Small Business Loans in Pasadena, Texas: The Complete 2026 Guide for Entrepreneurs

Pasadena, Texas, a vital hub within the Greater Houston metropolitan area, offers a dynamic and resilient economic landscape for entrepreneurs. From its world-class industrial sector to its thriving local service businesses, the opportunities for growth are immense. To capitalize on these opportunities, securing the right capital is paramount, which is why understanding the landscape of small business loans in Pasadena, Texas, is a critical step for any ambitious business owner. This comprehensive guide provides the essential information you need to navigate the financing process, identify the best funding solutions, and position your company for success in 2026 and beyond.

Pasadena, Texas: A City Built for Business

Nestled between the bustling metropolis of Houston and the expansive Galveston Bay, Pasadena, Texas, is far more than just a suburb. It is an economic powerhouse in its own right, boasting a unique blend of industrial might, logistical advantages, and a supportive community for small and medium-sized enterprises. Understanding this environment is the first step for any entrepreneur seeking business funding in Pasadena, Texas.

The city's economy is anchored by its strategic location. Proximity to the Port of Houston, one of the busiest ports in the world, and the Houston Ship Channel creates unparalleled opportunities for businesses in logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and international trade. This access fuels a constant demand for support services, from equipment repair and maintenance to warehousing and professional services, all of which create fertile ground for new and expanding businesses.

The Industrial and Petrochemical Core

Pasadena is internationally recognized as a leader in the petrochemical industry. The Bayport Industrial District and the cluster of refineries and chemical plants along the ship channel form the backbone of the local economy. While dominated by large corporations, this industrial core generates a massive ecosystem of smaller businesses that support its operations. These include specialized contractors, engineering firms, safety equipment suppliers, and environmental services companies. For these B2B enterprises, access to working capital and equipment financing is not just an advantage-it is a necessity for bidding on large contracts and maintaining operational readiness.

A Growing Healthcare and Service Sector

Beyond its industrial identity, Pasadena is home to a robust and growing healthcare sector, anchored by major facilities like HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast. This has spurred growth in related fields, including private medical practices, dental clinics, physical therapy centers, and medical supply companies. As the city's population grows, so does the demand for consumer-facing services. Retail centers, restaurants, automotive repair shops, and home services contractors are essential components of the local economy, each with unique financing needs for inventory, expansion, marketing, and payroll.

Why Pasadena is Attractive for Entrepreneurs

Several factors make Pasadena an appealing location for business owners looking to establish or expand their operations:

• Favorable Business Climate: Texas is renowned for its pro-business policies, including no state corporate or individual income tax. This allows businesses to retain more of their earnings for reinvestment and growth.
• Skilled Workforce: The region's focus on industry and healthcare has cultivated a deep pool of skilled labor. Institutions like San Jacinto College work closely with local businesses to provide targeted workforce training programs.
• Strategic Infrastructure: Unmatched access to major highways (like the Sam Houston Tollway and I-45), rail lines, and the Port of Houston makes Pasadena a logistical dream for companies that move goods.
• Economic Resilience: While tied to the energy sector, Pasadena's economy is diversified enough to weather market fluctuations. Its role in essential industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics provides a stable foundation for long-term growth.

This dynamic environment creates a constant demand for capital. Whether it is a machine shop needing to upgrade its CNC equipment, a logistics firm expanding its fleet, or a new restaurant opening its doors, small business financing in Pasadena is the fuel that drives this economic engine forward. The key is finding a lending partner who understands the unique opportunities and challenges of this specific market.

Types of Business Loans Available to Pasadena Entrepreneurs

Securing the right type of financing is as important as securing the funding itself. The optimal loan structure depends on your specific business needs, financial health, and growth plans. Entrepreneurs in Pasadena have access to a wide array of funding products, each designed for a different purpose. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most common options available through lenders like Crestmont Capital.

Term Loans

A term loan is what most people picture when they think of a business loan. You receive a lump sum of capital upfront and repay it, plus interest, over a predetermined period (the "term") through regular fixed installments. Terms can range from short-term (a few months) to long-term (10+ years).

