Who we work with, and what we look at.
Five West Financial provides commercial financing for established businesses and qualified startups. Many programs begin around 600 FICO for established businesses. Startup programs are more selective. Here is the honest version, so you know before you spend time applying.
General guidelines — not guaranteed approval criteria
Established businesses and qualified startups.
Most of our volume is established businesses acquiring equipment or funding expansion. We do finance startups, but selectively, and the bar is meaningfully higher.
- 600+ FICO for many programs
- Two or more years in business
- Cash flow that supports the payment
- Equipment or projects with a clear commercial purpose
- No unresolved major derogatory credit
- Strong personal credit, often 700+
- Relevant, verifiable industry experience
- Working capital or liquidity remaining after the purchase
- A down payment in most cases
- Equipment with a real resale market
What lenders actually evaluate.
We evaluate the complete transaction rather than relying on a single factor. A weakness in one area is often offset by strength in another, which is the reason a credit score alone rarely decides an outcome.
Guidelines vary by program.
Different products carry different criteria. These are typical starting points, not the full picture, and exceptions exist in both directions.
Guidelines are general and vary by lender, industry, state, and transaction size. Meeting them does not guarantee approval, and falling outside them does not automatically mean no.
Where we are usually not the right call.
We would rather tell you now than after you have filled out an application. These are the profiles our programs generally do not serve.
Common qualification questions.
What credit score do I need for equipment financing?
There is no single number. Many of our established-business programs begin around a 600 FICO, and stronger profiles access better structures and pricing. Startup transactions generally require stronger personal credit, often 700 or above. Requirements vary by lender, industry, equipment type, and transaction size, and the complete file matters more than the score in isolation.
Can I get equipment financing with a credit score under 600?
Options below 600 are limited and materially more expensive, and most of our programs are built for profiles at or above that level. Meaningful offsetting strength can change the answer: several years of operating history, strong and consistent deposits, a substantial down payment, valuable and easily remarketed equipment, or a qualified co-guarantor. If none of those apply, we are probably not the right fit right now, and we would rather say so than waste your time.
Do you finance startups?
Yes, selectively. Startup programs are available for experienced operators and generally require strong personal credit (often 700+), relevant and verifiable industry experience, and enough working capital or liquidity remaining after the equipment purchase. A down payment is typical. Pre-revenue applicants without industry background are generally not a fit.
How much time in business do I need?
Two or more years opens the broadest set of programs and the best pricing. Between one and two years narrows the field but remains workable on many equipment transactions. Under one year moves the file into startup underwriting, where the operator's credit, experience, and liquidity carry the decision.
Does a co-signer or co-guarantor help?
Often, yes. A qualified personal co-signer or an existing operating business acting as a corporate co-guarantor can strengthen a newer business or a thinner file. It is worth raising early rather than after a decline.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
No. We use a soft credit inquiry to preview applications and line up options, so getting started does not impact your score.
What if I do not meet these guidelines?
Guidelines are general and exceptions exist in both directions. Transaction size, equipment quality, down payment, and co-guarantors all shift outcomes. If your file is outside the ranges above, call us before applying and we will tell you honestly whether it is worth submitting.
If your business fits the profile above, one short application gets you real options. No obligation, and no hard credit inquiry to get started.