Overcoming Banking Crisis: Small Business Equipment Financing Guide 2023

Is your small business in need of equipment financing to weather the current banking crisis? As a small business owner, understanding the landscape of the equipment finance market is vital, particularly during uncertain times. This article will provide insights into six significant impacts that the banking crisis might have on equipment financing and offer advice on how to respond.

1. Stricter Credit Requirements
Banks often tighten their credit standards due to increased risk, making it difficult for small businesses to obtain equipment financing. As a seeker of business equipment financing or heavy equipment financing, maintaining a robust credit score and strong financial statements is paramount. Be prepared to offer additional collateral or personal guarantees when applying for equipment finance loans.

2. Rising Interest Rates
Increased risk may lead banks to charge higher interest rates, thus escalating the cost of equipment finance. As a small business owner in need of financing equipment, it's advisable to compare equipment financing rates from multiple equipment finance companies and negotiate for the best possible terms. An equipment finance calculator can be a useful tool in this regard.

3. Diminishing Lending
Banks may reduce their lending volume to conserve capital and manage risk, which could limit the availability of equipment financing for small businesses. If you're looking for equipment finance insurance or other types of financing for equipment, consider exploring alternative options like equipment leasing from non-bank lenders or equipment financing companies.

4. Extended Approval Times
With invoice factoring, unlike accounts receivable financing, you have no credit protection with the bank since you still own the accounts receivable invoices. A bank loan affects your debt to equity ratio and becomes a liability on your balance sheet. Invoice factoring, on the other hand, is a sales transaction that does not appear as debt on your balance sheet. Consider options like these as part of your financial strategy.

5. Rigorous Loan Covenants
Banks may enforce more stringent loan covenants, such as higher collateral or shorter repayment terms. These could limit the flexibility of small businesses looking for options like commercial equipment financing or restaurant equipment financing. As an equipment finance company client, you should meticulously review loan documents and negotiate terms that are manageable for your business.

6. Enhanced Scrutiny
Banks might increase their scrutiny of small business borrowers to mitigate risk, leading to more frequent reporting requirements or compliance obligations. As a borrower from an equipment financing company, you should maintain accurate and up-to-date records and be ready to provide regular updates to your lender.

In conclusion, small businesses looking for options like farm equipment financing, medical equipment financing, or even used equipment financing should respond to these impacts by maintaining a strong credit profile, exploring alternative financing options, negotiating with lenders, planning ahead, reviewing loan documents carefully, and keeping accurate records. We at American Credit understand these challenges and stand as champions of small businesses under any circumstances. Contact us today for your business equipment financing needs.