How much business funding can I get?

88NewWin Group helps businesses access funding from $10,000 to $75,000,000. The amount depends on your revenue, time in business, and funding type needed.

What types of businesses qualify for funding?

Most US and Canadian businesses qualify including startups under 2 years old, businesses with bad credit, cannabis businesses, real estate investors, logistics companies, manufacturers, and contractors.

How fast can I get approved for a business loan?

Many of our funding programs offer same-day or next-day approvals. Some programs fund within 24-48 hours of approval.

What is an R&D tax credit?

R&D tax credits are government incentives that reward businesses for innovation and research activities. 88NewWin Group identifies qualifying activities and helps you claim credits to put cash back in your business.

What does M&A advisory mean?

M&A advisory helps business owners sell their business, acquire another company, or consolidate operations to maximize value. 88NewWin Group guides you through the entire process.

Do you help Canadian businesses?

Yes. 88NewWin Group offers business financing solutions for both US and Canadian businesses.

How do I qualify for R&D tax credits as a small business owner?

To qualify for R&D tax credits under IRC Section 41, your business must engage in activities that involve developing new or improved products, processes, or techniques. The IRS four-part test requires a permitted purpose, technological uncertainty, a process of experimentation, and reliance on engineering or science principles. Construction, roofing, manufacturing, and technology companies frequently qualify. The credit is worth 7-10% of qualifying research expenses annually. Contact 88 NewWin Group at (714) 468-5431 for a free assessment.

What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an SBA 7(a) loan?

SBA 7(a) loan eligibility requires your business to operate for profit in the US, demonstrate ability to repay, and meet SBA size standards. Most lenders require a personal credit score of 680+, at least 2 years in business, and a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25x or higher. Maximum loan amount is $5 million with terms up to 10 years for working capital and equipment, or 25 years for real estate. Interest rates are tied to the prime rate with maximum spreads of prime plus 3% for loans over $350,000. 88 NewWin Group specializes in SBA lending — call (714) 468-5431.

Where can I find advisors to help maximize the value of my business before selling?

Look for M&A advisors who specialize in your industry, not general business brokers. For roofing companies, the Sun Belt market is especially active with EBITDA multiples of 3x to 8x depending on recurring revenue, management independence, and customer diversification. Start preparing 2-3 years before your target exit date by cleaning up financials, documenting processes, and building a management layer. 88 NewWin Group provides M&A advisory for roofing and construction companies — call (714) 468-5431 or email advisors@88newwin.com.

What are the best options for refinancing existing business loans to lower interest rates?

SBA 7(a) loans offer some of the lowest rates for business refinancing, with maximum spreads of prime plus 3% for loans over $350,000. If you currently have high-interest alternative lender debt or merchant cash advances, refinancing into an SBA loan can significantly reduce your payment. Requirements include 680+ credit score, 2+ years in business, and the ability to show the business can service the new debt. SBA 504 loans offer fixed-rate options for real estate refinancing with just 10% down. Contact 88 NewWin Group at (714) 468-5431 to evaluate your refinancing options.

How can I secure funding to purchase equipment for my small business?

Equipment financing options include SBA 7(a) loans (up to $5M, 10-15 year terms, rates from prime plus 3%), conventional equipment loans (equipment as collateral, faster approval, 3-7 year terms), and equipment leasing (preserves cash, allows upgrades). For 2026, the Section 179 deduction allows you to deduct up to $2,560,000 in equipment costs in the year of purchase. The best choice depends on how long you will use the equipment, your cash position, and your tax situation. 88 NewWin Group helps businesses find the right equipment financing — call (714) 468-5431.

Can I get an SBA loan after a bank denial?

Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are specifically designed for businesses that do not meet conventional bank requirements. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing lender risk and making approval more likely. SBA lenders evaluate business cash flow rather than just personal credit, and consider the overall deal structure including seller financing and equity injection. Most SBA lenders require a 680+ credit score but are more flexible on collateral and business history than conventional banks.

How much is my roofing company worth?

