Funding Options for Expanding Your Janitorial Fleet

As your cleaning business grows, expanding your janitorial fleet—whether that means adding new vans, upgrading cleaning equipment, or hiring additional staff—becomes essential to meet client demand. However, the upfront costs can be substantial. The good news is that there are multiple funding options available to help you grow strategically without draining your working capital.

Costs of Expanding a Janitorial Fleet

Expanding a janitorial operation isn’t just about buying more vehicles—it involves a range of expenses, including:

• Commercial Vehicles (Vans/Trucks): $25,000 – $50,000 per vehicle

• Cleaning Equipment (Floor scrubbers, vacuums, carpet cleaners): $2,000 – $15,000 each

• Supplies & Chemicals: $500 – $5,000 depending on scale

• Staff Training & Uniforms: $500 – $2,500 per employee

• Fleet Insurance & Maintenance: $2,000 – $5,000 annually per vehicle

Funding Options for Fleet Expansion

1. Equipment Leasing

Instead of paying upfront for cleaning equipment like floor scrubbers or carpet extractors, leasing spreads costs over monthly payments. This keeps cash available for payroll and marketing.

2. Commercial Vehicle Financing

Banks, credit unions, and specialized lenders offer  fleet financing loans for vans and trucks. This option allows you to add vehicles quickly while spreading costs over 3–7 years.

3. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

SBA 7(a) or  Microloans can provide low-interest funding for purchasing vehicles, equipment, and supplies. SBA-backed loans are especially useful for janitorial companies with established cash flow.

4. Business Line of Credit

A revolving line of credit provides flexible access to funds for variable expenses like cleaning supplies, seasonal demand, or unexpected fleet repairs.

5. Vendor Financing

Many equipment suppliers partner with financing companies to offer affordable monthly payment plans on industrial cleaning tools.

6. Alternative Lenders

If traditional banks are difficult to qualify for, online lenders and fintech platforms can provide fast approvals, though typically at higher rates.

Example Funding Scenario

A janitorial company looking to add two vans and new floor-cleaning equipment might use a mix of financing:

• Vehicle Loan: $60,000 financed over 5 years (~$1,100/month)

• Equipment Lease: $500/month for two industrial floor scrubbers

• Business Line of Credit: $10,000 for supplies and staff training

This combination keeps monthly payments manageable while supporting business growth.

Tips for Securing Funding

1. Show Strong Contracts – Lenders love to see recurring cleaning contracts that prove steady income.

2. Calculate  ROI – Demonstrate how new vehicles and equipment will allow you to take on larger accounts.

3. Compare Lenders – Shop around for the best terms—fleet financing rates can vary widely.

4. Plan for Maintenance – Factor in insurance, repairs, and downtime when budgeting.

5. Use Leasing Strategically – Lease equipment that depreciates quickly but finance assets like vehicles you’ll own long-term.

Final Thoughts

Expanding your janitorial fleet is one of the fastest ways to scale a cleaning business and win larger contracts. By leveraging leasing, vehicle loans, SBA financing, or lines of credit, you can grow sustainably while protecting your cash flow.