How Small Businesses Can Win the Holiday Rush

The holidays bring more than cheer—they bring opportunity. For many small business owners, December can make or break the year. Whether you run a retail shop, restaurant, or contracting firm, preparation now will determine how strong you finish.

At ByzFunder, we’ve funded over a billion dollars in working capital for small businesses nationwide. Here’s what we’re seeing across key industries—and how to position your business to thrive this season.

Retail & E-Commerce: Stock Early, Sell Smart

The holiday buying wave starts earlier every year, and so do supply pressures. Missing the timing can mean losing key revenue weeks.

Expert advice

  • Order ahead: place core inventory orders by early November to avoid price hikes and shipping delays.
  • Run “early access” offers for your best customers to forecast demand before you over-buy.
  • Use working capital to stock deeper and move faster than competitors waiting on cash flow.

Restaurants & Hospitality: Make the Most of the Season

Holiday gatherings, travel, and corporate events can double your traffic—but only if you’re ready.

Expert advice

  • Cross-train staff now to handle large parties and take-out rushes.
  • Launch gift-card promos (for example, “Buy $50, get $10”) to boost pre-holiday cash flow.
  • Update Google Business Profile and social pages with hours, catering options, and specials before the rush.

Construction, Contracting & Trades: Close Q4 Strong and Prep for Q1

Contractors are busy wrapping projects and planning the next cycle.

Expert advice

  • Collect receivables now to start January with clean cash flow.
  • Consider year-end equipment upgrades while tax deductions may apply.
  • Use flexible funding to cover upfront materials and labor so you can accept new jobs without waiting on old invoices.

Logistics & Transportation: Keep Capacity Rolling

The holiday shipping surge spikes demand while costs climb.

Expert advice

  • Budget early for extra drivers, maintenance, and fuel.
  • Keep liquidity with working capital when invoices stretch out.
  • Prioritize your highest-margin routes; small routing improvements matter during peak weeks.

Healthcare & Personal Services: Capture Year-End Demand

Patients and clients often rush to use benefits before they reset in January.

Expert advice

  • Extend evening or weekend appointments to capture last-minute demand.
  • Send reminders about coverage deadlines and out-of-pocket options.
  • Renew equipment or marketing now while utilization is high.

Professional & Financial Services: Get a Head Start on the New Year

Accountants, bookkeepers, and service firms win when they start early.

Expert advice

  • Promote January services in December with early-bird packages.
  • Pre-hire and train seasonal help now.
  • Use short-term funding to cover hiring and ad spend so you capture Q1 demand.

Plan. Fund. Execute.

Every industry has its own rhythm—but the winners plan ahead.

ByzFunder makes it Fast. Simple. Secure. to access the capital you need to stay ahead of the season. With same-day approvals, transparent terms, and funding up to $500K, you can focus on running your business—not waiting on the bank.

Apply in minutes to see how much you are eligible for extra fund to prep for holiday.

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The Best Business Entity for Small Businesses

Selecting the right business entity isn't just a box to tick off on your entrepreneurial journey. It's the fundamental step to which your business's future hinges. Choosing the correct entity dictates how much you pay in taxes, the extent to which you're personally liable, and the structure of your organization.Making an informed choice can be the difference between financial success and struggle, clarity and confusion, and growth and stagnation for your small business.So, whether you're a freshly minted small business owner or someone considering taking the plunge into the small business arena, this blog is tailor-made for you. We're going to explore the various business entities and help you figure out which one's the best fit for your small business.

