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 small business owner packing clothes for shipment, surrounded by boxes, showing the real-world tariff impact on small businesses in retail.

Tariff Impact on Small Businesses: A Quick Guide

Tariffs can feel like a distant policy issue, something that only affects multinational corporations or headline-grabbing trade wars.  But for small business owners, the tariff impact on small businesses is far more personal. A change in the tax set on imported goods can quickly ripple through your supply chain, influence

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 4, 2025
Three professionals celebrating a business achievement, reflecting the success of fintech infrastructure in fast-growing companies.

How 1West Scaled Lending Operations Through Strong Fintech Infrastructure

For growing fintech companies, operational speed and stability are critical. At 1West, investing in the right fintech infrastructure enabled us to transform our lending process, making it faster, more secure, and more scalable. What began as a representative-heavy model has since evolved into a streamlined, customer-first platform. Through our partnership

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 4, 2025
A desk filled with financial reports, a laptop, calculator, and stacks of cash, representing small business cash flow management during summer slowdown.

Summer Business Cash Flow Tips to Survive the Slowdown

Summer can bring a welcome shift in pace, but for many business owners, it also brings a noticeable slowdown in revenue. Whether it’s due to customer vacations, shifting priorities, or seasonal trends, the warmer months often test how well a company manages its finances.  For small businesses especially, this dip

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 4, 2025

Governor Signs Texas HB 700: 1West CEO Warns of Impact on Small Businesses

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 700 (Texas HB 700) into law on June 20, ushering in significant regulatory changes to how sales-based financing is offered to small businesses. As the new law takes effect on September 1, 2025, 1West—a leading fintech platform for small business capital—is raising urgent

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 23, 2025
Close-up of cash being counted over business reports, symbolizing the impact of business & financial solutions on cash flow.

A Guide to Understand Integrated Financial Solutions

Managing business finances often involves using separate systems for invoicing, payroll, banking, accounting, and bookkeeping. These tools might work well individually, but when they don’t sync, tasks can become repetitive, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Finance integration addresses this problem by connecting financial tools into a single system. With integrated

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 23, 2025
A funding advisor explains alternative business funding solutions to a small business owner in a well-lit workspace.

Top Alternative Business Funding Options for SMEs

Getting funding is often one of the biggest hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While traditional bank loans have long been the go-to option, they aren’t always accessible, especially for younger businesses or those without strong credit histories. Long approval times, strict collateral requirements, and rigid repayment terms can

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 23, 2025
From SBA programs to fast online lenders, explore how to get approved for loans for small business owners and grow your business today.

How to Get a Small Business Loan: A Comprehensive Guide

Securing a small business loan can feel like a big step, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand. For many entrepreneurs, external funding is necessary to bridge cash flow gaps, purchase equipment, hire staff, or cover day-to-day operational costs.  Choosing the right loan and understanding how to get

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • June 2, 2025
A storefront window displaying a “Yes, We’re Open” sign, symbolizing business growth made possible through top small business loans.

Top Small Business Loans of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs

Finding the right financing can shape the future of your business. In 2025, small business owners are navigating a crowded field of lenders, from traditional banks to digital-first platforms. Each claims to offer the best terms, fastest approvals, or most flexible repayment plans—but how do you know which loan truly

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • June 2, 2025
A person managing finances with cash, a notebook, and a calculator on a desk—demonstrating the need to increase credit score for SBA loan approval.

How to Get an SBA Loan with Bad Credit: A Realistic Guide for Small Business Owners

Securing funding is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face. It can feel even more daunting if you’re dealing with a low credit score. Maybe you’ve missed a few payments in the past, had financial setbacks, or simply haven’t had the chance to build your credit yet.  Whatever

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • April 30, 2025
Confident woman entrepreneur in a light pink blazer standing at her office entrance, representing success through women-owned small business loans.

Top 10 Women-Owned Small Business Loan Providers

According to recent data, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States continues to rise, accounting for nearly 40% of all U.S. businesses. From tech startups and retail boutiques to wellness services and consulting firms, women are shaping industries and contributing significantly to local and national economies.  But despite

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • April 30, 2025