SVP, Growth
Cletus McKeown
Cletus leads growth at Bridge across hotel financing and production capital for consumer brands. He spends his time on the distance between what borrowers are told and what actually gets you the capital you need.
Articles
79 articles
Bridge Cuts Hotel Debt Placement Fees by 50% as AI Drives Down the Cost of Financing
New 50-basis-point pricing launches October 1 for franchisees of Bridge partners, saving hotel owners $50,000 to $100,000 on a $10 million financing.
What Is Asset-Based Lending? Inventory as Collateral
Asset-based lending explained: how the borrowing base and advance rates turn your receivables and inventory into a flexible, growing business credit line.
No Credit Check Inventory Funding: Myth vs. Reality
Get inventory financing with weak credit by leading with strong collateral and sell-through. Learn what lenders check and how to spot predatory offers.
Best UPS Store Franchise Financing Options | 2026
Compare six UPS Store franchise financing options (SBA loans, conventional lenders, ROBS, equipment financing) with costs, terms, and veteran discounts.
7 Growth Capital Options for Established Businesses in 2026
Compare 7 non-dilutive growth capital options for CPG brands and hotel owners in 2026, with current rate benchmarks and a decision framework by business stage.
5 Fastest Ways to Get a Business Loan (2026)
Ranked by speed: 5 fastest ways to get a business loan in 2026, from same-day invoice factoring to 48-hour competing term sheets for CPG and hotel operators.
Best Equipment Financing Lenders for Small Business (2026)
Compare the 5 best equipment financing lenders for small business in 2026, with CPG and hotel-specific picks, rate benchmarks, and Section 179 strategy.
Top 10 Working Capital Loans 2026 | Ranked by Use Case
Compare the top 10 working capital loans for 2026 ranked by use case for CPG brands and hotel owners. Rates, requirements, and funding speed for each option.
Best Franchise Financing Companies 2026 | Ranked
Compare 7 top franchise financing companies for 2026. Ranked by franchise expertise, SBA rates, hotel brand partnerships, and multi-unit expansion support.
Top Alternatives to Bank Loans for Small Business in 2026
Banks reject CPG and hotel businesses for structural reasons. Compare 8 alternatives with 2026 rates, real costs, and a framework for choosing the right one.
Best Business Loan Marketplaces 2026: Ranked by Execution
Compare the best business loan marketplaces in 2026 ranked by execution quality. See how Bridge, Lendio, Biz2Credit, Fundera, and Nav stack up.
Direct Lending vs. Bank Loans for Business in 2026
Compare direct lending and bank loans for CPG brands and hotel owners. See approval timelines, rates, and 10 scenarios where direct lenders win in 2026.
Mezzanine Financing Explained 2026 | Rates and Capital Stack
Learn how mezzanine financing fills the gap between senior debt and equity. Covers rates (12-20%), equity kickers, hotel and CPG use cases, and C-PACE options.
Business Loan Marketplace vs. Direct Lender: 2026 Guide
Compare business loan marketplaces vs. direct lenders for CPG and hotel deals. See where each falls short and how execution-focused platforms close the gap.
How Fast Can You Get a Business Loan in 2026? By Lender
Learn exactly how fast you can get a business loan in 2026, from same-day MCAs to 90-day SBA loans, plus the documents that speed up CPG and hotel approvals.
2026 BIPOC Small Business Financing Trends
Explore 2026 small business financing trends for BIPOC entrepreneurs — approval rates, capital gaps, and the lenders bridging them. Data and insights from Bridge.
How Small Business Loan Marketplaces Work in 2026
Learn how business loan marketplaces match borrowers to lenders, what lender credit boxes evaluate, and why execution-focused platforms fund more deals.
Order-Based Financing vs Borrower History
Why order-based financing beats balance-sheet underwriting for CPG brands — fund the confirmed PO, not three years of tax returns. Bridge explains.
6 Types of Supply Chain Financing Explained
Learn the six main types of supply chain financing, from PO financing to reverse factoring, and how to choose the right structure for your business’s cash gap.
Production Financing for Consumer Goods Brands | Guide
Learn how consumer goods brands finance production runs for Walmart, Target, and Costco orders using PO financing, inventory loans, and A/R factoring.
Small Business Loan Marketplace: Execution vs Volume Guide
Compare execution-focused and volume-driven small business loan marketplaces. Learn the five criteria that determine whether your deal gets funded or dies in diligence.
Small Business Cash Flow Management and Profitability Guide
Learn how to calculate DSCR, cash conversion cycle, and profit margins to manage cash flow and qualify for financing. Free calculators and pro forma tools included.
SBA Underwriting Checklist: Avoid Common Loan Delays
Use this SBA underwriting checklist to avoid common delays. Covers 2025 SOP changes, document requirements, DSCR benchmarks, and packaging tips for faster approval.
