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PO Financing vs. Other Funding Options: What’s Best for Your Business

10/31/2025

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Many growing businesses face a familiar challenge: a large new order arrives, but there isn’t enough cash on hand to fulfill it. Supplier costs, materials, and shipping expenses are often due long before customer payment. Purchase order (PO) financing can bridge that gap.

This guide compares PO financing with other alternative funding options, such as invoice factoring, working capital loans, lines of credit, and asset-based lending, so you can decide which solution best fits your company’s cash flow cycle.

What Is Purchase Order Financing?

Purchase order financing provides short-term working capital to cover supplier costs so you can fulfill confirmed customer orders without delaying production or delivery.

Here’s how it works:
  1. You receive a purchase order from a customer.
  2. The PO financing provider pays your supplier directly.
  3. Your supplier produces and ships the goods.
  4. The customer pays their invoice.
  5. The financing provider applies its funding costs and releases the remaining funds to you.

​This allows manufacturers, distributors, importers, and resellers to take on larger orders without tying up internal cash. Prairie Business Credit provides both purchase order financing and invoice factoring to support companies experiencing growing demand.
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​Key Metrics & Comparison Criteria
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When evaluating funding options, consider:
  • Cost Structure: fees, discount rates, total working capital
  • Speed: approval time and funding
  • Flexibility: how funds can be used
  • Qualification Requirements: credit, collateral, order quality
  • Repayment Timing: tied to delivery stage vs. invoicing stage
  • Control: whether ownership or equity is affected

PO Financing vs. Invoice Factoring

Think of these two funding tools like separate bridges along your cash cycle: Purchase order financing helps you move from order to production by covering supplier or manufacturing costs up front, so you can fulfill large orders without tying up internal cash.

Invoice factoring helps you move from shipment to payment by advancing cash on the invoice, speeding up the time it takes to get paid.
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Many growing businesses use both at different points. PO financing bridges the gap at the start of the order, and once goods ship, factoring converts the invoice to cash. Together, they help maintain momentum, protect cash flow, and prevent missed revenue opportunities.

At a Glance: Comparing Funding Types
Funding Type When It’s Used Cost Level Funding Speed Flexibility Qualification Difficulty
Purchase Order Financing Before order fulfillment Medium Fast (1–3 days) Used to pay suppliers Moderate (depends on PO)
Invoice Factoring After delivery / invoicing Medium Very Fast Broad business expenses Moderate
Working Capital Loan / Line of Credit Ongoing operational needs Medium Moderate Broad use High (credit & collateral)
Asset-Based Lending Based on asset value Low–Medium Moderate Broad use; ongoing High (audits & monitoring)
Equity / Venture Capital Growth & expansion Variable Slow Broad, but dilutes ownership High (investor approval)

​PO Financing vs. Other Funding Options

Traditional financing tools such as working capital loans and lines of credit typically require strong credit, may involve collateral, and often have longer approval cycles. They work well for established businesses with predictable revenue.

Working Capital Loans & Lines of Credit provide revolving access to funds for general operating needs. Best suited for companies with long-standing banking relationships.

Asset-Based Lending / Inventory Financing are secured by inventory, equipment, or receivables and offers ongoing access to credit. Requires audits and ongoing reporting.

Equity or Venture Capital provides growth capital without debt but can take away ownership and decision-making control. More common for long-term expansion, not short-term order fulfillment.

Other Alternative Sources: options like crowdfunding or merchant cash advances can provide quick access to funds but may have repayment terms that don’t align to production cycles. 

When your challenge is fulfilling confirmed orders rather than covering general expenses, PO financing offers more targeted, cost-efficient support. It bridges the short-term gap without long-term debt or equity dilution.

Which Option Is Best for Your Business?

Wholesalers, distributors, and seasonal fulfillment businesses often benefit from PO financing to cover supplier costs when cash is tied up elsewhere. Service-based companies or manufacturers with long receivable cycles may pair invoice factoring or a line of credit to keep cash steady. Capital-intensive firms focused on asset expansion may explore asset-based lending for more permanent access to credit.

In many cases, a blended approach works best. Using PO financing and factoring together can help businesses take on more orders, strengthen supplier relationships, and keep growth moving.

Purchase Order Financing: The Bottom Line

Purchase order financing is a powerful tool for businesses with confirmed orders and upfront production costs. Comparing PO financing with invoice factoring and other funding options can help you build a capital mix that supports growth, strengthens cash flow, and improves production efficiency.
​

Prairie Business Credit helps businesses build financing strategies that support steady growth, not just  short-term relief. Contact us today to explore a customized working capital strategy tailored to your next order.
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How Factoring Closes the Cash Gap for Manufacturing Businesses

10/3/2025

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Manufacturers face a constant balancing act. Raw materials, payroll, and equipment costs come due long before customer payments arrive. With payment terms stretching from net-30 to net-90, this delay creates a cash gap that strains day-to-day operations and makes it harder to take on growth opportunities.

That’s what makes invoice factoring for manufacturers so essential. Instead of waiting weeks or months for customers to pay, manufacturers can convert unpaid receivables into immediate cash. 

Factoring is not a loan - it’s a non-debt financing tool that turns invoices into working capital. For manufacturers competing in a fast-moving market, accounts receivable factoring can be the difference between standing still and capturing new opportunities.