• Best For: Significant one-time investments such as purchasing commercial real estate, financing a major expansion, acquiring another business, or making large equipment purchases.
• Pros: Predictable, fixed payments make budgeting easier. Interest rates are often competitive, especially for well-qualified borrowers.
• Cons: May require a strong credit history and significant time in business. The application process through traditional banks can be lengthy.

SBA Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) does not directly lend money but partially guarantees loans made by approved lenders, including banks and alternative lenders. This guarantee reduces the lender's risk, making it easier for small businesses to qualify for favorable terms. The most common types are the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs.

• Best For: A wide range of purposes, including working capital, real estate purchase, equipment, and debt refinancing. They are an excellent option for strong businesses that may not meet the strict criteria of a conventional bank loan.
• Pros: Long repayment terms (up to 25 years for real estate) and lower interest rates, which result in lower monthly payments.
• Cons: The application process is notoriously document-intensive and can take several weeks or even months to complete. Strict eligibility requirements must be met, as outlined by the SBA.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit provides access to a preset amount of capital that you can draw from as needed. You only pay interest on the funds you use. Once you repay the borrowed amount, the full credit line becomes available again, making it a flexible, revolving source of funds.

• Best For: Managing cash flow fluctuations, bridging gaps between accounts receivable and payable, handling unexpected expenses, or seizing short-term opportunities. A Pasadena contractor, for example, could use a line of credit to purchase materials for a new job before the first client payment arrives.
• Pros: Extreme flexibility. You have funds on standby without having to reapply. It is an excellent tool for ongoing financial management.
• Cons: Interest rates can be variable and sometimes higher than term loans. There may be fees for maintaining the line, even if it is unused.

Equipment Financing

Specifically designed for the purchase of new or used business equipment, equipment financing is a type of asset-based loan. The equipment being purchased serves as its own collateral, which can make this type of loan easier to obtain than other forms of financing.

• Best For: Pasadena’s manufacturing, logistics, construction, and healthcare businesses. This can be used to acquire CNC machines, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, medical imaging devices, and more.
• Pros: The loan is secured by the asset, reducing the need for other business or personal collateral. It allows you to acquire critical assets without a large upfront cash outlay. Often, 100% of the equipment cost can be financed.
• Cons: The funds can only be used for the specific equipment purchase. The loan term is tied to the expected useful life of the equipment.

Working Capital Loans

These are short-term loans designed to cover everyday operational expenses rather than long-term assets. They provide a quick infusion of cash to manage the day-to-day costs of running a business.

• Best For: Covering payroll during a slow season, purchasing inventory ahead of a busy period, funding a marketing campaign, or managing other operational costs.
• Pros: The application and funding process is typically very fast, often within a few days. Qualification criteria can be more flexible, focusing more on recent revenue than long-term credit history.
• Cons: Terms are shorter and interest rates are generally higher than long-term loans due to the increased risk and speed.

Merchant Cash Advance (MCA)

An MCA is not technically a loan but an advance on your future sales. A financing company provides you with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of your daily or weekly credit card sales until the advance is paid back, plus a fee. This is a form of revenue-based financing.

• Best For: Businesses with high credit card sales volume, such as restaurants, retail stores, and some service businesses, that need very fast funding and may not qualify for traditional loans.
• Pros: Extremely fast funding, often within 24-48 hours. Approval is based on sales volume, not credit score. Repayments are flexible, adjusting with your sales volume.
• Cons: The cost of capital (expressed as a factor rate) is significantly higher than traditional loans. It can be one of the most expensive forms of financing.

Choosing the right product from this list of business loans in Pasadena, TX, requires a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Crestmont Capital's financing specialists work with business owners to analyze their goals and financial profile to match them with the most effective and affordable solution.

