Business Funding Guide

Equipment Financing for Small Business: Get the Equipment You Need Now

Equipment financing lets you acquire the tools, machinery, and technology your business needs without tying up your working capital — keeping cash in your account while your equipment generates revenue.

What Is Equipment Financing?

Equipment financing is a loan or lease specifically designed to purchase business equipment. The equipment itself serves as collateral for the financing, which typically makes approval more accessible than unsecured business loans — even for businesses with less-than-perfect credit.

Equipment financing can cover virtually any type of business equipment: commercial kitchen equipment, construction machinery, medical and dental equipment, vehicles and trucks, technology and computers, manufacturing equipment, and more.

Equipment Loan vs. Equipment Lease

Equipment Loan

You borrow the purchase price of the equipment and pay it back over time with interest. At the end of the loan term, you own the equipment outright. Best for equipment you plan to keep and use long-term.

Equipment Lease

You make monthly payments to use the equipment but don't own it at the end. Leases often have lower monthly payments than loans and allow you to upgrade to newer equipment at the end of the lease term. Best for technology or equipment that becomes obsolete quickly.

Industries That Use Equipment Financing

Equipment financing is used across virtually every industry. Common use cases include restaurants and food service needing commercial kitchen equipment, contractors and construction companies needing heavy machinery and vehicles, auto repair shops needing lifts and diagnostic equipment, medical and dental practices needing imaging and procedure equipment, trucking and logistics companies financing vehicles, manufacturing businesses needing production equipment, and salons and spas needing treatment chairs and tools.

How to Qualify for Equipment Financing

Because the equipment serves as collateral, equipment financing is generally more accessible than unsecured loans. Most programs look at time in business — typically one to two years minimum — monthly revenue to ensure you can service the payments, credit history though lower scores are more workable than with traditional loans, and the type and value of the equipment being financed.

How Much Can You Finance?

Equipment financing amounts vary widely based on the equipment's value and your business's financial profile. Small equipment financing starts around $5,000 and can go into the millions for heavy industrial equipment. Most small business equipment loans fall in the $25,000 to $500,000 range.

Apply for Equipment Financing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finance used equipment?
Yes. Many lenders finance used equipment, though the loan-to-value ratio may be lower than for new equipment. The equipment's age, condition, and remaining useful life factor into the approval.
How much down payment is required?
Many equipment financing programs require little to no down payment since the equipment itself is the collateral. Some programs offer 100% financing on qualified equipment purchases.
What are typical equipment loan terms?
Equipment loan terms typically range from two to seven years depending on the equipment type, amount financed, and your business profile. Longer-lived equipment like heavy machinery often qualifies for longer terms.
Is equipment financing tax deductible?
Equipment loan interest and depreciation may be deductible under Section 179 of the tax code. Consult your accountant for guidance specific to your situation.