Understanding the Cash Gap in Manufacturing

In manufacturing, expenses stack up quickly. Raw materials must be purchased before production begins, employees must be paid on schedule, and equipment needs regular investment. Yet customer invoices are often delayed, leaving businesses short on liquidity.

This cash gap is more than an inconvenience. It can:
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  • Disrupt operations when there isn’t enough cash on hand to cover payroll or supplier payments.
  • Force manufacturers to pass on new contracts because they lack the funds to scale production.
  • Intensify during seasonal spikes in demand, when expenses rise but payments lag behind.

Manufacturing factoring addresses this by closing the gap between outgoing expenses and incoming receivables, giving businesses reliable cash flow when they need it most.

What Is Invoice Factoring & How Does it Work?

At its core, invoice factoring for manufacturers is straightforward: a manufacturer sells unpaid invoices to a factoring company in exchange for immediate cash. Typically, the factor advances 70-90% of the invoice value up front. Once the customer pays, the remaining balance (minus a small fee) is remitted.

This means manufacturers don’t have to wait 30, 60, or 90 days to get paid. They unlock the cash tied up in receivables right away.
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Benefits of Factoring for Manufacturing Businesses
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  1. Immediate Working Capital​: With invoice factoring for manufacturers, invoices are turned into cash within days instead of months. Manufacturers can keep production moving, cover payroll, and respond quickly to market shifts.
  2. Debt-Free Financing: Unlike loans, factoring doesn’t add liabilities to the balance sheet. There are no interest payments, and no collateral is at risk, making accounts receivable factoring a cleaner financing option.
  3. Improved Cash Flow & Stability: Factoring provides steady liquidity to manage recurring expenses. Whether it’s raw materials, payroll, or seasonal surges, manufacturers gain predictable cash flow to operate without stress.
  4. Flexible & Scalable: Businesses can choose which invoices to factor. As sales grow, funding grows with it. This makes manufacturing factoring a scalable solution that adjusts to the pace of the business.
  5. Focused Management: Managing collections can be time-consuming. Factoring allows Prairie to take on the collections process, freeing manufacturers to focus on production and customer relationships
  6. Opportunity Capture: With reliable cash flow, manufacturers don’t have to turn down large orders or delay expansion. Factoring gives them the liquidity to invest in new contracts, equipment, or staff without hesitation.

Potential Drawbacks & How to Mitigate Them

While factoring is highly effective, manufacturers should be aware of a few considerations:
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  • Cost/Fees: Factoring involves a discount fee. While it reduces margins slightly, the trade-off is consistent cash flow that prevents costlier disruptions.
  • ​​Customer Perception: Some clients may notice when payments are redirected to the factor. Clear communication ensures transparency and trust.

These risks are manageable, and working with an experienced partner like Prairie Business Credit minimizes them.

Why Choose Prairie Business Credit

For more than 30 years, Prairie Business Credit has supported manufacturers with invoice factoring and purchase-order financing. Our experience and focus on relationship-driven support make us both a financing provider and a growth partner.
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  • Credibility & Experience: Decades of expertise in helping manufacturers stabilize and expand.
  • ​Custom-Made Solutions: From accounts receivable factoring to equipment and purchase-order financing, Prairie offers flexible options aligned with a company’s growth stage.
  • Mission-Driven Approach: Prairie’s goal is to help clients grow, eventually graduating to bank financing or self-sufficiency.
  • Proven Results: Success stories, like Jake’s Inc. Precision Machining and others, showcase how Prairie’s factoring solutions deliver real-world impact.

Stronger Cash Flow Starts Here

The cash gap is a constant challenge in manufacturing, but it doesn’t have to hold businesses back. With invoice factoring, manufacturers can turn receivables into working capital, maintain stability, and pursue growth without taking on debt.

Prairie Business Credit specializes in manufacturing factoring and works with businesses at every stage of growth — from entrepreneurs to established mid-sized companies.

Ready to strengthen your cash flow? Explore our FAQs or Contact Us to see how factoring can close the cash gap for your business today.
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Purchase Order Financing

9/2/2025

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Purchase order (PO) financing is a tool for growing wholesalers, manufacturers, and B2B companies who face cash flow constraints. It gives businesses the breathing room to take on growth opportunities without draining their own cash.

It works by providing upfront capital to pay suppliers so you can fulfill large orders before your customer’s payment comes in.

The global PO financing market is projected to grow from $5.5 billion in 2023 to $12.9 billion by 2033; proof of how important this option has become for businesses facing cash flow challenges.

Although it can be a lifeline, missteps in its use can lead to costly surprises. At Prairie Business Credit, we help businesses access working capital safely and strategically. Our goal is to make sure financing supports growth instead of creating new burdens.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the common pitfalls of purchase order financing, from hidden costs and limited coverage to margin pressure and partner selection, so you can make smarter, more confident decisions.

1: High Fees and Misunderstood Costs 

A common mistake with PO financing is underestimating the real cost. Fees can include a percentage of the order, interest charges, and administrative costs.

If your order or invoicing gets delayed, the financing period extends, and those fees pile up..

How to avoid this: Ask lenders to lay out all costs upfront. Run the numbers carefully so you know what your true profit will look like after fees.

2: Limited Coverage and Scope

PO financing most often only covers supplier costs. In many cases, it doesn’t pay for payroll, unrelated inventory, or other operating expenses. Some lenders may even cover only part of supplier costs, leaving you scrambling for extra cash.

