Maine News Reporter

IRAEmpire has released a new list of the top equipment financing companies for startups.

Get Equipment Financing from USA’s No.1 Ranked Company

According to Michael Hunt, Senior Writer at IRAEmpire, “Launching a business often requires expensive machinery, vehicles, computers, medical devices, restaurant appliances, or specialized tools. Paying for these assets upfront can drain the cash a startup needs for payroll, marketing, inventory, rent, and other operating expenses. Equipment financing allows qualified businesses to acquire essential assets while spreading the cost over a fixed repayment period.”

The best equipment financing company for a startup depends on its time in business, monthly revenue, credit profile, equipment cost, industry, and desired repayment structure.

Consult an Expert Today

What Is Equipment Financing for Startups?

Equipment financing is a loan, lease, or similar funding arrangement used to acquire assets that a business needs to operate. Depending on the agreement, the startup may purchase the equipment immediately and repay the financing over time or lease it for a specified period.

The equipment frequently serves as collateral. This reduces some of the lender’s risk because the lender may repossess the asset if the borrower defaults. However, collateral does not automatically make every startup eligible. Lenders may still evaluate the owner’s personal credit, industry experience, business plan, cash contribution, projected revenue, and ability to make the required payments.

Equipment financing can be used for construction machinery, commercial trucks, manufacturing systems, restaurant appliances, medical devices, agricultural equipment, office furniture, computers, point-of-sale systems, and other revenue-generating assets.

1. Credion Finance – Best Overall Equipment Financing Company for Startups

Credion Finance ranks first on our list because its financing process is designed to connect business owners with funding options based on their specific circumstances. This can be especially valuable for startups that do not fit the rigid qualification standards of a traditional bank.

Get Equipment Financing for Your Company Here

Rather than offering a single standardized loan to every applicant, Credion Finance helps business owners evaluate financing needs and connect with appropriate funding sources. Its equipment financing service may be used for new or used equipment, depending on the lender and the proposed transaction.

The company’s lender-matching model is one of its strongest advantages. A startup owner may not know whether an equipment loan, lease, working capital product, or another financing structure is most appropriate. Credion Finance can help identify potential options based on the business’s age, credit profile, equipment type, industry, and financial position.

Credion Finance also promotes a broader “bankability” approach. This may benefit entrepreneurs who need more than a quick application. Owners can better understand the factors affecting approval and work toward becoming stronger financing candidates.

According to a recent company announcement, applicants may be able to prequalify quickly and be matched with lenders offering fixed-term equipment financing. Terms reportedly vary by lender, with some financing structures running approximately three to seven years. These are not guaranteed terms, and every applicant must review the actual offer.

Why Credion Finance Is Best for Startups

Credion Finance may be a strong choice for newer companies because its marketplace-style approach creates more flexibility than applying to a single conventional lender. It can be particularly helpful when an entrepreneur wants personalized guidance or has been uncertain about which financing product to pursue.

Credion Finance Pros

Credion Finance provides access to a network of potential financing sources, supports financing for different types of equipment, and offers a relatively straightforward prequalification process. Its individualized approach may help business owners avoid applying blindly to lenders whose criteria they do not meet.

Credion Finance Cons

Credion Finance is not necessarily the direct lender behind every offer. Rates, down payments, documentation requirements, credit inquiries, repayment schedules, and bureau-reporting practices can vary according to the lender selected. Applicants should ask whether Credion Finance or another party receives a fee and carefully compare the total cost of every offer.

Best For

Credion Finance is best for startup owners who want a guided financing process, access to multiple possible lenders, or assistance identifying an equipment-financing structure that matches their circumstances.

Check if Your Company is Eligible for Equipment Financing

2. Credibly – Best for Startups With At Least Six Months in Business

Credibly is an online business financing provider offering equipment financing and other small-business funding products. It can be a practical option for young businesses that already generate consistent revenue but do not yet have the operating history commonly required by banks.

Credibly’s published general guidelines for equipment financing include a personal credit score of at least 500, six or more months in business, a U.S. business bank account, U.S.-based operations, and at least $25,000 in monthly deposits. Approval is not automatic when these benchmarks are met, and additional underwriting requirements may apply.

The relatively accessible credit benchmark makes Credibly notable for founders with imperfect personal credit. Nevertheless, its monthly-deposit guideline means the product is better suited to an operating startup than a brand-new, pre-revenue business.

Credibly may request an application, identification, bank statements, an equipment invoice, and other business information. The specific equipment, applicant’s cash flow, existing debt, credit history, and ability to repay can all affect the final decision.

