Financing and Lending - Accion Opportunity Fund Financing and Lending - Accion Opportunity Fund

Financing and Lending

Seasonal Sales Swings: Short-Term Business Loans for Inventory

Seasonal businesses live and die by timing. Whether you’re stocking holiday gift sets, prepping for summer crowds, or ramping up for a busy food season, you need inventory on the shelves before revenue comes in. That gap is exactly where short-term business loans and inventory financing become essential. Below, we break down how these loans…

Inventory Manager Using Laptop Computer to Check Order Number on a Parcel, Preparing a Small Cardboard Box for Postage.

Startup vs. Established: Minimums & Proof for Funding Approval

When small business owners start searching for capital, one of the first questions they ask is: “Can my business actually qualify for a loan?” The answer depends heavily on your stage of business. Startups and established businesses face very different lender criteria, document requirements, and approval expectations. Understanding these differences can help you find the…

Cafe store owners planning budget, brainstorming coffee shop innovation strategy on laptop, taking notes.

Refinancing Business Debt: When It Lowers Payments & Frees Up Cash Flow

Introduction: For many small business owners, debt isn’t the problem, expensive debt is. Whether you’re juggling multiple high-interest loans, stuck with daily payments from a merchant cash advance (MCA), or simply paying more than you should on an older business loan, refinancing can be one of the smartest ways to regain control of your cash…

Refinance high-cost business debt into a lower-interest term loan. Reduce payments, consolidate debt, and free up cash flow with support from a mission-driven lender.

Business vs. Personal Credit: What Lenders Really Weigh

Why Credit Readiness Matters for Small Business Owners When applying for a small business loan, most entrepreneurs focus on the big question: “Is my credit good enough to qualify?” But what lenders really weigh goes beyond a single number. Credit readiness (AKA, your ability to present strong, consistent financial behavior) plays a major role in…

How to Prepare for Underwriting: Documents & Tips to Speed Your Term Loan Decision

Whether you’re expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or strengthening cash flow, applying for a small business loan is an exciting step toward growth. But between submitting your application and receiving funds lies a crucial step that can make or break your approval timeline: underwriting. At its core, underwriting is how lenders assess the risk and readiness…

What Is Cash Flow Management? (Plain Language Definition)

Cash flow management is the process of tracking, forecasting, and influencing the money moving into and out of your business. In plain language, it means making sure you have enough cash on hand when you need it – to pay bills, cover payroll, and invest in growth – while also not leaving excess cash idle.

Team Of Business working at office with documents on his desk, d

Financial Basics for Food Business

Created in partnership with Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream. Learn the financial basics every food and beverage business owner should know to make their finances work for them.