SBA Loan vs. Bank Loan: How to Choose
Compare SBA loans and traditional bank loans across rates, timelines, down payments, and underwriting. Use our 5-question framework to pick the right fit.
Use a Competing Term Sheet to Negotiate Better Loan Terms
Learn how to present a competing term sheet to negotiate better loan terms on fees, covenants, and structure while keeping the lender relationship intact.
Compare Term Sheets Side by Side, No Obligation
Learn how to compare business loan term sheets side by side using 8 key variables beyond headline rates. Free comparison framework, no obligation required.
Seasonal Business Funding Playbook
Time your seasonal financing right. This playbook covers lead times, financing structures, document checklists, and execution steps for seasonal business growth.
Small Business Growth and Financing Guide 2026
Match capital to your growth stage with this 2026 resource guide covering purchase order financing, SBA loans, cash flow planning, and lender-ready documentation.
Business Loan Covenant Compliance Guide
Learn what loan covenants require, what happens if you miss a payment or violate a covenant, how personal guarantees work, and how to manage multiple credit lines.
How Bridge Funded $50M+: 5 Commercial Lending Case Studies 2026
See 5 commercial lending case studies for 2026. Bridge funded $50M+ in growth capital: hotel acquisition, PO financing, and more. Get execution certainty.
Fast Working Capital Loans for SMBs: A Guide for 2026
Need fast working capital for your SMB in 2026? Compare PO, AR financing & MCA alternatives. Bridge provides quick funding with expert execution.
Why Debt Funding Beats Equity for Business Growth in 2026
Discover why debt financing preserves ownership & control better than equity for business growth in 2026. Learn how to fund production efficiently.
Dual-Track Loan Strategy: Compare SBA and Private Lenders 2026
Master 2026 business loans with a dual-track strategy. Compare SBA and private lenders simultaneously for competing offers & faster funding.
Business Loan Denied by Bank? Find Better Financing in 2026
Business loan denied by bank? Don’t stop there. Find alternative financing and specialized lenders through online marketplaces to secure capital in 2026.
Loan for Business Turned Down by Bank? See 2026 Alternatives
Banks denied your business loan? Discover 2026’s top alternative lending options. Bridge helps businesses turned down by banks get funded.
Inventory Build Financing for Retail: Guide to 2026 Capital
Fund retail inventory builds: secure capital for seasonal stock, pre-builds & safety stock. Avoid OTIF fines. Compare inventory vs. PO financing.
Bridge vs Bluevine: Marketplace Lending for SMBs in 2026
Bridge vs Bluevine: Compare marketplace lending to direct banking for SMBs. Get more loan options, better terms & specialized financing in 2026.
Bridge: Small Business Loan Success Stories
Bridge delivers small business loan success stories. Get faster closings, better terms, & funded outcomes for hospitality & CPG brands.
Small Business Growth Strategies: Your 2026 Financing Roadmap
Master small business growth strategies for funding in 2026. Build a fundable business, prepare for loans, & align branding with financing realities.
How to Get a Business Loan: 2026 Guide and Requirements
Learn how to get a business loan in 2026. This guide details requirements, documents, & preparation to boost approval odds with Bridge’s tools.
Fast Business Loan Alternatives: 48-Hour Funding in 2026
Need capital fast? Explore 48-hour business funding alternatives to SBA loans in 2026. Get quick working capital & invoice financing solutions.
C-PACE Financing and CRE Debt Markets Guide for Operators in 2026
Navigate 2026 CRE debt markets. Our C-PACE financing guide helps operators integrate C-PACE, secure construction loans, and manage lender consent.
Bridge vs Lendio: Best Business Loan Marketplaces 2026
Bridge vs Lendio: Compare 2026’s best business loan marketplaces. Bridge offers execution-focused, specialized financing. Avoid generic platforms.
Small Business Loan Rejected? Smart Capital and Bridge Funding 2026
Small business loan rejected by bank? Discover fast capital & SBA alternatives. Bridge offers 48-hour offers from 150+ specialized lenders in 2026.
AI Business Loan Matching: Get Offers in 48 Hours | Bridge 2026
Get competitive business loan offers in 48 hours with AI matching. Bridge uses automated underwriting for faster, smarter financing in 2026.
Bridge vs Cerebro Capital: 2026 Comparison
Bridge vs Cerebro Capital: Discover the faster lending platform for 2026. Compare AI tools, speed, and hospitality lending expertise.
The Best Business Loan Marketplace Platforms in 2026
Find the best business loan marketplace platforms for 2026. Bridge offers vetted lenders, AI matching, & execution certainty over lead generators.
Bank Term Sheet Negotiation: Demand Transparency in 2026
Uncover 8 hidden fields banks omit from term sheets. Use our 2026 negotiation checklist to demand transparency & avoid hidden loan fees.