How to avoid this: Coverage can vary by lender. At Prairie, for example, there are situations where payroll and other costs may be included in a PO funding deal, though they are less common.  Use PO financing alongside other tools like factoring or a short-term line of credit to cover broader needs. Map out all the costs tied to fulfilling an order to make sure your financing covers the whole picture.

3: Margin Pressure and Required Profit Thresholds 

Most lenders want to see healthy profit margins before they’ll approve financing. Even then, fees can shrink those margins quickly, making a “profitable” order less attractive once costs are factored in.

How to avoid this: Do the math before committing. Build financing fees into your margin calculations and confirm with your provider what margin thresholds they require.

4: Customer Communication Gaps

In some PO financing setups, your customer pays the lender directly. If you don’t explain this clearly, it can create confusion about the process. .

How to avoid this:
  • Be upfront about how the financing process works.
  • Reassure customers that PO financing is a common tool for growing businesses.
  • Share clear documentation about how payments will work.
  • Introduce your financing partner professionally.
  • Keep customers updated so they always feel informed and confident.

When communication is clear, financing can build stronger customer trust. 

5: Choosing the Wrong Financing Partner

Going with the cheapest lender may sound smart, but it can backfire if they’re slow, rigid, or inexperienced in your industry.

How to avoid this: Look for a partner known for reliability and responsiveness, not just low fees. Make sure their funding timelines, policies, and flexibility align with your order needs.

6: Over-Reliance on PO Financing

Some businesses start leaning on PO financing for every order, using it like a permanent crutch instead of a short-term solution. That habit can hide bigger cash flow problems.

How to avoid this:
  • Use PO financing only for large or unique orders that will clearly turn a profit.
  • Keep a close eye on cash flow so you don’t need financing for day-to-day bills.
  • Use other tools, like a line of credit or invoice factoring, for recurring expenses.
  • Track how often you’re using financing and set limits so it doesn’t become overused.
  • Remind your team that PO financing is a growth tool, not a replacement for solid cash flow.

7: Misalignment with Supplier or Customer Terms

PO financing works best when supplier timelines, customer payment terms, and financing schedules line up. If they don’t, you could run into costly delays or disputes.

How to avoid this: Double-check supplier terms to make sure they match your financing timeline. Set clear expectations with customers and build in a little wiggle room for delays.

Why Prairie Business Credit is Different

While these pitfalls are real, they don’t have to derail your growth. The right financing partner makes all the difference — and that’s where Prairie Business Credit stands apart.

How PBC helps businesses avoid these pitfalls:
  • Transparent fee structures – No hidden costs. You’ll always know what you’re paying.
  • Flexible financing mix – We offer both PO financing and factoring, so you can cover supplier costs and other working capital needs.
  • Margin-aware funding – We make sure financing supports your profitability instead of cutting into it.
  • Relationship-focused approach – We help you communicate with customers so financing builds trust instead of straining it.
  • Established track record – With decades of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable funding and tailored solutions.

PBC Helps With Next Steps

Purchase order financing can be a powerful tool for businesses that need working capital — but only if it’s used wisely. Pitfalls like unexpected costs, limited coverage, thin margins, customer concerns, and the wrong partner can derail your success.

The right financing partner can turn those risks into opportunities. Prairie Business Credit helps businesses unlock working capital safely, efficiently, and strategically.

Ready to grow with confidence? Talk to Prairie Business Credit about a tailored financing approach that maximizes the benefits of PO financing while minimizing the risks.
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The Summer Slump: How to Avoid Cash Dips During Slow Months

8/6/2025

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Every July it happens: phones go quiet, invoices are “awaiting approval,” and routine expenses suddenly pile up. For manufacturers, wholesalers, and many B2B firms, the summer cash flow slump is as predictable as the heat, yet it still catches people off-guard. Ignoring seasonal cash flow challenges can snowball into missed payroll, strained vendor relationships, and stalled growth. With deliberate planning and the right financing tools, however, you can avoid cash dips during slow months and even turn summer into a competitive advantage.

Why Summer Squeezes Cash

Summer disrupts the usual cash flow via customers’ vacation, stretched decision cycles, and projects moving at a slower pace. Meanwhile, operating costs such as shipping fees, production delays, and overtime to cover staff vacations can spike. The result is negative working-capital whiplash: receivables slow at the exact moment expenses rise. Left unmanaged, a temporary gap can threaten liquidity and undermine confidence among employees, lenders, and suppliers.

Spotting the Slump Before it Hurts

Early detection is half the battle. Watch for these warning lights on your cash dashboard:
  • ​Aging receivables creep up: invoices that once cleared in 30 days begin drifting to 45 or 60.
  • Uneven expense spikes: utility bills, shipping fees, or temporary-labor costs jump faster than sales.
  • Inventory bottlenecks: finished goods pile up as customers delay orders, tying up working capital.

Experts, including The U.S. Small Business Administration, recommend establishing financial “trip-wires”, like a maximum Days Sales Outstanding or a minimum cash-on-hand balance, to prompt action before issues escalate rather than last-minute scrambling when money gets tight.

