Leasing isn’t just for large corporations—it’s a powerful tool that small businesses can use to scale smarter and faster. In this case study, you'll see how one local bakery used equipment leasing to overcome budget limitations, improve efficiency, and fuel expansion—all without taking on heavy debt.
How can equipment leasing help a small business?
Equipment leasing helps small businesses preserve cash flow, upgrade tools affordably, and scale operations without large upfront costs.
Industry: Food & Beverage
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Employees: 5
Challenge: Outdated equipment + limited capital for upgrades
Flour & Fire had loyal customers and a growing reputation—but their aging ovens and dough mixers were limiting production and hurting product consistency. A full equipment upgrade would cost over $85,000—well outside their working capital range.
The owner, Maria, explored bank loans but faced high interest rates and rigid terms. She needed:
Fast access to commercial-grade kitchen equipment
Flexible payment options
A way to avoid draining cash reserves
Maria partnered with a leasing provider specializing in small food businesses. Here’s what she leased:
Double-deck convection ovens
Commercial dough mixers
Energy-efficient refrigeration
A digital point-of-sale (POS) system
Instead of an $85K purchase, she secured everything for $1,650/month over 60 months—with no large upfront cost.
✅ Preserved cash flow for payroll and marketing
✅ Tax-deductible monthly payments under IRS Section 179
✅ Included maintenance and upgrade options
✅ Easy approval based on revenue, not credit score
Related: Restaurant Equipment Financing: Kitchens, Ovens, and More
Within 90 days of the lease:
Production doubled due to better equipment efficiency
Labor hours dropped by 18%
Sales increased by 31%
The bakery launched a new wholesale partnership
Six months in, Flour & Fire was able to hire two new employees and open a second location—something Maria hadn’t thought possible in Year 2.
“Leasing gave me the freedom to grow without putting the business at risk. I wish I had done it sooner.”
– Maria Reyes, Owner, Flour & Fire Bakery
Avoided an $85K upfront investment
Upgraded critical kitchen equipment
Boosted production and sales
Maintained healthy cash reserves
Expanded operations in under 12 months
This story proves that equipment leasing isn’t just a financing option—it’s a strategic growth tool. For small businesses, it can mean the difference between treading water and scaling sustainably.
Are you sitting on outdated tools that are holding you back?
Explore small business equipment leasing options today—and give your company the upgrade it deserves without the financial strain.