Small Business Government Contract Financing
Landing your first — or biggest — federal contract is a milestone. Floating 30 to 90 days of payroll and costs to fulfill it can break a small business. Encore advances up to 90% of your invoice value so you can deliver and grow.
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The contract that should grow you can also break you
For a small business, a federal award is a huge win — and a serious cash-flow test. Payroll, suppliers, and subcontractors all have to be paid while the government settles your invoices on Net-30 to Net-90 terms. The bigger the award relative to your size, the deeper into your own pocket you reach before you're reimbursed.
Banks often hesitate to lend against a young business or a single large contract, leaving capable small firms stuck: they've won the work but can't fund the execution.
Fund execution without taking on debt
Encore advances up to 90% of your approved invoice value, often within 48 hours. You cover the costs of delivering on today's cash while we wait for the government to pay. When the agency remits, you receive the balance, less a transparent fee.
It's not a loan and it's not equity — there's no fixed monthly payment, no debt on your balance sheet, and no dilution. Your funding line grows as your contract volume grows, so financing scales right along with your business.
Underwriting that says yes when banks say no
Encore was founded by the original Advance Partners team and has deployed over $25 billion in funding. Crucially, we underwrite against the creditworthiness of the federal government — not just your business credit or time in business — so newer and smaller firms can still qualify.
Whether it's your first task order or your fastest-growing year yet, financing meets you where you are and scales as you win more.
Frequently asked questions
I just won my first federal contract. Can I qualify?
Likely yes. Underwriting focuses on the creditworthiness of your customer — the federal government — rather than your time in business, which makes financing accessible to small firms early in their GovCon journey.
Is this a loan?
No. Invoice factoring advances cash against receivables you've already earned. There's no fixed monthly repayment and it doesn't sit on your balance sheet as debt the way a bank loan does.
How fast can I get funded?
Approval is typically within 48 hours, and once your line is set up, advances on new invoices can fund in as little as one business day.
What if my award is large relative to my company size?
That's exactly when financing helps most. By advancing up to 90% of your invoices, Encore lets you take on awards that would otherwise exceed your cash capacity.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is a transparent fee on the invoice amount, quoted up front. Submit the form and a funding specialist will walk you through exact terms — no obligation.
Ready to stop waiting on government payments?
Get up to 90% of your invoice value advanced. Apply in minutes.