Cash-Flow Tactics to Stay Liquid

Once you foresee a slump, consider adopting these disciplined cash flow management strategies:
  • Mine your history: Compare sales, expenses, and collections from prior summers to build a month-by-month forecast. SCORE.org’s free cash-flow template helps significantly.
  • Tighten up payment terms: Move from Net 60 to Net 30, add late-payment fees, or reward quick payers with a 2% discount if paid within ten days; any type of small incentive that accelerates cash flow more than they cost.
  • Defer the discretionary: Hold off on non-essential purchases like software upgrades, furniture, and conference travel until business picks back up. 
  • Build a cash cushion: Aim to have at least one month of operating expenses on hand, even modest weekly deposits can quietly grow into a solid emergency fund.
  • Negotiate with suppliers: Reach out to key vendors before things slow down and request extended terms or seasonal discounts for larger orders. Vendors usually appreciate the heads up, and the loyalty.
  • Get strategic with taxes: Work with your accountant to explore deferring quarterly tax payments or accelerating deductible expenses into the previous fiscal year to conserve summer cash.

Together, these habits can help you stay liquid and keep payroll, rent, and inventory flowing without scrambling for emergency funding.
Keep your business growing
Funding Solutions to Bridge the Gap

Even with solid planning, cash gaps can happen. Luckily, there are two flexible financing options that supply working capital for small business owners without all the red tape.
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  1. Invoice factoring for small business: Instead of waiting 30–90 days for slow-paying customers, you can sell those invoices to a factoring company and collect up to 90% of the invoice value immediately. The factor collects payment from the customer and remits the balance back to you, minus a small fee. Because the advance is tied directly to receivables, factoring grows with your sales and doesn’t add long-term debt to your balance sheet.
  2. Asset-based lending: If you carry significant inventory or own equipment, an asset-based line of credit unlocks liquidity by lending against those assets, usually 70–85 % of their value. Unlike a traditional bank term loan, this line expands when business is busy and contracts during slower periods, so your funding mirrors your cash flow needs.

Both options can be set up quickly, protect your equity, and provide the breathing room you need until revenue picks back up.

Seasonal Revenue-Boosting Tactics

Beyond shoring up cash, summer is a great time to boost revenue and diversify your income streams. Here’s how:
  • Summer-Themed Promotions: Create limited-time bundles or service packages tied to the season. For example, offer a “Summer Startup Kit” bundle of complementary products at a discounted rate, or offer limited-time service contracts at a special summer price.
  • Off-Peak Offerings: Use slow months to launch training workshops, maintenance services, or consulting sessions. In industries like equipment rental or software, offering off-season training can generate fees without large overhead.
  • Loyalty and Referral Programs: Incentivize recurring business by rewarding customers who reorder in summer with bonus credits or referral discounts. Even a simple loyalty program can go a long way in turning occasional buyers into repeat customers.
  • Partnerships and Cross-Selling: Team up with non-competing businesses that serve the same audience; co-host a webinar, offer joint promotions, or share marketing costs. Cross-selling complementary services or products can tap into new revenue streams.
  • Digital Engagement: Ramp up email marketing and social media campaigns tailored to summer themes like “Beat the Heat with These Solutions”, and include clear calls to action. Platforms like HubSpot provide free tools and templates for seasonal campaigns (HubSpot).

Implementing these tactics not only fills revenue gaps but also keeps your brand top of mind when customers return to peak-season buying

Client Scenario: How One Business Avoided the Slump

Last summer, a mid-sized sheet-metal fabricator, typical of the B2B clients we work with, faced its familiar summer slowdown. With key construction clients delaying orders, unpaid invoices began piling up, putting payroll and production at risk. We introduced invoice factoring, and immediately recovered 85% of outstanding receivables. This immediate access to working capital allowed the company to:
  • Meet all payroll obligations on schedule
  • Purchase raw materials at pre-summer prices, avoiding peak-season surcharges
  • Sustained two temporary positions that ultimately helped secure a major fall contract

At the same time, they introduced a summer maintenance service for existing clients—an off-peak offering that generated an extra 12% in revenue. 

By combining smart cash-management strategies, flexible financing, and seasonal revenue tactics, the fabricator not only survived the summer slump, but used it to gain a competitive edge and locked in early-season work for the fall.

Turn Summer into a Strategic Advantage

A seasonal slowdown doesn’t have to mean a financial setback. With disciplined forecasting, smart cash flow strategies, creative revenue-boosting tactics, and the right financing tools—like invoice factoring and asset-based lending—you can avoid cash dips during slow months and maintain momentum year-round.

At Prairie Business Credit, we are not just lenders, we’re your cash flow partner. Whether you need to smooth seasonal variations, fund rapid growth, or restructure existing debt, our team is ready to help.

Ready to build financial stability through every season? Get Started Today to learn how we can support your business, summer slump and all.​
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Does My Service Business Need Invoice Factoring?

7/7/2025

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You've delivered the service. The client is happy. And now you wait 30, 60, sometimes 90 days for payment. Meanwhile, payroll is due, vendor bills stack up and growth opportunities pass by for lack of working capital.

It’s a frustratingly common cycle for service-sector businesses. In fact, a U.S. Bank study found that 82% of small businesses fail due to poor cash flow management (Entrepreneur). For service-based companies like staffing firms, maintenance providers, and consultants, this timing mismatch can mean missed opportunities, delayed hiring, or even trouble making payroll.

At Prairie Business Credit, we understand these challenges. That’s why we offer invoice factoring for service businesses, a flexible way to access the cash you’ve already earned without taking on debt.

What is Invoice Factoring? 

