Building a Capital Strategy: How Equipment, LOCs, and Working Capital Loans Power Your Business

Want to grow your business and manage cash flow effectively? Here's the key: Use a mix of financing tools like equipment financing, lines of credit (LOCs), and working capital loans. These tools can help fund growth, cover daily expenses, and prepare for unexpected costs.

Quick Takeaways:

• Equipment Financing: Spread out payments for machinery, vehicles, or tech without draining cash.
• Lines of Credit (LOCs): Flexible funds for operational costs or emergencies - pay interest only on what you use.
• Working Capital Loans: One-time lump sums to cover short-term cash gaps or seize growth opportunities.

Why it works: Combining these tools provides the flexibility to handle financial challenges while fueling long-term growth. Most U.S. businesses (82%) rely on financing for equipment and more than half operate with slim margins, making a solid capital strategy essential.

Quick Comparison

Funding Tool	Purpose	Repayment	Best For
Equipment Financing	Buy assets (machinery, tech)	Fixed monthly payments	Long-term revenue-generating assets
Lines of Credit (LOCs)	Cover operational costs	Revolving (reuse funds)	Seasonal cash flow gaps, emergencies
Working Capital Loans	Cover short-term needs	Fixed repayment schedule	One-time expenses or growth projects

Tip: Match the right tool to your business needs. For example, use LOCs for ongoing expenses and working capital loans for time-sensitive opportunities.

Small Business Financing Secrets (Loans, Credit & Leases OH MY!)

Equipment Financing: Acquiring Assets Without Draining Cash

Equipment financing offers businesses a way to obtain essential tools and machinery without making a hefty upfront payment. Instead, payments are spread over time, keeping cash reserves available for daily operations. By understanding what equipment financing covers and the terms involved, businesses can make smarter financial decisions.

What Equipment Financing Covers

Equipment financing typically involves loans or leases, allowing businesses to purchase equipment with manageable monthly payments. The equipment itself usually serves as collateral, making approval easier compared to traditional business loans.

This type of financing covers a wide range of assets, including machinery, printers, medical equipment, computer systems, office furniture, and HVAC systems. For example, construction companies often finance heavy machinery, while restaurants might finance commercial kitchen equipment or point-of-sale systems.

When it comes to vehicle financing, specific rules apply. Specialized vehicles like heavy trucks, buses, and ambulances generally qualify for full financing benefits. However, standard passenger vehicles, such as cars and light trucks, often face restrictions or may not qualify for certain financing programs.

Vehicle Category	Full Financing Benefits	Special Restrictions
Vocational/Specialized Vehicles	Yes	Available for well-qualified applicants
Heavier Passenger Vehicles	Subject to limits	Financing available with restrictions
Cars & Light Trucks	Restrictions apply	Not eligible for certain programs

Financing amounts typically range from $5,000 to $500,000, with terms extending up to 60 months - and in some cases, up to 84 months for well-qualified applicants. Some lenders even offer 100% financing, removing the need for a down payment.

Main Benefits of Equipment Financing

One of the biggest advantages of equipment financing is its ability to preserve cash flow. By maintaining liquidity, businesses can handle unexpected expenses while also benefiting from tax deductions under Section 179 of the IRS tax code. This section allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the same tax year, up to $1,250,000 for 2025. To qualify, the equipment must be used for business purposes more than 50% of the time.

Another perk is flexible payment structures, which let businesses align payments with the revenue generated by the equipment. Kyle Bergeron, President of Equipment Finance at First Business Specialty Finance, highlights this benefit:

"Lease equipment financing or loans allow you to access new technology and efficiency quickly at affordable prices... Loans and leases preserve your cash and help manage your balance sheet as a predictable, monthly expense."

Equipment financing also helps businesses combat inflation by locking in fixed interest rates and payments. For industries relying on rapidly changing technology, leasing can reduce the risk of equipment becoming outdated before its value is fully recovered.

What to Know Before Applying for Equipment Financing

To align equipment financing with your overall financial strategy, it’s important to understand the terms and costs involved. Lenders assess factors such as creditworthiness, cash flow, collateral, and the value of the equipment.

Here are some key terms to keep in mind:

• Interest rates: Typically range from 4% to 45% APR, depending on creditworthiness
• Origination fees: Usually 0.5% to 4% of the loan amount
• Loan terms: Vary based on the lifespan of the equipment

For instance, Bank of America offers fixed rates starting at 6.50% for equipment loans with terms of up to five years when secured by business assets.

Before applying, ensure the equipment qualifies for tax benefits under Section 179 by consulting IRS guidelines or a tax advisor. Additionally, consider whether the equipment is crucial to your operations, as this can strengthen your application.

Finally, compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best combination of interest rates, repayment terms, and fees. If you have a strong credit history, don’t hesitate to negotiate - many lenders are open to adjusting terms for qualified borrowers.

Lines of Credit: Flexible Funding for Daily Operations

A business line of credit acts like a financial lifeline, giving companies access to funds when needed without the rigid terms of traditional loans. It’s a flexible way to manage everyday expenses or handle unexpected opportunities.

