In a candid interview, SVP José Miguel Vera reveals how Puerto Rican business owners are bypassing traditional banks to access working capital — fast
SAN JUAN, PR — One Park Financial, a leading provider of working capital solutions for small and mid-sized businesses across the United States and Puerto Rico, is bringing renewed attention to one of the most persistent challenges facing the island's business community: access to fast, flexible funding when it matters most.
In a recent interview with a local media outlet, José Miguel Vera, SVP of Growth & Marketing at One Park Financial, pulled back the curtain on what it actually takes for a Puerto Rican business owner to access capital today — and why the traditional banking system continues to fall short for thousands of entrepreneurs across the island.
"The opportunity doesn't wait 30 or 40 days," said Vera. "And neither does the emergency. That's the reality for small and mid-sized businesses here, and that's the gap we exist to close."
A Decade of Impact on the Island
One Park Financial has operated in Puerto Rico for more than 10 years, funding over $250 million in working capital to local businesses across virtually every industry — from food service and retail to construction and professional services. The company's data tells a compelling story: 55% of funded business owners return for a second round of financing, and that group has seen an average revenue growth of 20% to 30% between fundings.
"These aren't just numbers," Vera noted. "They represent restaurants that survived a crisis, contractors who landed a government contract, small shops that made it through slow season. This is what access to capital actually does for a community."
Simple Requirements, Same-Day Decisions
Unlike traditional lending institutions, One Park Financial's pre-qualification process requires only three things: at least three months in business, an average of $10,000 in monthly sales before expenses, and a commercial bank account. From there, the process moves quickly — funding offers typically range from $5,000 to $500,000, and capital can be available the same day or within a matter of days.
The product itself is structured as a merchant cash advance — an advance on future sales — rather than a conventional loan, meaning it carries less weight on a business's balance sheet and the cost of capital is tax-deductible.
Understanding Puerto Rico Is Not Optional
Vera was direct about a mistake he sees other financial companies make when entering the island's market: treating Puerto Rico like the mainland.
"This is not the same market. The business cycles are different. The culture around commerce is different. The relationship between a business owner and their community is different," he said. "We've spent 10 years learning that. And that's what allows us to actually serve these businesses the way they deserve to be served."
That commitment to the local market extends to the customer experience itself. From the first inquiry, every client at One Park Financial is connected to a dedicated account representative — a real person who walks them through every step of the process, answers every question, and understands that behind every business is a family, a story, and a dream.
About One Park Financial
Founded in 2010 by John Lie-Nielsen, One Park Financial was born from a simple belief: hardworking small business owners deserve a real shot at growth, even when traditional banks close their doors. A lifelong entrepreneur, John understood firsthand the struggle of building something from the ground up — and set out to level the playing field for those doing the same.
What started in Coconut Grove, Florida, has grown into a company that has helped thousands of small and mid-sized businesses access the working capital they need to grow, hire, and thrive. From family restaurants to neighborhood shops, One Park Financial has turned countless "someday" dreams into funded realities.
Recognized as one of the Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America and certified year after year as a Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, One Park Financial keeps its focus where it has always been — on the dreamers and builders who keep our communities alive. That same spirit runs through every Grovie as they stand side by side with small business owners every day.
José Miguel Vera
SVP of Growth & Marketing
One Park Financial's editorial team brings together funding specialists, business strategists, and small business advocates to create practical content for the entrepreneurs we serve.
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