Invoice factoring (also referred to as accounts receivable financing) is a form of alternative business funding where you sell your unpaid receivables to a factoring company for immediate cash. Rather than waiting for clients to pay, you receive up to 90% of the invoice value typically within 24–48 hours. Once your customer settles the invoice, the factoring service gives your company the remaining balance of that invoice, minus a small factoring fee.

By outsourcing collections, you also free up internal resources to focus on service delivery and customer relationships.

Why Service Businesses Are Vulnerable to Cash Flow Gaps 

Many service-based businesses operate on net terms: you deliver the work first, then invoice later. But vendors and employees expect payment on day one. This timing mismatch creates working capital gaps that can quietly stall growth. And rapid expansion only amplifies this strain—new hires, software updates, and equipment leases all require upfront funding, long before client payments arrive.

Delays in receivables can force you to turn down profitable contracts, miss out on early-payment vendor discounts, or scramble to cover payroll. Without a reliable cash flow cushion, even profitable operations can find themselves strapped for cash.

Benefits of Factoring for Service-Based Businesses

Invoice factoring has become a go-to cash flow solution for many service industries. Key advantages include:​
  • Quick Access to Cash: Receive funds within 24–48 hours of invoicing, rather than waiting 30–90 days.
  • No Debt Incurred: Since factoring is receivables financing, there’s no new loan on your books and no interest payments.
  • Scalable Funding: Your financing capacity grows with your invoicing volume—ideal for businesses scaling rapidly.
  • Operational Efficiency: Outsourcing collections to your factor allows your team to focus on delivering high-value  services.
  • Support for Critical Expenses: Keep payroll, vendor payments, and growth investments on track, even when clients run on extended payment terms.

Factoring gives service-based businesses a flexible way to turn completed work into immediate working capital, bridging the gap between doing the job and getting paid.
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Is Factoring Right for Your Service Business? 

Invoice factoring could be a smart solution if:​
  • You’re turning down new work because cash is tied up in receivables
  • Clients take 30+ days to pay invoices
  • You’re struggling to meet payroll or pay vendors on time
  • You want to invest in growth without taking on additional debt

​Factoring isn’t the answer for every situation, but for a majority of service businesses, it provides the consistent cash flow to seize new opportunities and maintain operational flexibility.

Why Service Businesses Trust Prairie Business Credit

With over 30 years of experience financing service-sector businesses, Prairie Business Credit is known for customized, flexible funding options. Our services offer:​
  • Fast Onboarding: Seamless integration with your invoicing system to unlock funding quickly.
  • Customized Funding Solutions: Programs that scale with your invoicing volume, whether you’re a small consultancy or a large distribution firm.
  • Cash Flow Consulting: Ongoing support to help you plan ahead, anticipate funding needs and make the most of your working capital.
  • Relationship-Driven Support: A single point of contact committed to your long-term success.

​“The team at Prairie Business Credit are good people; honest, smart and straightforward. They kept our doors open”, said one of our service business clients.
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If your service business is profitable but cash-flow constrained, invoice factoring can serve as the bridge between completed work and accessible funds—powering growth without adding debt. 

Ready to explore if invoice factoring is the right fit? Contact Prairie Business Credit for a free consultation and learn how our accounts receivable financing solutions can keep your business moving forward.
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How Purchase Order Financing Can Help Startups Grow

6/13/2025

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Starting a new business comes with many moments of strain, but none are more worrisome than limited cash flow. To grow your startup, you need positive cash flow that supports new inventory purchases and employee hiring, especially as your company takes on bigger and bolder projects. Yet, having access to that capital as an unproven business is tough.

That is where purchase order (PO) financing can offer a solution. With purchase order financing, you gain access to funding that is simple and accessible, with fast and flexible financial support when you need it the most. Could this be what you are looking for to grow your company? Take into consideration what PO financing is, how it works, and why it could support your business’s future.

What Is Purchase Order Financing – And How Does It Work?

Purchase order financing helps a business buy the inventory it needs to meet customer needs, even if its cash flow is not where it needs to be. The purchase order financing company pays your supplier to manufacture and deliver the goods to the customer on your behalf, keeping your business moving forward. When the customer pays, we apply a fee and send the rest to you. 

When you use PO financing for a small business, you can accept more than one customer order and work on building your business, even if your cash flow may not allow you to buy all of that product up front. It ensures your business is able to run smoothly so that you maintain a good reputation and don't lose customers.

It differs from traditional financing and equity financing in several ways:
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  • With PO financing, you maintain ownership of your business.
  • Typically, loans require ongoing payments and ever-increasing interest costs. With PO financing, you know the costs upfront and when the payment occurs. ​
  • PO financing isn’t a loan itself but a way to meet your customer’s needs. Payment for the borrowed funds comes directly from your sales. 

How PO Financing Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
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  1. Once your customer makes a purchase, you receive their order. After analyzing the type and volume of products, you determine if you need financing to meet the order’s needs. 
  2. Your supplier determines costs. You get a quote for the cost of the goods your customer needs in the form of a pro-forma invoice. You use that to apply for purchase order financing. 
  3. Your lender approves you for up to 100% of the supplier cost. With approval, the lender sends the payment to the supplier.
  4. After delivery, an invoice is sent to your customer.
  5. The customer pays the purchase order financing company what they agreed to pay you for, which will include the costs of the supplied goods and your upcharge. The financing company sends what is owed to you.
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How PO Financing Helps Startups Grow

Cash flow solutions for startups can be hard to obtain. There are several key benefits to using purchase order financing for the growth capital you need:
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  • Take on the big order. With PO financing, you can take on those big orders you would otherwise have to pass on. You don’t need upfront capital to do so.
  • Avoid taking on debt or selling your business. There is no long-term loan here, and you are not losing equity in your business.
  • Build supplier and customer relationships. Being able to meet these needs builds relationships over time. 
  • Get orders fulfilled faster. That drives customer retention and improves revenue.
  • Flexibility. Compared to traditional, hard-to-get loans, this type of startup financing is flexible and customizable.

