After In-Person Referral
Send the day of the decline meeting
Subject: Alternative Funding Resource — [Bank Name]
Hi [Client Name],
Per our conversation today, here is the link to T.A.G. Business Funding:
→ [YOUR REFERRAL LINK]
Quick summary of what to expect:
• Complete the online application (about 10–15 minutes)
• Upload 3 months of bank statements
• Decision within 24–48 hours
• Term sheet provided before any commitment is required
• Funding in 2–3 days if you accept
No cost to apply. You're under no obligation to accept any offer.
As I mentioned, I may receive a referral fee if you fund with them. I mention this because I want to be transparent — not because it influences my recommendation. I genuinely think this is worth exploring given your situation.
I hope to continue working with you as your business grows. When you're ready to revisit bank financing, please reach out.
[Your Name]
[Title], [Bank Name]
[Phone] | [Email]
7-Day Follow-Up — If No Action Taken
Send one week after the initial referral if client hasn't applied
Subject: Checking In — Working Capital Resource I Mentioned
Hi [Client Name],
Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look at the T.A.G. Business Funding option I mentioned last week.
If your capital need is still active, the application takes about 15 minutes and decisions come back quickly. Here's the link again:
→ [YOUR REFERRAL LINK]
If circumstances have changed or you found another solution, no worries at all. Just wanted to make sure you had a chance to explore it.
[Your Name]
Talking Points
1
When client asks: "Why can't you just approve me?"
"Our underwriting requirements are set at the portfolio level — they're not a judgment on your business. The things that prevent approval here are specifically what T.A.G. works around. Different model, different criteria."
Depersonalizes the decline and frames the referral as a logical complement, not a consolation prize.
2
When client asks: "Is this a legitimate company?"
"Yes — I wouldn't refer you there otherwise. I've worked with them on client referrals and they operate professionally. You receive a term sheet before committing to anything, and you can walk away from any offer you don't like."
Your credibility transfers to the referral. This is the most important trust signal for the client.
3
When client asks about interest rates on MCA
"MCAs have a different cost structure than loans — they use a factor rate, not an interest rate. The cost is higher than a bank loan, but the speed and accessibility are the trade-off. If you need capital in a week and the bank says six months, the math often still works in your favor."
Sets honest expectations without discouraging the referral. Clients who understand the trade-off are better customers.
4
When client is hesitant to apply
"There's no cost to check, and they show you the full terms before you commit. Worst case, you see the offer and decide it's not right for you. Best case, you have capital next week."
Lowers the perceived risk of applying. Most hesitant clients convert once they understand there's no commitment in applying.
Compliance Disclosure Language
Verbal Disclosure (In-Person or Phone)
Use in every in-person or phone referral
"I want to be transparent with you: I have a referral arrangement with T.A.G. Business Funding, which means I may receive a fee if you obtain funding through them. This arrangement doesn't affect my advice to you, and you're under no obligation to use their services."
Written Disclosure (Email)
Include in every email containing your referral link
Disclosure: [Your Name] may receive a referral fee from Towers Asset Group LLC if you obtain funding through the link above. This arrangement does not affect the banking services, advice, or lending decisions you receive from [Bank Name]. You are under no obligation to use T.A.G.'s services.
Get Your Referral Link to Use These Templates
Register as a partner and replace [YOUR REFERRAL LINK] with your unique tracked URL.
T.A.G. Business Funding