Financing Delays Can Cost Small Businesses. Here's How to Stay Ready.

A piece of equipment breaks down unexpectedly. A supplier offers a limited-time discount on inventory. A new contract creates the need to hire additional staff. Opportunities and challenges rarely arrive on a convenient schedule, and for many, neither does access to capital.

That's been a frustration for small business owners for years. Securing financing isn't always the difficult part. Waiting for a decision often is.

According to the Federal Reserve's 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, more than half of small business loan applicants say the time it takes to receive a lending decision is a major concern.* When businesses need funding, they often need an answer quickly, but traditional lending processes can take weeks to move from application to approval.

The reality is that opportunities don't wait for paperwork.

For Michael Brown, Head of Business Banking at Atlantic Union Bank, the issue extends beyond lending. It's about helping businesses remain agile when circumstances change.

"Small and mid-sized businesses face a constant balancing act. They need to stay prepared for both opportunities and unexpected challenges, often with limited time to make decisions," says Brown. "Access to capital can be a key part of that equation, but the speed and simplicity of the experience matter just as much."

When Speed Matters, So Do Relationships

The rise of digital lenders has raised expectations around speed and convenience, but many business owners still value having a trusted banking partner they can call when questions come up.

They want efficiency, but they also want guidance.

That's especially true when financing decisions affect hiring plans, equipment purchases, inventory management or long-term growth strategies. In those moments, having a banker who understands your business can be just as important as getting a timely answer.

The challenge for many businesses is finding both.

A Faster Approach to Business Financing

At Atlantic Union Bank, we've listened to business owners who told us they wanted a simpler financing experience without sacrificing the personal service that comes from working with a local banker.

That's why we introduced FastLane Business Financing.

FastLane is designed to help eligible businesses access up to $250,000 in financing through a streamlined application process that delivers credit decisions in hours instead of days.

The goal is straightforward: remove unnecessary friction from the lending process while keeping the relationship at the center of the experience. Instead of navigating the process alone, businesses work directly with an Atlantic Union Bank banker who guides them through the application and helps identify financing options that align with their needs.

How FastLane Simplifies the Process

Business owners already have enough on their plates. Financing shouldn't create additional administrative burdens.

FastLane was built to simplify the application process and reduce paperwork, helping businesses spend less time gathering documents and more time focusing on running their operations.

The process begins with a conversation with your relationship manager or local Atlantic Union Bank banker. From there, your banker helps collect the information needed to submit the application and guides you through every step.

By combining personal banker support with streamlined technology and underwriting tools, FastLane helps accelerate the path to a credit decision while maintaining the service and expertise business owners expect from a community-focused bank.

How Businesses May Use FastLane Financing

Every business has different financing needs, but some common uses include:

• Purchasing or replacing equipment
• Building inventory ahead of seasonal demand
• Supporting working capital needs
• Funding growth and expansion initiatives

Whether you're preparing for an opportunity or responding to an unexpected challenge, having access to financing when you need it can make all the difference.

Is FastLane Right for Your Business?

FastLane may be a good fit for businesses that:

• Need financing up to $250,000
• Want a quicker lending experience
• Prefer working directly with a local banker
• Are looking for financing to support operations, equipment purchases, inventory or growth

Every business situation is unique, which is why it's important to discuss your goals with a trusted banking partner who can help determine the right solution.

Let's Start the Conversation

Access to capital can help businesses navigate challenges, invest in opportunities and plan for future growth. When timing matters, having a financing process designed for speed, simplicity and personal support can help you move forward with confidence.

"At the end of the day, financing should help businesses move forward," Brown says. "Our role is to provide solutions that make it easier for business owners to focus on running and growing their companies."

If you're interested in learning more about FastLane Business Financing, contact your Atlantic Union Bank relationship manager or visit a local branch to discuss your business's needs.

Michael “Mike” Brown is Senior Vice President and Head of Business Banking and SBA Lending at Atlantic Union Bank, where he leads the Bank’s business banking and government-guaranteed lending strategies. He is focused on driving growth, strengthening client relationships and developing high-performing teams that help small and mid-sized businesses achieve their goals. Passionate about leadership and community engagement, Mike is also active in his local community and committed to helping businesses and the communities they serve thrive.

*Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey

This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans, credit and collateral are subject to approvals. Terms, rates, data, programs, information and conditions are subject to change without notice. Specific program restrictions may apply. Not all loans or products are available in all states.