Is PO Financing Right for Your Business?

You may not need this if you have available cash flow and no limitations on purchases. However, it could be a good fit for product-based startups with:
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  • Limited capital but with a strong sales potential 
  • Reliable customers and large pending orders
  • Businesses that are ready to take on bigger orders to scale

Ready to Learn More About Cash Flow Solutions for Startups?

PO financing enables a startup to meet short-term cash flow needs to satisfy customers. It eliminates the risk and cost of long-term debt and puts money in your hands when you need it most. It’s a bridge, not a permanent solution, but it is a game changer for most of today’s companies. 

Prairie Business Credit offers flexible, fast purchase order financing tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about PO financing. 
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Missed Business Opportunities: When Saying 'No' Impacts Growth

5/6/2025

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​In the lifecycle of a small business, there are more choices that an owner will have to make than they can remember. So, when an owner decides not to take on a large new revenue opportunity, does it leave a lasting mark? They say luck is when opportunity meets preparation — do you have what it takes to make your own luck?

When Opportunity Comes Knocking...

We’ve worked with many innovative entrepreneurs who have brought creative products to the market, but when a new business opportunity isn’t pursued, it may not feel like a tragedy at first.
Let’s imagine a small business owner, Evelyn, the Entrepreneur. Evelyn has been slowly growing her company in a competitive market, securing small new contracts here and there. Prior to starting her own business, Evelyn worked at Larger Company, which is currently her number one competitor and a more established player in the market. Evelyn finally lands her biggest opportunity yet and gets the chance to pitch her product to Mega Manufacturing, a large global company. If Mega decides to buy from her, it could boost her sales by nearly 50%!
When it appears that Evelyn is poised to win the business, terms are discussed. Although the profit margin on the new business with Mega is the same as for the rest of Evelyn’s customer base, Mega’s standard payment terms are net 75 days. Evelyn has had a few profitable years under her belt, but she just doesn’t have the cash to make this work.

...Are You Ready to Answer?

Without the cash flow to support the new sales, Evelyn makes the tough decision to turn down the Mega business opportunity, and Mega is left to go with the less innovative but still worthy product sold by her competitor, Larger Co. As a more established company, Larger Co. can handle the extended payment terms, and they continue to grow their market share.
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Evelyn carries on in her niche, continuing to innovate, but never really breaks through or gains more market share. She makes a nice living for herself and her team, but was never able to ultimately grab that brass ring.

The Reality of Lost Opportunities

So here is the thing: It isn’t a big deal. Evelyn takes a pass on her big opportunity. No jobs were lost. It’s true—Large Co. hired a dozen new employees to support the Mega contract, expanded into additional product lines, and grew the relationship significantly. But nobody got hurt.

Evelyn still runs a nice company. Sometimes, she thinks about the sale she lost to Mega, especially when she tries to reach out and pitch them the latest version of her product. Overall, though, it was a bump in the road, and Evelyn carries on nicely.
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Some might look at this scenario and wonder why she was complacent, or why Evelyn ever left Larger Co in the first place if she wasn’t going to go out and do something big. Maybe she just didn’t know how to get it done. Maybe she was told by her bank when she presented them with the opportunity from Mega that historic cash flows did not support the line of credit she needed. Maybe she was told that such a sales concentration would be too risky. Maybe her bank didn’t know about Prairie.

Prairie Business Credit Makes Sure You're Ready to Say 'Yes'

It would be nice if the entrepreneurs who couldn’t figure out how to take on that new customer still ended up with a nice (although boring) outcome like Evelyn. But, they don’t. Sometimes they can’t take on that new customer and the business slowly falls into obscurity, losing little bits of market share here and there. Other times, the business fails.

Over the past 32 years, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs take on that new customer and avoid missing business opportunities. Sometimes the outcome is something to behold. We’ve seen:
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  • The company goes from Prairie borrower, to bank borrower, to bank trust customer.
  • The company goes from Prairie borrower, more than doubling revenues, selling for 3x the valuation of the company prior to working with Prairie.
  • The company goes from the bank’s “naughty list”, to fulfilling the first of its kind, proof of concept contract, launching it to a successful public offering.

When you’ve had the privilege of providing the funding that played a part in those types of outcomes, you can’t help but be a little sad when you hear about the sale that didn’t happen. If only we had known.

So if you want to be ready to say yes to your next opportunity, don't let FOMO—or funding—hold you back. Give us a call today.
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Fueling Growth: How to Get the Cash You Need

4/9/2025

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Have you ever turned down a growth opportunity because you couldn’t afford to take it on? Many business owners encounter this same problem at some point in their careers: They have just enough cash to keep operations running but not enough to take on substantial growth opportunities.

Scaling your business requires significant upfront investments before reaping any of the benefits. And if your customers are taking 30-90 days or longer to pay their invoices, your cash flow may be holding you back.

