Business Funding for Marketing & Advertising
The retainer client wants a $150,000 media buy funded before their payment arrives. Your best senior creative left and recruiting a replacement costs three months' salary. The enterprise pitch requires a team you don't have yet. Marketing agencies operate on client timing where capital determines which opportunities you can pursue.
How much funding do you need?
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Understanding Marketing Agency Finance
Marketing and advertising agencies face unique financing challenges driven by client payment timing, media buy float requirements, talent costs, and the project-based nature of agency revenue.
Client Payment Timing
Enterprise clients pay Net 45-60. Media buys need funding now. Agencies float significant capital between campaign spend and client reimbursement.
Media Buy Float
Agencies often advance media spend then invoice clients. A $100,000 monthly media buy means $100,000 in float before client payment.
Talent-Driven Business
Agencies are built on talent. Recruiting, salaries, and retention cost money. Winning talent before revenue follows requires capital.
Project Revenue Timing
Project work creates lumpy revenue. Big project ends, gap before next. Retainers smooth this but aren't always available.
Why Agency Financing is Different
Media float, talent costs, and client timing create unique capital needs.
Media Buy Float
Client wants $80,000 monthly media spend. You pay Google and Meta now. Client pays in 45 days. That's $80K you're floating.
Talent Investment
Growing means hiring before revenue. Senior creative salary plus recruiter fee plus ramp time. Six figures before productivity.
Client Payment Delays
Enterprise client's AP department is 60 days behind. Your team expects biweekly checks regardless.
Pitch Investment
The enterprise pitch could 3x your business. But spec creative, strategy, and team time cost real money.
Retainer Gap
Client churns off retainer. Three months to replace. Revenue gap is immediate, expenses don't pause.
Seasonal Variation
Q4 advertising rush, January quiet. Client budgets cycle. Cash flow doesn't smooth itself.
Financing Built for Marketing Agencies
Capital solutions structured around how marketing agencies actually operate. We understand media buy timing, talent investment, retainer economics, and the reality that creative businesses need capital flexibility.
Working Capital
Bridge client payment timing, fund operations, or cover gaps between projects.
Media Buy Financing
Float media spend before client reimbursement. Don't let cash flow limit campaigns.
Growth Capital
Hire talent, expand services, or invest in capabilities before revenue catches up.
Invoice Financing
Convert outstanding client invoices to immediate cash. Don't wait for Net 45-60.
Creative Business Understanding
We understand agency economics, project-based revenue, and creative business specifics.
Speed for Opportunities
Pitches and opportunities have deadlines. Fast decisions when you need them.
How Marketing Agencies Use Funding
Real scenarios where agency financing enables growth.
Media Buy Float
Fund paid media campaigns while waiting for client payment.
Typical funding: $25K-$200K
Talent Hiring
Recruit senior talent and cover ramp time before productivity.
Typical funding: $50K-$150K
Pitch Investment
Fund spec work, strategy, and resources for major new business pitches.
Typical funding: $15K-$50K
Service Expansion
Add capabilities, tools, or services to expand offerings.
Typical funding: $30K-$100K
Technology Investment
Marketing technology, tools, and platforms for agency operations.
Typical funding: $10K-$50K
Client Gap Bridge
Working capital during transitions between major retainers or projects.
Typical funding: $40K-$150K
Marketing Agency Financing Options
Understanding the range of capital solutions for agencies.
| Feature | Alternative Lender | Bank Line | Credit Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Speed | 5-14 days | 30-60 days | Instant |
| Agency Understanding | High | Low | None |
| Amount Available | $25K-$500K | $100K+ | Limited |
| Media Buy Suitable | Yes | Limited | Risky |
| Cost | Moderate | Lowest | High |
| Credit Flexibility | Moderate | Strict | Credit-dependent |
| Revenue-Based Options | Available | No | No |
| Invoice Financing | Available | Sometimes | No |
Marketing Agency Qualification Basics
General guidelines for agency financing. Every situation is evaluated individually.
Established Agency
Operating marketing or advertising agency with client revenue.
1+ years for most products
Annual Revenue
Consistent agency revenue from clients.
$200,000+ annual revenue
Client Base
Active client relationships with retainers or ongoing projects.
Multiple clients
Business Bank Account
Business checking showing deposits and operations.
6+ months statements
Revenue Mix
Retainer, project, or mixed revenue models all evaluated.
Any agency model
Owner Credit
Owner credit reviewed. Strong revenue and clients matter significantly.
Varies by product
Marketing agencies with strong client relationships and consistent revenue demonstrate financing stability.
Real Results
Spark Digital Agency
Digital Marketing, California
The Challenge
Spark won a $40,000/month retainer requiring $25,000 in monthly media spend. The client required Net 45 payment terms. Spark needed to float both the media spend and operations for 45+ days before first payment—$65,000 they didn't have liquid.
The Solution
We provided $100,000 working capital line. Spark draws for media buys, client pays, line revolves. Flexible access for variable media needs.
The Result
Client fully serviced from day one. No campaign delays or limitations. Retainer expanded to $65,000/month after 6 months. Working capital line now essential operational tool.
“We would have had to turn down the retainer or ask for upfront payment—which would have killed the deal. Working capital let us say yes to a client that's now our largest account.”
Marketing & Advertising Industry Snapshot
Key metrics shaping agency financing decisions.
Why Marketing Agencies Choose Us
What sets agency-focused financing apart.
Media Buy Understanding
We know agencies float media spend. Capital structured to support this reality.
Talent Investment Support
Hiring before revenue is normal in agencies. We factor this into evaluation.
Client Payment Bridge
Enterprise clients pay slowly. Working capital bridges the timing gap.
Project-Based Understanding
Agency revenue can be lumpy. We understand project-based business models.
Growth Capital
Capabilities, team, and services expansion. Capital for agency growth.
Creative Business Focus
We work with agencies and understand creative business economics.
Explore Your Options
Different financing products for different needs. Find the right solution for your business goals.
Working Capital Loans
Bridge client payment timing, fund media buys, or cover operational needs. Fast access to working capital.
Business Line of Credit
Pre-approved capital for media float, talent, or variable needs. Draw and repay as client payments arrive.
Invoice Financing
Convert outstanding client invoices to immediate cash. Don't wait for Net 45-60 enterprise payments.
Revenue-Based Financing
Payments tied to agency revenue. Busy months pay more, slower months adjust automatically.
Business Term Loans
Structured capital for major initiatives: talent expansion, capability build, or agency acquisition.
Bad Credit Options
Strong client relationships and revenue matter. Agencies with good fundamentals can qualify despite credit challenges.