Table of Contents

• What happens if you default on a business loan?
• What happens if your business defaults on a loan?
• What if I had an SBA loan?
• What’s the difference between default and delinquency?
• What you can do before your loan goes into default
• Does defaulting on a business loan affect my personal credit?
• Explore better financing options for your small business

Facing a potential business loan default can feel overwhelming. You need clear answers about your options and next steps. Knowing the difference between key terms like default and delinquency is a significant move you can make to protect your business.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a business loan default means, how it differs from delinquency, and the potential consequences for your business operations.

We’ll outline proactive steps you can take before and after a default, and discuss how business financing might impact your personal credit. We’re here to help you regain control.

What happens if you default on a business loan?

Defaulting on a business loan happens when you fail to meet the remittance terms set by your financing provider. This includes missing scheduled payments, not sending the full amount due, or breaking other conditions listed in your agreement. These actions are often called events of default.

Once your financing becomes delinquent, the financing provider may add fees or increase your rates. They can also report the default to credit bureaus. This usually hurts your credit score.

While a default is serious, it does not mean you will never secure business financing again. It means you must be strategic about your next steps to rebuild and find a partner who looks beyond just your credit history.

What happens if you default on an unsecured business loan?

Unsecured loans are not backed by collateral. Instead, they are based on the borrower’s creditworthiness. When your business defaults on an unsecured loan, your lender doesn’t have specific assets to seize immediately.

However, your lender can take legal action. If you’ve provided a personal guarantee on your business loan and you default, the stakes are high. Not only are your personal assets at risk, but your credit rating can also take a significant hit. Lenders often require this guarantee up front for unsecured loans, so it’s crucial to understand the gravity of this commitment.

What happens if you default on a secured business loan?

If you have a secured loan, that means your loan is backed by collateral, which can be assets like machinery or inventory. If your business defaults on this kind of loan, your lender has the right to seize and liquidate the collateral to recover the outstanding amount.

What if I had an SBA loan?

If you default on a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, you’re still responsible for addressing the lender’s loss. SBA loans often require collateral, so if you default, this collateral can be liquidated.

Remember, the SBA itself is not your lender—the Administration only guarantees up to 85% of the loan for lenders.

If your lender calls on the SBA to guarantee the loan, you’re likely looking at having your wages garnished by the SBA or having your bank account frozen.

What’s the difference between business loan default and delinquency?

Business loan default and delinquency are terms used to describe different stages of a borrower’s failure to meet the repayment terms of a loan. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings in the lending world.

While both terms indicate issues with loan repayment, delinquency is an early-stage warning, whereas default represents a more critical breach of contract.

Delinquency

Delinquency begins the moment a borrower misses a scheduled loan payment. During the delinquency period, which can vary based on the lender’s terms, you still have the opportunity to make up the missed payment, but often with added late fees.

If you miss a loan payment, your lender may offer a short grace period during which you can pay without the account being considered delinquent. If the payment is not made within that grace period, the loan becomes delinquent, which can negatively impact your credit score and make it harder to secure future financing.

This status can negatively impact your credit score and make securing future financing more difficult.

Default

If the delinquency status of your loan continues, this is where you run the risk of going into default. Default signifies a more serious breach of your loan agreement. Let’s say you secured a business loan to acquire specialized equipment for your restaurant.

The loan terms specify that if you default, the lender can seize the equipment. Unfortunately, if you miss multiple payments, you’re in default, and the lender can exercise their right to take the equipment.

What you can do before you default on a business loan

Before your business loan reaches the default stage, you have a number of options to better manage your debt situation.

Before you default on your loan, it’s essential to take immediate and proactive measures to mitigate the consequences and work towards a resolution.

1. Check your business finances 

Keeping tabs on your financial health is crucial to avoid defaulting on your business funding. Start by examining your cash flow statements to gauge if you have enough funds for upcoming remittances. If your cash flow is solid, you’re good to go—keep making those payments as planned.

2. Communicate with your lender

Your first step should always be to contact your lender. Open and honest communication can lead to potential solutions such as renegotiating the terms of the loan or setting up a new payment plan.

3. Take a look at alternative lenders

Start looking at alternative lenders with more flexible financing options—you might be surprised at your options.

4. Rebuild credit

After addressing the immediate concerns, focus on rebuilding the business’s creditworthiness through timely payments on other debts, maintaining low credit balances, and regularly monitoring credit reports.

While being on the edge of defaulting is challenging, with the right approach and resources, business owners can navigate the situation and work towards financial stability.

Does defaulting on a business loan affect my personal credit?

Unfortunately, in certain circumstances, defaulting on your business loan can impact your personal credit. Here are a few of the factors that you should be aware of:

• Business structure: Sole proprietorship? Your personal credit is going to be affected if you default on your business loan.
• Loan structure: When you get a business loan,your personal assets are often used as collateral to secure the loan. What does this mean for you? If you default on the loan, not only are your assets at risk, but your personal credit score can also take a hit. Understanding the loan structure and its impact on your personal finances is crucial before entering into any loan agreement.
• Resolution of default: If your default leads to business bankruptcy, you might be looking at filing for personal bankruptcy. Doing this has an enormous impact on your credit score.

Disclosures

Credibly merchant cash advances and working capital loans to merchants in California are provided by Retail Capital LLC. All other Credibly products in all other jurisdictions are provided by Credibly or Arizona LLC.

The post Here’s what to do when you’re about to default on a business loan. appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• Who founded Small Business Saturday?
• Key facts about Small Business Saturday
  • When is Small Business Saturday?
  • What happens on Small Business Saturday?
  • Who can participate in Small Business Saturday?
• Why Small Business Saturday matters
• Small Business Saturday ideas that help you get more foot traffic
• Small Business Saturday promotion ideas that feel fresh
• Small Business Saturday 2025 planning tips for busy business owners
• What is the benefit of Small Business Saturday for your shop?
  • Higher Store Traffic and Sales
  • Increased Customer Retention
  • Enhanced Visibility and Community Standing
• Small Business Saturday marketing ideas for online stores
• How Credibly helps you stay ready for peak weekends?
• Bring your Small Business Saturday ideas to life.

The holiday weekend rush brings high-pressure situations: long lines, fast demands, and the constant stress of managing tight cash flow. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re focused on daily survival instead of long-term growth.

Small Business Saturday can be a massive opportunity by leveraging the seasonal rush. The 2022 Small Business Saturday event drove $17.9 billion in reported spending. It’s a chance for customers to celebrate the local economy and for small business owners to harness the buzz.

You deserve a strategy that lets you capitalize on demand without fear. In this post, we’ll give you small business Saturday ideas and actionable advice to help you build a strong plan, take advantage of enormous customer interest, and get real results fast.

Who founded Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday first launched on November 27, 2010. The initiative was created to give small, local businesses a chance to shine amid the holiday rush typically dominated by the large retailers and e-commerce giants of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.. The day focuses specifically on encouraging communities to support shops in their local economy.

The initiative was promoted through a powerful campaign by American Express and partners, generating massive national attention. The campaign included extensive radio and TV advertising, leveraging social media hashtags like #smallbusinesssaturday, and local leaders amplifying awareness.

Key facts about Small Business Saturday

Building an effective plan requires clear details. Understanding the mechanics of the day, the importance of the date, and the expected impact on your shop allows you to proactively manage demand and avoid common slowdowns.

When is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving each year. Since Thanksgiving shifts, the date for Small Business Saturday also changes annually. This year, Small Business Saturday 2025 will be held on the 29th of November, 2025.

Planning your inventory and staffing early is crucial to keeping your team steady and fully stocked for the unique timing.

What happens on Small Business Saturday?

Local shoppers actively seek out neighborhood shops, whether in-person or online. Many owners successfully drive traffic and sales by running special deals, flash offers, and engaging campaigns. Prepare for a surge in customer attention and a significant increase in checkout activity across all your channels.

