theBNK Partner Program: More Deals, More Growth, More Wins

Help business owners take the next step

When a business owner needs financing, the conversation often starts with someone they already trust: their broker, accountant or business advisor.

You may understand the opportunity, recognise the cash flow pressure or see why a planned purchase matters. But finding a suitable funding source can take time away from the work you do best.

The theBNK Partner Program is a way to explore a referral relationship that helps business owners move forward. You bring your understanding of the client’s business. theBNK, a Canadian business financing brokerage, connects business owners with funding partners.

theBNK is not a bank or a lender. That distinction matters: financing decisions, terms and availability depend on the relevant funding partner’s assessment.

Who should consider becoming a partner?

A referral relationship can make sense for professionals who regularly speak with business owners about growth, operations and financial priorities.

• Brokers: Explore a referral route when a client’s financing needs fall outside your usual offering or funding relationships.
• Accountants and bookkeepers: Help clients take the next step when cash flow planning reveals a financing need.
• Business advisors and consultants: Connect an operational recommendation with a conversation about how it might be funded.

You do not need to turn every client conversation into a financing discussion. The strongest introductions begin with a genuine business need, not a reason to sell another service.

Recognise the right moment for an introduction

Financing is most useful when it supports a clear purpose and a realistic repayment plan.

A business owner might need to purchase inventory, replace equipment, manage a seasonal cash flow gap or prepare for a new contract. Your role is to help clarify the situation before making an introduction.

For example, a retailer planning a $50,000 inventory purchase may want to understand whether financing would leave enough cash available for payroll and operating expenses. That is a starting point for assessment, not evidence that financing is affordable or will be approved.

Useful questions include:

• What will the funds be used for?
• How much does the business need, and why?
• When does the business need the funding?
• What existing repayment obligations does it have?
• How would a new repayment schedule affect cash flow?

These questions help turn a broad request for money into a more focused conversation.

Understand what theBNK brings to the conversation

Instead of presenting theBNK as the source of the money, describe it as a brokerage connecting business owners with funding partners.

Your personal funding specialist can discuss the business’s needs and the information required to assess potential financing options. An introduction does not guarantee an offer, and an available option is not automatically the right choice.

Encourage clients to look beyond the amount available. Repayment frequency, total repayment cost, security requirements and the effect on working capital all deserve attention.

A useful referral should help the owner make a more informed decision—even if that decision is to wait, adjust the funding request or pursue another approach.

Know the starting requirements for revenue-based financing

For clients considering revenue-based financing, the initial eligibility requirements are:

• Operating in a Canadian province, rather than a territory.
• At least three months of trading.
• Average monthly revenue of at least $15,000.
• The most recent three months of business bank statements.
• A soft credit check for the initial assessment.

Meeting these starting requirements does not guarantee approval. The business and funding partner still need to be assessed, and further information may be required.

Other financing products can have different requirements. Avoid assuming that one product’s criteria apply to every referral.

Set up the relationship before sending referrals

A good partner relationship needs clear expectations on both sides. Before introducing clients, email [help@thebnk.ca](mailto:help@thebnk.ca) to ask about joining the Partner Program and how referrals should be handled.

Topics worth confirming include:

• The partner application and onboarding process.
• How to submit an introduction.
• What client consent and information are needed.
• Who communicates with the business owner.
• What referral updates can be shared.
• Whether referral compensation applies and, if so, its terms.

Do not assume commission rates, payment triggers, exclusivity or referral ownership arrangements. Ask for the applicable details in writing before relying on them.

Build trust through better introductions

Explain why you believe a financing conversation could be useful, and let the business owner decide whether to proceed.

Get permission before sharing their information. Use the agreed referral process, and avoid sending bank statements or other sensitive documents through an unconfirmed channel.

Be equally careful with expectations. Do not promise approval, a particular rate or a funding date. A straightforward introduction protects the trust you have built and gives the financing conversation a stronger foundation.

Ready to explore a referral relationship? Start your partner application by emailing [help@thebnk.ca](mailto:help@thebnk.ca) and introducing your business and the owners you support. theBNK. Always in your corner.