How to Use Small Business Financing to Increase Sales

Small businesses often face the constant challenge of finding enough capital to maintain their operations and achieve growth. As a small business owner, you may be looking for ways to increase your sales and revenue but might be limited by financial constraints. However, with the help of small business financing, you can invest in marketing, inventory, and other strategies that can help drive growth and profitability.Here we explore how small business financing can be used to increase sales and revenue and share success stories from small business owners who have achieved growth with the help of ByzFunder's short-term financing.|Small businesses often face the constant challenge of finding enough capital to maintain their operations and achieve growth. As a small business owner, you may be looking for ways to increase your sales and revenue but might be limited by financial constraints. However, with the help of small business financing, you can invest in marketing, inventory, and other strategies that can help drive growth and profitability.Here we explore how small business financing can be used to increase sales and revenue and share success stories from small business owners who have achieved growth with the help of ByzFunder's short-term financing.

The Best Business Entity for Small Businesses

Choosing the right business entity affects taxes, liability, and funding. Learn the pros and cons of LLCs, Corps, and sole proprietorships for SMBs.

How to Use Small Business Financing to Increase Sales

Use small business financing strategically to increase sales, invest in inventory or marketing, and scale operations with the support your growth demands.

Industries Not Eligible for Alternative Financing

Certain industries may not qualify for alternative financing. Learn which sectors are excluded and explore why alternative lenders set specific criteria.

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9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail & How to Overcome

Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, but unfortunately, many fail within the first few years of operation. Studies show that approximately 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% in their second year, and almost 50% by their fifth year. While these numbers can be discouraging, understanding the top reasons why small businesses fail can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure the success of your venture.So, let’s dive into the top 9 reasons why small businesses fail and some tips to navigate those failures.|Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, but unfortunately, many fail within the first few years of operation. Studies show that approximately 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% in their second year, and almost 50% by their fifth year. While these numbers can be discouraging, understanding the top reasons why small businesses fail can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure the success of your venture.So, let’s dive into the top 9 reasons why small businesses fail and some tips to navigate those failures.

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Small Business Tips To Protect Against Inflation

Inflation is soaring, not only in the US but globally. Experts blame it on several things, including supply chains due to the pandemic and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine that has increased oil prices.This unfortunate event has taken its toll not only on consumers but on small businesses too. In times of sustained high inflation, small businesses often face a dilemma of whether they need to raise prices or absorb higher costs. Raising prices could prove profitability, but it could also deter consumers, ultimately decreasing the business’s ability to expand or simply stay afloat.Finding the right solution for your small business requires strategic thought, consideration, and willingness to continue adapting.Below we list 6 tips to help you navigate the volatile inflation hikes as a small business owner.|Inflation is soaring, not only in the US but globally. Experts blame it on several things, including supply chains due to the pandemic and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine that has increased oil prices.This unfortunate event has taken its toll not only on consumers but on small businesses too. In times of sustained high inflation, small businesses often face a dilemma of whether they need to raise prices or absorb higher costs. Raising prices could prove profitability, but it could also deter consumers, ultimately decreasing the business’s ability to expand or simply stay afloat.Finding the right solution for your small business requires strategic thought, consideration, and willingness to continue adapting.Below we list 6 tips to help you navigate the volatile inflation hikes as a small business owner.

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Choose Best Small Business Finance For Your Business

As you would research bank loans, it is crucial to do the same when searching for perfectly matched small business financing options. As some banks and their loan options may be better for certain businesses, alternative lenders and their products will be better suited for particular companies.Small businesses are facing difficult times, recovering from the pandemic, and trying to navigate through high-level inflation and interest hikes. Getting a business loan has become increasingly complex as banks tighten the belts on borrowing. However, alternative lenders have your back!So, what should you consider when researching and selecting alternative lenders to finance your small business?|As you would research bank loans, it is crucial to do the same when searching for perfectly matched small business financing options. As some banks and their loan options may be better for certain businesses, alternative lenders and their products will be better suited for particular companies.Small businesses are facing difficult times, recovering from the pandemic, and trying to navigate through high-level inflation and interest hikes. Getting a business loan has become increasingly complex as banks tighten the belts on borrowing. However, alternative lenders have your back!So, what should you consider when researching and selecting alternative lenders to finance your small business?

