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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.

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Why is Funding Important: Funding Opportunities for Retail Businesses

Why is Funding Important: Funding Opportunities for Retail Businesses

Running a retail business requires careful attention to both sales and expenses. A retailer may have strong customer demand and still face cash flow pressure when inventory needs to be paid for before sales come in. Other businesses may need financing to open a second location, replace equipment, renovate a

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 26, 2026
Business owner reviewing loan paperwork with a calculator while comparing SBA loan alternatives at her desk

Non-SBA Loan Alternatives for Small Businesses

The SBA 7(a) program earned its reputation in the industry, and for good reason. Long repayment terms, capped interest, and a partial government guarantee make it one of the cheapest ways for a small company to borrow money. The trade-off shows up on the calendar.  Three years of tax returns,

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 29, 2026
Business owner reviewing company finances and planning growth on a laptop while evaluating how many lines of credit should you have for future funding needs.

How Many Lines of Credit Should I Have?

If you’re considering opening a new line of credit, you’re not alone. Many consumers wonder whether they have enough available credit or if they already have too much. The answer is not always straightforward because every financial situation is different. A business line of credit can be a useful tool

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • June 20, 2026
Wooden tiles spelling out "Small Business" on a pink desk calendar, perfect for planning small business month growth strategies.

The Growth Gap: Move Beyond Bootstrapping This Small Business Month

May is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the grit and independence of American entrepreneurs. For many founders, independence is synonymous with bootstrapping. You rely on your own savings and incoming revenue to keep the lights on.  This strategy is a badge of honor in the early days. It

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • May 11, 2026
small business health index

Navigating the 2026 Small Business Health Index

Small business owners across the country are demonstrating remarkable resilience as we move through the middle of the decade. The latest data suggests that while operational strength is at an all-time high, the financial landscape is shifting in complex ways.  Understanding these changes requires a deep dive into the small

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • May 11, 2026
Retiring business owner in grocery setting during the silver tsunami small business wave

Why Many Small Businesses Are Being Sold Amid the Silver Tsunami

A major shift is taking place across the U.S. small business landscape. It is driven by one clear factor. Owners are reaching retirement at the same time. This wave, known as the silver tsunami small business transition, is bringing millions of businesses to market. Many of these companies have been

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • April 10, 2026
Entrepreneur reviewing financial statements and notes while planning how long it takes to get a business loan.

How Long Does It Take to Get an SBA Loan? A Realistic Timeline for Business Owners

Planning ahead is critical when applying for financing. Before submitting an application, most borrowers want a clear answer to how long it takes to get a business loan. That question becomes even more relevant when considering SBA-backed options. SBA loans offer longer terms and competitive rates, but the approval process

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • January 15, 2026

A Quick Guide to Alternative Financing Options for Small Businesses

Traditional bank loans can be tough for many small businesses to secure. Strict credit score requirements, long time-in-business rules, and slow underwriting often leave owners waiting weeks (sometimes months) for an answer. That delay can make it difficult to handle cash flow gaps, take advantage of new opportunities, or respond

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • December 3, 2025
A group of people sitting around a table with laptops, engaged in discussion. The setting is indoors, with a wall visible in the background. The participants include men and women, each focused on their computers.

How to Get Funding for a Startup Without Investors: A Practical Guide for New Founders

Figuring out how to get funding for a startup without investors can feel overwhelming at first. Many founders wonder how they can turn an idea into a functioning business without handing over equity. Fortunately, there are many startup financing alternatives that support early-stage growth without involving outside investors. Some of

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • December 3, 2025
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