Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan?

I’ve seen businesses secure $20 million loans—and no, they didn’t have perfect credit, endless cash reserves, or a Fortune 500 logo.

They had something more powerful: the right strategy.”

If you think a $20 million business loan is out of reach, think again.

The difference between getting funded and getting rejected often comes down to what most business owners overlook.

I’ll break it all down here.

I’m Mark Kane, CEO of Sunwise Capital, and I’ve been around the block more times than I can count.

I started out as a psychologist, then pivoted to working on Wall Street as a broker, jumped into investment banking, and have owned both brick-and-mortar and online businesses for the past 25 years.

In all that time, one question I hear over and over is: “Is it possible to get a 20 million business loan?”

Yes, it is possible, but there’s more to it than a simple yes or no.

Today, I want to walk you through what it takes to secure large-scale business financing, clarify some misconceptions, and equip you with the knowledge to tackle the process with confidence.

No fluff.

No filler.

Just real talk about how to navigate the lending landscape and boost your company’s potential.

Let’s go!

Is it possible to get a 20 million business loan? Let’s find out

So if you’re looking for a $20 million business loan, or simply exploring options, buckle up.

We’ve got a lot to cover.

Why consider a $20 million business loan in the first place?

I remember the first time I realized my small venture needed big capital.

It wasn’t just a matter of survival; it was about growth.

Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan if you’re aiming for significant expansion?

In many cases, yes.

But you’d be surprised how often entrepreneurs undershoot their financing needs.

Sometimes they fear big numbers.

Sometimes they don’t think they’ll qualify.

But aiming high can open doors, provided you do your homework.

I’m talking about going beyond covering basics.

I’m talking about strategic plays like acquiring new companies, upgrading facilities, launching new product lines, or bolstering your inventory for a massive sales push.

As a former investment banker, I’ve seen deals where companies leverage these funds to scale exponentially.

From a psychological standpoint (yep , that’s still my original training), big moves can be intimidating, but understanding your true financing needs puts you in a stronger position at the negotiation table. 

Understanding your own stress triggers around debt

We all have that moment where we think about business loans and get a little queasy.

Blame my psychologist side for pointing this out, but managing cash flow can be a major stress trigger.

Square, a well-known payment processing company, has data showing that juggling day-to-day finances can be a headache for most entrepreneurs.

The big question is:

How can a business loan morph from a headache into a strategic tool?

Think about it like this:

You borrow money now and repay later, but if you channel those funds wisely—whether it’s hiring key personnel or launching that marketing campaign you’ve been dreaming about—your ROI could outweigh the cost of capital.

That’s the sweet spot.

Short-term loans vs. long-term loans: A quick breakdown

Not all business loans are created equal.

The short-term vs. long-term discussion is critical in deciding how to tackle a possible $20 million business loan.

Here’s how I see it:

Short-term solutions

• Business lines of credit: A flexible financing tool (often described by Square and Lendio as a financial Swiss army knife) used for agility.
• Invoice factoring: Sell outstanding invoices at a discount for quick cash. Great for bridging gaps but watch those fees carefully.
• Merchant Cash Advances (MCA): Quick money tied to your future credit card or online sales. High cost, potentially risky. Often a last resort.

Long-term solutions

Term loans: The classic choice for predictable payments, suitable for equipment, expansion, or real estate. Square and Lendio both highlight how stable these can be for big investments.
Equipment financing: Specifically for buying or leasing equipment. Can be accessible even for newer businesses, with tax deductions often available (as pointed out by Lendio).

When you’re eyeing a $20 million business loan, you’re likely looking at something in the long-term camp, but short-term products can complement your overall financing strategy.

It’s like layering flavors in a good recipe.

Secured vs. unsecured: The collateral question

In many discussions, “secured” means you’re putting down collateral—anything from property to tangible assets.

But don’t overlook intangible assets like intellectual property or future revenue streams.

In certain alternative financing models—like revenue-based financing—you can pledge a portion of your future revenue instead of putting your house on the line.

Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs), as Square and Lendio say, sometimes treat your future sales like collateral.

Yes, it’s an option.

No, as CEO of Sunwise Capital, I’ll tell you it’s not always the smartest long-term play due to higher costs.

But it might get your foot in the door if no bank will touch you.

Digging deeper into SBA loans

Here’s something I learned back in my days on Wall Street:

Government-backed loans, especially through the SBA (Small Business Administration), are gold.

Why?

