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Equipment Financing: A Mid-Year Check-In & What’s Ahead for 2025

Equipment Financing: A Mid-Year Check-In & What’s Ahead for 2025

 

Hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025. And if the first six months are any indication, the equipment financing world is heading into some interesting territory. With new tech on the rise, regulatory changes kicking in, and an economy that’s keeping everyone on watch, the way business owners secure and use equipment is shifting fast.

So, what’s shaping the equipment financing right now, and what should business owners keep in mind as we head into the second half of the year?

 

Interest Rates Are Still High, But Businesses Are Adapting

At the start of the year, there was hope that interest rates might drop more quickly. While the Fed has eased up a bit, rates are still higher than what most of us were used to pre-2020. That makes financing equipment more expensive and decision-making a bit more complicated.

According to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, growth in equipment and software investment is slowing—forecasted at 2.8% for the year, down from 4.7%. That’s mostly due to ongoing market uncertainty and global trade concerns. But that doesn’t mean business owners are sitting still. They’re just being more selective and strategic about how and when they finance equipment.

How the Global Financial & Leasing Services Team Helps You Adapt:

We offer flexible financing options that match your business’s cash flow, so you don’t have to push pause on your growth plans or miss out on an opportunity. With fast approvals, we keep things moving.

 

Smarter Tech Equals Faster, Easier Financing

The equipment financing process is getting a tech upgrade, and that’s a good thing for some, but not all applicants.

Artificial intelligence and data tools are streamlining how lenders assess credit risk, speeding up approvals and helping more small businesses get access to the funding they need. Meanwhile, some platforms are experimenting with blockchain tech to make things like contracts and payments more transparent and secure.

Then there’s the growing buzz around Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS). Think subscription-style access to machinery and tech, with maintenance and upgrades included. It can be a smart option for businesses that want to stay agile and avoid owning outdated equipment.

How the Global Financial & Leasing Services Team Brings Human Touch to Technology:

For those with perfect credit, AI and software-based equipment financing approvals are easy. But for those with less-than-perfect credit, they’re a fast track to an automated credit denial.

GFLS is an alternative direct lender. Our team reviews your “story” to evaluate the hiccups in your past and how you overcame them. We offer more flexible terms that can accommodate a wider range of business needs. As a nationwide lender, we provide equipment-based financing and supply fast, flexible equipment financing to non-investment grade companies — often in days, not weeks. With the ability to fund up to a million, we can fund larger deals that big banks might turn away.

We look at each transaction differently, tailoring solutions best suited to your situation and goals. Our approval process is handled by a direct decision maker and is based primarily on your ability to service your current and proposed debt.

Plus, our lease options give you flexibility to upgrade or own, depending on what’s best for your business.

 

New Regulations Are Coming

There’s been a lot of movement on the compliance front this year. One of the big ones? Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which now requires lenders to report more data on small business loans. It’s part of a broader effort to promote transparency and fairness, and it’s changing how some lenders operate.

Then there’s Basel III, a global banking reform set to roll out in July. It’s pushing financial institutions to be more conservative with risk, which means lending.

Where GFLS Comes In:

We’re not a one-size-fits-all lender. We take the time to understand your business and its goals because we know you’re more than a credit score. Our team is here to help you navigate the paperwork and make smart, compliant decisions.

 

Not All Industries Are Feeling the Same Impact

The economic picture isn’t the same across every industry.

In agriculture, for example, high costs and falling incomes are slowing down equipment purchases. Last year, John Deere predicted decreasing sales and profit for 2025, and it’s May report reflected those losses in farm equipment and construction and forestry segments. (If you’re in the market for this equipment, now might be a good time to find a good deal.) On the flip side, clean energy is going strong. Developers are locking in long-term financing deals to weather higher rates and keep projects moving forward.

The lesson? Market conditions may vary, but the need for strategic equipment investments is universal.

