When the idea of American creativity comes up in a business setting, most people likely conjure up a Bill Gates-type figure working on some disruptive new technology in a California garage, news of which goes viral and within weeks is followed by a cascade of deep-pocketed development offers.

Another idea of American ingenuity also persists: Let’s find a way to get new projects off the ground, even if they’re small—really small—using a financing package that is based on a straightforward deal structure; that is repeatable and expandable; and allows clients ...