Who can participate in Small Business Saturday?

Any local business can join. Participation is open whether you sell products or services, and even if you run an online shop with a local presence. The event’s purpose is to push attention toward small operators, providing a major opportunity to gain visibility.

Why Small Business Saturday matters

The impact of the day often carries far beyond the weekend itself. Many business owners reported higher foot traffic during the event, which often translates into higher return visits later in the season.

Strong preparation increases your chances of capturing customers for longer periods, positioning you for sustained growth. In 2024, estimates showed Small Business Saturday shoppers generated nearly $22 billion in U.S. spending.

Use these facts to shape a profitable event and set proper expectations for staffing, stock, and marketing. Let’s explore actionable Small Business Saturday ideas you can use this holiday season.

Small Business Saturday ideas that help you get more foot traffic

You want practical steps that bring people into your location fast, without heavy, unnecessary costs. Here are some ideas you can apply with simple tools and short lead time, ensuring smooth operations even during the heavy rush.

• Create a local-only exclusive offer: Run a special discount or bundle accessible only to local customers. This instantly builds community loyalty and encourages repeat visits throughout the season.
• Offer same-day bundles and fast pickup: Package themed items together and promote them for immediate pickup. This meets shoppers’ needs for quick solutions, maintains store flow, and helps clear inventory.
• Host a pop-up event or demo: Host a quick product demonstration or “how-to” session. These small, engaging moments turn your shop into a destination and increase the likelihood of purchases.
• Implement a simple referral card system: Hand out cards that offer a minor reward when shared. This expands your reach organically, driving new foot traffic without a large marketing spend.

Looking to Fund Your Holiday Push?

You can use flexible working capital to support these strategic ideas. Fast financing helps you stock up on those high-moving items, bring in temporary staff support, or quickly upgrade essential equipment like your POS system or displays.

Small Business Saturday promotion ideas that feel fresh

You need clear tactics that boost awareness and deliver wide reach without heavy effort or complex campaigns. Adopt these strategies so your message hits the right shoppers at the right time.

• Execute light email campaigns: Send just two short, targeted emails highlighting one offer/product. This guides customers toward a single action and drives faster results.
• Produce short video promos: Record engaging clips showing products or store updates. These boost visibility, as short-form content performs well.
• Post photo-led product spotlights: Share crisp, close-up product shots with key details. This helps customers assess quality quickly and generates high interest.
• Establish local partnerships: Partner with a nearby, non-competing business for a cross-promotion. This provides shared attention and stronger community reach.

Small Business Saturday 2025 planning tips for busy business owners

You need a stable plan that performs under pressure and provides clear tasks to ensure a smooth flow. Consider these actions that support heavy traffic and strong checkout performance to reduce stress across your entire team.

• Strategic inventory planning: Review sales patterns from past holidays to identify high-moving items. Procure these items early to reduce the risk of stockouts and maintain order accuracy during peak demand.
• Efficient staffing solutions: Schedule your team for targeted, short shifts and provide simple, prioritized task lists. This helps everyone stay focused, reduces confusion, and ensures tighter operational flow inside the shop.
• Point-of-Sale (POS) clean-up: Test your entire checkout system to confirm all items scan correctly. This critical step prevents delays when the store is full and builds confidence in your transaction speed.
• Proactive social scheduling: Create simple, high-impact posts and schedule them for the week leading up to the event. This maintains steady visibility and supports consistent awareness without requiring manual effort during in-store management.

These are strong, immediate Small Business Saturday tips you can implement now. You can fund these steps, covering supplies, temporary staff, and essential POS maintenance, with flexible working capital, ensuring your core cash flow remains stable.

What is the benefit of Small Business Saturday for your shop?

You need clear, tangible outcomes to justify your preparation efforts. Understanding how this single day boosts your sales and visibility empowers you to create a plan that converts short-term traffic into long-term gains.

Here are 3 ways Small Business Saturday supports your business far beyond the holiday weekend:

1. Higher Store Traffic and Sales

You experience a significant surge in visitors, providing an immediate opportunity to move seasonal inventory faster. Crucially, you gather new customers who are highly motivated to support local shops, creating a pipeline for future business.

2. Increased Customer Retention

By offering strong service and curated, appealing offers, you build immediate trust. This is your chance to convert new visitors into loyal, returning customers, boosting your long-term customer retention rate.

3. Enhanced Visibility and Community Standing

Your marketing gains amplified attention because the entire event encourages shoppers to actively seek out local options. You stand out clearly in your community and pull interest across multiple channels, enhancing your brand presence.

Small Business Saturday marketing ideas for online stores

If you run a hybrid or purely online shop, you need ideas that lift digital engagement fast. Here are simple tools that support smooth online sales, designed to work for small teams and short timelines.

• Create themed digital bundles: Design attractive themed bundles supported by strong product images. This helps customers make quick buying decisions and increases average order value.
• Offer shipping upgrades: Offer short, limited-time shipping upgrades during the weekend. These build immediate customer trust and incentivize faster checkout completion.
• Run simple local digital ads: Use limited budgets to run digital ads that specifically target local shoppers. Keep your message clear, track engagement, and adjust your approach for your next campaign.

How Credibly helps you stay ready for peak weekends

SCORE reports that cash flow issues contribute to the failure of 82% of small businesses. You need simple financing tools that support fast planning, clear terms, and direct guidance. Credibly is built to provide solutions when the pressure is high.

We offer quick approvals and flexible working capital with the speed, ease, and human support you deserve. You can use funds to strategically prepare inventory, update crucial equipment, or hire temporary staff for the weekend.

• Solve cash flow strain: There is a cash flow strain during holiday peaks. Working capital ensures you can act now, even when the rush hits.
• Fast funding: Access a streamlined, digital application that saves time. You can receive approval in as fast as 2 hours, with funding available in as fast as 24 hours.

With Credibly, you can focus on maximizing operations while your store gains crucial traction.

Fund your Small Business Saturday ideas

Contact us today. Get the capital you need to stock up, staff up, and bring your holiday ideas to life with Credibly’s fast, flexible funding.

The post You don’t have to choose between a holiday rush and steady growth. Get ready to do both. appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• What makes AI tools for marketing valuable
• Categories of AI marketing tools every business should know
• How AI tools for marketing help small businesses cut costs
• Top AI tools for marketing to explore in 2025
  • Choosing the right AI marketing solutions for your business
• The future of AI tools for marketers
  • Final thoughts on AI tools for marketing
• Marketing AI tools by function and business benefit
• Grow smarter with Credibly
• Financing built for real business speed

Marketing demands time, money, and relentless execution. For small businesses, those resources are often in short supply.

According to the 2025 Gartner CMO Spend Survey, marketing budgets remain constrained, forcing CMOs (Chief Marketing Officer) to drive growth through sharper priorities and more effective use of resources. AI fills the gap by automating routine work, uncovering insights, and optimizing campaigns in real-time, helping business owners stretch their limited budgets without sacrificing impact.

That’s the shift. AI tools are essential. They automate the repetitive, optimize the complex, and surface insights that drive smarter decisions.

Here’s what AI brings to the table:

• Efficiency: Automate tasks like email campaigns, ad targeting, and content scheduling.
• Precision: Use real-time data to refine messaging and improve ROI.
• Scalability: Reach more customers without expanding your team.
• Clarity: Eliminate guesswork with predictive analytics and performance tracking.

The right tools help you stretch every dollar, amplify your reach, and grow with confidence. In this blog, you’ll learn that AI-powered marketing isn’t a luxury.

You’ll see which AI tools for marketing matter most in 2025, how they save you time and money, and practical ways to apply them in your business right now.

What makes AI tools for marketing valuable

AI tools for marketing are practical solutions built to solve real business challenges. At their core, these tools use machine learning to execute tasks faster, smarter, and more consistently than manual methods.