How Business Lines of Credit Work

Picture a business line of credit as a pre-approved pot of money you can dip into whenever required. The best part? You only pay interest on the amount you actually use. Once you repay what you’ve borrowed, the funds become available again for future use.

Unlike credit cards, which are better suited for smaller, routine expenses, lines of credit are designed for larger funding needs. They typically come with higher credit limits, ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 for unsecured lines. Interest rates and fees depend on factors like your credit score and business financials, but many lines of credit don’t penalize you for repaying early. This flexibility makes them a valuable addition to your financial toolkit.

Common Uses for Lines of Credit

Lines of credit are perfect for covering short-term funding needs that pop up during regular business operations. They’re often used to manage operational costs, smooth out seasonal cash flow, and handle emergencies. For instance, seasonal businesses like landscaping companies can use a line of credit to pay for payroll or equipment upkeep during slower months when revenue dips.

Entrepreneurs also rely on lines of credit to tackle unexpected expenses or invest in upgrades that can’t wait. They’re especially effective for bridging cash flow gaps or funding immediate growth opportunities that might not align with the slower approval process of traditional bank loans.

Lines of Credit vs. Working Capital Loans

Knowing when to choose a line of credit over a working capital loan can make a big difference in your financing strategy. Each option serves distinct purposes and offers unique benefits.

Funding Type	Access Method	Interest Structure	Payment Style	Ideal Use Case
Lines of Credit	Draw funds as needed up to limit	Interest only on amount used	Revolving; reuse as repaid	Ongoing needs; seasonal cash flow gaps
Working Capital Loans	Lump sum upfront	Interest on full loan amount	Fixed monthly payments	Specific projects; inventory purchases

Lines of credit shine when your funding needs are unpredictable. For example, you might use them to cover payroll one month and buy inventory the next, paying interest only on the amounts you withdraw. This makes them a great fit for businesses with fluctuating cash flow.

On the other hand, working capital loans are better suited for situations where you know exactly how much money you need and when you’ll need it. They’re ideal for specific, one-time expenses like purchasing inventory or launching a growth initiative, offering fixed payments and a clear repayment timeline. Your choice should depend on how steady your cash flow is and how you prefer to manage debt. By understanding these differences, you can better align your financing options with your overall business strategy.

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Working Capital Loans: Covering Cash Shortfalls and Growth Needs

While equipment financing and lines of credit focus on acquiring assets and maintaining operational flow, working capital loans are tailored to address immediate cash flow gaps. These loans play a distinct role in your overall financial strategy.

What Are Working Capital Loans?

Working capital loans are designed to handle everyday business expenses or temporary cash flow issues. They provide a lump sum that is typically repaid over 6 to 48 months, though most repayment terms range from 6 to 18 months. Interest rates usually fall between 11% and 40%, and businesses can borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue. Unlike the revolving nature of a line of credit, these loans have a fixed structure, making them ideal for specific, time-sensitive needs.

When to Use a Working Capital Loan

These loans are especially useful for managing short-term financial challenges. Businesses often rely on them to cover delayed accounts receivable, handle unexpected costs, or navigate seasonal slowdowns. They can also be a smart choice for seizing growth opportunities. For example, Staley & Sons Powerwashing in Ohio used a working capital loan to invest in branded van wraps, which helped them expand their client base and enhance their professional image.

Comparing Working Capital Loans and Lines of Credit

While both working capital loans and lines of credit serve as valuable financial tools, they cater to different needs. Lines of credit offer revolving access to funds, providing flexibility for ongoing expenses. In contrast, working capital loans deliver a fixed amount with structured repayment, making them better suited for specific, well-defined costs.

"Lines of credit and working capital loans are both important potential sources of funds for a business, but the differences are often misunderstood. Choosing the right financing helps ensure you have enough funds at the right time to sustain and grow your business." - Ihsain Chahim, Vice President, Financing and Consulting at BDC

Ultimately, both options have their place in a comprehensive financial strategy. The best choice depends on your business's cash flow and funding requirements. Working capital loans provide stability for one-time expenses, while lines of credit offer the flexibility needed for ongoing operational demands.

Building Your Capital Strategy with Multiple Funding Tools

A strong capital strategy uses a mix of financing tools to fuel growth. Instead of depending on just one funding source, businesses often combine options like equipment financing, lines of credit, and working capital loans. This blend creates a flexible financial foundation, balancing asset purchases with liquidity management to meet changing business demands.

The secret to smart capital planning is aligning each funding tool with specific business goals while keeping financial flexibility intact. Companies that allocate resources strategically tend to see 30% higher total returns to shareholders on average. This underscores the importance of thoughtful funding choices for long-term success.

Matching Funding Options to Your Business Goals

Every business goal calls for a different financial approach. For example:

• Equipment financing is great for acquiring revenue-generating assets.
• Lines of credit provide ongoing operational flexibility.
• Working capital loans address short-term cash flow needs or specific growth opportunities.

For growth-focused strategies, businesses often combine short-term funding options like equipment financing or lines of credit with SBA loans. This mix helps secure better terms and manage costs effectively.