Financing
Loans
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All You Need To Know: Secured VS Unsecured Loans

Securing a loan or business financing is a great way to fund essential purchases, cover cash flow needs, and maintain business operations when times are tough or even when you just need an extra cash injection.If you have landed here, we are sure you are researching the differences between unsecured and secured loans and which is better suited for your business. To help you speed up the research process, we have broken down the basics of each type of loan and offer some tips for choosing the best option for your business's financial needs.|Securing a loan or business financing is a great way to fund essential purchases, cover cash flow needs, and maintain business operations when times are tough or even when you just need an extra cash injection.If you have landed here, we are sure you are researching the differences between unsecured and secured loans and which is better suited for your business. To help you speed up the research process, we have broken down the basics of each type of loan and offer some tips for choosing the best option for your business's financial needs.

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What Happens if You Can't Pay Business Financing?

We get it. Sometimes things get tough, and you don’t have the funds. However, failure to pay your lender as agreed upon after receiving business financing can cause you to go into default. The default can be immediately after a missed payment or months later, depending on your loan or financing terms and state or federal laws.If you knowingly default on loans when you’re unable or unwilling to make payments, you risk your credit ratings and your chances of getting finance from other lenders. However, most people unintentionally miss payments due to not receiving late-payment notices as they have changed their address or contact information.Unfortunately, defaults aren’t an infrequent occurrence in the USA. According to recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the failure to pay for small businesses is 20% in year one, 30% in year two, 50% in year 5, and 70% in year ten. These stats are pretty daunting; however, you don’t have to be one of the businesses suffering from the consequences of defaulting. There are ways to protect your credit profile and business, and we have the answers below.|We get it. Sometimes things get tough, and you don’t have the funds. However, failure to pay your lender as agreed upon after receiving business financing can cause you to go into default. The default can be immediately after a missed payment or months later, depending on your loan or financing terms and state or federal laws.If you knowingly default on loans when you’re unable or unwilling to make payments, you risk your credit ratings and your chances of getting finance from other lenders. However, most people unintentionally miss payments due to not receiving late-payment notices as they have changed their address or contact information.Unfortunately, defaults aren’t an infrequent occurrence in the USA. According to recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the failure to pay for small businesses is 20% in year one, 30% in year two, 50% in year 5, and 70% in year ten. These stats are pretty daunting; however, you don’t have to be one of the businesses suffering from the consequences of defaulting. There are ways to protect your credit profile and business, and we have the answers below.

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Small Business Post Covid Financial Recovery

As the Covid pandemic continues to impact economies worldwide, we believe the business recovery will continue to be challenging, especially for those small businesses that have not realized that risk management is a crucial business strategy.While there are short-term pressures during reopening, there is also an opportunity to reimagine business models for the long term. Covid has affected the norms of business across every industry and geography. Due to many monetary constraints, new ways of going to work and shifts in customer behavior have radically transformed how businesses operate.The only thing that’s certain about the recovery is that there’s still considerable uncertainty about what form and how long it will take. Below we have put together business resilience tips to help get your business back on track.|As the Covid pandemic continues to impact economies worldwide, we believe the business recovery will continue to be challenging, especially for those small businesses that have not realized that risk management is a crucial business strategy.While there are short-term pressures during reopening, there is also an opportunity to reimagine business models for the long term. Covid has affected the norms of business across every industry and geography. Due to many monetary constraints, new ways of going to work and shifts in customer behavior have radically transformed how businesses operate.The only thing that’s certain about the recovery is that there’s still considerable uncertainty about what form and how long it will take. Below we have put together business resilience tips to help get your business back on track.