Marketers adopt AI for three key reasons:

• Time efficiency: Instead of spending hours crafting subject lines, designing creatives, or crunching campaign data, AI generates high-performing options in seconds.
• Personalization at scale: Customers expect tailored experiences. AI analyzes behavior and preferences to deliver content that resonates with each audience segment.
• ROI visibility: AI tracks performance with precision, showing where your budget is working and where it’s not. That clarity helps you optimize spend and outcomes.

For small businesses, the impact is even greater. With lean teams and limited resources, hiring more staff isn’t always feasible. The right AI tools act like a digital extension of your team, delivering the output of multiple roles without the overhead.

Categories of AI marketing tools every business should know

The right AI marketing tools depend on what you plan to achieve. Each category solves a distinct challenge, and understanding the differences helps you build a smarter, more efficient marketing stack.

Here are four essential types to know before you choose:

1. AI content marketing tools

These tools specialize in generating written content. Think product descriptions, blog posts, email copy, and social captions. They help you move from blank page to polished draft in minutes, freeing up time for strategy and refinement.

2. Generative AI tools for marketing

Need visuals, videos, or ad creatives fast? Generative AI tools produce branded assets at scale, allowing you to respond to trends, launch campaigns, and test variations without waiting on lengthy production cycles.

3. AI-powered analytics and optimization platforms

These tools dig into performance metrics to reveal what’s working and what’s not. From lead sources to conversion rates, they help you fine-tune campaigns and allocate budget with precision.

4. AI automation tools for marketers

Designed to streamline execution, these platforms handle tasks such as email sequencing, social media scheduling, and lead nurturing. They ensure consistent engagement while freeing time to focus on growth.

Each category addresses each layer of marketing, from creation to execution to analysis. Together, they form a cohesive system that scales with your business and delivers results without added overhead.

Marketing AI tools by function and business benefit

AI tools differ in what they offer. Many business owners struggle to choose because they don’t see the direct value each category brings.

Below is a table that connects each tool type with clear benefits.

How AI tools for marketing help small businesses cut costs

Small businesses face a constant challenge: doing more with less. Limited budgets and lean teams make it tough to compete with larger players. That’s where AI marketing tools step in, primarily as a cost-cutting catalyst.

Here’s how AI helps stretch resources and eliminate waste:

• Automated execution: 90% of employees report that AI reduces the time they spend on routine tasks. From email campaigns to social media scheduling, AI handles repetitive tasks so your team can focus on strategy.
• Smarter ad spend: AI analyzes performance in real time, identifying which ads convert and which drain your budget. You stop guessing and start investing where it counts.
• Precision targeting: AI breaks down customer behavior to deliver messages to the right people at the right time. That means higher conversions with fewer impressions.

Take a local retail store, for example. Instead of spending $1,000 on broad ads, AI-driven targeting helps reach the exact buyers most likely to purchase. That kind of efficiency doesn’t cut costs and fuels growth.

AI tools turn lean marketing into smart marketing. For small businesses, that’s the edge that makes scaling possible.

Top AI tools for marketing to explore in 2025

The marketing tech landscape is evolving fast, and AI is leading the charge. From ad targeting to customer insights, today’s tools are built to solve real business challenges with speed and precision.

Here are four key categories worth exploring this year:

1. AI-powered ad optimization platforms

Google, Meta, and other ad networks now embed AI directly into their campaign managers. These tools recommend targeting strategies, adjust bids in real time, and generate ad variations automatically, making your campaigns smarter, leaner, and more responsive.

2. AI content marketing tools

Platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai help generate drafts for emails, blog posts, and ad copy. They’re not a substitute for human creativity, but they eliminate the blank-page struggle and accelerate production timelines.

3. Generative AI for visuals and video

Need TikTok clips, Instagram reels, or display banners fast? Generative AI tools create branded assets in minutes, allowing you to test multiple formats without draining your design budget.

4. AI-driven CRM and customer insight tools

Modern CRM platforms now use AI to analyze purchase history, track engagement, and forecast future behavior. That means your outreach becomes more timely, relevant, and personalized.

Each tool solves a different piece of the marketing puzzle. The right mix depends on your goals, budget, and how fast you need to move. In 2025, AI has proven to be the foundation of competitive marketing.

Choosing the right AI marketing solutions for your business

Adopting AI without a clear strategy can lead to wasted time, budget, and momentum. To make smart choices, focus on three foundational factors before committing to any platform:

• Budget alignment: Some tools come with steep monthly fees or enterprise-level pricing. Start with solutions that solve immediate challenges without straining your resources.
• System compatibility: Look for tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack. Clunky setups slow down adoption and frustrate teams.
• Usability: A steep learning curve can stall progress. Prioritize intuitive platforms unless you have the technical bandwidth to support complex tools.

Beyond logistics, there are strategic risks to consider:

• Creative overdependence: AI should enhance, not replace, human insight and originality.
• Data integrity: Garbage in, garbage out. Always validate inputs and review outputs before publishing.
• Voice dilution: Automated content must still reflect your brand’s tone. Human editing remains essential.

The reality is that 60% of digital marketing budgets end up wasted. The smart move? Start small. Test one or two tools, observe how they fit into your workflow, and scale from there. That way, you build confidence without burning your budget, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

Final thoughts on AI tools for marketing

Adapting AI tools for marketing is now essential. For small and mid-sized businesses, AI tools offer a way to scale without stretching budgets or using too much internal bandwidth. Whether it’s accelerating content creation, refining ad targeting, or unlocking deeper customer insights, the value is undeniable: more precision, less waste.

You don’t need a full tech stack to start.

• Begin with tools that solve your biggest marketing bottleneck.
• Test, learn, and expand as results roll in.
• Focus on integration, usability, and ROI, not hype.

When you implement a strategic, step-by-step approach, you’ll build a marketing engine that’s lean, responsive, and built for growth.

Grow smarter with Credibly

Your business deserves solutions built for speed and flexibility. At Credibly, we believe in giving you the same edge that larger competitors enjoy, without the barriers. With more than 50,000 small businesses financed and over $2.5 billion delivered, we’ve proven our commitment to growth that matters.

When you’re ready to explore smarter ways to market, fund, and expand, partner with Credibly. Our financing experts will help you move faster, cut through red tape, and stay ahead.

The post Why businesses need AI tools for marketing to stay ahead appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• Why AI matters for small businesses
• Why AI in business finance matters
  • Increased access to capital
  • Faster, more accurate decisions
  • Flexible financing options
  • Lower cost of capital
• How it works at Credibly
• The future of AI in business and finance
  • Embedded lending
  • Smarter loan matching
  • Simplified research process
  • Why this matters for you
• Get smarter, faster financing for your business

Securing financing has always been one of the biggest challenges for small business owners. Long applications, strict credit requirements, and weeks of waiting often stand in the way of getting the capital you need to move forward. AI in business finance is changing that.

In 2022, 32% of small business financing applicants made the choice to go to online financiers for lending options. These same financiers are also often using AI tools to get financing in the hands of small businesses faster.

Using AI in the financing process means less paperwork, more transparency, and better access to capital for businesses that have traditionally been overlooked. That’s just the beginning of the potential for AI applications in business.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how AI is transforming business finance, from smarter credit assessments to flexible repayment models, and why these innovations matter for entrepreneurs like you.

Why AI matters for small businesses

AI is giving financial providers new tools to better serve small businesses. By using AI-driven systems, lenders and fintechs can analyze more data, make faster funding decisions, and reduce risk without sacrificing accuracy. These tools can reduce manual work by up to 80%.

For small business owners, this means faster access to capital, fewer manual reporting requirements, and a smoother financing experience overall

Here is how AI applications in business can make that happen:

• Advanced financial insights: Machine learning models review patterns in business performance, helping providers predict repayment trends, assess risk more accurately, and design funding options that align with a company’s real-time cash flow.
• Fraud detection: AI systems flag unusual activity within transaction data, enabling providers to protect both themselves and their clients from financial loss.
• Faster approvals: With AI reviewing multiple data points beyond credit scores, funding partners can make lending decisions more quickly and accurately for small businesses.