Because the government guarantee reduces a lender’s risk, often allowing for lower interest rates and better terms.

But is it possible to get a $20 million business loan through the SBA?

The standard SBA 7(a) program typically tops out around $5 million, but occasionally, you can stack or combine loans, or even look into specialized SBA options that might stretch further.

SBA 7(a): The workhorse

• Loan amounts: Up to $5 million in most cases.
• Use of funds: Wide-ranging—everything from real estate to working capital.
• Government guarantee: Around 85% for smaller loans, 75% for bigger ones.
• Who qualifies: Must meet the SBA’s size standards, demonstrate creditworthiness, and have a solid business plan.

If you’re targeting that $20 million threshold, you might need multiple SBA loans or a partnership structure.

Still, the SBA 7(a) route can be a cornerstone.

SBA 504 for commercial real estate

If part of your $20 million business loan covers real estate or heavy machinery, the SBA 504 might be your best friend.

National Bank of Commerce points to the 504 as ideal for commercial property or large equipment purchases.

You typically need to occupy at least 51% of the building, and the interest rates can be fixed over a long term—up to 25 years.

That’s a game-changer for predictable monthly payments.

SBA microloans and niche programs

• SBA microloans**: Up to $50,000—perfect for smaller ventures or startups who can’t go the big loan route yet.
• USDA loans**: Targeted at rural businesses.
• EXIM Working Capital Loans**: If you’re exporting or involved in international trade.
• Disaster loans**: For when the unexpected hits (natural disasters, or certain economic crises).

Even though these might not hit the $20 million mark individually, they can be stepping stones or complementary funding sources.

The art of the possible: Working with big banks

I’ve personally engaged with major institutions and there is a phrase that sticks: “the art of the possible.”

What does that mean?

It means rather than you walking in and saying, “I want $20 million,” and them telling you “We’ll give you $5 million,” you collaboratively explore structured deals that match your growth strategy.

it could be a combination of term loans, lines of credit, or even creative financing solutions.

You’ll know you’re dealing with the right institution if they emphasize building a relationship with your banker.

Meet them regularly, not just once a year.

Show them your numbers, your vision, your plan for growth.

People at the bank appreciate transparency.

They’ll be more inclined to consider your bigger requests if you’ve proven you can handle smaller ones responsibly.

Debt Capacity Analysis (DCA)

This is where a banker looks at your cash flow, existing debts, collateral, and future projections to see how much you can realistically handle.

And trust me, it’s not about rubber-stamping a figure.

It’s about finding that Goldilocks zone: big enough to fuel your ambitions, but not so big that repayment becomes a nightmare.

If you’re truly aiming for a $20 million business loan, a DCA might reveal that you only have the capacity for $10 million right now.

But maybe in another year, with improved financials, you can go for the full $20 million.

It’s all about planning.

The wild story: Almost buying a $20 million business with no money down

Let me tell you a story that caught my eye recently.

Someone almost snagged a $20 million business with zero cash out of pocket.

I know, it sounds like a plot twist from a Hollywood movie.

But it happened.

They partnered with a capital group willing to put up the entire amount in exchange for a majority equity stake in the business.

Why would someone do that?

Because they saw potential.

The buyer would earn equity through “sweat equity,” focusing on strategic growth instead of routine operations (since the business already had a strong management team).

Sounds like a dream scenario.

But the deal fell through when the capital group found the valuation was too steep.

But deals can happen.

Here is another example, but this time, the crazy valuation led to a funded deal.

LARQ is a self-cleaning water bottle company that made headlines on Shark Tank when its founder, Justin Wang, pitched a record-breaking $50 million valuation request, sparking both skepticism and interest from the Sharks and ultimately leading to a million-dollar deal.

• Wang asked for $500,000 in exchange for 1% equity, the highest valuation in the show’s history.
• Despite initial laughter from the Sharks, LARQ’s impressive sales and patented UVC LED technology won them over.
• Wang walked away with $1 million for 4% equity, split between Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner.
• LARQ originally launched via Kickstarter in 2017 and has since competed in a crowded market alongside brands like S’well and Brita.

Moral of the story:

No money down can work if you bring something valuable to the table, like expertise, a clear growth strategy, or even a patent.

But you must keep valuations real.

No matter how tempting a big chance might look, the numbers have to align.

Collateral: Thinking beyond property

I’ve dealt with entrepreneurs who think collateral means their home on the line.

Sometimes it does.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I did put. my home up on a personal gurantee.

Let me explain.

