Leasing can be a smart move for small businesses because it:
Preserves working capital (you don’t tie up all your cash in a purchase)
Offers predictable monthly payments
Allows you to upgrade equipment more frequently
May provide tax or accounting benefits, depending on lease type
But not all leasing companies are equal. The ones below are among the standout options in 2025 for small businesses.
These companies are widely recognized for serving small to mid-size businesses and offering flexible, competitive leasing options. Many were featured in recent reviews and rankings.
| Company | Strengths for Small Businesses | Things to Confirm / Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Crest Capital | Offers both equipment leasing and loans; fast decisioning; no tax returns needed up to certain amounts. | Must check credit score requirements, term limits, and how much “soft costs” (installation, delivery) they can include. |
| First Citizens Bank | Strong bank-backed option; can structure leases or financing to match tax/asset goals. NerdWallet | May require more documentation and stricter credit for smaller businesses. |
| National Funding | Known in “best equipment leasing” lists for working with smaller businesses and flexible underwriting. Biz2Credit | Interest rates can be higher; push for clarity on total cost, penalties, and early buyout terms. |
| Taycor Financial | Offers flexible lease terms and options even for borrowers with lower credit scores. NerdWallet | Review all terms and ensure you understand residual value, maintenance responsibilities, and end-of-lease options. |
| Clicklease | Easy application, instant decision in many cases, modest caps (e.g. up to $25,000). Clicklease | Since limits are lower, it’s more suited to smaller equipment or supplementing other funding. |
| Midland | Handles larger ticket amounts (from ~$50,000 to multi-million); offers full lease and loan programs including 100% financing. Midland | For bigger deals, underwriting is tighter and you may need to provide more financial backup. |
| Beacon Funding | A specialist in equipment financing; good track record helping smaller businesses. Beacon Funding | Because it’s niche, check their presence in your region and how fast they can fund. |
To get the best deal and avoid surprises, compare leasing companies on these dimensions:
Lease Options & Flexibility
Some offer operating leases, capital leases, or TRAC leases (for vehicles). Choose the structure that fits your business strategy.
Credit & Qualification Requirements
How strict is their underwriting? Can they work with less-than-perfect credit, or do they require multiple years of operation?
Funding Speed & Process Simplicity
Some lenders approve and fund in a day or two, while traditional banks may take weeks.
Upfront Costs / Down Payments
Some leases require zero down payment; others require some capital up front.
End-of-Lease Options
Can you buy the equipment (residual purchase price), return it, or renew the lease?
Maintenance & Repair Responsibility
Who pays for maintenance – you or the lessor?
Tax & Accounting Treatment
Depending on your situation, certain leases may allow you to deduct lease payments; others might be capitalized.
Transparency of Total Cost
Make sure all fees, interest, residual fees, and penalties are clearly disclosed.
Data-driven underwriting: Lenders now look at real-time bank data, usage metrics, and industry benchmarks to assess risk.
Embedded financing: Many vendors embed lease offers at checkout, which streamlines the process.
Flexible repayment structures: Step payments, seasonal or deferred payments are becoming more common to match cash flow cycles.
Determine how much financing you need and what lease types you prefer.
Shortlist 2–3 providers from the list above.
Request full cost breakdowns (payments, fees, residuals).
Compare total cost of lease vs purchase (especially if you intend to keep the equipment long-term).
Negotiate where possible — especially on fees, purchase price, and maintenance terms.