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 close-up of two people shaking hands in a bright office to finalize a deal for a business owner retiring and selling their company.

The Best Strategies for a Business Owner Retiring and Selling Their Company

The transition from a business operator to a retiree is a multifaceted process. Planning for a business owner retiring and selling their interest requires a timeline that spans two to five years. This lead time ensures the company is attractive to potential buyers. It also confirms the owner is emotionally

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • March 18, 2026
Small business owners reviewing plans on a tablet while arranging flowers, discussing business expansion financing options.

Smart Ways to Finance Your Business Expansion

Growth often signals that a business is moving in the right direction. Increased demand, steady sales, or new market opportunities may encourage owners to consider expanding operations. This stage can feel exciting, but it also requires thoughtful planning especially when it comes to financing. Expansion usually involves several new expenses.

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • March 18, 2026
Home Equity Loan With Bad Credit

Can You Get a Home Equity Loan With Bad Credit? Here’s How It Actually Works

Owning a new or foreclosed home means building equity over time. Many homeowners look to that equity when they need funds for repairs, debt consolidation, or large expenses. A common concern quickly comes up, though. What happens if your credit score is not ideal? Many borrowers assume lenders will automatically

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • March 9, 2026
A modern single-story ranch-style house with a tan exterior and white trim, featuring a large driveway and a front porch, ideal for anyone considering buying a foreclosed home to renovate.

Tips to Buying a Foreclosed Home

Foreclosed homes often attract buyers who want to purchase property at a lower price. These homes usually enter the market after an owner fails to meet mortgage obligations. Lenders then move forward with foreclosure to recover losses. As a result, pricing can look appealing. That initial appeal, however, can hide

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • December 29, 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 Nathan Armstrong
  • October 21, 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 Nathan Armstrong
  • April 9, 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 Nathan Armstrong
  • March 13, 2024
Unsecured Working Capital Loans For Business

Everything You Need to Know About Unsecured Working Capital Loans

In today’s business world, it can be difficult to secure the funds you need to grow and expand. Traditional lending institutions are often unwilling to lend money to small businesses, and when they do, the interest rates and terms can be prohibitive. If you’re in need of quick working capital

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • October 18, 2022
bookkeeping

Is Bookkeeping Hard? Everything You Need to Know

Is bookkeeping hard? The short answer is no. It’s a common misconception that you need a formal education to be a bookkeeper, but anyone with solid math skills and the right resources can do it.

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 1, 2022
asset finanacing for small business

What is Asset Financing: Overview, Importance, and Types

Asset financing can seem complicated, but it’s quite simple. But, the jargon used in the industry can be confusing, especially as some asset financing methods have terms that sound identical, abbreviated, or used interchangeably.

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 16, 2019