I was looking to launch an online consumer loan portfolio.

Everything was in place.

Everything.

But my attempts to raise capital fell through – hard.

As a last resort, before folding my cards and going home, I had a call with a private lender.

He asked me how much money I needed. I asked for $10M – he said I’ll give you $1M tomorrow, but I have one question for you.

“IF YOU FAIL, WILL YOU GIVE ME YOUR HOUSE?”

Without hesitation (or discussing it with my wife), I said, “YES!”

The lender told me the only reason he funded me was my lack of hesitation and my resounding – YES.

The $1M quickly turned into $5M and launched a business that started doing $2M a month in revenue within the first year.

But you don’t always have to use your home as collateral.

In today’s evolving lending world, it can also mean intellectual property, future revenue streams, or even an existing contract with a major client.

For instance:

If you have a contract guaranteeing $1 million in annual revenue for the next five years, certain lenders might consider that a form of collateral.

Revenue-based financing is another twist, where you promise a percentage of your monthly revenue to repay the loan until the principal (plus any fees) is cleared.

This can offer higher limits than MCAs, but it requires a strong revenue forecast.

Real-life examples: My own experiences

Let me share some personal stories:

I once guided a small chain of retail shops.

They needed about $2 million to expand.

But the owners were terrified of going anywhere near that figure.

When they finally found the courage to apply, they discovered they qualified for $3 million thanks to stable cash flow, valuable assets, and a strong management team.

Turns out, that extra $1 million let them build up inventory before a holiday surge, and their revenue soared.

In another scenario, an online business needed $1 million for a tech platform overhaul.

We collaborated with their bank, which was unwilling to lend them more and had a first-position lien for over $3M.

Undeterred, we approached the bank, showed them our analysis, laid out a clear path to success, and—after a thorough Debt Capacity Analysis—offered the entire $1.2 million at favorable terms – and took a second position behind the bank.

The company went on to borrow an additional $1.5M within a year.

Lesson learned:

The key lesson is that businesses often underestimate their borrowing potential and let fear or initial lender hesitation hold them back.

By presenting clear financials, demonstrating strong cash flow, and showing a roadmap for growth, they can often secure larger—and more advantageous—financing than they initially thought possible.

Putting together a winning loan application

If you’re thinking, “Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan?” you need a bulletproof application.

Here’s how to approach it:

Clarify your goals

Be explicit about why you need the funds.
Is it for equipment, acquisition, hiring, or all of the above?

Check your credit

Both personal and business scores matter.
A higher score unlocks better interest rates and terms.
If your credit is weak, take steps to improve it first (pay down debt, fix errors, etc.).

Craft a compelling business plan

Include financial projections, market analyses, and a clear explanation of how you plan to use the loan.
As a psychologist, I can tell you: storytelling matters.
Lenders want to see how your narrative unfolds.

Compile documents

Tax returns, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
This is not the moment to wing it.

Explore multiple lenders

Traditional banks, SBA options, online lenders, private investors, or capital groups.
Use resources like Sunwise Capital to compare loans.

Engage in negotiations

Don’t accept the first term sheet blindly.
Ask for better rates or a longer repayment schedule if needed.

Stay patient

Especially with government-backed loans, the process can take time.

Prepare for diligence

Expect questions about your team, your product, your market, your plan for growth.
Confidence and clarity go a long way.

Working with community lenders vs. big banks

Community lenders and credit unions can sometimes offer more flexible terms and a personal touch.

They’re also a great fit for smaller communities or niche industries.

On the flip side, big banks boast larger capital reserves and might feel more comfortable issuing $20 million (or more) if your financials justify it.

There’s no universal “best choice.”

It comes down to your unique situation.

For example, a friend of mine in the manufacturing sector partnered with a regional bank that specialized in industrial loans.

Their local know-how and willingness to build a personal relationship made all the difference.

Balancing risk and opportunity

Taking on a substantial loan is a double-edged sword.

Sure, you get to play on a bigger stage.

But you also shoulder a bigger repayment responsibility.

I’ve counseled business owners (and sometimes used my psychologist hat!) on evaluating opportunity vs. risk tolerance.

Ask yourself:

•  Do you have stable or growing revenue streams to cover the monthly nut?
• Is your industry recession-resistant or prone to cycles?
• How’s your personal financial situation if things go south?
• Is your management team strong enough to handle fast-paced growth?

These questions aren’t meant to scare you but to clarify your readiness.
If all signs point to yes, a $20 million business loan can be the key to unlocking massive growth.

