7 Reasons Successful Canadian Business Owners Use Alternative Lenders

When most people think of mortgages, they picture traditional bank approvals based on tax returns and credit scores. But for many successful business owners, those numbers don’t always tell the full story.

Alternative lenders step in to support borrowers whose finances may be more complex, even though they are financially strong.

Here are 7 reasons high-performing entrepreneurs and professionals turn to alternative lending, not because they’re risky—but because their situation doesn’t fit the conventional lending box.

1. Tax Write-Offs Lower Their “On Paper” Income

Business owners often reinvest or write off expenses to reduce taxable income. While beneficial for tax planning, this can make income appear lower to banks.

Alternative lenders can use bank statements or business revenue instead of just tax returns.

Use our Bank Statement Income Calculator to determine your income from an alt lender's perspective.

➡ Example: A contractor earning $20K/month in deposits but showing $50K taxable income annually.

2. Flexible Approach to Credit History

A past late payment, divorce, or temporary financial strain doesn’t define financial stability.

Alternative lenders look at the borrower’s full financial picture, not just their score.

➡ Great for someone who recovered quickly and now has strong cash flow.

3. Higher Debt Allowance During Growth Phases

Growing businesses often carry debt—lines of credit, business loans, leases.

Traditional lenders restrict mortgage approval based on fixed debt ratios; B lenders allow higher ratios if the equity and exit strategy make sense.

Use our Debt Consolidation Calculator to determine if a refinance with an Alt lender makes sense for your financial situation.

4. Ability to Qualify on Business Revenue

Some lenders allow qualification using 6-24 months of bank deposits, not net profit.

➡ Ideal for seasonal businesses, cash-flow-based operations, consultants, and start-ups.

5. Funding During Transition or Rapid Expansion

Life and business don’t always align with mortgage underwriting timelines.

If a business owner is restructuring, exiting a partnership, or scaling, alternative financing can bridge the gap until they move back to traditional lending later.

➡ Common strategy: use a 1–3 year alternative mortgage, then refinance.

6. Faster Approvals for Time-Sensitive Deals

When a business owner is competing on a commercial or residential purchase, time matters.

B lenders often approve and fund within days—not weeks.

➡ Especially useful in competitive real estate markets.

7. Properties That Don’t Fit Traditional Guidelines

Mixed-use, rental-heavy, under renovation, or unique investment properties may not qualify with banks.

Investment Property ROI Calculator

Alternative lenders often specialize in non-standard property types.

Final Thoughts

Using an alternative lender isn’t a “last resort”—it’s a strategic tool used by successful business owners who:

• Have strong cash flow
• Are reinvesting heavily in growth
• Need flexibility, speed, or tailored financing

Many borrowers use alternative lending short-term, then refinance back to a traditional lender once their income aligns with underwriting requirements.