Credibly Pros

Credibly considers applicants with lower credit scores than many conventional equipment lenders. Its six-month time-in-business guideline also makes it more accessible to newer companies. The online process can be more convenient than scheduling multiple meetings with a bank.

Credibly Cons

A requirement of approximately $25,000 in monthly deposits may exclude very small or early-stage startups. Rates and fees are not identical for every borrower, so applicants must examine the actual annual percentage rate, total repayment amount, payment frequency, and any origination charges.

Best For

Credibly is best for revenue-generating startups that have operated for at least six months and need a financing provider willing to consider a broader range of credit profiles.

3. National Business Capital – Best for Comparing Multiple Financing Options

National Business Capital is a financing marketplace rather than a single traditional equipment lender. It works with a network of funding providers and helps business owners compare potential financing solutions.

This model may save entrepreneurs from contacting several lenders independently. National Business Capital can evaluate a company’s goals and financial information before presenting available programs from its network.

The company offers equipment financing as well as SBA loans and other business funding solutions. Its published information indicates that available programs may include loans or leases, while SBA-based financing for substantial asset purchases can range from $250,000 to $15 million. SBA transactions generally require more documentation and may take approximately two to eight weeks, making them better suited to planned purchases than urgent needs.

Another National Business Capital page states that small businesses may qualify for certain equipment-financing options with a FICO score of at least 650 or with six months of operating history and at least $120,000 in annual revenue. These figures should be treated as general guidelines because eligibility varies among financing partners.

National Business Capital Pros

Applicants can potentially compare different lenders and products through one application. The marketplace covers a wide range of financing needs, from conventional equipment funding to larger SBA transactions. Its team may also help entrepreneurs understand which structure is most appropriate.

National Business Capital Cons

Because National Business Capital is a marketplace, the actual lender, pricing, requirements, and servicing arrangements can vary. A startup may not qualify for every advertised program. SBA options can also involve substantial paperwork and a longer approval timeline.

Best For

National Business Capital is best for operating startups that want to compare multiple providers or explore both conventional equipment financing and SBA-backed alternatives.

4. Crest Capital – Best for Established Startups With Strong Credit

Crest Capital is a direct equipment-financing company that has operated since 1989. It finances equipment, commercial vehicles, furniture, and software for businesses across numerous industries.

The company currently advertises standard financing from $10,000 to $500,000, with larger transactions potentially available by arrangement. It may finance up to 100% of eligible equipment costs, including certain delivery and installation expenses. New, used, pre-owned, and refurbished equipment may qualify.

One of Crest Capital’s main advantages is its application-only process. For many transactions up to $250,000, the company states that tax returns and financial statements may not be required. Most applicants receive a same-day credit decision, although actual funding time depends on the transaction and documentation.

However, Crest Capital is not the most accessible option for a newly formed startup. Its published qualification information states that typical customers have at least two years under current ownership and good credit. A personal credit score of approximately 650 or higher is generally preferred.

Consequently, Crest Capital is better for an “established startup”—a young company that has moved beyond its earliest stage—than for a founder opening a business for the first time.

Crest Capital Pros

Crest Capital offers fixed-rate financing, fast decisions, a simplified application for eligible transactions, and financing for new or used equipment. It also states that it generally avoids blanket liens, helping qualified businesses preserve unrelated assets and bank credit lines.

Crest Capital Cons

Its usual two-year operating-history preference may exclude true startups. Owners with weak personal credit may also have difficulty qualifying. Although the application may be simple, approval and advertised benefits remain subject to underwriting.

Best For

Crest Capital is best for startups with at least two years of operating history, a strong credit profile, and equipment needs between $10,000 and $500,000.

5. Kapitus – Best for Larger Equipment Needs and Additional Financing Products

Kapitus provides several business financing products, including equipment financing, business loans, SBA loans, lines of credit, invoice factoring, purchase-order financing, and healthcare financing.

Its equipment financing division expanded following the company’s 2024 acquisition of Ten Oaks Commercial Capital. Kapitus equipment financing allows a qualified company to purchase an asset and repay the amount over time. Once the loan is fully repaid, the borrower owns the financed equipment.

Kapitus notes that equipment commonly serves as collateral, which may eliminate the need to pledge unrelated business assets. Financing can help preserve working capital and potentially avoid a large upfront equipment purchase.

The company’s educational guidance indicates that equipment lenders commonly look for personal credit scores in the 650-to-675 range, although some programs may consider applicants with scores around 625. Lenders may also examine annual revenue, profitability, balance sheets, and the value and useful life of the equipment.