Alternative funding: Equity partners, venture capital, and more

You might wonder why some folks go after a big bank loan while others chase venture capital.

Equity deals can sometimes eliminate the need for hefty monthly payments, but they require giving up a slice of ownership.

If your heart is set on a $20 million business loan because you want to retain full control, that’s valid.

But keep in mind that a combination approach—some equity, some debt—might provide more flexibility.

I’ve seen companies bring in angel investors or venture capital for the first round of financing and then pursue bank loans later, once they have stronger credit and financials.

It’s all about synergy.

Capital Group Partnerships

That near $20 million no-money-down story highlights an alternative approach: working with capital groups that finance an entire acquisition.

Yes, you might end up with less ownership.

Yes, you might answer to more stakeholders.

But if it means you can scale quickly, it could be worth it.

As always, read the fine print and ensure the deal structure makes sense for your long-term vision.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan without collateral?

It’s tough but not impossible.
Unsecured loans at that scale usually require stellar financials, a strong track record, and high credit scores.
Alternatively, consider revenue-based financing or equity partnerships if you lack traditional collateral.

Can startups qualify for $20 million?

Startups often lack the track record banks want to see.
But if you have a robust plan, a unique product, or strong backing from investors, you can explore creative deals, SBA programs geared toward certain business types, or large equity raises that supplement a loan package.

How long does it take to get approved?

Traditional bank loans can take weeks or months, especially for higher amounts.
SBA loans can be even longer.
Online lenders and alternative financing can be faster, but might come with higher rates.

What interest rate can I expect?

It depends on factors like your credit score, time in business, industry risk, and the loan type.
For large loans, even a slight difference in interest rate can mean a huge difference in total repayment.

Do I need a perfect credit score?

Not perfect, but the higher your score, the better your terms.
If your score is shaky, consider improving it or bringing on a co-signer with better credit.

Don’t go it alone

Navigating the complexities of a $20 million business loan can feel like scaling a mountain.

That’s why building relationships with professionals—bankers, CPAs, mentors—can be a game-changer.

In my investment banker days, I saw how a strong relationship with the right lender led to repeated deals and mutual trust.

As an example,the folks over at JPMorgan Chase suggest ongoing communication, not just an annual check-in.

It’s about setting yourself up as a partner, not just a borrower.

Value up front: Key insights you need now

I always tell business owners: “Front-load the value.”

Here are the top insights I’d highlight before you embark on any big loan quest:

1. **Know your ‘why.’**
Clarify the exact purpose of that $20 million so lenders see your vision.

2. **Get your financials in shape.**
Credit scores, cash flow statements, balance sheets—ensure these are rock solid.

3. **Leverage specialized programs.**
SBA, USDA, EXIM, and others might be your golden ticket.

4. **Consider multiple lending channels.**
Big banks, community lenders, online platforms like [OnDeck](https://www.ondeck.com/)—each has its own vibe and risk appetite.

5. **Ask for help.**
Don’t underestimate the benefit of leaning on accountants, attorneys, or mentors who’ve been there.

6. **Negotiate.**
Everything from interest rates to covenants can be discussed, especially at higher loan amounts.

7. **Stay strategic.**
A huge influx of capital can sink you if deployed unwisely.
Plan meticulously.

Resources worth checking out

– SBA.gov Official site for SBA loans and programs.
– Lendio: A marketplace to compare various loans.
– Sunwise Capital: Industry-specific funding guides and alternative lending solutions.
– National Bank of Commerce: Insight on SBA 504 loans and commercial real estate financing.

My final thoughts on the $20 million question

Ultimately, “Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan?” is one of those queries where the answer is a resounding yes—but only if you can back it up with a strong financial story, a thoughtful strategy, and a willingness to negotiate.

Over my 25 years as a business owner and 17 years on Wall Street and investment banking, I’ve guided businesses that never dreamed they’d qualify for eight-figure financing, only to watch them thrive once they put together the right pitch.

On the flip side, I’ve seen entrepreneurs bite off more than they could chew, ignoring warning signs about their cash flow or market volatility.

So approach the process with eyes wide open.

Do your homework.

Forge relationships with lenders who understand your industry.

And remember, sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from if the numbers just don’t work.

There’s no universal playbook.

But with enough research, grit, and the right partners, getting a $20 million business loan can be a game-changer for your company’s future.

Now, to circle back to where we started:

Is it possible to get a $20 million business loan?

Absolutely.