By Andrew Miller
Economic pressure has backed many small business owners into a corner.
The Federal Reserve’s latest Small Business Credit Survey found that rising costs of goods, services, and wages ranked as the most common challenge in the past 12 months.
Four out of ten businesses said increased costs from tariffs were another financial challenge, especially in the retail and manufacturing industries.
All told, 77% of companies reported one or both of these challenges.
With revenue expectations down and costs up, struggling small businesses need capital more urgently than ever.
Unfortunately, the lengthy and complicated process used by traditional lenders like banks routinely takes weeks for approval. Traditional lenders also show favor to businesses with long track records and steady cash flow. Not to mention, strict requirements for credit scores, years in business, and minimum monthly or annual revenue disqualify some small businesses entirely.
So, many small business owners have turned to alternative lenders and fintech companies for faster access to capital. Those seeking financing from online fintech lenders grew from 17% in 2020 to 29% in 2025.
Unlike traditional banks, alternative lenders allow businesses with strong revenue but thin credit histories to receive financing. They use cutting-edge technology to review real-time sales data to see how a business performs day to day. Financing options are more flexible, allowing businesses with variable cash flow and seasonal fluctuations to take advantage of recent growth.
When considering a traditional bank loan, an SBA program, or an alternative lender, the decision looks different with someone helping you read it clearly. Not just the rate on the page, but the real cost of capital against your cash flow and your timeline.
Signet Capital Group works with small and mid-sized business owners to identify the right financing for their situation, and to make sure the terms make sense before anything is signed. Contact us now to explore your options.
Getting the funding decision right is hard when you’re under pressure. Signet makes it easier.