1West blog

The beliefs behind the money.

We believe in small business. So we’re inspired by the stories behind them. Read how businesses of all shapes and sizes turned the right loans into their own versions of success.

A woman holds a wad of money on a table.

Préstamos para negocios en EE. UU.: Guía completa para dueños de empresas

Tener acceso a préstamos para negocios confiables y flexibles puede marcar la diferencia entre mantener un negocio a flote o hacerlo crecer de forma exponencial. En Estados Unidos, los dueños de pequeñas y medianas empresas buscan cada vez más préstamos para empresas que se adapten a sus necesidades específicas: capital

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • November 13, 2025
Una empresaria latina planificando su próximo proyecto, representando a los emprendedores empoderados gracias a la plataforma ABLE en español de 1West.

Rompiendo Barreras: 1West Lanza ABLE en Español para Impulsar a los Emprendedores Latinos

1West se enorgullece de presentar la versión en español de su Automated Business Lending Engine (ABLE), un paso importante hacia la creación de un acceso más rápido, justo y accesible al financiamiento empresarial para emprendedores latinos en todo Estados Unidos. Las pequeñas empresas propiedad de latinos representan uno de los

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • November 12, 2025
A Latino business owner planning her next project, representing empowered entrepreneurs supported by 1West’s Spanish ABLE platform.

Breaking Barriers: 1West Launches Spanish ABLE to Empower Latino Entrepreneurs

Read this post in spanish 1West is proud to introduce the Spanish-language version of our Automated Business Lending Engine (ABLE), a major step toward making business financing faster, fairer, and more accessible for Latino entrepreneurs across the United States. Latino-owned small businesses represent one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • November 12, 2025

Equipment Lease vs Equipment Loan: How to Decide What’s Right for Your Business

When your business needs new equipment, whether it’s machinery, vehicles, or technology, you often face a big question: should you lease it or take out a loan to buy it? Both options can help you get the tools you need to operate and grow, but each comes with its own

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • November 5, 2025

Food Truck Equipment Financing: How to Fund the Tools You Need to Launch and Grow

The food truck industry has exploded in popularity across the United States, giving entrepreneurs a flexible and mobile way to serve customers. But while it can be more affordable than opening a traditional restaurant, the upfront costs are still significant, especially for equipment. A single truck often needs a full

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 30, 2025

How to Secure Working Capital for Seasonal Businesses

landscaping services in the spring and summer, holiday retailers in December, or tourism operators in peak travel months. Because income is concentrated into a few busy months, cash flow can rise and fall dramatically throughout the year. Many of these businesses also need to spend money up front—on inventory, staffing,

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 30, 2025

Small Business Loans for Trucking Companies: How to Finance and Grow Your Fleet

Owning a trucking company means balancing a lot of costs at once. Fuel prices can spike, trucks need constant maintenance, insurance bills never stop, and hiring skilled drivers can get expensive. With so many ongoing expenses, it’s easy for profits to shrink and cash flow to tighten. Many owners use

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 25, 2025
Man checking product inventory with a scanner and tablet, highlighting the importance of inventory loan solutions for businesses.

Tips for Effective Inventory Financing for Consumer Goods

Managing a consumer goods business means keeping up with changing demand and ensuring shelves stay full. Inventory is directly tied to sales, but stocking up requires consistent access to capital. When revenue is locked into unsold goods, cash flow can quickly become strained. Retail business loans can ease this pressure.

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 5, 2025
Team reviewing charts and graphs during a q4 planning meeting.

What Is Q4 in Business? A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

Every business year is divided into four quarters. Each quarter represents a three-month block of time that helps companies track progress, set goals, manage business overhead, and report financial performance. Among these, Q4 often carries the most weight.  So, what is Q4 in business? It’s the final quarter of the

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 31, 2025
Entrepreneur managing cash symbolizing funding choices between a business line of credit vs loan.

Business Line of Credit vs Business Loan: An Essential Guide for Entrepreneurs

Every entrepreneur reaches a point where additional funding becomes necessary. It might be to cover everyday expenses, manage seasonal dips, or invest in major growth opportunities. At that stage, two financing options often come up for consideration: a traditional loan and a business line of credit. Both options provide access

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 31, 2025