📊 New: 1West Small Business Health Index Q2 2026 — Score: 69.1/100. Small businesses are ready. Capital isn't keeping up. Read the Report →

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1West blog

The beliefs behind the money.

We believe in small business. So we’re inspired by the stories behind them. Read how businesses of all shapes and sizes turned the right loans into their own versions of success.

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Business professional managing network infrastructure and researching funding for cybersecurity companies.
Small business basics - 18 min read

Funding for Cybersecurity Companies: Financing Options for Growth

Cybersecurity companies sit at the center of a fast-moving industry. New threats emerge...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • October 1, 2026
Large CT scan machine in a modern healthcare facility, representing an example of equipment that may require financing for medical equipment
Small Business Financing Solutions - 20 min read

Why Get Financing for Medical Equipment

Running a medical practice comes with plenty of expenses. Equipment can be one...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 24, 2026
Woman standing in the doorway of a small business, representing access to business loans for immigrants.
Small Business Financing Solutions - 18 min read

Hispanic Heritage Month: Keeping Access to Business Capital Open for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and offers an opportunity...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 17, 2026
Retail business owner assisting a customer while holding a bouquet, illustrating business loans retail financing.
Loans - 22 min read

What Are Business Loans for Retail Stores? A Quick Guide for Store Owners

Running a retail business requires careful attention to cash flow. Store owners need...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • September 17, 2026
Home for sale with a sign in front, representing a seller financing real estate opportunity.
Small Business Financing Solutions - 20 min read

Seller Financing in Real Estate: Definition, Benefits, and Risks

A deal can fall apart in the final week. The appraisal comes in...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 27, 2026
Why is Funding Important: Funding Opportunities for Retail Businesses
Small business basics - 21 min read

Why is Funding Important: Funding Opportunities for Retail Businesses

Running a retail business requires careful attention to both sales and expenses. A...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 26, 2026
Small business owners reviewing financial documents and lending data featured in the Small Business Health Index for Q2 2026 report.
Small Business Financing Solutions - 14 min read

Small Business Health Index for Q2 2026: Stronger Businesses Still Face a Financing Gap

Small businesses entered the second half of 2026 on stronger financial footing. Revenue...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • August 6, 2026
Business owner reviewing loan paperwork with a calculator while comparing SBA loan alternatives at her desk
Small business basics - 20 min read

Non-SBA Loan Alternatives for Small Businesses

The SBA 7(a) program earned its reputation in the industry, and for good...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 29, 2026
Wooden model house with keys resting on a loan document, illustrating home equity loan refinancing
Loans - 21 min read

When Home Equity Loan Refinancing Makes Sense

A home equity loan felt like the right call when you signed for...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • July 17, 2026
A stressed business owner reviewing financial documents with an advisor, illustrating the challenges of managing debt and the benefits of business debt consolidation for simplifying repayments and improving cash flow.
Types of loans - 18 min read

Best Business Debt Consolidation Loans in 2026

Running a business almost always means borrowing at some point. Over time, those...

  • by Nathan Armstrong
  • June 29, 2026