Equipment Financing Options for Nevada Construction Businesses

In Nevada’s booming construction sector—fueled by real estate, infrastructure, and tech development—having the right heavy equipment isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

Whether you're based in Las Vegas, Reno, or a rural part of the state, your construction business needs reliable access to excavators, loaders, cranes, and other essential gear to stay productive and competitive.

But these tools don’t come cheap. That’s where smart financing comes in.

This guide explores the best equipment financing options for Nevada construction businesses, from loans and leases to SBA-backed programs and tax-saving strategies.

Why Nevada Contractors Need Equipment Financing

Construction equipment is expensive, but necessary—and buying it outright can strain your cash flow. Instead, financing helps you:

• Acquire equipment without large upfront costs

• Maintain working capital for payroll, materials, and bids

• Access the latest tech for productivity and safety

• Replace or upgrade older machinery faster

• Stay agile in Nevada’s competitive bid-driven market

🛠️ In construction, time is money. The right financing strategy ensures you’re never delayed by unavailable or outdated equipment.

1. Equipment Loans for Construction Companies

💼 What is an Equipment Loan?

An equipment loan provides a lump sum to purchase new or used machinery. The equipment itself serves as collateral, which reduces lender risk.

✅ Key Benefits:

• Fixed monthly payments

• 2–7 year terms

• Often lower interest than unsecured business loans

• Own the equipment outright after final payment

🏗️ Eligible Equipment:

• Excavators, skid steers, bulldozers

• Cranes, backhoes, graders

• Dump trucks and work trucks

• Concrete mixers, scaffolding, generators

📍 Nevada-Based Lenders to Explore:

• Bank of Nevada

• Western Alliance Bank

• Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

• First Foundation Bank

7-Step Process to Finance Construction Equipment in Nevada

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1. Identify equipment needs and vendor quotes

2. Choose loan vs. lease based on project duration

3. Compare lenders and prequalify

4. Gather business financials and tax returns

5. Submit application and equipment specs

6. Finalize loan terms and sign documents

7. Receive funds or direct vendor payment

2. Equipment Leasing for Short-Term Flexibility

🔄 What is Equipment Leasing?

Leasing is ideal if you need equipment temporarily or want to upgrade frequently. At lease-end, you can return, renew, or buy the equipment.

🧾 Leasing vs. Buying:

• Balboa Capital

• Crest Capital

• Trust Capital USA

• National Funding

3. SBA Loans for Construction Equipment

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t offer equipment loans directly, but guarantees loans issued by banks—making it easier to qualify and secure favorable terms.

🏢 SBA 7(a) Loan

• Can be used for equipment, vehicles, and working capital

• Up to $5 million

• Terms: Up to 10 years

• Rates: Prime + 2.25%–4.75%

🏗️ SBA 504 Loan (Ideal for Heavy Equipment)

• Designed for long-life assets like machinery or commercial real estate

• Structure: 50% lender, 40% CDC (Certified Development Company), 10% borrower

• Lower down payment

• Fixed, long-term interest rates

🧱 In Nevada, many mid-sized contractors use SBA 504 loans to buy construction equipment while preserving liquidity for payroll and bids.

📍 Contact Nevada SBA District Office or Nevada State Development Corporation for local SBA and CDC support.

Real Example: Growing a Grading Company in Northern Nevada

Business: Silver Earth Excavation (based in Sparks, NV)
Need: $350,000 for two loaders, a grader, and a site truck
Solution:

• $200,000 SBA 504 loan through NSDC

• $100,000 equipment lease for a specialized loader

• $50,000 business line of credit for fuel and supplies
  Result:

• Took on 3 new municipal projects within 8 months

• Reduced subcontractor reliance by 60%

• Doubled annual revenue in 18 months

4. Tax Advantages of Financing Equipment

🧮 Section 179 Deduction

Buy or finance new or used equipment and deduct the full purchase price (up to $1,220,000 in 2024) in the same tax year.

⚡ Bonus Depreciation

Claim additional deductions for qualifying equipment even if Section 179 cap is reached. Bonus depreciation is 60% in 2024 and phases down in coming years.

Tip: Financing lets you write off the entire equipment cost even if you haven't paid in full.

📊 Talk to your CPA or tax advisor before structuring your deal to maximize deductions.

5. Business Lines of Credit for Equipment-Related Costs

While loans and leases cover the equipment itself, a business line of credit can help with related costs:

• Delivery and installation

• Initial fuel and servicing

• Insurance and licensing

• Unexpected project changes

📍 Nevada-Friendly Providers:

• U.S. Bank

• BlueVine

• OnDeck

• Bank of Nevada

Local Resources for Nevada Construction Businesses

🧭 Nevada SBDC

• Free loan prep and financial planning

• Construction business templates and guidance

• nevadasbdc.org

🧠 SCORE Las Vegas

• Free business mentoring

• Help choosing between leasing and financing

• lasvegas.score.org

🏗️ Associated General Contractors – Nevada Chapter

• Member access to financing resources and lender referrals

• agcnevada.org

  External Authoritative Links

• Nevada SBA District Office (opens in new tab)

• Nevada State Development Corporation – SBA 504 Loans (opens in new tab)

• IRS Section 179 Deduction Info (opens in new tab)

• Nevada SBDC (opens in new tab)

Pros and Cons of Equipment Financing in Nevada

Conclusion: Build Smarter with the Right Equipment Financing

In Nevada’s fast-growing construction industry, you can’t afford to wait on equipment—or burn cash on outright purchases that limit your flexibility.

Whether you're a general contractor in Reno or a sitework specialist in Las Vegas, the right mix of equipment loans, SBA financing, and strategic leasing can help you scale with confidence, improve your bid capacity, and keep your crews moving.

Need help financing your construction equipment in Nevada?
Connect with an SBA-approved lender, apply for leasing options, or get free guidance from the Nevada SBDC to build your business smarter.