Getting the right cash flow can make or break a business. And for small businesses who are knocking on the bank’s door for a lifeline, how quickly they receive that funding can mean the difference between sinking or swimming.
Going after funding from traditional banks can sometimes result in long funding wait times, unfavorable loan terms, or flat out rejection. We took a look at five small business owners, many who faced it all. Luckily they acted fast and found a quick and easy solution to get the money they needed to thrive.
From dealing with the aftermath of wildfires to navigating operational losses, these five businesses found their lifeline through Funding Circle, a lending platform on a mission to help small businesses get the money they need to grow.
1. Flower Casita
Flower Casita, a vibrant flower shop studio nestled in Petaluma, California serves the local community by personally delivering retail flowers and bouquets to their clients. A staple of Sonoma County and the North Bay, Flower Casita remains the go-to service provider for weddings and corporate events. However, due to the devastation caused by wildfires in the area over the past few years, Flower Casita needed a lifeline to keep their business going. This is where Funding Circle came in.
Talia Masekala, Flower Casita’s founder, shares how easy it was to fill out Funding Circle’s application for funding and how they were able to offer a reasonable interest rate at a difficult time for her business. Flower Casita’s mission to spread love for nature and farmers to the local community is matched by Funding Circle’s passion to help small business owners bloom.
2. Ace Media
Ace Media Company, an Austin-based sound and synth service provider had a booming business until they faced a financial crisis. Having to consider growing operating costs and the payroll of his new employees, CEO Ron Schott was left with a difficult dilemma of how to lower his business debt, grow the business and keep necessary staff. After being ghosted by a previous lender, Ron turned to Funding Circle where he was put in contact with a staff member in just a few hours.
Ace Media Company experienced a 30% year-over-year growth in revenue, a better cash flow position and a larger geographical client base due to the loan they received through Funding Circle.
Ace Media’s CEO boasted that the interest rate they got through Funding Circle was much lower than the rates other lenders were offering. This made it the clear choice and he was able to use the money he received from Funding Circle toward reinvesting in the business. Music to everybody’s ears.
3. Kate Lester Interiors
Kate Lester Interiors is a full-service interior design studio, specializing in ground-up design and full-home furnishing. As the business started to skyrocket, founder Kate Lester had to quickly look for a commercial space. Even though she was initially debt-averse, Kate knew that to truly manifest her vision, funding would be necessary to cover initial costs.
After receiving a rejection from their traditional bank, Kate sought the help of Funding Circle and in 10 days she received the funds she needed. These funds helped her get her company on track to hit $2.5 million by the end of that same year.
Kate was extremely pleased with Funding Circle’s customer service and credits her success to taking the first brave step to investing in her business. Her business along with Funding Circle’s backing made her dream a reality.
4. Elijah’s Xtreme
Elijah’s Xtreme Gourmet Sauces was founded by Elijah and Bret Morey, a father-son duo who craved a sauce with a hot and savory flavor. The Morey’s vision began when then six-year-old Elijah realized he wanted to be the youngest person to eat the hottest pepper in the world.
Their first order of Elijah’s Xtreme Gourmet Sauce came from Bass Pro Shop. To meet the demand, Elijah and his father knew they’d need a $25,000 loan. This funding allowed them to professionally package their product, which was a step-up from sharing samples on toothpicks.
The funding they received also allowed them to create a new product called the Deer Smear, which led to a 258% growth in their business year over year.
This dynamic father-son duo of hot sauce credits their success to Funding Circle, which deposited their funds in a matter of days. Today they call their loan, “the gift that keeps on giving.”
5. Hylander CPA Firm, PLLC
Debbie Hylander is the founder of Hylander CPA Firm in Cartersville, Tennessee, that supports small to mid-sized business owners with their finances, payroll, bookkeeping and tax preparation. Founded in 2010, the Hylander CPA Firm found itself stuck between finishing client work and focusing on its business development. Debbie realized she wanted to expand the firm with more employees, so she could focus on growing the overall business and less on working in the business.
As a result, she sought the help of Funding Circle who, as she quoted, provided an easy and “painless” experience throughout the funding process. Today, Debbie has grown her business to multiple employees and expanded the services she’s able to offer clients as a result of Funding Circle.
3 small businesses that thrived with funding
Business loans made easy
With a six minute application and lending decisions as soon as one business day, Funding Circle makes it easy for businesses to get quick access to loans up to $500,000 when they need it most. It has helped thousands of companies gain access to a collective $20.2 billion to help their businesses thrive.
In fact, 92% of business owners say that they’ll consider using Funding Circle again for their future business needs. If you’re looking to secure an emergency funding lifeline or simply grow your business, consider Funding Circle today.
Compare other business loans here
More guides on Finder
-
6 Best Instant Approval Business Lines of Credit
Compare some of the best lenders that offer instant approval business lines of credit and the pros and cons of each.
-
6 Best Startup Business Lines of Credit in 2024
Compare business lines of credit, the requirements needed to qualify and other types of business financing.
-
Medical Practice Loans: 8 Types to Consider
Compare top business financing options to fund a medical practice.
-
Best Loans to Start, Buy or Expand a Dental Practice
How to choose the best dental practice loan for your business and the different loan types to consider.
-
6 Best Startup Business Loans with Easy Approval
Consider startup business loans with easy approval, including equipment loans, invoice factoring, crowdfunding and merchant cash advances.
-
10 Best No-Doc Business Loans of October 2024
Compare the best ten lenders that offer no-document or low-doc loans.
-
1West Finance Review: High Ratings, High Rates
Get multiple offers from this highly rated service, but watch out for strict repayment terms.
-
Shopify Capital review
Current merchants may be able to take advantage of a loan with extremely flexible repayments
-
8 alternatives to Fundbox lines of credit
Six other lenders that offer credit lines and invoice financing — and might be better for your business.
-
National Business Capital loans review
Get a business loan to grow your company. ✓ High maximum loan amounts ✓ No restrictions on loan purpose ✓ Quick turnaround time ✓ High approval rate
Ask a question