Testimonials

    • “I’ve worked with Cheryl for several years and her drive and desire to help her clients has only grown. Cheryl has been a great resource for me and my clients, not just with alternative funding but traditional funding as well. She reaches into her deep well of connections with bankers and finance companies to help the client achieve the best possible funding options”

      Eric Benke – Director
      Kanter & Associates, CPA

    • “I enjoyed working with Cheryl Gowen on securing financing for the purchase of my first commercial property.  Cheryl was attentive and helpful every step of the way, and a pleasure to work with.  I would recommend Cheryl for your financing needs..”

      Juan Lopez

    • “I am writing to recommend the services of Cheryl O’Neill Gowen of Alternate Funding Options. We were very impressed with Cheryl’s business knowledge, based on her many years in the banking/financing industry. The deal we needed to finance was very complicated in that it was composed of 3 distinct yet contiguous parcels of Real Estate, including 2 rental properties and a 5,000 square foot operating restaurant. Cheryl has access to a great deal of lending sources, and she was able to narrow down the focus to just 2 relevant senior lenders. She gave the lenders clear information on the collateral portions as well as the non-collateralized business operations and was able to help us get this deal across the finish line. Her knowledge, ability to communicate complex aspects of this deal in simple English and professionalism were all top notch.

      We look forward to working with Cheryl on future deals.”

      Bryan G. McGuire
      Partner – Quantrum Peak Consulting LLC

    • “As the owner of an ever growing manufacturing business, one of the biggest challenges that our company has faced is finding the correct source for capital. Initially when we were denied for an increase in capital at our current bank we thought this meant that we were not financeable. When in fact, the challenge was really that our type of financing need was not a fit for where we were currently banking. Cheryl at Alternate Funding Options explained to us that different banks are focused in different areas of lending. Cheryl was able to find us the correct banking partner that understands the unique challenges in a manufacturing company. Our new bank partner was able to help us with financing and continue to grow our business.”

      Brian Rogers
      President of Shadow-Caster Lighting

    • “I want to thank you for your efforts and accomplishments in obtaining financing for our company. You filled a niche that is definitely missing in the business community today. Some companies make poor operational decisions and some of us are still experiencing the effects of the last recession. I am convinced that your vast banking career and your networking enabled you to arrange the financing our company needed. You are an asset to both your industry and the business community. Again, thank you for all you did in arranging the necessary financing for our company. Please feel free to have any of your clients contact me if they desire a positive recommendation concerning your accomplishments.”

      Michael Grubbs
      Owner of Sterling Cleaners

    • “I have worked with Cheryl as a professional colleague. She owns her own company and clearly demonstrates that she is a very knowledgeable and resourceful professional. In addition to running her own company, she finds time to engage in meaningful community and business events. She is widely respected in the business community as a genuine, thoughtful and talented business owner. Cheryl is well connected and is always glad to extend a helping hand anytime she is asked. I value her professional friendship and would recommend her to anyone looking for a proven professional.”

      Kevin Hall
      Co-Owner BenePAY Florida, LLC

    • “Cheryl is a great resource for finding funds for clients that are not bankable. She is always thorough and follows through with the clients. She has closed several deals that I have referred to her and all of the clients have been extremely satisfied. Thank you Cheryl.”

      Dianne Cohrs
      Commercial Relationship Manager at Achieva Credit Union

    • “Cheryl is excellent at finding a way to get financing done in situations where traditional bankers just say no. I have relied on Cheryl’s expertise many times over the years and found her to be creative, and highly responsive.”

      James Chittenden
      President at Triumph Business Services

    • “It is always a pleasure working with Cheryl to help business owners find financial success. She is an outstanding resource and advisor to business owners when they need to look at a variety of financing options. I would highly recommend her and endorse her.”

      Laura Gaythwaite, CTP
      Director of Business Development and Client Relations

    • “The SBA 504 financing program that my company offers is very niche and confined. Oftentimes, the small business owners that reach out to me have goals and financing needs that do not fit in our loan program. In those cases, I rely on Cheryl to connect businesses with the appropriate and adequate sources of money. Cheryl and her company have been a very valuable resource for me and the businesses that I was unable to help directly.”

      Joana Feimi
      Loan Officer at GulfCoast Business Finance, Inc.

    • “Cheryl was a great asset to my company as we searched for means of alternative funding. The insight she provided to the situation was invaluable as her perspective comes from the banking world as well as the fundraising side of the business. Cheryl was accessible and truly took time to understand the business needs.”