Why AI in business finance matters

Getting financing has never been simple for small businesses. Traditional options often require mountains of paperwork, strict credit histories, and weeks of waiting. AI changes that dynamic.

By processing large volumes of data in seconds, AI reduces the manual work, lowers costs, and makes loan approvals more accessible for business owners like you.

1. Increased access to capital

By processing large volumes of data in seconds, AI enhances the ability of financing providers to evaluate a business’s financial health. With a more accurate and up-to-date picture of how your business is performing, AI can increase access to capital.

Traditionally, a credit score may have carried a lot of weight in a financing provider’s decision to approve an application. However, modern lenders, like Credibly, now use AI technology to incorporate a wider range of data points. As a result, we can create a more accurate picture of how your business is performing compared to lenders who do not use these tools.

In practice, this could look like analyzing:

• Cash flow patterns: Regular incoming and outgoing expenses give lenders confidence in your ability to repay a loan.
• Point-of-sale (POS) data: Real-time sales activity helps demonstrate consistent revenue.
• Invoice payments: Tracking how quickly customers pay shows operational strength.
• Web presence: An online presence can help financing providers verify information about the business.
• Customer sentiment: Online reviews and feedback reflect reputation and trustworthiness.

2. Faster, more accurate decisions

One major advantage of AI in business finance is how it accelerates evaluation and minimizes mistakes. Traditional reviews by humans can take a long time and introduce errors.

By contrast, AI-driven systems can process applications or financial data rapidly and consistently.

Machine learning models score credit risk, spot anomalies, and predict the likelihood of default. Natural language processing and optical character recognition (OCR) can also extract data from bank statements, tax forms, and invoices, while rule-based automation applies policy checks the same way every time.

That level of speed and accuracy matters for small businesses where conditions shift quickly and decisions must match that pace. AI helps finance teams rebalance portfolios, reroute capital, and flag inconsistencies more quickly than manual reviews. Together, these advantages give finance professionals better data to support trustworthy, responsive decisions.

It’s no wonder that 55% of finance teams already use AI for data analysis.

3. Flexible financing options

Not every business runs on the same schedule. Seasonal businesses, or those with irregular cash flow, often struggle with rigid remittance terms. Banks typically offer standardized loan structures that don’t account for these realities. As a result, small businesses either overextend themselves or miss out on financing altogether.

AI gives lenders the ability to customize financing solutions. By analyzing alternative data, predictive models can design repayment schedules that fit your actual cash flow. If your business has high revenue in summer but slower months in winter, AI tools can adjust repayment terms to match that cycle.

Here are a few examples of how AI enables more flexible financing:

• Tailored repayment schedules: Payments aligned with high- and low-revenue periods.
• Variable financing products: Options like revenue-based financing or working capital loans designed around cash flow.
• Better pricing models: Rates that adapt based on business performance.

4. Lower cost of capital

Automation helps financing providers process more applications faster and with fewer resources. The reduction in cost and increase in speed both lower the overall cost of capital, which allows lenders to pass these savings to customers. More efficient operations make financing more accessible and manageable for small business owners.

How it works at Credibly

Let’s take a look at AI in action at Credibly.

Credibly knows that small businesses work at lightning speed. We’ve long invested in technology to deliver financing quickly, with as few barriers as possible, and responsibly.

One example of how we’ve done this is in our process to review bank statements. Credibly uses AI and automation to review documents like bank statements. Instead of reviewing each bank statement manually, which can be time-consuming, automation can summarize a business’s cash flow for an underwriter to quickly review.

Implementing this allowed Credibly to reduce approval times to as fast as four hours in 2023. Further technology improvements have reduced this to as fast as two hours in 2025!

Investment in technology also lets Credibly reduce the cost of operations. We aim to pass cost savings to our customers and reduce the cost of financing for small businesses.

The future of AI in business and finance

AI is reshaping how small businesses access and manage capital. The next phase is all about following the trend of innovative AI applications in business. This means smarter, more personalized financing that adapts to your needs in real time.

Embedded lending

Financing is no longer limited to banks or lengthy applications. With embedded lending, funding options appear right where you need them, at the point of sale or inside the tools you already use.

Imagine applying for working capital directly through your payment processor or e-commerce platform, with AI instantly evaluating your transactions and surfacing an offer.

Smarter loan matching

Finding the right loan product has always been frustrating for small business owners. AI changes that by matching you with financing tailored to your size, industry, and goals.

By analyzing real-time financial data alongside your business profile, financing providers can ensure you see the products that actually fit.

Simplified research process

Business financing can feel complex and overwhelming. AI can make it easier to navigate the research process and help cut through the noise when looking for funding providers.

You save time, avoid predatory offers, and get connected with providers who are ready to work with businesses like yours.

Why this matters for you

The bottom line? AI-driven financing means faster approvals, more accurate evaluations, and options designed around how your business really operates.

From applications of AI in business to finance, these changes show how quickly business finance is evolving. The tools are already here to help you move faster, access capital more fairly, and keep your business competitive.

That’s exactly where Credibly comes in.

The post What AI in business finance means for your bottom line appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• How HVAC businesses can secure financing
  • Define what you need
  • Review your eligibility
• Options for HVAC business financing
  • Equipment financing
  • SBA 7(a) loans
  • Term loans
  • Business line of credit
• How to choose the right option for commercial HVAC financing
• Keep business growing with leading HVAC business financing solutions

Running an HVAC company means more than keeping heating and cooling systems in check. You need to keep your finances steady, too. HVAC business loans and financing play such a critical role in keeping HVAC businesses competitive.

“Plus, with 116,000 contractors generating nearly $160 billion in revenue, the right financing can help your business stand out and scale.”

The good news is that HVAC contractors have multiple financing options designed to meet these exact needs.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what HVAC business loans are, how to determine which type is best for your situation, and the steps you can take to qualify.

How HVAC businesses can secure financing

Before you apply for HVAC financing, it’s important to know what you need and how lenders will evaluate your application.

Clear funding goals and meeting key eligibility factors such as credit, revenue, and cash flow can position your business for faster approval and better financing terms, especially with finance companies that serve HVAC contractors.

Define what you need

Start by zeroing in on how much money your business requires and why. Having a clear plan helps you find the right financing option and makes the application process smoother.

Typical funding needs for HVAC contractors include:

• Equipment: Invest in diagnostic tools, lifts, or installation gear that keeps jobs moving efficiently.
• Inventory: Stock up on furnaces, AC units, and replacement parts before peak demand hits.
• Vehicles: Add or replace service vans without pulling cash from daily operations.
• Staffing: Cover payroll when bringing new techs or office staff onboard.

When you know exactly where the money will go, you’ll be better positioned to choose the financing that fits.

Review your eligibility

Every lender has benchmarks they check before approving HVAC financing. Preparing in advance helps you avoid surprises and improves your chances.

Key factors include:

• Credit profile: Both business and personal scores matter. Higher scores typically mean better terms, but many fintech lenders look at the whole picture, not just a number.
• Time in business: Most providers prefer 1–2 years of operating history, though some options are available for newer companies with strong income streams.
• Revenue: Annual revenue requirements vary, but lenders want proof you can handle ongoing remittances.
• Cash flow: Consistent, positive cash flow shows you can cover financing even during slower months.
• Collateral: Certain products may require assets like vehicles or equipment as security, which can also help lower rates.

Options for HVAC business financing

Every HVAC company has different financial pressures, whether you’re replacing equipment, adding technicians, or riding out seasonal slowdowns. The right funding option depends on your goals and how you plan to use the money.

Here are the most common choices for financing for HVAC companies.