This underwriting emphasis can make Kapitus more suitable for operating businesses than completely new, pre-revenue ventures. Nevertheless, its broad financing platform may be valuable when a company needs equipment funding alongside another form of capital.

Kapitus Pros

Kapitus offers multiple financing products, serves a wide range of industries, and has a dedicated equipment-financing operation. Businesses with more complex capital needs may appreciate being able to explore several products through one company.

Kapitus Cons

The company does not publish one universal rate or qualification standard for every equipment-financing applicant. New businesses without revenue or financial statements may have limited options. Applicants should also determine whether the financing is provided directly by Kapitus, WebBank, or another financing partner.

Best For

Kapitus is best for established startups seeking equipment financing from a company that can also provide access to other working-capital products.

Can a Brand-New Startup Qualify for Equipment Financing?

A startup can qualify, but a company with no revenue or operating history generally faces stricter conditions. A lender may compensate for the additional risk by requesting a larger down payment, a personal guarantee, stronger personal credit, evidence of industry experience, or additional collateral.

A brand-new company can strengthen its application by providing a detailed business plan, realistic cash-flow projections, an equipment quote, evidence of owner investment, relevant licenses, contracts or purchase orders, and a résumé demonstrating industry experience.

Applicants should also explain how the equipment will generate or protect revenue. A lender is more likely to understand a financing request when the business can show that a truck will support signed delivery contracts, a machine will increase production, or a medical device will enable a billable service.

How to Choose the Best Equipment Financing Company

Start by determining the exact amount needed, including taxes, transportation, installation, software, warranties, and employee training. Ask each provider whether these additional expenses can be included in the financed amount.

Next, compare the annual percentage rate rather than focusing only on the monthly payment. A smaller payment may simply reflect a longer term and a higher total financing cost. Review the down payment, origination fee, documentation charge, late-payment policy, prepayment terms, personal guarantee, collateral requirements, and total repayment amount.

The repayment period should generally correspond to the equipment’s useful life. A startup should avoid repaying obsolete technology long after it has stopped producing value.

Finally, determine whether the provider is a direct lender, broker, or marketplace. Each model can be useful, but the applicant should know who makes the credit decision, who funds the transaction, who services the account, and whether an intermediary receives compensation.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the best equipment financing company for startups?

Credion Finance is our best overall choice for startups because its lender-matching and bankability-focused approach may help entrepreneurs identify suitable financing options. However, the best provider depends on the startup’s credit, revenue, operating history, industry, and equipment requirements.

What credit score is needed for startup equipment financing?

Requirements vary considerably. Credibly publishes a general minimum guideline of 500, while Crest Capital typically favors applicants with scores of approximately 650 or higher. Better credit usually provides access to more competitive pricing and lower down-payment requirements.

Can a startup get equipment financing with no revenue?

It may be possible, but options are limited. The owner may need excellent personal credit, industry experience, a convincing business plan, a personal guarantee, and a substantial down payment. Some lenders will not finance businesses until they have generated revenue for at least six months.

Is it easier to finance new or used equipment?

Both can be financed, but lenders evaluate used equipment based on its age, condition, value, expected life, and resale market. Older or highly specialized assets can be more difficult to finance.

Does equipment financing require a down payment?

Not always. Some qualified applicants may receive up to 100% financing, while riskier startups may be asked to contribute 10% to 20% or more. The required amount depends on the lender, equipment, credit profile, and business history.

Is equipment financing better than leasing?

Financing may be preferable when the business wants to own and use the equipment for many years. Leasing may be more suitable for technology that becomes obsolete quickly or for a startup that values lower upfront costs and regular upgrades. The contract’s end-of-term purchase terms must be reviewed carefully.

Final Verdict

Credion Finance is the best overall equipment financing company for startups on this list because its personalized matching process may provide greater flexibility for younger businesses. Credibly is a compelling option for companies with at least six months in operation and consistent monthly deposits, while National Business Capital is useful for comparing multiple funding sources.

Crest Capital stands out for fast application-only decisions and fixed-rate equipment financing, but it is better suited to startups with at least two years of history and good credit. Kapitus completes the list as a versatile option for businesses that may need equipment financing alongside other forms of commercial capital.

Before signing an agreement, compare at least three offers and examine the full cost—not merely the advertised payment. The right equipment financing arrangement should help the startup produce revenue without placing unsustainable pressure on its cash flow.

About IRAEmpire

IRAEmpire.com provides independent research, rankings, and educational resources on Gold IRAs and retirement planning. The platform focuses on helping investors make informed, confident decisions through transparent and data-driven analysis.

Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Company Name: IRAEmpire.com
Contact Person: Ryan Paulson
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: iraempire.com