      Ryan Sullivan
      Co-Owner at TruHair by Chelsea Scott

    • “Cheryl is the consummate professional and works diligently to secure financing for her clients. It is a pleasure working with her.”

      Anthony Brooks
      President of Capital Finance Advisors

    • “Cheryl is one of the most professional people I know with impeccable ethics and genuine concern for her clients. I would not heistate to recommend Cheryl to anyone.”

      Ron Mirenda
      Sr. Business Relationship Manager, GTE Financial

    • “I have worked with Cheryl for the past 4-5 years and continue to be impressed with her resolve and unwavering commitment to her clients and colleagues. Cheryl is the genuine article in a world of posers. Her tenacity in getting to the right questions and developing appropriate solutions is what sets her apart from others in the finance industry. Cheryl has built her success through hard work, determination and ethical representation!”

      Greg Porter
      VP/Principal of Capital Funding Solutions

    • “I have known Cheryl now for almost three years, and have worked with her on some business opportunities in the Tampa market as well as been involved with her in various events concerning financing options. Cheryl brings a very well rounded and sound package of financing advice to her clients, and she delivers it in a clean and concise manner so the client can make the best decision possible for both their business as well as them personally. I would recommend Cheryl to anyone who is in need of finding alternative financing options across an extremely wide array of industries.”

      Mark Hoeller
      SVP, Commercial Banking, GulfShore Bank

    • “I have enjoyed a working relationship with Cheryl for over 2 years and have found her to be very professional, extremely knowledgeable and detail oriented.
      Her honesty and loyalty has been a refreshing experience during these challenging economic times.”

      Carol J. Dahlin
      Managing Partner, Commercial Financial Solutions, LLC

    • “Cheryl is a great example of the power of networking. I made a simple call to Kevin Hall and Kevin referred me to Cheryl and she knew exactly who to call to resolve a situation. Cheryl referred me to S.E. Day and in a matter of days, everything was resolved. I can’t thank Cheryl enough for reaching into her extensive list of contacts and making that call immediately. She knows everybody!! People helping people. That is what it’s all about.”

      Bev James
      PEO Services, Oasis Outsourcing

    • “Cheryl met with me to assist with the finance portion of my business plan. I had recently bought out my partner and was searching for some funding to help with cash flow. While all of my financial documents were in order, mine is a very small company and I was afraid to apply to a bank for fear of being turned away. After taking the time to hear my story and evaluate the situation, Cheryl suggested that I simply go to my own commercial bank, as well as suggesting one other that she recommended and give them a try to approve me with a line of credit before she found me alternative financing. With her sage advice and encouragement, I took a deep breath and followed her counsel. Both bankers were delighted to help, even filled out the forms for me! I received a line of credit from my own commercial bank just big enough to help me launch out on my own! Cheryl’s warm, personable manner and wealth of finance option information made it possible for me to grow my business. I recommend Cheryl O’Neill Gowen to anyone seeking alternative funding.”

      Susie Crump
      TampaBayJewelryAppraisals.com

    • “I have known Cheryl for almost 2 years now. She coordinated a finance panel for one of our Tampa Bay Business Owners (TBBO) Events in Sept., 2011 and did an excellent job. It was a much needed seminar for our business owners and was very well attended. Cheryl also was on the panel representing alternative financing and educated everyone regarding factoring, purchase order and asset based financing. I never really understood factoring and how it could benefit a business until after I had met her. Cheryl is also very active in TBBO and enjoys connecting people. I am very confident that when I refer someone that needs Cheryl’s services, she will go the extra mile in trying to help them find a solution for their situation. She is very resourceful. I highly recommend Cheryl to anyone that would need her services, to speak on the topic of alternative financing or just to get together to know her as a person.”

      Chris Krimitsos, Chief Creative Officer
      Peer-toPeer Mentoring Facilitator, TBBO Founder, Eg3 Facilitator Trainer

  • “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Cheryl Gowen for over 7 years. Cheryl has done an excellent job assisting my clients and prospects in getting them financing when they weren’t able to obtain traditional financing. Cheryl is my”go to” business partner when I come across deals that aren’t bankable or require unique financing. I know when I refer a client to Cheryl that they are in good hands. She’s very thorough in going over all contracts so that the clients fully understand the financing. Cheryl truly is a woman of integrity and business ethics. She’s resourceful, creative and a great connector. I highly recommend Cheryl as a financing resource.”