A layered approach can also help preserve cash flow. Equipment financing allows you to spread out the cost of assets, while lines of credit can cover unexpected expenses. David Feldser, East Region Sales Leader for Equipment Financing at J.P. Morgan, emphasizes the importance of this flexibility:

"If I'm worried and I want to make sure that I have more cushion in my cash flow, I would definitely be more motivated to do a loan with a longer term or amortization".

When creating your funding plan, it’s important to evaluate both immediate and long-term needs. Compare factors like interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. Refinancing high-interest debt with SBA loans can also free up cash flow for day-to-day operations.

Regular reviews of your financial strategy are essential. As market conditions shift and business priorities evolve, businesses should reassess their funding plans to stay aligned with new opportunities and challenges.

How Clearly Acquired Helps with Funding Strategy

Managing multiple funding tools can get complicated, which is where a unified platform like Clearly Acquired comes in. Clearly Acquired integrates various funding options - equipment financing, lines of credit, SBA loans, and working capital solutions - into one streamlined system. This approach simplifies financial management, helping businesses align their funding tools with their broader capital strategy.

Working with experienced financial advisors can also provide valuable insights. They can help you navigate the complexities of managing multiple loans and funding programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also emphasizes the importance of flexible funding solutions. Administrator Guzman explains:

"Small businesses require working capital through competitively-priced lines of credit to operate efficiently and fund their pursuit of growth opportunities – which is why the SBA is meeting the market needs, especially in a higher interest rate environment, by adding the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program to our suite of loan products".

Clearly Acquired’s platform helps businesses take advantage of these funding options while maintaining flexibility. By integrating funding decisions with both short-term needs and long-term goals, businesses can position themselves for sustainable growth.

Conclusion: Creating a Strong Capital Strategy

Building a strong capital strategy means effectively combining tools like equipment financing, lines of credit, and working capital loans to achieve your business goals. Each of these serves a unique purpose, and when used together thoughtfully, they create a financial framework that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term growth. The data below highlights just how crucial these strategies are.

In 2021, U.S. businesses poured $2 trillion into plant, equipment, and software. Of that, 57% was financed through loans, leases, and lines of credit, and 82% of businesses relied on financing to acquire equipment. These numbers show just how integral strategic financing is to the success of American businesses.

Equipment financing lets you secure revenue-generating assets without draining your cash reserves. Lines of credit offer the flexibility to manage short-term working capital needs or unexpected expenses. Meanwhile, working capital loans help bridge cash flow gaps and fund specific growth opportunities. Aligning these tools with your business goals ensures financial flexibility and sets the stage for sustainable growth.

It’s important to regularly review your capital strategy to stay competitive as market conditions and business priorities change.

A few key tips: Use revolving credit for operating costs, not for buying equipment. And, don’t mix short-term working capital needs with long-term asset investments. These practices can help keep your financial strategy on track.

FAQs

How do I choose the right financing option - equipment financing, a line of credit, or a working capital loan - for my business?

Choosing the right financing option depends on what your business needs and where you want to go. If you're looking to invest in machinery or other substantial assets, equipment financing might be your best bet. It usually comes with fixed repayment terms that stretch over several years, making it easier to budget for big purchases. For more flexible funding, a line of credit can be a lifesaver. It’s perfect for handling ongoing operational expenses, managing cash flow, or tackling those unexpected costs that pop up. Meanwhile, working capital loans are tailored for short-term needs, like covering immediate expenses or smoothing out cash flow gaps.

When making your decision, think about how quickly you need the funds, the repayment terms that suit your business, and whether your needs are short-term or long-term. Matching the right financing option to your cash flow and business goals can set you up for steady and sustainable growth.

What tax advantages does equipment financing offer, and how can my business qualify?

Equipment financing offers businesses in the United States some appealing tax advantages. One standout benefit is the Section 179 deduction, which lets businesses deduct up to $1,250,000 of qualifying equipment purchases in 2025. However, this deduction applies only if total equipment purchases remain under $3,130,000.

Another perk is bonus depreciation, which allows businesses to deduct the full cost of eligible equipment in the year it’s purchased. This can significantly lower taxable income, giving businesses more financial flexibility.

To take advantage of these incentives, your business must meet IRS regulations, including limits on spending and specific equipment eligibility. These tax breaks not only enhance cash flow but also make financing equipment a smart way to support your business’s growth.

What’s the difference between a business line of credit and a working capital loan, and how do I decide which is right for my business?

A business line of credit works like a revolving credit account, providing you with access to funds whenever you need them. This makes it a great option for handling fluctuating expenses, such as seasonal cash flow gaps or unexpected bills. The best part? You only pay interest on the amount you actually use, and once you repay it, those funds are available to use again.

On the other hand, a working capital loan is a one-time lump sum designed for specific short-term needs. Businesses often use these loans to cover things like payroll, inventory purchases, or a targeted growth initiative. Unlike a line of credit, this type of loan comes with a fixed repayment schedule and doesn’t renew once it’s paid off.

If you’re dealing with ongoing or unpredictable expenses and need flexibility, a line of credit is a smart choice. But if you require a specific amount of money for a defined purpose and are comfortable with fixed repayment terms, a working capital loan might be the better fit.