FAQ — Commercial Lending & Equipment Financing | Galway Capital Group

Question 1

What does Galway Capital Group do?

Accepted Answer

Galway Capital Group is a commercial lending broker. We connect small business owners with the right lenders and funding products from our network of financing partners. We handle the search, paperwork, and negotiation — you focus on running your business. Our consultations are free, and we are compensated by lenders, not borrowers.

Question 2

What types of businesses do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with a wide range of small businesses nationwide. Our founding specialty is the automotive sector — mechanical repair shops, collision centers, tire retailers, transmission specialists, and fleet maintenance operations. We also serve restaurants, retail stores, HVAC and plumbing contractors, and B2B service companies through our Commercial Division.

Question 3

Is there a cost to work with Galway Capital Group?

Accepted Answer

No. Our consultations are completely free. Like most lending brokers, we are compensated by the lender when a deal closes — not by the borrower. You pay nothing out of pocket to work with us.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to schedule a free consultation through our contact page or the LendTrack form on the homepage. We will review your business situation, identify the best funding options, and walk you through the process from application to funding.

Question 5

What equipment can be financed?

Accepted Answer

Almost any business-use equipment qualifies — automotive lifts, alignment machines, diagnostic tools, restaurant kitchen equipment, commercial refrigeration, retail point-of-sale systems, HVAC units, construction machinery, vehicles, and more. If it is used in your business and has a useful life of more than one year, it can typically be financed.

Question 6

What is the difference between an equipment loan and an equipment lease?

Accepted Answer

With an equipment loan, you own the equipment outright after paying off the balance — the equipment itself serves as collateral. With a lease, you pay to use the equipment for a set term and may have a buyout option at the end. Loans are better when you want long-term ownership; leases can be better for equipment that becomes outdated quickly or when you want lower monthly payments.

Question 7

How much can I finance for equipment?

Accepted Answer

Equipment financing amounts vary by lender, equipment type, and your business profile. Most programs start at $5,000 and can go well into the millions for larger machinery or fleet purchases. We will match you with lenders whose programs fit your specific equipment and business size.

Question 8

How long does equipment financing take to close?

Accepted Answer

Most equipment financing closes within 1–5 business days for standard transactions. Larger deals or SBA-backed equipment loans can take longer — typically 2–6 weeks. We will give you a realistic timeline at the start of the process.

Question 9

Do I need a down payment for equipment financing?

Accepted Answer

Many equipment financing programs require little to no down payment, especially when the equipment itself serves as collateral. Some programs require 10–20% down depending on the lender, your credit profile, and the type of equipment. We will identify programs that match your available capital.

Question 10

What is a working capital loan?

Accepted Answer

A working capital loan provides liquid cash to cover day-to-day business expenses — payroll, inventory, rent, utilities, or any short-term operational need. Unlike equipment financing, working capital is not tied to a specific asset. It is flexible cash you can deploy wherever your business needs it most.

Question 11

How fast can I get working capital?

Accepted Answer

Many alternative working capital products — merchant cash advances and short-term business loans — fund within 24–72 hours of approval. Business lines of credit and SBA working capital loans take longer but offer better rates and terms. We will match you with the right product based on how quickly you need funds.

Question 12

What working capital products does Galway Capital Group offer?

Accepted Answer

We work with lenders offering merchant cash advances, short-term business loans, business lines of credit, invoice financing, and SBA 7(a) working capital loans. The right product depends on your revenue, credit profile, and how you plan to use the funds.

Question 13

Can I get working capital if my business has seasonal cash flow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seasonal cash flow is one of the most common reasons businesses seek working capital. We work with lenders who understand cyclical revenue patterns and can structure repayment around your busy and slow seasons rather than requiring fixed monthly payments.

Question 14

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Accepted Answer

Most standard programs look for a personal credit score of 600 or above. Some alternative lenders will consider scores in the 550–599 range if your business has strong monthly revenue. SBA loans typically require 650+. We will be upfront about which programs you qualify for based on your actual profile.

Question 15

How long does my business need to be operating?

Accepted Answer

Most programs require at least 6 months in business. Many traditional and SBA programs prefer 2+ years. Some startup-friendly products are available for businesses under 6 months, though options are more limited. We will identify what is available for your stage of business.

Question 16

What monthly revenue is required?

Accepted Answer

Most alternative lenders look for $10,000 or more in average monthly revenue. SBA and bank programs typically require higher revenue thresholds. Equipment financing is sometimes more flexible since the equipment itself secures the loan. We will assess your revenue and match you with programs you can realistically qualify for.

Question 17

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

We start with a soft pull to assess your options — this does not affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only happens when you formally apply with a specific lender, and we coordinate timing to minimize the number of hard pulls on your file.

Question 18

What documents will I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

Typical documents include 3–6 months of business bank statements, a government-issued ID, and basic business information. Larger loans or SBA programs may also require tax returns, profit and loss statements, and a business plan. We will tell you exactly what is needed for each program before you apply.

Question 19

Does Galway Capital Group help with SBA loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with SBA-approved lenders and can help you navigate SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan programs. SBA loans offer some of the best rates and longest repayment terms available to small businesses, but they require more documentation and take longer to close. We help you determine if an SBA loan is the right fit and guide you through the process.

Question 20

How long does an SBA loan take?

Accepted Answer

SBA loans typically take 30–90 days from application to funding. The timeline depends on the lender, loan size, and how quickly you can provide required documentation. We help you prepare a complete application upfront to avoid delays.

Question 21

What can SBA loan funds be used for?

Accepted Answer

SBA 7(a) loans are flexible — funds can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate, business acquisition, or refinancing existing debt. SBA 504 loans are specifically for major fixed assets like commercial real estate and large equipment.

Question 22

Why does Galway Capital Group specialize in automotive shops?

Accepted Answer

Automotive shop financing is our founding specialty. We understand the equipment cycles, technician costs, insurance cash flow patterns, and seasonal dynamics specific to the automotive aftermarket. That industry knowledge means we structure deals that actually fit how a shop operates — not generic loan products that ignore your business reality.

Question 23

What equipment can an auto shop finance through Galway Capital Group?

Accepted Answer

We finance two-post and four-post lifts, alignment machines, tire changers, wheel balancers, diagnostic scan tools, air compressors, paint booths, frame straightening equipment, and shop management software systems. If it runs your shop, we can likely finance it.

Question 24

Can I finance the acquisition of an existing auto shop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business acquisition financing is one of our core products, and automotive shop acquisitions are something we have specific experience with. We can help structure financing for the purchase price, equipment, and working capital needed to take over and operate an existing shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Equipment Financing

Working Capital

Qualification & Credit

SBA Loans

Automotive Shop Financing

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