1. Equipment financing

When you need to upgrade tools, vehicles, or systems, paying out of pocket can strain your cash flow. Equipment financing allows you to get what you need right away and spread the cost across manageable installments. The equipment itself often secures the loan, making it easier to qualify.

How it helps you:

• Replace aging vans with a newer fleet that’s more reliable and fuel-efficient.
• Invest in advanced diagnostic tools, compressors, and lifts to improve service quality.
• Add installation equipment to take on bigger or more complex jobs.

2. SBA 7(a) loans

Backed by the Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) loans offer some of the most favorable rates and longest repayment terms available to HVAC contractors. While the application process is more detailed than other products, the payoff is stability and affordability.

How it helps you:

• Secure real estate to build a new office or expand your warehouse.
• Cover large equipment purchases with up to 10 years to repay.
• Refinance existing debt into a lower-cost option that frees up cash.
• Support working capital, from payroll to fleet expansion.

3. Term loans

When you need a set amount of money for a specific purpose, a term loan gives you quick access to a lump sum with a clear repayment schedule. With terms that usually run between 1 and 10 years, you’ll know exactly how much you owe each month. This predictability makes it easier to plan ahead.

How it helps you:

• Fund office renovations or warehouse buildouts.
• Launch a large-scale marketing campaign to dominate your local market.
• Purchase inventory in bulk ahead of peak season.
• Invest in new software tools to streamline scheduling, invoicing, or customer management.

4. Business line of credit

A business line of credit is one of the most flexible HVAC service business financing options available. Instead of borrowing a fixed amount, you’re approved for a credit limit that you can draw from as needed. You only pay interest on what you use, and as you repay, your available balance replenishes. This makes it ideal for HVAC contractors managing the ups and downs of seasonal demand.

How it helps you:

• Smooth cash flow when customer payments are delayed.
• Cover payroll during slow months.
• Pay for fuel, parts, or emergency repairs without touching your reserves.
• Take on unexpected projects without worrying about immediate cash.

How to choose the right option for commercial HVAC financing

Not every HVAC company has the same financial priorities. The right funding depends on your goals, cash flow, and growth plans. By matching your needs with the right product, you’ll avoid overpaying and keep your business running smoothly.

Once you’ve identified the financing option that fits your goals, the next step is finding a provider that makes the process simple and stress-free. That’s where Credibly comes in.

The post Expand, upgrade, and keep your cash flow strong with these HVAC business loans and financing options appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• Why HVAC businesses sometimes struggle to grow
• How to grow a heating and air conditioning business
  • Start with a plan that actually works
  • Know your numbers
  • Play to your strengths
  • Own your market
  • Price services strategically
  • Upsell and cross-sell services
• Three simple ways how to make money in your heating and air conditioning business
  • Sell service agreements
  • Offer financing on big-ticket jobs
  • Upsell high-margin add-ons
• Get the funding to grow your HVAC business faster

You can be great at fixing systems and landing service calls, but that doesn’t always add up to a profitable HVAC business. Maybe you’ve hit a growth ceiling, or maybe you’re working nonstop but not seeing it pay off. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many HVAC business owners get stuck asking how to make money in the heating and air conditioning business.

It’s common to finish the year with just a 2–3% net profit, even if your gross margin hits 50–55%. Without managing costs and pricing, the business side can completely offset your hard work.

The good news? These roadblocks aren’t permanent. With the right strategies, you can shift from simply “getting by” to running a business that grows year after year.

In this guide, you’ll learn practical ways to:

• Price your services to maximize profits.
• Upsell and cross-sell products customers actually want.
• Streamline operations to save time and money.
• Create a reliable path to long-term growth.

Why HVAC businesses sometimes struggle to grow

Growth doesn’t just happen. For HVAC companies, it’s often stalled by a mix of challenges that can pile up.

Most HVAC businesses fall closer to the median annual revenue of about $1.2 million, not the $10 million industry average that’s skewed by larger firms. This gap highlights how tough it is for smaller contractors to break into higher revenue brackets.

You want to grow, and you’re looking at some steep numbers. You might be dealing with these problems:

• Hiring and keeping the right people: Finding experienced techs is tough, and keeping them on your team is even harder. When you’re short-staffed, you end up back in the field instead of running the business.
• Cash flow: Strong revenue doesn’t always mean money in the bank. Slow-paying customers, surprise costs, and uneven seasonal demand can drain your cash and make it hard to plan ahead.
• Clunky systems: Paper notes, messy scheduling, and outdated billing methods eat up time you don’t have. Without streamlined processes, you risk dropping the ball on jobs and customer communication.
• Crowded competition: New HVAC companies are entering the market every year. Some cut prices, others dominate online. To stand out, you need a clear strategy to win customers.
• Inconsistent marketing: Word of mouth helps, but it won’t fuel consistent growth. Without an intentional marketing plan, you’re relying on chance instead of building a reliable pipeline of jobs.

How to grow a heating and air conditioning business

Growing an HVAC company takes more than keeping customers comfortable. You need a clear plan, strong margins, and a strategy that makes you stand out. Here’s how to get there.

1. Start with a plan that actually works

The HVAC industry is slated to continue growing, up to $130 billion by 2030. Before you put more money into ads or new hires, build a roadmap for your company. Define your target customers: are you going after residential, commercial, or both?

Lay out your core services and pricing in a way that balances competitiveness with profit. Decide how you’ll market your company and choose the channels that make the most sense, whether digital, local partnerships, or community events.

A solid business plan for an HVAC company should also include long-term goals, like when to hire your next technician or when to expand into a new service line.

2. Know your numbers

If you don’t track profit margins, you’re flying without direction.

In HVAC, margins can vary widely. Maintenance agreements might bring smaller amounts per contract but generate recurring revenue. On the other hand, replacements and indoor air quality upgrades can drive high one-time profits.

Implement job costing so you know exactly how much you’re earning per job, after labor, overhead, and materials are factored in. This data shows which services deserve more of your attention, and which might be costing you money without realizing it.

3. Play to your strengths

Stop trying to be everything to everyone.

The real growth comes when you carve out a niche. Maybe you specialize in energy-efficient installs for eco-conscious homeowners, high-end residential projects, or businesses.

Focused expertise makes your business more appealing because it signals to customers that you know their needs inside and out. It also makes your marketing sharper. Your ads, website, and sales pitch can zero in on the problems your chosen customers care about most.

4. Own your market

You don’t need to dominate an entire region right away. Growth is faster and more sustainable when you focus on building a strong presence locally.

Concentrate your marketing in a defined area. Think of it as creating a “home turf” where your trucks, yard signs, and brand are everywhere. Sponsor local events, invest in targeted online ads, and encourage satisfied customers to spread the word. Over time, your reputation becomes stronger in that market, making it harder for competitors to break in.

Once you’ve locked down one area, expand outward with the same focused approach.

5. Price services strategically

One key driver for HVAC business growth? Your pricing strategy. This can make or break your bottom line.

The way you structure your pricing doesn’t just influence revenue; it directly affects how much profit you keep. Even small shifts in pricing can help you move from barely breaking even to generating consistent growth.

Here are three strategies to refine how you price HVAC services.

Flat-rate pricing

Customers don’t like surprises. A flat-rate model gives them clear expectations while making your sales process easier.

With this approach:

• Customers know upfront what they’re paying.
• Your techs don’t waste time calculating job costs at the door.
• You set consistent pricing for all employees, which helps build trust and eliminates confusion.

Seasonal adjustments

Demand for services isn’t steady all year. Peak seasons put pressure on your team, while off-peak months can strain HVAC business cash flow. Strategic seasonal pricing helps you maximize profits and keep business flowing.

Consider these ideas:

• Charge higher rates for emergency repairs during summer heat waves or winter freezes.
• Offer discounts and maintenance packages during slow months to keep revenue steady.
• Market seasonal service plans that prepare systems before the busiest months hit.

