Subcontractor Financing for Government Contracts
As a sub, you often wait on the prime to get paid before you do — stacking days onto already-slow federal terms. Encore advances up to 90% of your invoice value so you're not financing the whole supply chain.
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Subs wait the longest to get paid
When you subcontract on a federal job, you're often at the end of the payment line. The government pays the prime on Net-30 to Net-90 terms, and only then does the prime pay you — sometimes adding their own delay on top. Meanwhile your payroll, materials, and costs came due the moment work started.
That double wait is what makes subcontracting so cash-intensive. You're effectively financing the prime's contract and your own at the same time, which caps how much work you can take on across multiple teaming arrangements.
Get paid on your work, not the prime's schedule
Encore advances up to 90% of your approved invoice value, often within 48 hours of approval. You operate on today's cash instead of waiting on the prime and the agency. When payment flows through, you receive the balance, less a transparent fee.
It's not a loan and it's not equity — there's no fixed monthly payment and no dilution. Your funding line grows as your invoiced volume grows, so you can say yes to more teaming opportunities.
A funding partner that understands teaming
Encore was founded by the original Advance Partners team and has deployed over $25 billion in funding. We understand prime/sub payment flows, pay-when-paid dynamics, and the realities of delivering on someone else's contract vehicle.
Because we underwrite against the strength of the underlying federal contract rather than just your business credit, even smaller subs and newer firms can qualify and grow across multiple primes.
Frequently asked questions
I get paid by the prime, not the government directly. Can I still qualify?
Yes. Encore can advance against your invoices in prime/sub arrangements. A funding specialist will review your specific payment flow and structure terms accordingly.
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.
Does this help with pay-when-paid terms?
Yes — that's a core reason subs use financing. Instead of waiting for the prime to be paid before you are, Encore advances cash against your invoice so you're not stuck at the end of the line.
Do I need strong business credit?
Not necessarily. Underwriting focuses on the creditworthiness behind the contract — ultimately the federal government — which makes financing accessible to smaller and newer subcontractors.
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.