Most Florida roofing companies sell for 3x to 6x adjusted EBITDA. Well-run operations with recurring maintenance revenue, strong management teams, and diversified customer bases command 6x to 8x or higher. Storm-dependent companies with concentrated revenue typically fall in the 2.5x to 3.5x range. Key factors include customer concentration, documented processes, license transferability, and owner dependency. Start preparing at least 2-3 years before your target exit.

What is the R&D tax credit worth for roofing contractors?

The R&D tax credit is typically worth 7 to 10 percent of qualifying research expenses for roofing contractors. For a roofing company with $2 million in annual revenue and $300,000 in qualifying expenses, that translates to $21,000 to $30,000 per year. Qualifying activities include designing custom flashing systems, developing installation methods for new materials, engineering solutions for complex roof geometries, and performing dew point analysis. The credit can be claimed every year and applied retroactively for up to three open tax years.

Equipment Loans for Manufacturers: How to Finance CNC Machines, Production Lines, and Heavy Machinery

Jul 2

Written By Dat Nguyen

A single 5-axis CNC machine can run $200,000 to $500,000. An automated production line can hit seven figures. Most manufacturers can't write that check from cash flow — and they shouldn't have to.

Equipment financing lets you spread that cost over 5 to 10 years while the machine generates revenue from day one. And right now, the SBA is running the most manufacturer-friendly loan environment in a decade.

Here's how to finance manufacturing equipment in 2026 — what programs exist, what they cost, and how to pick the right one.

What Counts as Manufacturing Equipment?

Lenders finance a wide range of production assets. The most common:

CNC machines (3-axis mills, 5-axis machining centers, lathes), injection molding presses, stamping and forming equipment, industrial robots and automation cells, laser cutters and waterjet systems, packaging and palletizing lines, forklifts and material handling systems, and testing and quality control equipment.

If it sits on your shop floor and helps you produce or ship product, it likely qualifies.

How Much Does Manufacturing Equipment Actually Cost?

Costs vary dramatically by machine type and capability.

A 3-axis CNC milling machine typically runs $15,000 to $125,000. A 5-axis machining center starts around $200,000 and can exceed $500,000 for high-precision models. Industrial injection molding machines range from $50,000 to over $200,000 depending on tonnage. Robotic welding cells typically cost $75,000 to $250,000 installed.

Used equipment can cut those numbers significantly — often 40% to 60% off new pricing — but financing terms may be shorter and rates slightly higher.

The Three Best Financing Options for Manufacturers

1. SBA 7(a) Loans

The SBA 7(a) program is the most versatile option. You can borrow up to $5 million for equipment, working capital, or a combination.

Current rates run approximately 9% to 11.5% APR depending on loan size and term — the SBA caps the spread at prime plus 3% for loans over $350,000. Repayment terms go up to 10 years for equipment.

The big news for 2026: the SBA has waived upfront guarantee fees on 7(a) loans up to $950,000 for manufacturers through September 30, 2026. That saves you 2% to 3.5% of the loan amount — real money on a $500,000 equipment purchase.

To qualify, your business needs a NAICS code in the 31-33 range (manufacturing sector).

2. SBA 504 Loans

The 504 program is built for major fixed-asset purchases. It pairs a bank loan (50% of the project) with a CDC loan (40%) and your down payment (10%).

For manufacturers in FY2026, the SBA has waived both the upfront fee and the annual service fee on 504 loans. That's an unusual incentive — 504 fees normally add 1.5% to 2% to total cost.

504 loans work best for large equipment purchases ($150,000+) where you plan to keep the machine for the full loan term. The CDC debenture for equipment carries a 10-year term with fixed rates typically lower than conventional bank loans.

3. SBA MARC Loans (New for 2026)

The Manufacturers' Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) program launched October 1, 2025 — the SBA's first lending product designed specifically for manufacturers.

MARC provides revolving lines of credit or term loans up to $5 million. The revolving line lets you draw, repay, and draw again for up to 10 years, then converts to an amortizing loan with up to 10 more years to repay.

Use MARC for working capital, raw materials, inventory, and production costs. It's not designed for one-time equipment purchases — that's what 7(a) and 504 are for — but it keeps your cash flow flexible while you're ramping up production on new equipment.