How Small Business Loans Work in Texas

Navigating the process of obtaining a small business loan can seem daunting, but it follows a logical sequence of steps. While the specifics can vary between lenders-especially between traditional banks and modern alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital-the fundamental journey from application to funding is consistent. In Texas, the pro-business environment often translates to a more streamlined regulatory landscape for commercial lending, which can be advantageous for borrowers.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the process for securing small business loans in Pasadena, Texas:

1. Assess Your Needs and Financial Health: Before you apply, you must have a clear picture of why you need the funds and how much you require. Are you buying a $100,000 piece of equipment, or do you need $25,000 for working capital to cover payroll? Create a detailed plan for how the funds will be used to generate a return on investment. At the same time, gather your key financial documents and review your business's health. This includes your annual revenue, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and personal and business credit scores.
2. Research and Select a Lender: The lending landscape is diverse. You have several options in the Pasadena area:
   • Traditional Banks (e.g., Chase, Wells Fargo): Offer competitive rates but have stringent qualification requirements and a slow, paper-intensive application process. They are often best for highly established businesses with pristine credit and substantial collateral.
   • Credit Unions: May offer personalized service and good rates but can have membership requirements and processes similar to banks.
   • Alternative Lenders (e.g., Crestmont Capital): Online-based lenders that specialize in small business financing. They offer a much faster, streamlined application process, more flexible qualification criteria, and a wider range of loan products. They are an excellent choice for businesses that need capital quickly or may not meet strict bank standards.
3. Complete the Application and Submit Documentation: With an alternative lender, this step is typically completed online in minutes. You will provide basic information about your business (name, address, time in business, annual revenue) and yourself. Following the initial application, you will be asked to submit supporting documents, which usually include recent bank statements, tax returns, and financial statements.
4. Underwriting and Review: This is where the lender evaluates the risk of lending to your business. Underwriters will analyze your submitted documents, credit history, cash flow, and overall financial health. Unlike banks that heavily weigh credit scores and collateral, alternative lenders often place a stronger emphasis on recent business performance and consistent revenue, as demonstrated by your bank statements. This holistic review process allows them to approve a wider range of businesses.
5. Receive and Review the Offer: If your application is approved, the lender will present you with a formal loan offer. This document will detail the loan amount, interest rate (or factor rate for an MCA), repayment term, and any associated fees. It is crucial to review this document carefully and ensure you understand all the terms and conditions. A dedicated funding advisor from Crestmont Capital will walk you through the offer to answer any questions.
6. Acceptance and Funding: Once you are satisfied with the terms, you will sign the loan agreement electronically. After the signed agreement is received, the lender will transfer the funds directly to your business bank account. With alternative lenders, this final step is remarkably fast-funds can often be deposited in as little as 24 hours after approval.

How to Qualify for a Small Business Loan in Pasadena

Understanding the criteria lenders use to evaluate applications is crucial for any Pasadena business owner seeking financing. While every lender has its own specific underwriting standards, several key factors are universally considered. By preparing in these areas, you can significantly increase your chances of approval and secure more favorable terms. Here is what lenders, from traditional banks to alternative financiers, look for.

1. Credit Score (Personal and Business)

Your credit history is a primary indicator of your financial responsibility. Lenders will typically look at both your personal FICO score and your business credit score (if one is established).

• Traditional Banks: Often require excellent personal credit scores, typically 700 or higher. They will also scrutinize your business credit report for any delinquencies or negative marks.
• Alternative Lenders: Offer more flexibility. While a higher score is always better, lenders like Crestmont Capital can often work with business owners with personal credit scores as low as 550, depending on other factors like revenue and time in business. They place more weight on the business's recent performance than on historical credit blemishes.

2. Time in Business

Lenders want to see a track record of stability and operational history. A business that has been operating for several years is generally seen as less risky than a brand-new startup.

• Traditional Banks and SBA Loans: Almost always require a minimum of two years in business. They need to see multiple years of tax returns to verify profitability and growth.
• Alternative Lenders: Are much more accessible to younger businesses. Many programs require a minimum of just six months in business, opening up financing opportunities for growing companies that haven't yet reached the two-year mark.

3. Annual and Monthly Revenue

Strong, consistent revenue is perhaps the most important factor for alternative lenders. It demonstrates that your business has a healthy cash flow and can afford to take on and repay new debt. Lenders will analyze your last 3-6 months of business bank statements to verify your revenue consistency and calculate your average daily balance.