Bundle services

Bundling increases your average ticket size while giving customers extra value. People are more likely to say yes when they feel they’re getting more for their money.

Effective bundling examples include:

• Pairing maintenance agreements with system installations.
• Offering a “whole-home comfort” package that covers HVAC systems, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality upgrades.
• Discounting add-ons like smart thermostats when combined with larger service jobs.

6. Upsell and cross-sell services

Still wondering how to grow your HVAC business? Keep in mind that winning new customers is expensive. Selling more to your current customers is faster, easier, and far more profitable. With the right training and tactics, your technicians can turn everyday service calls into opportunities that grow your bottom line.

Train technicians in soft sales skills

Your technicians spend more time with customers than anyone else in your company. They’re trusted voices in the home, which makes them your strongest sales team if they’re trained properly.

• Teach them how to recognize customer needs during service calls.
• Give them simple scripts for suggesting add-on services without sounding pushy.
• Offer tiered pricing options so customers can choose the solution that best fits their budget.

Offer financing options

Financing is a game-changer for HVAC companies. Customers who can spread out payments are far more likely to invest in larger projects, like full system replacements or multi-unit installations.

Make financing work for you by:

• Partnering with established finance companies that provide competitive rates.
• Training your team to bring up financing early in the sales process.
• Focusing on monthly payments instead of total project costs, which makes big purchases feel more affordable.

Focus on high-profit equipment

Not all products deliver the same return. High-margin equipment like smart thermostats, indoor air quality systems, and UV lights not only improve customer comfort but also boost your profits.

Examples of profitable add-ons include:

• Smart thermostats that cut energy costs.
• Air purifiers or humidifiers that improve health and comfort.
• UV light systems that enhance indoor air quality.

Train your technicians to recommend these products when they notice specific needs, like dust buildup, dry air, or uneven temperatures, so the upsell feels personalized and valuable.

Three Ways to make money in your heating and air conditioning business

With the right approach, you can turn everyday service calls into bigger profits and steady growth.

1. Sell service agreements

Maintenance contracts are a steady stream of recurring income. Customers pay upfront or monthly, and you get a predictable cash flow year-round. These agreements also help you build long-term relationships, so when big jobs come up, you’re the first call they make.

• Offer tiered plans with different benefits to appeal to more customers.
• Include perks like priority service or discounted repairs.
• Use slow seasons to push contracts and lock in more recurring revenue.

2. Offer financing on big-ticket jobs

Large projects like system replacements can scare customers away when they see the total price. Financing changes the game. By breaking costs into smaller payments, you make upgrades affordable and increase the chance of closing the sale.

3. Upsell high-margin add-ons

Some products add serious value for the customer and profit for your business. Smart thermostats, air purifiers, and humidity control systems not only improve comfort but also carry strong markups.

Of course, putting these strategies into action takes capital. Whether you’re building out service plans, offering financing to customers, or stocking high-margin equipment, you need reliable funding to move quickly and stay competitive. That’s where the right financing partner makes all the difference.

The post How to make money in the heating and air conditioning business: Growth opportunities and strategies appeared first on Credibly.

• What is a tariff?
• How tariffs affect small businesses
• The current impact of tariffs on small businesses (and what the current status means)
• Five things business owners can do to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their small business
• Is it more difficult to manage your bottom line?

Small business tariffs can shift the cost of doing business fast. If your small business imports materials or exports products, changes in trade policy can raise expenses and reduce your profit margins.

Additionally, you cover the cost, not your suppliers, and that can require difficult decisions about pricing and planning.

In an unpredictable economic environment, even small shifts in tariffs or trade agreements can impact how you manage inventory, cash flow, and vendor relationships. Staying financially flexible is key.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what tariffs mean for your business, how to adapt when policies shift, and how to keep your finances steady, regardless of changes in the global economy.

What is a tariff?

Tariffs are additional charges imposed on imported goods. 97% of importers in the U.S. are small businesses.

When the U.S. puts a tariff on something made overseas, that item gets more expensive to bring in. This means higher costs for businesses like yours, and often, higher prices for your customers.

The idea behind tariffs is to give local producers a boost by making foreign products less attractive. While this is the intent, it can also reduce your margins and limit your options.

There are three main types:

• Ad valorem: A percentage based on the product’s value
• Specific: A flat fee per unit
• Compound: A mix of both

Then there’s de minimis shipping. If an imported package is worth under $800, it usually skips tariffs. That’s how many low-cost e-commerce brands keep their prices so low when shipping from overseas.

How tariffs affect small businesses

Tariffs can impact numerous aspects of running a small business, from sourcing products to determining prices. For companies with limited margins and tight planning windows, even small changes in costs or timelines can have a noticeable impact.

1. Increased costs for imported goods

When tariffs raise the price of raw materials or finished products, small businesses may see higher expenses. This can make it more challenging to maintain margins and may necessitate adjustments in pricing or sourcing.

2. Pricing challenges

To manage higher input costs, many businesses increase prices. This can affect customer retention and purchasing behavior, particularly in competitive or price-sensitive markets.

3. Supply chain disruptions

Tariffs can lead to delays or changes in supplier availability, mainly if materials are sourced from overseas. This can create gaps in inventory, lead to delayed order fulfillment, or necessitate the need to find alternative suppliers.

4. Impact on exporters

Approximately 300,000 U.S. small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export to foreign markets, including Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

5. Planning uncertainty

Tariff shifts can make it more challenging to forecast expenses, revenue, and demand. With policies subject to change, businesses may struggle to plan ahead with confidence.

For small businesses navigating global supply chains or working with imported materials, staying informed and adaptable is key to managing tariff-related challenges.

The current impact of tariffs on small businesses (and what the current status means)

Tariffs aren’t just a policy issue; they directly affect how you run your business. When rates change, so do your costs. You might see price hikes from suppliers, slower shipments, or tighter margins.

Furthermore, if you’re like most small businesses, you don’t have unlimited resources to buy ahead or overhaul vendor contracts overnight.

If you’re sourcing parts from overseas or selling products across borders, even minor trade shifts can force major decisions.

As a result, some businesses raise prices. Others pause projects or switch suppliers, and you might even find yourself rethinking your entire supply chain.

The economic landscape is constantly in flux, making it crucial to stay financially flexible. Maintaining a firm grip on your cash flow, having backup plans for sourcing, and building a buffer for price fluctuations can help you stay ahead.

Five things business owners can do to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their small business

While it’s uncertain how long current tariff policies will stay in effect, many small businesses are already adjusting to rising costs and shifting supply chains.

If you’re feeling how tariffs affect small business, here are five practical steps you can take to help manage it.

1. Broaden your supplier base.

Start by reviewing which parts of your supply chain are most exposed to tariff-related cost increases.

If you rely heavily on a single supplier or country, consider exploring alternative options to diversify your supply chain. That could mean sourcing from regions unaffected by tariffs or striking a balance between overseas and domestic providers. Consider price, availability, and quality before making changes.

2. Revisit supplier agreements.

Having an open conversation with your existing suppliers can go a long way. Ask about volume-based discounts, extended payment terms, or alternate sourcing options. With market conditions shifting across industries, some suppliers may be willing to adjust terms to maintain your partnership.

3. Reassess your pricing strategy.

If you’re facing higher input costs, evaluate how much your business can absorb and where you might need to adjust pricing. This doesn’t always mean across-the-board increases.

Gradual adjustments, bundling, or repositioning specific offerings can help maintain customer interest while covering added expenses.

4. Stay informed and plan for different outcomes.

Tariff policies can change quickly. Therefore, it’s essential to develop a plan that provides your business with some flexibility.

Stay updated through reliable sources like industry associations or government agencies, not just headline news. You can also draft multiple budget or inventory scenarios so you’re ready to shift when needed.