Eligibility requires NAICS 31-33 classification and standard SBA size requirements.

What About Non-SBA Equipment Financing?

Traditional equipment loans from banks and alternative lenders typically offer:

Rates from 6% to 15% APR for borrowers with strong credit (680+ score). Terms of 3 to 7 years, sometimes longer for high-value equipment. Down payments of 0% to 20%. Faster approval — often days rather than the 30 to 90 days SBA loans require.

The tradeoff is straightforward: faster and simpler, but higher rates and shorter terms than SBA options.

Equipment leases are another route. You don't own the machine, but monthly payments may be lower and you can upgrade when technology changes. Leasing makes more sense for equipment with a shorter useful life or rapid obsolescence.

How to Choose the Right Financing

Match the financing to the equipment and your situation:

Buying a $300,000 CNC machine you'll run for 15 years? SBA 504 is likely your best bet — lowest rates, longest terms, fee waiver active now.

Need $150,000 for a used injection molder and some working capital? SBA 7(a) covers both in one loan, and the fee waiver applies through September 2026.

Adding capacity and need flexible cash flow for materials and labor? MARC gives you a revolving line without tying up equipment as the sole collateral.

Need equipment fast and can't wait 60 days? A conventional equipment loan or lease gets you funded in 1 to 2 weeks, but expect higher rates.

What Lenders Look For

Manufacturing equipment loans aren't harder to get than other business loans, but lenders focus on a few specific things:

Time in business. Most SBA lenders want at least 2 years of operating history. Startups can qualify but need stronger personal credit and collateral.

Revenue and cash flow. Lenders want to see that your existing revenue can cover the new debt service — typically a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25x or higher.

Equipment value. The machine itself serves as collateral. New equipment from established manufacturers (Haas, DMG Mori, Mazak) is easier to finance than custom or niche machinery.

Personal credit. For SBA loans, expect a minimum personal credit score of 650 to 680. Conventional equipment lenders may go lower but charge higher rates.

Business plan for the equipment. Lenders want to know what the machine will produce, who the customers are, and how it increases revenue. A purchase order or contract in hand strengthens your application significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finance used CNC machines?

Yes. Most equipment lenders and SBA programs finance used machinery. Terms may be shorter (matched to remaining useful life), and some lenders require the equipment to be less than 10 to 15 years old. Used machines from reputable dealers with maintenance records finance more easily.

How long does SBA equipment financing take?

SBA 7(a) loans typically take 30 to 60 days from application to funding. SBA 504 loans take 45 to 90 days due to the CDC approval layer. If you need equipment faster, a conventional equipment loan can close in 1 to 2 weeks.

Do I need a down payment?

SBA 7(a) loans typically require 10% to 20% down. SBA 504 loans require 10% (one of their main advantages). Conventional equipment loans range from 0% to 20% down depending on your credit profile.

What's the maximum I can borrow for equipment?

SBA 7(a) and MARC loans cap at $5 million. SBA 504 loans can go higher — up to $5.5 million for the CDC portion alone, with the total project cost potentially exceeding $10 million. Conventional equipment loans vary by lender.

Are the FY2026 manufacturer fee waivers still active?

As of this writing, yes. The SBA's fee waivers for manufacturers run through September 30, 2026. For 7(a) loans up to $950,000, the upfront guarantee fee is waived to 0%. For 504 loans, both the upfront fee and annual service fee are waived. These waivers apply only to businesses with NAICS codes 31-33.

Bottom Line

2026 is an unusually good year to finance manufacturing equipment through the SBA. Fee waivers on both 7(a) and 504 loans, plus the new MARC revolving credit program, make this the strongest lending environment for manufacturers in recent memory.

The window closes September 30, 2026. If you're planning a major equipment purchase — CNC machines, production lines, automation — now is the time to lock in financing.

88 NewWin Group helps manufacturers navigate SBA 7(a), 504, and equipment financing from $10,000 to $75 million across the US and Canada. Book a free consultation or call 714-468-5431.

Dat Nguyen