Best options to finance a growing SMB? (Line of Credit / Working Capital)

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January 09, 2026

by a searcher from INSEAD in New York, NY, USA

I’m looking for advice on the best ways to finance a growing SMB, specifically to increase our working capital / line of credit. I started an aviation business while also running a passive search to acquire a U.S. business (initially I thought acquisition was the best entry into the market). Over time, the operating model proved out and the business has become stable, so I’m now focusing on scaling it rather than continuing the search. Issue: Our growth is constrained by how much credit we can extend to customers (and how quickly we can recycle cash). Current business snapshot: - Revenue: ~$40K/month - EBITDA: ~15–20% - Team: 3 employees - Business age: < 1 year Financing options I’m exploring: - Vendor credit terms - Invoice factoring - Venture debt I’m assuming a traditional bank loan will be difficult given we’re under 1 year old and don’t have a long operating history. My questions: What financing options have worked best for businesses like this (early-stage but stable cash flow)? Any recommendations for providers that understand B2B distribution/working capital dynamics? Are there common pitfalls with factoring facilities in this type of business? What's the typical interest in venture debt in the US? Appreciate any guidance, happy to share more details if helpful.
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Reply by a lender
from Eastern Illinois University in 900 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA
For a newer business like this traditional bank financing is going to be a challenge. I would stay away from MCA lenders. Your best bet is a small factoring line or vendor credit terms. Vendor credit is usually best if you can get it as it usually does not come with much of a cost. But factoring will work if you have A/R you can leverage. Please let me know if you need help. You can reach me here or directly at redacted
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Reply by an intermediary
from University of Washington in Chicago, IL, USA
Venture debt is a good option as you mentioned. A friend of mine secured about $30M venture debt as a LOC he can draw on for acquisitions. He has to run each deal by the firm but he has that cash available to him. Not 100% freedom but better than nothing.
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