5. Consider product adjustments.

Review your product lineup and identify opportunities for adaptation. That could mean using different materials, reworking features, or swapping imported inputs for domestic ones—if doing so maintains quality and customer expectations.

Minor updates can help you stay competitive without sacrificing what makes your offerings strong.

If you’ve already made operational adjustments but are still feeling the financial pressure, you’re not alone. Many small businesses are facing similar challenges as costs continue to shift.

The post What small business tariffs are and how you can reduce their impact appeared first on Credibly.

The post Are you ready to apply for small business financing? appeared first on Credibly.

• What is a digital storefront?
• How do restaurants benefit from a digital storefront?
• What you should do before getting started on your website.
• What you need on your digital storefront.
• How you can use your digital storefront to drive revenue for your restaurant.
• You’ve got the plan. Now get the cash to put it in motion.

If you’re running a restaurant today, having a strong digital presence is something you need to have. That starts with your website.

Even if you’re active on social media, skipping a dedicated site means you’re missing out on key opportunities to win new customers and control your brand online. Without one, diners often rely on third-party listings filled with outdated menus and unflattering photos.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how building a digital storefront can help your restaurant bring in more orders, fill more tables, and grow your customer base on your terms.

What is a digital storefront?

Think of your website as your digital storefront. It’s where people can learn about your food, place an order, make a reservation, or check your hours—without relying on third parties. It’s open 24/7, and it reflects what your business is actually about.

If your restaurant doesn’t have a website, you’re letting other people—and other platforms—tell your story for you. Plus, 77% of potential diners look at your website before visiting you!

When someone searches for your place online and there’s no website, they might end up on sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor. That’s where they see unclaimed listings, old menus, bad photos, and reviews you never had the chance to respond to.

Plus, when your site connects to your ordering system, marketing tools, or POS system, it also helps drive repeat customers. A website is a must.

How do restaurants benefit from a digital storefront?

A good website helps your customers find what they need, fast.

1. Make it easy for people to choose your restaurant

When someone’s hungry, they don’t want to guess. Your website gives them a one-stop spot to find everything they care about: your hours, your menu, where to park, whether you take reservations, and if they can place a delivery order online.

2. Use data to improve service and sales

Your digital storefront collects useful data that helps you make better decisions. Want to know what people order most? Which nights are busiest? Which promos actually drive traffic? A smart online system helps you track it all. That way, you can run specials people actually want—and improve what isn’t working.

3. Make ordering easy

51% of diners like to order straight from your website. Plus, today’s customers expect to tap, scroll, and pay. They don’t want to call or wait in line.

With online ordering on your website, they can pick what they want and check out in minutes. That means fewer abandoned carts, fewer errors, and more orders coming in—even while your staff is busy serving the dining room.

4. Promote deals that drive more revenue

A well-timed offer—like free delivery or a discount on a second entrée—can turn a small order into a big one. Your digital storefront is the best place to showcase promotions that move the needle. If it’s a lunch special, a family meal bundle, or a first-time customer discount, your website gives you space to test ideas and encourage bigger check sizes.

5. Show up when locals search for a bite

If someone nearby searches for “best pizza near me,” you want your restaurant to pop up first. A well-built website helps make that happen.

Local SEO (search engine optimization) helps Google match your site to people searching for places to eat in your area. That means more eyes on your menu, more traffic to your site, and more orders rolling in.

6. Fill seats without answering the phone

Most customers would rather book a table online than call. With a reservation feature built into your site, you give guests a fast, easy way to plan their visit—anytime, from any device. You’ll free up your staff, reduce missed calls, and fill more seats on slow nights.

Want to take it up a notch? Let guests pre-order their meals when they book.

What you should do before getting started on your website.

Getting a website is a big step—but it works best when it’s backed by a solid foundation. Take a few simple steps to make sure your business is easy to find, easy to recognize, and ready to bring customers back.

1. Start with Google Business

This is what pops up when someone searches your restaurant’s name or types in “brunch near me.” It shows your hours, location, reviews, photos, and links to your site. Go to business.google.com, claim your listing, and fill it out completely.

The more accurate your information, the more likely Google is to show your business in local search results.

2. Claim your Yelp page

Yelp is still one of the most popular platforms people use to check out restaurants. If your page isn’t claimed, it might be filled with old photos, missing details, or outdated hours.

Take control of your profile. Add photos, update your contact info, and make sure your website link is included.

3. Cover your bases on social media

Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok help people discover your restaurant—and they need to know they’ve found the right place.

Set up (or clean up) your social profiles and make sure your branding, contact info, and tone are consistent across the board. Customers will check more than one channel before they book a table or place an order.

What you need on your digital storefront.

Once you’ve got a website, think of it as a digital version of your front-of-house—welcoming, helpful, and built to make people want to order. Here’s what to include.

1. Online ordering that’s easy to use

Customers are used to ordering food online. If you’re based in an urban area, 40% of potential customers are using food delivery apps weekly. Even if you don’t offer delivery yourself, giving people the option to place a pickup order online saves time and keeps your kitchen moving.

2. High-quality photos of your food

Sharp, well-lit pictures of your signature dishes help sell them before the first bite. They also give new customers an idea of portion sizes and menu options they may not know by name.

3. A menu people can actually read

Avoid uploading your menu as a PDF or image. Instead, list your items directly on your website. That makes it easier for mobile users to scroll through, and it lets Google pick up your content, which helps with SEO.

4. Write clear menu descriptions

A good menu description highlights what’s in the dish, how it’s prepared, and what it tastes like. It should also call out ingredients or prep methods that help people with dietary needs feel safe ordering from you.

5. Clear contact info, right where they need it

No one should have to hunt for your phone number or wonder when you’re open. Display your hours, address, and contact details on every page of your site. Better yet, make your phone number and email clickable—so customers can call, message, or book a table with just a tap.

6. Let guests opt into email updates

Your website is the perfect place to grow your email list. Use that list to send out exclusive offers, event invites, and promotions that keep your restaurant top of mind. Every sign-up is a chance to turn a one-time visitor into a regular.

7. Make your website accessible to all

Everyone should be able to use your site, no matter their abilities. That means including things like alt text for images, labels on form fields, and clear navigation that works with screen readers.

How you can use your digital storefront to drive revenue for your restaurant.

Done right, your website’s restaurant can turn browsers into buyers and one-time visitors into loyal fans. Here’s how to make it work harder for your bottom line.

1. Build trust with real reviews

When someone’s deciding where to eat, reviews matter. Pull in your best ratings from Google, Yelp, and other platforms and display them front and center. Seeing positive feedback from real guests builds credibility fast and can nudge someone from “maybe” to “let’s order now.”

You can also encourage happy customers to leave reviews of your restaurant or post about it on their social media.

2. Place a clear ‘Order Now’ button where people can see it

Put an “Order Now” button in your site’s header and throughout key pages. Make it easy to spot and simple to understand. It should be one of the first things someone sees when they land on your homepage—and it should work just as well on mobile as it does on desktop.

3. Give top dishes their own spotlight

Create dedicated pages for your most popular items. This helps your site show up in search results when people look for specific dishes near them.

For example, a page just for your Nashville hot chicken sandwich can help you rank higher when someone searches for exactly that in your area.

4. Show progress toward rewards

If you offer a loyalty program, show guests how close they are to their next perk. Whether it’s a free dessert or $5 off, visual progress helps drive repeat visits.

When people know how many points they need to unlock a reward, they’re more likely to come back—and spend more to get there.

5. Offer a subscription and lock in repeat business

Want more predictable income and steady orders? A subscription model could be the answer. It works just like those auto-ship groceries or coffee club deliveries—only with your food.

Here’s how it works: customers pay upfront for weekly or monthly meals from your restaurant. Maybe it’s Friday night dinners. Maybe it’s their favorite lunch combo delivered every Monday.

Your digital storefront is a powerful growth tool—but building it right takes more than ideas. It takes working capital.

