Ever been burned by finance companies, I know I have. So often as small minority owned businesses we do not get the best rates, offers or just out right get taken advantage of because of what we don't know. Thanks to our new partner, Encore Funding we are now bringing you a trusted source for government contract financing. With more than $500M in funding going to minorities alone in 2024 Encore is here to support your business. Visit encoregov.com for information on how to apply.

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, I sit down with Craig Cohen, VP of Business Development at Encore Funding, to break down one of the biggest challenges in government contracting: cash flow. Craig dives deep into the misconceptions around traditional bank financing and explains why banks often don't understand the value locked inside government contracts. He explains why you can't just "cash a contract" like a check—and how alternative lenders like Encore can step in to bridge the gap.

We unpack the difference between term loans, lines of credit, and factoring—and Craig shares how Encore's flexible, non-bank financing solutions help contractors cover payroll, kickstart new projects, and scale without delay. Plus, he shares a real success story that came straight out of one of our conferences—where a facility maintenance contractor doubled his business after getting denied by his bank.

If you've ever struggled to get financing for your contracts, this episode is your roadmap to understanding how alternative capital works, who it's for, and why it's not as "expensive or risky" as many think. Craig also clears the air on eligibility, including why Encore doesn't require minimum credit scores or years in business—and how they look at the full picture, not just your past.

Craig's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcohen1/

Encore Funding Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encore-funding/

Website: https://gov.encore-funding.com/

Email: [email protected]