• Minimum Requirements: Most alternative lenders have a minimum annual revenue threshold, often starting around $150,000-$250,000 per year (or about $15,000-$20,000 in monthly deposits). The higher and more consistent your revenue, the larger the loan amount you can qualify for.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders will also assess your current debt obligations to ensure you can comfortably manage an additional payment.

4. Industry Type

The industry your Pasadena business operates in can influence a lender's decision. Some industries are considered higher risk than others. For example, restaurants and construction can be seen as more volatile than healthcare or professional services. However, specialized lenders like Crestmont Capital have extensive experience funding businesses across virtually all sectors, including those that traditional banks might avoid. They understand the unique cash flow cycles of various industries in the Pasadena area, from petrochemical support services to local retail.

5. Required Documentation

Being prepared with the right paperwork will expedite the process significantly. While requirements vary based on the loan type and amount, common documents include:

• Business Bank Statements: Typically the last 3-6 months.
• Business Tax Returns: The most recent 1-2 years.
• Personal Tax Returns: For some loan types or if you are a sole proprietor.
• Financial Statements: Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet.
- Business Plan: Often required for startups or for large SBA loans.

Alternative lenders have dramatically simplified this process. For many business loans in Pasadena, TX, under $250,000, an application and the last few months of bank statements may be all that is required for an approval decision.

Industries Thriving in Pasadena with Business Financing

Pasadena's unique economic composition creates specific financing needs for its key industries. Business funding is not a one-size-fits-all solution; the capital required by a logistics company differs greatly from that of a dental practice. Understanding these industry-specific applications of financing is key to leveraging it for maximum growth.

Manufacturing and Machine Shops

The industrial corridor of Pasadena is filled with manufacturers, fabricators, and machine shops that support the petrochemical and shipping industries. These businesses are capital-intensive and rely heavily on specialized, expensive machinery.

• Common Financing Need: Equipment Financing. Acquiring a new CNC mill, industrial lathe, or welding system can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Financing allows these shops to obtain state-of-the-art technology without depleting their cash reserves, enabling them to take on larger, more complex jobs and improve efficiency.

Logistics and Transportation

With its proximity to the Port of Houston and major transportation arteries, Pasadena is a hub for trucking and logistics companies. The primary assets for these businesses are their vehicles.

• Common Financing Need: Term Loans or Equipment Financing. Whether it's expanding a fleet with new semi-trucks, purchasing delivery vans for last-mile service, or acquiring specialized trailers, financing is essential. A working capital loan can also be critical for covering fuel, insurance, and payroll while waiting for freight invoices to be paid.

Healthcare and Medical Practices

The growing population in and around Pasadena supports a vibrant healthcare sector. Private practices, from general practitioners to dentists and specialists, often require significant capital for both startup and expansion.

• Common Financing Need: Working Capital and Equipment Loans. A new dental practice may need financing for patient chairs, X-ray machines, and sterilization equipment. An established clinic might seek a term loan to expand its facility, hire more staff, and launch a marketing campaign to attract new patients. A business line of credit is also invaluable for managing the unpredictable timing of insurance reimbursements.

Construction and Skilled Trades

As the region grows, so does the demand for construction, both commercial and residential. General contractors and skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians) are in high demand.

• Common Financing Need: Business Lines of Credit and Working Capital. These businesses face significant upfront costs for materials and labor before receiving payment from clients. A line of credit is the perfect tool to bridge this gap. Equipment financing is also crucial for purchasing heavy machinery like excavators, backhoes, and work trucks.

Retail and Restaurants

The consumer-facing economy of Pasadena relies on its restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and service providers. These businesses operate on tight margins and are highly dependent on consistent cash flow.

• Common Financing Need: Merchant Cash Advances or Working Capital Loans. These options provide quick access to cash for purchasing inventory, renovating a storefront, covering unexpected repairs, or launching a local marketing initiative. The fast funding and flexible qualification criteria are ideal for the fast-paced nature of the retail and hospitality industries.

By partnering with a lender that has experience across these diverse sectors, a Pasadena, TX small business can secure a financing solution tailored to its specific operational realities and growth opportunities.