Why Growth Requires Capital

To grow, you need to: 
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  • Expand into new markets
  • Market your services to attract new customers
  • Hire additional employees
  • Upgrade equipment 
  • Grow your inventory 
  • Keep up with competitors

​All of this requires cash upfront. 

For B2B industries like wholesalers, manufacturing, and distribution, extended payment terms, high overhead costs, and seasonal fluctuations are the norm. That means these businesses often run into the Cash Gap, which is the period between when payment for goods is due and when the customer's payment comes in from the sale. The gap makes it hard for businesses to grow because their working capital is used to cover operational costs and stay afloat until payments come in, often resulting in missed growth opportunities and stagnation.

Assessing Your Capital Needs

It’s important to consider your unique challenges when choosing the right financing option. 
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  • Will you be upgrading equipment or increasing inventory? 
  • Expanding into new markets or facilities? 
  • Hiring more staff?

​Determining how much funding you’ll need and what you’ll need it for will help determine which kind of financing aligns with your business goals.

Traditional Financing: Why it Falls Short 

Bank loans and lines of credit allow business owners access to capital and offer predictable payment terms, but they aren’t always realistic options for B2B owners: 
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  • Lengthy approval processes (30-90 days or longer)
  • Strong credit history requirements 
  • Collateral requirements
  • Fixed terms with no room for flexibility 

​According to the Federal Reserve Small Business Credit 2025 Report on Employer Firms, 41% of small business applicants received all the financing they sought, meaning the remaining 59% received partial or no approval. 

SBA loans have more flexible loan options and typically lower interest rates, but it’s a complex process to qualify, with stringent criteria. Growing businesses with inconsistent cash flow may be denied, and if you need cash fast, these processes may take too long to determine if you made the cut.

Alternative Financing: Not Ideal for B2B Businesses

Some alternative options for business owners:
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  • Revenue-Based Financing or Merchant Cash Advances: Allows you  to maintain ownership of your company, but often at a steep price. Their high fees can worsen cash flow issues if your revenue is inconsistent, and the structure can make it nearly impossible to transition to traditional bank financing.  
  • Crowdfunding: Great for product launches and marketing outreach, but this method takes time and effort, and success is uncertain. 
  • Angel Investors or Venture Capital: Generally well-suited for long-term growth, but often require giving up equity and control of decision-making, with lengthy timelines for funding. 
​These options all have their place, but there are better options if you need access to working capital fast to cover payroll or fulfill a big order.

Quick Comparison

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The Better Way: Factoring with PBC

Factoring eliminates the cash gap by turning unpaid invoices into immediate working capital. 

Here’s how it works: 
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  1. You issue the invoice to your customer
  2. Prairie Business Credit advances you a percentage of the invoice upfront
  3. We collect the payment directly from your customer 
  4. Once we receive the customer's payment, we will send you the balance, minus a small fee for the service

​When customers are late on their payments, factoring provides a solution to bridge the gap so you can cover expenses and take on new growth opportunities without cash flow disruptions. 
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Need help with a big order? Prairie Business Credit can pay your supplier directly so you can fulfill customer orders without delay with Purchase Order Financing. Once your customer pays the invoice, we’ll remit the remaining balance back to you. It’s a fast, flexible solution to help you take on large orders and keep your production moving.

​Why Businesses Choose Factoring with PBC

  • You don't need perfect credit to qualify - Financing is based on your customer's reliability, not yours.
  • Immediate access to working capital - so you can say yes to growth opportunities without waiting for slow-paying customers. 
  • No additional debt - You’re not taking on a loan, just getting cash faster for the work you’ve already done. 
  • Maintain ownership - you keep all your business's equity, ownership, and control. 
  • Flexible funds when you need them - flexible options to adapt to your cash flow needs.
  • Bridge the cash flow gap - Cover payroll, pay suppliers, and stay ahead of slow-paying customers. 
  • More than just funding - Prairie Business Credit provides personalized support and financial guidance to help your business grow. 
  • Great for B2B industries - especially wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and entrepreneurs. 

All in all, factoring grows your business. When cash flow is no longer holding you back, growth is inevitable. With Prairie Business Credit, you’ll have the funding and support to make it happen. 

​​Why You Should Choose PBC

With over 30 years of experience, Prairie Business Credit offers relationship-focused financial guidance, tailored financing options to fit your unique cash flow challenges, and fast onboarding so you can start growing your business today. Over 70% of our clients have progressed to traditional banks or self-financing. 

Our services include: 
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  • Accounts Receivable Financing (Factoring) 
  • Purchase Order Financing 
  • Receivables Management 

​Trusted by entrepreneurs and small business owners across industries, we’re here to help you get the cash you need, when you need it.

Start Growing Your Business Today
​

Cash flow shouldn’t be what's holding back your business growth. Reach out to Prairie Business Credit for a consultation today.
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5 Signs Your Business Needs Factoring Services

3/24/2025

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Cash flow problems can plague businesses of all sizes and industries. In fact, Entrepreneur reports that around 82 percent of business failures result from poor cash management, according to a U.S. Bank study. If you need cash on hand but have issues collecting invoices in a timely manner, a factoring service might be right for you. It's an alternative type of lending that allows you to access money you're already owed without having to approach a bank or get caught up in other high-interest-rate options.

Here we'll dive into what factoring services are, how they work, and five key signs that indicate your business needs them.

What is a Factoring Service?