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Financing
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Difference Between Loans & Short term Business Financing

There has been a steep rise in the number of alternative lending companies since the 2008 recession to help small to medium-sized businesses get funding. Fast forward to Covid times, and loan and business financing accessibility has increased even more.With this flooded market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and under-knowledged about the differences between a loan and business financing because isn’t it the same thing? Well, not exactly. There are a few differences between a loan and short-term business financing. The most evident factor is that a loan is categorized as a secured form of finance offered by a banking institution. Business financing is a less stringent application process, and an unsecured form of finance provided by alternative lenders such as us.And while there are now many options out there for you to choose from, you must select a loan or financing option that is best suited for your business. Trust plays a significant factor in deciding on your lending “partner.” We get it; thus, many business owners make the uninformed decision to choose a high-capital, low-interest, long-term loan. However, short-term financing may be the more affordable, more accessible, and more appropriate form of funding for your business.If you run a young company (less than 2 years, but more than 6 months), you won’t necessarily have many years of profitability to showcase, nor financial stability that long-term lenders need to evaluate to offer the best capital amount and rates to sustain your business. Thus, many small businesses fail in getting business loans from banks, as they just do not meet the criteria.Below we’ve listed a few more differences between loans and financing and how to choose the best option for your business.|There has been a steep rise in the number of alternative lending companies since the 2008 recession to help small to medium-sized businesses get funding. Fast forward to Covid times, and loan and business financing accessibility has increased even more.With this flooded market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and under-knowledged about the differences between a loan and business financing because isn’t it the same thing? Well, not exactly. There are a few differences between a loan and short-term business financing. The most evident factor is that a loan is categorized as a secured form of finance offered by a banking institution. Business financing is a less stringent application process, and an unsecured form of finance provided by alternative lenders such as us.And while there are now many options out there for you to choose from, you must select a loan or financing option that is best suited for your business. Trust plays a significant factor in deciding on your lending “partner.” We get it; thus, many business owners make the uninformed decision to choose a high-capital, low-interest, long-term loan. However, short-term financing may be the more affordable, more accessible, and more appropriate form of funding for your business.If you run a young company (less than 2 years, but more than 6 months), you won’t necessarily have many years of profitability to showcase, nor financial stability that long-term lenders need to evaluate to offer the best capital amount and rates to sustain your business. Thus, many small businesses fail in getting business loans from banks, as they just do not meet the criteria.Below we’ve listed a few more differences between loans and financing and how to choose the best option for your business.

Financing
Loans
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What You Need to Know About Alternative Funding

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You have to make stressful decisions every day you are running your company. It can be challenging getting a loan for your small business because many banks are not giving out as many loans as they used to. This is when alternative financing should be your first choice.Small business owners can take the steps today to get the funding they need to keep running their company. If you require money fast to keep your business from falling behind, this is the best solution for you. There are several key advantages to using ByzFunder's alternative financing solutions.If you are stressed about getting your product on the market or feel like you’re running out of options, it’s time to investigate alternative funding. Often, it can be a more straightforward process for small and medium-sized companies and faster than traditional loans from banks.|As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You have to make stressful decisions every day you are running your company. It can be challenging getting a loan for your small business because many banks are not giving out as many loans as they used to. This is when alternative financing should be your first choice.Small business owners can take the steps today to get the funding they need to keep running their company. If you require money fast to keep your business from falling behind, this is the best solution for you. There are several key advantages to using ByzFunder's alternative financing solutions.If you are stressed about getting your product on the market or feel like you’re running out of options, it’s time to investigate alternative funding. Often, it can be a more straightforward process for small and medium-sized companies and faster than traditional loans from banks.

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Why Choose Alternative Funding?

Many small business owners feel apprehensive about alternative funding options, but it's time to reconsider. Alternative funding can be a game-changer for your business, offering growth opportunities and financial support. Here, we'll explore why alternative funding is worth considering and why it's a viable choice for small business owners.|Many small business owners feel apprehensive about alternative funding options, but it's time to reconsider. Alternative funding can be a game-changer for your business, offering growth opportunities and financial support. Here, we'll explore why alternative funding is worth considering and why it's a viable choice for small business owners.