Where GFLS Works Across Industries:

We work across many industries, from construction and healthcare to manufacturing and beyond. Our industry-specific expertise means we can tailor financing to fit your sector’s needs. And if you’re a vendor, our vendor financing solutions help close deals faster.

 

What Now? Make the Rest of 2025 Count

Is this going to be a “wait and see” year? The businesses that plan, stay nimble, are open to new financing models and proactive about growth will have the edge.

Mid-year is a good time to evaluate your equipment strategy. Are you using outdated machines that cost more in repairs than they’re worth? Are you expanding and need to scale up fast? Or are you launching something new and need a financing partner who believes in your vision?

It’s Time to Talk to GFLS

We support startups. We’re direct lenders. We move fast. Whether you’re leasing your first piece of equipment or expanding your fleet, we’ve got the equipment financing solution to help you keep moving forward.

The second half of 2025 will be all about balance between innovation and caution, ambition and risk. With smart financing strategies and the right partner, you don’t just wait and see, you make balance work for you.

Contact GFLS or apply now to explore your equipment financing options.

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Ready to Grow? Introducing Gia, Our New Superhero Mascot

Grow with Gia: How Smart Equipment Financing Fuels Small Business Growth  

Our Global Financial & Leasing Services (GFLS) team believes business growth shouldn’t be held back by rigid financial systems or a lack of access to equipment financing due to a credit score. That’s why we’ve built our financing solutions around one simple idea: when other lenders say no, we often say yes. And now, we’re excited to introduce a new face to help share that message. Gia, our new superhero mascot.

Gia embodies the spirit of GFLS — confident, approachable and committed to helping businesses succeed. You’ll see her across our website and marketing materials as a reminder that with, Gia, the right financial partner, growing your business with equipment financing is within reach.

Why Smart Financing Matters for Growth

Regardless of your industry, the right equipment can make a world of difference. But buying equipment outright can strain your cash flow, especially if you’re just starting out or dealing with past credit challenges. That’s where smart financing comes in.

With flexible financing options, your business can:

  • Preserve Cash Flow: Spread out the cost of equipment over time and keep your capital available for other needs.
  • Boost Productivity: Updated, reliable equipment helps your team work faster and more efficiently.
  • Scale with Confidence: Whether you want to tackle larger projects or expand into new geographic or product/service markets, equipment financing gives you the options to grow on your terms.

What Smart Financing Looks Like

Smart financing is all about finding the right fit for you and your business. At GFLS, we understand the challenges small and mid-sized businesses face, and we tailor our solutions to meet your unique needs.

We provide financing for essential equipment across industries such as:

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Logging and Forestry
  • Manufacturing
  • Printing
  • Titled Vehicles

Whether you’re replacing outdated machinery or adding to your fleet, we’re here to help you move forward.

Gia: A Symbol of Possibility

Gia isn’t here to give financial or lending advice. Think of her as a superhero, like our team who is approachable, reliable and ready to support your business’s next big move.

Our team created Gia to reinforce our brand and core message: smart, flexible financing is within reach. No matter your size or credit history.

Grow with Gia—Smart Equipment Financing for Your Business! Ready to Take the First Step?

Smart equipment financing is one of the most effective ways to fuel your long-term business growth. Whether you’re a new business financing your first big piece of equipment or an established company ready to expand, GFLS is here to support you.

Let Gia be your reminder that growth is possible and GFLS is the partner to help you get there. Contact GFLS or apply now to get started.

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The Impact of Economic Indicators on Equipment Financing Rates

Now mid-way through Q1, business owners are keeping a closer eye than ever on economic headlines about tariffs, layoffs, inflation and interest rates—all of which singly or combined will affect companies. While we cannot control the economy, our team can help you navigate how external factors impact equipment financing.

Interest rates, loan terms and approval criteria are directly influenced by key economic indicators like inflation, employment rates and GDP growth. Understanding how these indicators shape financing conditions helps you make informed decisions on when and how to invest in new or preowned essential business equipment. Also, shifts in global markets, supply chain dynamics and federal policies all play a role in shaping financial conditions that impact your business’s growth and sustainability.