If you need cash up front and quickly, you can sell unpaid client invoices to a factoring service, who will pay cash for them and then collect what's owed on the invoice directly from the client on a later date. This essentially helps the business maintain a more predictable cash flow without having to worry about collecting overdue invoices from their clients.

How Do Factoring Services Work?

The process is actually fairly simple:
  1. You issue an invoice to your customer with agreed-upon payment terms.
  2. You sell that invoice to a factoring service, who in turn advances you around 70-90% of that invoice's value up front.
  3. The customer pays the factoring service directly, rather than your company.
  4. Once the customer's payment is received, the factoring service gives your company the remaining balance of that invoice, minus a small factoring fee.
The idea is to have quick and painless access to cash for immediate business expenses if your customers are late on their payments.

5 Signs That You Could Use Factoring Services

1. You Have Frequent Cash Flow Problems
Inconsistent cash flow can really dampen a business' growth and put a halt to operations if it is unable to cover short-term expenses. There are a number of industries that are often affected by this — seasonal employers, startups and growing businesses, manufacturing, staffing, and transportation just to name a few. But factoring services help turn unpaid invoices into working capital with short notice, thus ensuring you have the cash to maintain your operations and pay your employees.
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2. Your Customers Procrastinate on Cutting Checks
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Slow-paying customers can have a domino effect on your business. Longer payment cycles can create financial stress, operating expenses pile up, vendor and supplier relationships become strained, etc. But a factoring service cuts through these issues by eliminating the Cash Gap waiting period and empowering your business to reinvest that money as needed.
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3. Meeting Payroll or Paying Vendors on Time is Difficult for You
The last thing your growing business needs is a negative reputation among employees, suppliers, and/or vendors. Being unable to pay your employees on time can cause massive disruptions in their lives and might wind up with them seeking other employment. Meanwhile, a vendor or supplier may decide to stop working with you altogether if you're unable to meet the financial terms of your agreement. The immediate cash that factoring services provide can negate these pitfalls entirely.

4. You're Growing Quickly
We all want to grow our companies, but there is such a thing as growing too fast. When this happens, cash flow becomes a significant issue because increased demand leads to higher upfront expenses for inventory, payroll, and ramping up operations. On top of that, if you're waiting for payments from clients to come through, you may find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place. You may find yourself waiting months on end for payments to come through — months that may dry up the cash you have on hand. In the meantime, a factoring service can help you get cash on hand quickly so that you can keep up with demand and afford to pay your workers. It can also allow you to scale confidently so you can expand into a new market or take on new clients without liquidating any assets.

5. Traditional Lenders Deny You
Oftentimes banks are hesitant to lend money to companies if they lack credit history, financial stability, or otherwise don't meet lending requirements. This is especially true for startup companies who are trying to make a name for themselves. Having the capital to cover immediate costs is imperative for long-term growth and success. A factoring service eliminates the need for a solid credit history; instead, the creditworthiness of your customers is paramount.

Prairie Business Credit is a Factor For You
If your business has cash flow problems, slow-paying customers, difficulty meeting payroll, quick growth, or trouble with banks, Prairie Business Credit is here for you. We are a private, family-run company invested in your success. Since 1993, we've helped 70% of our client base progress to bank or self-financing through factoring or purchase-order financing.
To learn more about how we can help you today, get in touch!

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Choosing the Right Purchase Order Financing Provider

2/28/2025

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How to Select the Best Purchase Order Financing Partner for Your Business

Securing purchase order (PO) financing can significantly enhance your business's ability to fulfill large orders and manage cash flow effectively. However, selecting the right PO financing provider is crucial to ensure a beneficial partnership. Here are key factors to consider:


1. Industry Expertise and Reputation

Choose a provider with a proven track record in your specific industry. An experienced provider will understand your sector's unique challenges and requirements, enabling them to offer tailored solutions that align with your business needs. 

2. Transparent Terms and Fees

It's essential to work with a financing provider that provides clear and upfront information about its terms and fees. Transparency helps you understand the cost structure and avoid hidden charges that could impact profitability. 

3. Flexibility and Customer Support

A reliable PO financing partner should offer flexible financing options that can adapt to your business's evolving needs. Additionally, responsive customer support is vital for promptly addressing any concerns and maintaining smooth operations. 


If you need further guidance on selecting the right PO financing provider to improve your business's financial health, we can help. Reach out for personalized assistance.

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    Topics

    Purchase Order Financing and Factoring

    How Does Factoring Work?

    Calculating the Benefits of Factoring

    When Should You Consider Factoring?

    Factoring in Five Simple Steps

    13 Week Cash Flow Forecast

    Businesses Need to Protect Their Cash Flow During the Pandemic

    The Cash Gap

    Our Second Client Defrauded Us - How it Changed the Way We Do Business

    Is Prairie Business Credit Expensive? How Much Do They Charge?

    Top Ten Reasons to Factor

    You Need Cash for Growth

    Who are Good Candidates for Factoring?

    Our Number One Goal is that Our Clients Leave Us

    A Bridge to Where?

    In the Age of the Internet, We Still Do Business Face to Face

    Credit Checks

    Cash Management

    Two Fundamental Principles When Giving Your Customers Payment Terms

    Team Up with a Factor To Earn Lifelong Business Customers

    Make No Little Plans

    Prairie Business Credit Promotes Morgan

    Prairie Business Credit Promotes Diversey

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