What Lenders Look For in Loan Applications: 6 Key Signals 2026
Discover what lenders look for in business loan applications. Learn the 6 key deal-level signals that determine approval & matching criteria in 2026.
Dual Channel Lending: Access Banks and Private Lenders
Access both bank & private lender financing through a dual-channel platform. Get competitive rates and execution certainty for your commercial loans.
The Ultimate Debt Instrument Comparison Grid for CFOs
Compare purchase order financing, inventory, A/R factoring, and ABL. Our guide details cost, uses, and helps CFOs optimize working capital. Find the best debt facility structure.
Bridge Wins FinTech Breakthrough Award for Business Lending Excellence
Bridge wins the 2025 FinTech Breakthrough Award for Best Overall Business Lending Company — recognized for its AI-powered platform connecting borrowers.
Create a Snapshot of Your Business
Bridge’s Business Summary feature creates a professional, tailored business profile in minutes. Connect with lenders faster and take the next growth step.
Bridge Lender Survey Results
Discover how recent interest rate changes are shaping the lending landscape through insights from Bridge’s network of lenders. Explore key trends impacting access to capital and business growth.
Bridge and LAMA Ai Announce Partnership
Bridge partners with Lama AI to revolutionize commercial lending — AI-powered origination connecting financial institutions to diverse lending opportunities.
A Guide to Mezzanine Financing from Lending Expert
Mezzanine financing explained — when it’s right for your business, how it bridges debt and equity, typical structures, benefits, and drawbacks. From Bridge.
Understanding Debt Capacity: What It Is and How to Calculate It
Discover how to calculate your business’s debt capacity and understand its importance with our comprehensive guide.
Meet the Capital Solutions Team
Meet the Capital Solutions team, helping borrowers find tailored financing solutions.
The SBA’s New Working Capital Pilot Program: A Boost for Small Businesses
The SBA’s new 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program — flexible lines of credit, cost-effective financing, and what it means for small business owners in 2026.
What Questions are on the Bridge Request for Proposal (RFP)?
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly what is asked during the Bridge Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
The Differences Between Debt and Equity Financing
Debt vs equity financing — the key differences, pros, cons, and how to choose the right option for your business growth strategy. A guide from Bridge.
Guide to Acquisition Financing
Bridge’s guide to business acquisition loans — loan types, eligibility, and the process to secure funding. For owners considering expansion through M&A.
Turning Your Commercial Loan Request From Declined To Approved
There are many reasons why businesses don’t get the funding they want Learn about what lenders look for to get a loan approved and grow your business.
Foro combines with Bridge, joining forces for common mission
Foro is excited to announce that we are joining forces with Bridge (formerly owned by Citi).
Lending Products Available on Bridge
Compare 8 common lending products on Bridge — term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, and more. Pick the right fit for your business.
Commercial Loans: Requirements, Types, and How to Get One
Learn about different types of business loans and what to consider when comparing lenders. Find out how to qualify for a loan and get the best deal for your business.
Commercial Construction Loans in 2026: Rates, Requirements, Draw Schedules and Lenders
A commercial construction loan funds ground-up or major-renovation builds, $2M-$50M, with draws tied to inspected milestones.
A Q and A on the Lending Process
Black bankers share insights on the lending process — advice for Black business owners, how to prepare, and how technology is reshaping access to capital.
What Documents Are Required When Applying for A Commercial Loan?
Find out what documents are required by every lender when applying for a commercial loan. Organize your information with Foro to save time and effort.
How To Value Your Business
Find useful tips and guidance on how to better evaluate your business’s market value. Grow your business from expert advice at Foro.
Take Control By Knowing Your Business Loan Options
Discover the different financing options available to find the best option for your business. Foro can match you with lenders to help your business grow.
What Are Working Capital Loans: All You Need To Know
A working capital loan can help you finance business operations when your business lacks cash flow. Find the best business financing options for you with Foro.
Raising Capital During Economic Uncertainty
Changes in the economy mean businesses have to adapt to thrive. Find out if raising capital during uncertain economic times is a good strategy.
SBA Loan Requirements
Find out about the unique eligibility requirements for SBA loans to help you get approved and how Foro can help match you with lenders.
Why Does The Commercial Lending Process Take So Long? (VIDEO)
Learn about the various factors that make commercial lending take so long and what steps you can take to speed it up.
Commercial Lending Reimagined
Commercial lending streamlined to meet your capital needs and evolving business. Foro can match you with lenders to help your business grow.
Democratizing Access to Capital For Business Owners
Increase access to capital and find the best lending partner for your business. Foro can match you with lenders to help your business grow.
Frequently Used Terms
Learn about frequently used financial terms such as accounts receivable, amortization, commercial mortgage, and more in this informative blog post.
8 Commercial Loan Documents That Lenders Ask For
Depending on your situation and loan type, Banks often have a common set of information that they’ll ask for when you apply for a business loan.