Commercial loan brokering is not one business. It is many. You can specialize in equipment finance, SBA loans, working capital, commercial real estate, or a mix. Each path has different lender networks, deal sizes, commission rates, and sales cycles.
This page outlines all the major broker paths so you can decide which fits your market, connections, and goals.
How to Choose Your Path
What industries do you know or have connections in?
Your first deals often come from people and industries you know. Equipment finance is good if you know manufacturers or contractors. SBA loans work if you have small business owner connections. Real estate loans need property owner relationships.
Do you prefer fast sales cycles or larger deals?
Working capital and factoring close in weeks. Equipment finance takes 3-6 weeks. SBA and commercial real estate take 2-3 months. Choose based on your patience and cash flow needs.
What geographic market are you in?
Equipment finance works everywhere. Commercial real estate requires strong local relationships. SBA loans need lender access in your region. Consider your location when choosing.
Do you want recurring revenue or one-time commissions?
Factoring offers recurring monthly commissions. Other paths typically pay one-time commissions per deal. Recurring revenue is more predictable but requires consistent deal flow.
Broker Paths Overview
Click on any path to learn more about requirements, training, lender relationships, and how to get started.
Commercial Loan Broker
Source business loans for small to mid-size companies. Cover equipment, working capital, expansion, and acquisition financing.
Commission: 2-6%
Deal size: $50K-$500K
Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Lenders: Many (banks, credit unions, alternative lenders)
Best for: Broad network, generalists
Business Loan Broker
Similar to commercial loan brokers. Focus on loans for established businesses seeking expansion capital or refinancing.
Commission: 2-5%
Deal size: $25K-$1M+
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
Lenders: Banks, credit unions, online lenders
Best for: Sales-driven brokers
Commercial Finance Broker
Umbrella category covering multiple commercial financing products: equipment, working capital, inventory, accounts receivable.
Commission: 2-8%
Deal size: Varies (typically $50K-$500K)
Timeline: 2-8 weeks
Lenders: Specialized finance companies
Best for: Flexibility, multiple products
Equipment Finance Broker
Specialize in machinery, vehicles, manufacturing equipment, technology, and other capital equipment financing.
Commission: 2-5%
Deal size: $50K-$500K
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
Lenders: Equipment finance companies, captive lenders
Best for: High volume, steady demand
SBA Loan Broker
Broker SBA 7a loans, 504 loans, and microloans. Target businesses seeking structured, government-backed financing.
Commission: 1-3%
Deal size: $100K-$5M+
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
Lenders: SBA-approved lenders
Best for: Patience, larger deals
Working Capital Broker
Source short-term working capital, lines of credit, and cash flow solutions for businesses with seasonal or cyclical needs.
Commission: 4-8%
Deal size: $25K-$250K
Timeline: 1-4 weeks
Lenders: Alternative lenders, fintech
Best for: Fast sales cycles, recurring revenue
Factoring Broker
Broker invoice factoring and receivables financing. Match businesses that need cash against their invoices.
Commission: 2-5% (recurring)
Deal size: $10K-$500K
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Lenders: Factoring companies
Best for: Recurring revenue model
Commercial Real Estate Loan Broker
Broker commercial property loans: office buildings, retail centers, industrial warehouses, and multi-family properties.
Commission: 1-3%
Deal size: $500K-$10M+
Timeline: 8-16 weeks
Lenders: CMBS, banks, life insurance companies
Best for: Long-term relationships, patience
Commercial Mortgage Broker
Specialize in mortgages for commercial real estate. Focus on property financing and refinancing.
Commission: 1-2%
Deal size: $1M-$20M+
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
Lenders: Mortgage banks, CMBS lenders
Best for: Real estate connections
Business Acquisition Financing Broker
Help business owners and buyers secure financing for acquisitions. Cover seller financing, SBA loans, and bank financing.
Commission: 2-5%
Deal size: $100K-$5M+
Timeline: 6-12 weeks
Lenders: Acquisition lenders, banks
Best for: M&A network, larger deals
Quick Comparison Table
| Broker Path | Commissions | Avg Deal Size | Timeline | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Loan Broker | 2-6% | $50K-$500K | 4-8 weeks | Medium |
| Equipment Finance Broker | 2-5% | $50K-$500K | 3-6 weeks | Medium |
| Working Capital Broker | 4-8% | $25K-$250K | 1-4 weeks | Medium |
| SBA Loan Broker | 1-3% | $100K-$5M+ | 8-12 weeks | Hard |
| Commercial Real Estate Broker | 1-3% | $500K-$10M+ | 8-16 weeks | Hard |
| Factoring Broker | 2-5% (recurring) | $10K-$500K | 1-3 weeks | Medium |
| Business Acquisition Broker | 2-5% | $100K-$5M+ | 6-12 weeks | Hard |
Find Your Best Fit
Fast Sales Cycles?
- Working Capital Broker
- Factoring Broker
High Commission %?
- Working Capital Broker
- Factoring Broker
Larger Deals?
- SBA Loan Broker
- Commercial Real Estate Broker
- Business Acquisition Financing Broker
Most Lender Access?
- Equipment Finance Broker
- Commercial Loan Broker
Recurring Revenue?
- Factoring Broker
Good for Beginners?
- Equipment Finance Broker
- Working Capital Broker
Next Steps
Found a path that interests you? Here is what to do next:
Click into the path that interests you
Learn details about training, lender relationships, licensing, and how to get started.
Compare training programs for that path
Look for programs focused on your specialization. They will have better lender networks for your niche.
Schedule a call to discuss your situation
Talk through your background, market, and which path makes the most sense for you.
Not passive. Not guaranteed. But worth exploring for the right background.