Opportunity Zone deals can be attractive, but on the funding side the first thing I’d look at is the use of funds and the exit strategy before choosing the capital. Acquisition money, renovation/pre-development costs, equipment, and operating reserves usually shouldn’t all be financed the same way.
For qualified borrowers, I look at options such as business lines of credit, term financing, equipment financing, and 0% APR business credit cards for 9–12 months for eligible business expenses. The goal isn’t just getting approved—it’s structuring the capital so short-term debt isn’t being used for a long-term need without a clear payoff plan.
A lot of investors also don’t realize how much business age, revenue, credit profile, utilization, industry classification, and lender-specific underwriting requirements can affect which funding route makes sense. Getting that structure right before committing to the investment can preserve liquidity and keep more options open as the project develops.