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Small Business Tax session : A Guide to Financing

Tax season can be stressful for small business owners, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can minimize the hassle and maximize your returns. In fact, according to a survey by the National Small Business Association, 93% of small businesses use a professional tax preparer or tax software to help with their tax filings. So, how can you get through tax season and come out winning? We have a few suggestions below to set you up for tax season success!|Tax season can be stressful for small business owners, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can minimize the hassle and maximize your returns. In fact, according to a survey by the National Small Business Association, 93% of small businesses use a professional tax preparer or tax software to help with their tax filings. So, how can you get through tax season and come out winning? We have a few suggestions below to set you up for tax season success!

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Alternative Funding Methods

Small business owners often have to deal with difficult circumstances, especially in the teething stages and getting established. Many people are not financially able to fully support themselves and their small businesses entirely on their own. This is where alternative funding can be invaluable.Alternative financing has allowed many small business owners to live their dreams of running a successful business without the stress of the financial constraints that often follow with little to no working capital. So, what types of alternative funding should you apply for? Let’s discuss some different methods of alternative financing.|Small business owners often have to deal with difficult circumstances, especially in the teething stages and getting established. Many people are not financially able to fully support themselves and their small businesses entirely on their own. This is where alternative funding can be invaluable.Alternative financing has allowed many small business owners to live their dreams of running a successful business without the stress of the financial constraints that often follow with little to no working capital. So, what types of alternative funding should you apply for? Let’s discuss some different methods of alternative financing.

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What Is Alternative Financing?

Alternative financing is becoming more and more popular in the business world. However, many people still do not understand precisely what it is or how it can help their small business grow. Some may be turned off by this funding method due to negative stereotypes that it may have, but it is a common practice that does not carry many risks if used responsibly.Here we will look at alternative financing and why companies such as Byzfunder can be invaluable.|Alternative financing is becoming more and more popular in the business world. However, many people still do not understand precisely what it is or how it can help their small business grow. Some may be turned off by this funding method due to negative stereotypes that it may have, but it is a common practice that does not carry many risks if used responsibly.Here we will look at alternative financing and why companies such as Byzfunder can be invaluable.

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Old Hill Partners Upsizes Fund Commitment ByzFunder