    Anna Kraus, Branch Manager
    BankUnited

  • “Cheryl was recommended to me for the financing of an investment property I was interested in purchasing. Although we were unable to do business on this particular property she did refer me to a colleague and we were able to successfully close the deal. Her recommendation saved me an unmeasureable amount of time looking for financing for this property.”

    Suzanne Spigner
    CEO Charts In Time, Inc. RHIT

  • “I would not hesitate to refer a client to Cheryl Gowen at Alternative Funding Options, Inc. She provides a wealth of knowledge in the industry and a level of service that is second to none. Intially Cheryl made a presentation to the partner group at CRI Tampa Bay to help them understand the services that she offers. Following the presentation, Cheryl followed up with sharing some “real-life” instances where she has helped clients obtain funding to help them grow their business. CRI has refered clients to Cheryl and she has been expediant in her response and continual follow up. She far exceeds the goal of making sure the client receives the best possible service while getting a clear understanding of what funding options are available to them that best fits their needs. It is a pleasure to work with someone who is as professional and knowledgeable as Cheryl Gowen.”

    Jackie Lynn, SE Regional Business Development Consultant
    Quatrro FPO Solutions

  • “TV & Radio Host, Spokester, Consumer and Business Finance Advocate, I had the opportunity to interview Cheryl on my national radio show. Cheryl is deeply passionate about helping businesses small to large in obtaining alternative financing to grow their businesses. Cheryl knows all aspects of alternative financing because she has experienced all aspects of the business from being a recipient of alternative financing to working for an alternative finance company. I trust her business prowess and highly recommend any business owner looking to expand to contact Cheryl. I look forward to having Cheryl as a presenter on our For Small Businesses Only Business Seminar Cruise”

    SE Day, TV & Radio Host of The Legally Steal Show

  • “Cheryl is a valuable resource that I highly recommend. Cheryl provided multiple connections to potential factors, banks and investors relevant to my clients’ needs. During the process, Cheryl industry knowledge was extremely valuable with negotiating the agreement and avoiding troublesome provision. Cheryl’s broker service has matched the perfect financing option with my client – saving me time.”

    Todd Rosenberg
    CPA/ABV, CVA, CFO, M&A, Valuation Expert

  • “I have referred Cheryl several opportunities that did not fit into my lending parameters and she was extremely responsive in getting back to the prospect and keeping me in the loop on her progress. She has successfully assisted with one referral and that client is very happy with her services. Cheryl has a great network of funding sources and has a broad knowledge base.”

    Gwynn Davey, SVP
    American Momentum Bank

  • “Cheryl is very resourceful in finding solutions for customers and prospects with excellent results. She is able to provide viable options to help a client with a current need plus focused on the future anticipated needs. Excellent resource for networking and sharing ideas.”

    William Arnold VP Commercial Lending

  • “I have worked with Cheryl as a professional colleague. She owns her own company and clearly demonstrates that she is a very knowledgeable and resourceful professional. In addition to running her own company, she finds time to engage in meaningful community and business events. She is widely respected in the business community as a genuine, thoughtful and talented business owner. Cheryl is well connected and is always glad to extend a helping hand anytime she is asked. I value her professional friendship and would recommend her to anyone looking for a proven professional.”

    Kevin Hall, Co-Owner
    BenePAY Florida, LLC

  • “Cheryl is both a referral partner to me and worked with one of our firm’s clients. She has incredible follow through and a high degree of integrity and focus on learning the clients business and needs to understand what the best options are for accomplishing the goal – regardless if the right answer is her services or not. Our client was very happy working with Cheryl and the results solved a current business issue.”

    Janet Watson
    CFO Services, Cash Mgmt, Business & Strategic Planning, Financial Rptg, Turnarounds, M&A, Forensic Acctg, Bankruptcy, Defense Contracting

  • “I am a business consultant with SCORE, www.scorepinellas.org. I have connected Cheryl with several of my clients. She is on the ball, and has many great contacts to assist new and existing businesses. I would strongly recommend her to anyone seeking alternative funding options for their business or venture.”

    Cliff SullivanChapter Chair/Business Mentor

  • “Cheryl has been a strategic partner of mine since 2006. She has extensive knowledge of the factoring industry, the variables impacting a factoring discussion and financing alternatives. Cheryl is able to combine this knowledge with a willingness to go the extra mile and take the time to explain the smallest detail when necessary. Cheryl is a persistent, goal oriented, passionate individual who has been successful at any venture I have seen her undertake ”

    Torri Sloan, President
    Employer Solutions Plus, Inc.