How Crestmont Capital Serves Pasadena Businesses

In a competitive market like Pasadena, speed, flexibility, and expertise matter. While traditional banks have long been a source of business capital, their processes are often slow, rigid, and not well-suited to the immediate needs of many small and medium-sized businesses. This is where Crestmont Capital, as a leading alternative finance provider, offers a distinct and powerful advantage for local entrepreneurs.

Our entire model is built around the needs of the modern business owner. We understand that opportunities and challenges do not wait for a 60-day bank underwriting process. We leverage technology and a deep understanding of business credit to provide a better, faster, and more accessible funding experience.

The Crestmont Capital Difference

• Speed and Efficiency: Our online application takes only a few minutes to complete. We often provide approval decisions within hours, and funding can be in your business bank account in as little as 24 hours. For a Pasadena contractor who just won a big bid and needs to buy materials immediately, this speed is a game-changer.
• Flexible Qualifications: We look beyond just the credit score. We focus on the health and potential of your business, primarily by analyzing your recent cash flow and revenue. This allows us to say "yes" to many strong businesses that might be turned down by a bank due to a past credit issue, a shorter time in business, or a lack of hard collateral.
• A Wide Spectrum of Products: We are not limited to one or two types of loans. We offer the full suite of financing solutions, from term loans and SBA loans to lines of credit, equipment financing, and working capital advances. This allows our funding specialists to act as true consultants, matching your specific Pasadena business need with the perfect financial tool.
• Dedicated Advisors: When you work with Crestmont Capital, you are not just a number in a queue. You are assigned a dedicated funding advisor who will guide you through the entire process. They take the time to understand your goals and help you navigate your options, ensuring you get the best possible terms for your situation.
• Higher Approval Rates: Because of our flexible criteria and diverse product offerings, our approval rates are significantly higher than those of traditional banks. A recent report highlighted the declining loan approval rates at big banks, making alternative lenders an even more critical resource for the small business community.

For entrepreneurs across Harris County, from those near the industrial plants to the small shops on Fairmont Parkway, Crestmont Capital provides the accessible and responsive business funding Pasadena, Texas, companies need to thrive.

Real-World Scenarios: How Pasadena Businesses Use Financing

To better understand the practical impact of business financing, let's explore some hypothetical but realistic scenarios based on the Pasadena business landscape.

Scenario 1: The Machine Shop Upgrade

• The Business: "Pasadena Precision Machining," a family-owned shop that has been operating for 10 years. They service clients in the petrochemical and aerospace industries.
• The Opportunity: A major client offers them a larger, long-term contract, but it requires a newer, more advanced 5-axis CNC machine that they do not own. The machine costs $250,000.
• The Challenge: They do not have the cash on hand to purchase the machine outright, and a traditional bank loan would take too long, potentially causing them to lose the contract.
• The Solution: They apply for Equipment Financing through Crestmont Capital. Because the machine itself serves as collateral and their business has strong, consistent revenue, they are approved quickly. They secure 100% financing for the equipment with a 5-year term.
• The Outcome: They acquire the new machine within two weeks, secure the lucrative contract, increase their production capacity, and improve their profit margins. The loan payments are easily covered by the revenue from the new contract.

Scenario 2: The Logistics Company Expansion

• The Business: "Bayport Logistics," a 3-year-old trucking company that transports goods from the Port of Houston to distribution centers across Texas.
• The Opportunity: Demand for their services is surging. They have the chance to take on two new major clients but need to add three more trucks and drivers to their fleet.
• The Challenge: With only three years in business, they struggle to meet the minimum time-in-business requirements at a local bank. They need capital for the truck down payments and to cover initial payroll and fuel costs.
• The Solution: They secure a $150,000 Working Capital Loan. The approval is based on their strong monthly revenues from the past year. The process is completed online, and they receive the funds in just three days.
• The Outcome: Bayport Logistics makes the down payments on the three new trucks, hires the drivers, and confidently accepts the new client contracts. The quick infusion of capital allows them to scale their operations at a critical moment of opportunity. This strategic move is similar to what we see with small business loans in Houston, where logistics is a key growth sector.