The post Here is how digital storefronts are changing the game for restaurants appeared first on Credibly.

Table of Contents

• What key small business metrics should you monitor?
  • The difference between metrics and KPIs
• Build out your business story with these financial KPIs
• How to choose the right financial KPIs for your business story and overall business metrics
  • How to use KPI data to guide action
• Keep your KPIs sharp—and your funding options sharper.

If you want your business to grow, you need to know your numbers. Not just your revenue or your costs—but the key indicators that show where you’re strong, where you’re slipping, and where to focus next. That’s where monitoring your small business metrics comes into play.

In this blog post, we break down the KPIs and metrics that matter most—and how to use them to steer your business forward.

What key small business metrics should you monitor?

You don’t need to monitor every metric—just the ones that actually move the needle for your business.

Unlike enterprise-level companies that track global supply chains and multi-region logistics, small businesses should stay focused on financial key performance indicators (KPIs)—and beyond—that reflect how well you’re serving your customers, managing your team, and growing your bottom line.

Here’s a breakdown of the core KPIs and metrics that help you understand where your business stands—and what to do next.

Sales metrics

These KPIs help you measure demand and track momentum.

• Revenue: The total amount of money your business brings in from sales.
• Net profit: What’s left after expenses—your actual earnings.
• Growth rate: Are you gaining traction month over month?

Operational metrics

Behind-the-scenes performance impacts everything else. These KPIs help you spot inefficiencies and stay lean.

• Payroll: Monitor labor costs to avoid surprises.
• Overtime (OT): Rising OT may signal understaffing or process issues.
• Use of assets: Keep tabs on how efficiently your drivers, vehicles, or equipment are used.

Customer metrics

Happy customers drive repeat business. These KPIs show how well you’re meeting expectations and building loyalty.

• Lifetime value: How much revenue a customer generates over time.
• Retention and churn rates How many customers stick around and how many leave.
• Satisfaction scores: Tools like NPS or CSAT give insight into how people feel after doing business with you.
• Delivery performance: On-time and accurate shipping rates keep your brand strong.

Marketing metrics

Track how your strategy is going and what you need to change about your outreach.

• Lead volume: The number of new prospects entering your funnel.
• Conversion rate: How many leads turn into paying customers?

Put together your business story with these financial KPIs

How to calculate critical sales metrics

1. Revenue

Your revenue shows how much money your business brings in before costs. Whether you’re selling products, services, or both, this is your starting line.

Revenue = Price per unit × Number of units sold

Tip: If you’re using accrual accounting, this includes sales made on credit. With cash accounting, it only includes payments you’ve actually received.

2. Net profit

This is what you keep after paying all your expenses—including rent, payroll, supplies, and taxes. It tells you if your business is profitable or bleeding cash.

Net profit = Revenue – Total expenses

Track this number monthly or quarterly. It’s your financial bottom line.

3. Sales growth

This critical financial KPI shows how fast your sales are increasing (or not). Use it to track the impact of marketing changes, seasonal shifts, or sales hires.

((Current period sales – Previous period sales) ÷ Previous period sales) × 100

Even small changes here can be meaningful. A dip might mean your strategy needs a tune-up.

How to calculate operational performance

How to calculate payroll

1. Figure out gross pay

This is your starting point. It’s the full amount an employee earns before anything is taken out.

• Hourly employees:
  Hourly rate × hours worked

• Salaried employees:
  Annual salary ÷ number of pay periods

Don’t forget to tack on extras like overtime, bonuses, or commissions—those count toward gross earnings too.

2. Factor in deductions

Now subtract what’s not staying in their paycheck.

• Pre-tax deductions: Things like health insurance or retirement contributions come out before taxes.
• Taxes: These include federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any state or local taxes.
• Post-tax deductions: Anything else—like loan payments, union dues, or charitable giving—comes out after taxes.

3. Calculate net pay

This is what your employees actually take home.

Net pay = Gross pay – (Pre-tax deductions + taxes + post-tax deductions)

How to calculate overtime

When your team clocks more than 40 hours, you need to account for the added cost. Here’s how to calculate overtime compensation:

1. Start with the regular rate: This is what the employee earns per hour.
2. Multiply by 1.5: This gives you the overtime rate—known as “time and a half.”
3. Count overtime hours: Any hours worked beyond 40 in a week qualify.
4. Calculate the extra pay: Overtime pay = Overtime rate × Overtime hours
5. Add to base wages: Combine regular pay and overtime to get the total weekly compensation.

How to calculate use of assets

Your assets tell a powerful story—if you know how to read the numbers. These three ratios show how well you’re using what you have.

1. Return on Assets (ROA)

Shows how much profit you’re generating for every dollar of assets.

ROA = Net income ÷ Average total assets

2. Fixed asset turnover

This tells you how effectively your fixed assets—like machines or property—generate revenue.

Fixed asset turnover = Net sales ÷ Average net fixed assets

3. Debt to asset ratio

This ratio reveals what portion of your assets is funded through debt.

Debt to asset ratio = Total liabilities ÷ Total assets

How to calculate performance with customers

1. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

LTV tells you how much revenue you can expect from a typical customer over the course of your relationship. Knowing this number helps you decide how much to spend on acquiring new customers—or keeping the ones you already have.

LTV = Average purchase amount × Average purchases per year × Average customer lifespan (in years)

2. Retention and churn rates

Want to know if your customers are sticking around? These metrics will tell you.

• Churn rate: Tracks how many customers you lose over a period.

(Customers at start – Customers at end) ÷ Customers at start

• Retention rate: The flip side—what percentage of customers stayed.

100 – Churn rate (%)

If your churn rate is climbing, it’s time to rethink your post-sale strategy.

3. Satisfaction scores

To gauge how your customers feel, sometimes the best move is to just ask.

• CSAT (Customer Satisfaction Score): Ask customers to rate their experience from 1 to 5.

(Number of 4 and 5 ratings ÷ Total number of responses) × 100

• NPS (Net Promoter Score): Ask, “How likely are you to recommend us?” on a scale from 0–10. Subtract the % of detractors (0–6) from the % of promoters (9–10).

4. Delivery performance

• On-time delivery rate: Delivering late can cost you loyalty—and referrals.

(Total deliveries – Late deliveries) ÷ Total deliveries × 100

• Shipping accuracy: Getting it to the right place matters just as much as getting it there on time.

(Total deliveries – Incorrect deliveries) ÷ Total deliveries × 100

How to calculate marketing performance

1. Average monthly leads

Knowing how many leads come in every month helps you spot patterns—and take action if the pipeline starts to dry up.

Total leads over a set time period ÷ Number of months in that period

Choose a time period when demand is steady to get a clean average.

2. Lead conversion rate

This tells you how well your team turns interest into paying customers. It helps you forecast revenue and refine your sales process.

(Number of conversions ÷ Number of leads) × 100

Example: If you talk to 100 leads and 15 convert, your rate is 15%.

How to choose the right financial KPIs for your business story and overall business metrics

The KPIs you decide to track will depend on your goals:

• Want stronger profits? Watch your net margin, ROA, and cash flow.
• Chasing growth? Track your lead volume, sales growth rate, and conversion rate.
• Need more efficiency? Look at payroll, overtime, and asset use.

Pick 2–3 KPIs per goal. That’s it. Keep it lean. Keep it focused.

How to use KPI data to guide action

Metrics are just numbers—until you do something with them.

• Spot problems early. Sales slowing down? Check conversion rates and lead sources.
• Back your decisions. Thinking about hiring? Look at your cash flow and workload.
• Stay on course. Got a target? Your KPIs tell you if you’re getting closer—or need to adjust.

When your KPIs show it’s time to move—whether that’s scaling, hiring, or retooling—your financing should move just as fast.

The post Here’s how you can tell your story with small business metrics appeared first on Credibly.