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.

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
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
A person counting cash on a desk with receipts and notes, representing a practical financing solution for businesses to manage funds effectively.

5 Smart Questions Small Business Owners Should Be Asking in Today’s Volatile Economy

Learn the top 5 questions every small business owner should be asking right now as markets fluctuate, tariffs rise, and the economy shifts in 2025. Expert tips from 1West.

  • by Ryan Spilken
  • April 8, 2025

How to access the financial documents you need for the funding you wantWhat to do after you get approved for business financing

1West helps you reach more lenders and browse better options from the comfort of your home—but you’ve got to submit your three most recent bank statements to be considered for funding. In this guide, we’ll show you how to effortlessly export your bank statements from several major banks right from

  • by Lindsay
  • October 21, 2024

What to do after you get approved for business financing

Not sure what’s next once your business financing offers are in? Here’s a go-to guide for how to compare your options.  Congratulations on securing business financing for the first time! This is a significant milestone, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.  To help, we’ve

  • by Lindsay
  • June 27, 2024
SBA loan written in a notebook. Featured image for “Are SBA Loan Interests Tax Deductible?”

Are SBA Loan Interests Tax Deductible?

Starting or expanding a business often requires more funds than you have on hand. This is where SBA loans come into play. Backed by the Small Business Administration, they offer favorable terms, including lower down payments and flexible overhead requirements.Now as you navigate your business’ finances, you might be wondering:

  • by Lindsay
  • April 15, 2024
What Are Construction Business Loans: How to Get a Loan to Start a Construction Company

What Are Construction Business Loans: How to Get a Loan to Start a Construction Company

Starting a construction firm is an exciting project. But like building a house, you need money to get everything you need. That’s where construction financing comes in. By financing your venture, it helps lay the foundation for its future and success. In this short guide, you’ll learn how it works,

  • by Lindsay
  • April 9, 2024

Small business loans for women

Everything female entrepreneurs need to know in 2024 This means female founders are incredible assets to economic development and prime candidates for business financing. Finding the best business loan for your female-led venture can be hard, but it’s worth the effort. Below is a breakdown of several small business loan

  • by Lindsay
  • March 26, 2024
. Featured image for “What Happens to Your SBA EIDL Loan if Your Business Closes?”.

What Happens to Your SBA EIDL Loan if Your Business Closes?

What happens to your SBA EIDL loan if your business closes down? While it is a common concern, you shouldn’t worry about it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take and your options for handling the loan, ensuring you’re informed and prepared. Let’s dive in! What

  • by Lindsay
  • March 13, 2024
Guy happily working as an IT developer. Featured image for “Pros and Cons of Outsourcing for Small Businesses: When and How to Do It”.

Pros and Cons of Outsourcing for Small Businesses: When and How to Do It

Working with an outsourcing company is a great way to maximize efficiency in your business and focus on what truly matters. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of outsourcing for small businesses. By weighing both risk and benefit, you’ll be able to determine when and how to

  • by Lindsay
  • March 13, 2024