Scenario 3: The Restaurant Renovation

• The Business: A popular local Mexican restaurant on Southmore Avenue that has been in business for over 15 years.
• The Opportunity: The owner wants to modernize the dining room, expand the patio, and upgrade the kitchen equipment to improve efficiency and attract more customers. The estimated cost is $75,000.
• The Challenge: The restaurant has a high volume of credit card sales but a fluctuating monthly profit, and the owner's personal credit score is fair but not excellent.
• The Solution: The owner opts for a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA). The approval is based almost entirely on the restaurant's consistent daily credit card sales. They receive the $75,000 advance in 48 hours.
• The Outcome: The renovation is completed during a brief closure. The restaurant reopens with a fresh look and an improved kitchen, leading to a 20% increase in sales. The MCA is paid back automatically as a small percentage of their daily sales, meaning payments are lower on slow days and higher on busy weekends, perfectly matching their cash flow.

Comparing Business Loan Options for Pasadena Entrepreneurs

When seeking business funding in Pasadena, Texas, it is essential to compare your primary sources of capital. The best choice depends on your business's priorities: Are you optimizing for the lowest possible interest rate, the fastest possible funding speed, or the highest chance of approval? Let's compare the three main players: Traditional Banks, the SBA, and Alternative Lenders like Crestmont Capital.

Traditional Banks

These are the large, established financial institutions. They are generally the most risk-averse lenders in the market.

• Speed: Very slow. The application-to-funding timeline is typically 30-90 days, involving multiple appointments and extensive paperwork.
• Approval Rate: Low. They have the most stringent requirements, typically demanding 2+ years in business, excellent credit (700+), strong profitability, and often significant collateral.
• Loan Amounts: Can be very large, suitable for major acquisitions or real estate purchases.
• Cost of Capital: Generally offer the lowest interest rates for the most qualified borrowers.
• Best For: Highly established, profitable businesses with pristine financials and no urgent need for capital.

SBA-Guaranteed Loans

These loans are facilitated by banks and other lenders but are partially guaranteed by the government, making them slightly less risky for the lender.

• Speed: Slow. The process is even more document-intensive than a conventional bank loan and can often take 45-120 days.
• Approval Rate: Moderate. The government guarantee helps, but the underlying lender (usually a bank) still has strict credit and documentation standards.
• Loan Amounts: Can go up to $5 million, making them suitable for very large projects.
• Cost of Capital: Very low. Rates are capped by the SBA and terms are very long, resulting in low monthly payments.
• Best For: Strong businesses that can withstand a very long and rigorous application process to secure excellent long-term financing.

Alternative Lenders (Crestmont Capital)

These are tech-enabled, non-bank lenders that specialize in small and medium-sized business financing.

• Speed: Extremely fast. The application process is online and takes minutes. Funding can be achieved in as little as 24-72 hours.
• Approval Rate: High. They use a holistic review process that focuses on business cash flow over credit scores. Requirements for time in business (as low as 6 months) and credit score (as low as 550) are much more flexible.
• Loan Amounts: Flexible, ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million, catering to a wide variety of needs from working capital to equipment purchases.
• Cost of Capital: Varies. Rates are competitive but generally higher than a bank or SBA loan to reflect the increased speed, flexibility, and risk. The focus is on the return on investment the capital can generate.
• Best For: The vast majority of small businesses, including those that need capital quickly, do not meet strict bank criteria, or value a simple and efficient process. This flexibility is a key advantage for business owners, including Fort Worth entrepreneurs and others across Texas.

How to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Pasadena, Texas, stands as a city of immense opportunity for dedicated entrepreneurs. Its strategic location, robust industrial base, and growing service sector create a fertile environment for businesses to flourish. However, growth is rarely possible without the right financial resources. Understanding the diverse landscape of small business loans in Pasadena, Texas, is the first and most critical step in transforming your business ambitions into reality.

From term loans for major expansions to lines of credit for managing cash flow, the right financial tool is available to meet your specific needs. While traditional banks remain an option for some, the speed, flexibility, and high approval rates of alternative lenders like Crestmont Capital provide a more practical and effective solution for the majority of today's business owners. By preparing your documentation, understanding your options, and partnering with an experienced lender, you can secure the capital you need to hire, expand, and thrive in the dynamic Pasadena economy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.