There are recent technology advancements altering the way businesses approach financing. Digital lending platforms, automated approval processes and alternative lenders, like Global Financial & Leasing Services (GFLS), have expanded access to funding. While you now have more options, making the right financing choice requires a clear understanding of how economic trends affect borrowing opportunities. So, let’s start with equipment financing rates and inflation, which is up to 3% as of January.

Inflation and Equipment Financing Rates

Inflation is one of the most significant economic indicators affecting equipment financing. When inflation is high, the Federal Reserve often raises interest rates to curb spending and stabilize prices. This, in turn, increases borrowing costs, resulting in higher monthly payments and potentially stricter approval requirements for equipment financing. On the flip side, when inflation is low, interest rates tend to decrease, making financing more affordable and accessible.

Beyond influencing interest rates, inflation (and impending possible tariffs) also affects the cost of equipment itself. Rising material and manufacturing costs can drive up equipment prices, making it even more crucial for businesses to secure favorable financing terms. Inflation also impacts consumer spending, which can affect business revenue. When you anticipate economic shifts and secure financing at the right time, you can position your business for stability and long-term growth.

For business owners, keeping track of inflation trends is crucial. If rates are expected to rise, locking in an equipment financing deal sooner versus later can mean substantial long-term savings. Our advice: if you’re planning on financing equipment or leasing in 2025, talk to our experts now.

Employment Rates and Business Lending

Employment rates influence lending conditions. When unemployment is low, consumer spending increases, and businesses experience higher demand. This often leads to more favorable lending conditions as lenders gain confidence in borrowers’ ability to repay loans. However, in periods of rising unemployment, lenders tend to tighten approval requirements, making it more difficult for businesses — especially those with less-than-perfect credit — to secure financing.

At GFLS, we recognize that business success isn’t dictated solely by economic conditions. Unlike traditional lenders that may restrict financing during uncertain times, we offer flexible solutions, helping you obtain the essential business equipment you need regardless of employment fluctuations.

Related reading: Amid Tightening Credit Conditions, Vendors and Brokers Find Opportunities with Alternative and Story Lenders

GDP Growth and Equipment Investment

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is a key measure of economic strength. When GDP expands, businesses tend to invest more in equipment, workforce expansion and operational improvements. Strong GDP growth instills confidence in lenders, often leading to more favorable financing options such as lower interest rates and extended repayment terms.

During times of sluggish or negative GDP growth, traditional lenders become more cautious, tightening credit requirements and making financing more difficult to secure. This is when working with a direct lender like GFLS becomes highly beneficial. Since we evaluate financing applications based on a business’s ability to service its debt rather than just its credit score, we can tailor solutions that align with unique financial situations, even in uncertain economic times. A customized equipment financing solution starts with an application.

What Business Owners Can Expect in 2025

Our advice is to stay informed about economic indicators that could impact your financing options. Inflation, employment trends and GDP fluctuations will continue to influence equipment financing conditions, and staying ahead of these changes will be essential if you’re looking to invest in equipment.

One of the best ways to navigate these shifts is by partnering with a lender that understands the needs of small to mid-sized businesses. GFLS offers fast, flexible financing solutions that aren’t dictated solely by economic conditions. Whether interest rates are rising or falling, we help business owners obtain the equipment they need to maintain a competitive edge.

Take Control of Your Equipment Financing

Economic conditions will always impact financing rates, but they don’t necessarily have to limit your ability to grow and succeed. By staying informed and working with a lender that prioritizes your business’s needs, you can make smart financial decisions regardless of market fluctuations.

Whether it’s securing financing before interest rates rise, timing equipment purchases or leases strategically or exploring alternative lending options, having a well-thought-out financial plan can set your business up for long-term success.

If you’re considering financing equipment in 2025, now is the time to act. Contact us today.