New York, October 19, 2021: ByzFunder, the leading non-bank Fintech company, announced a significant upsizing of existing financing from strategic partner Old Hill Partners of up to $40 million. This financing round comes as a substantial increase from Old Hill Partners' first facility of $12 million in 2020.In September, ByzFunder closed its record financial performance exceeding $12 million in originations. The finance upsizing from Old Hill enhances ByzFunder's position as an emerging leader in the business alternative financing space. It provides the assistance needed to advance near-term and long-term priorities in preparation for an anticipated period of significant innovation, growth, and expansion into additional credit tiers.Ilya Fridman, CEO expressed enthusiasm and confidence about the path ahead; "We have a very exciting journey ahead of us. Our people continue to rally together and outperform with an absolute commitment to excellence, and our platform continues to grow stronger, more advanced, and more capable. With Old Hill, the exceptional team of investors, and upsizing of financial resources that their partnership brings, we can accelerate ByzFunder's already impressive growth trajectory, expanding our balance sheet to fully service business owners."Old Hill Partners Inc. is an alternative asset manager focused on asset-based lending transactions with borrowers seeking $10 to $50 million in financing. The firm structures senior secured debt in the form of term, drawdown, and revolving-to-term facilities of up to four years and loan-to-value ratios in the range of 35% to 85%. Collateral types include pools of loans or leases (specialty finance), receivables, inventory, machinery, and equipment."We have been impressed by the quality of ByzFunder's originations, performance to date, exceptional leadership, disruptive business model, innovative technology, and the overall quality of their operations. We believe the company is well-positioned for further growth, and we are pleased to be part of it," said Peter Faigl, Senior Portfolio Manager at Old Hill.|New York, October 19, 2021: ByzFunder, the leading non-bank Fintech company, announced a significant upsizing of existing financing from strategic partner Old Hill Partners of up to $40 million. This financing round comes as a substantial increase from Old Hill Partners' first facility of $12 million in 2020.In September, ByzFunder closed its record financial performance exceeding $12 million in originations. The finance upsizing from Old Hill enhances ByzFunder's position as an emerging leader in the business alternative financing space. It provides the assistance needed to advance near-term and long-term priorities in preparation for an anticipated period of significant innovation, growth, and expansion into additional credit tiers.Ilya Fridman, CEO expressed enthusiasm and confidence about the path ahead; "We have a very exciting journey ahead of us. Our people continue to rally together and outperform with an absolute commitment to excellence, and our platform continues to grow stronger, more advanced, and more capable. With Old Hill, the exceptional team of investors, and upsizing of financial resources that their partnership brings, we can accelerate ByzFunder's already impressive growth trajectory, expanding our balance sheet to fully service business owners."Old Hill Partners Inc. is an alternative asset manager focused on asset-based lending transactions with borrowers seeking $10 to $50 million in financing. The firm structures senior secured debt in the form of term, drawdown, and revolving-to-term facilities of up to four years and loan-to-value ratios in the range of 35% to 85%. Collateral types include pools of loans or leases (specialty finance), receivables, inventory, machinery, and equipment."We have been impressed by the quality of ByzFunder's originations, performance to date, exceptional leadership, disruptive business model, innovative technology, and the overall quality of their operations. We believe the company is well-positioned for further growth, and we are pleased to be part of it," said Peter Faigl, Senior Portfolio Manager at Old Hill.

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A Guide to Securing Business Loans & Financing

Are you a small business owner looking to secure a loan or financing for the first time to grow your business? Understanding small business loans can be overwhelming, we know. But don't worry. We're here to help!This guide will cover the basics of small business loans and offer tips for first-time borrowers.|Are you a small business owner looking to secure a loan or financing for the first time to grow your business? Understanding small business loans can be overwhelming, we know. But don't worry. We're here to help!This guide will cover the basics of small business loans and offer tips for first-time borrowers.

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All You Need To Know About Business Credit Score

What’s holding you back from receiving a business finance injection? Like your personal credit score, your business credit score is built over time and is crucial when applying for business financing or loans. In laments terms, business credit signals your company’s ability to handle its finances, purchasing ability, and debt.Both business credit and personal credit impact the rates you will pay for goods and services. If your business credit score is at a good standing (high), you may pay lower insurance premiums and qualify for lower interest rates on small business loans. The negotiation power comes in handy when you want long-term loans. Small business lenders like ByzFunder will still consider you with a business credit score of 500 for short-term financing.Vendors, suppliers, or creditors report a business’s accounts and activity to a credit bureau. This activity helps to generate the information that informs your business credit scores. Some scores also include information from your personal credit file and business repositories, such as the Small Business Financial Exchange.So, with all this, how can you build your business credit score?|What’s holding you back from receiving a business finance injection? Like your personal credit score, your business credit score is built over time and is crucial when applying for business financing or loans. In laments terms, business credit signals your company’s ability to handle its finances, purchasing ability, and debt.Both business credit and personal credit impact the rates you will pay for goods and services. If your business credit score is at a good standing (high), you may pay lower insurance premiums and qualify for lower interest rates on small business loans. The negotiation power comes in handy when you want long-term loans. Small business lenders like ByzFunder will still consider you with a business credit score of 500 for short-term financing.Vendors, suppliers, or creditors report a business’s accounts and activity to a credit bureau. This activity helps to generate the information that informs your business credit scores. Some scores also include information from your personal credit file and business repositories, such as the Small Business Financial Exchange.So, with all this, how can you build your business credit score?

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Success Stories