Only One Month Until B2B Finance Expo
September 27, 2025The B2B Finance Expo is October 28-29. Returning to Wynn Las Vegas after its incredible inaugural success in 2024, this groundbreaking event will once again bring together leaders from Small Business Lending, Equipment Finance, Real Estate Lending, Revenue Based Financing, and beyond. Over the course of this exclusive two-day event, brokers, lenders, funders, and service providers alike can expect networking opportunities, insight sessions, and much more.
Sponsorships / Exhibiting: SOLD OUT
Wynn Discounted Room Block: SOLD OUT
Backup Discounted Room Block: Click Here
Tickets Still Available at: REGISTERING NOW.
B2B Finance Expo is powered by AltFinanceDaily in collaboration with the Small Business Finance Association (SBFA).
Don’t Wait, Arbitrate: New Era ADR and MCA Claims
September 10, 2025
“New Era, in a nutshell, is 100 days in arbitration, so legally enforceable arbitration, all for one flat fee, all on our platform,” says Rich Lee, CEO of New Era ADR. “This is deliberately built for the bulk of litigation, the stuff that organizations and people just want to get resolved fast, and they don’t want to just accept sub-optimal outcomes like walking away from a collection or settling an employment claim when they didn’t do anything wrong.”
Many industries, including automakers, banks, real estate companies, sports teams, and even the Olympics, rely on the New Era platform to handle arbitration cases. MCA companies too are using New Era, according to Lee. While arbitration as an established process to resolve contract breach claims is not new in MCA, the workloads experienced by certain court systems can make the speed and efficiency of arbitration a preferred alternative. New Era’s arbitration is all virtual so one party is not prejudiced by having to travel a long distance to go through it. And the process, managed by arbitrators that are knowledgeable in the specific area of law a claim calls for, is fast enough that if an award is issued in favor of a funder, they’ll be able to act on it quickly.
“If you started in court, because of the congestion, a lot of courts you’re waiting sometimes a year to get that court order,” Lee says. “But on our platform, inside of about 100 days, you’re getting the arbitration award and then maybe you’re tacking on an extra 30 days just for the court to give you the corresponding order. So that’s how it works. And so we’re actually seeing these MCA clients, their awards now on New Era are getting enforced and they’re getting the corresponding court orders.”
Beyond the 100 day resolutions, they actually have some funders who are getting arbitration awards for uncontested disputes in far less than 100 days, some in 30 days. Given that the arbitrators are neutral, even these situations are scrutinized, but it is done in an efficient manner.
New Era has over a hundred arbitrators on their tech-first arbitration platform which benefits from scale. “Even though it’s 90% faster and cheaper, [it’s the] same quality arbitrators and mediators you’d find anywhere else,” he says.
Those arbitrators are not just the standard style retired practitioner either. While New Era has many retired judges and lawyers on their bench of arbitrators and mediators, they also have many who are highly-experienced lawyers who are still practicing law. These people who are partners in law firms, in-house counsel at companies who are already very experienced lawyers in their space who are hearing these cases.
Lee says there’s always a conflict check before anyone is assigned and the benefit is an arbitrator familiar with the active area of law.
“So we’re able to put only employment arbitrators and mediators on employment cases. If an MCA came in they would never see one of our employment arbitrators, they would only see the folks who know finance, who know this space,” Lee says. “Our arbitrators for MCA disputes not only have finance experience, but specifically MCA-specific experience and many have New York-specific jurisdiction experience.”
New Era’s virtual platform enables resolution in all states and jurisdictions, not just New York, as they have neutrals across the country.
Lee is a former corporate and IP attorney himself and his three co-founders are also lawyers or have worked in a legal environment. And what he experienced from his career is that not every litigation should be as time-intensive as something like Google fighting Uber on a big stage, for example.
“The fact is like 99% of litigation doesn’t need the kind of two to three years that are synonymous with our court system and traditional arbitration systems, or even a year,” Lee says. “Examples in the employment world is, companies end up settling cases when they didn’t do anything wrong. Employees end up not bringing cases if they’ve actually been wronged. And then for the lender world they end up just charging off a lot of this debt because there’s no point in going and pursuing a case in court, many times spending all that time–the time is almost the worst part, right? The money too. But then by the time you get your court order, especially in the MCA world, a lot of these are unsecured cash advances and so you’re kind of left with no recourse and the cash is gone. And that’s kind of really messed up because that all comes back to like, ‘well, the systems that exist aren’t there for this 99%’ and so that’s what New Era is.”
SOLD OUT: Sponsorships to B2B Finance Expo in Las Vegas Have Sold Out
September 5, 2025The opportunity to sponsor B2B Finance Expo in Las Vegas this October is now gone but there’s still time to be a part of the commercial finance industry’s biggest event in Las Vegas by making sure you’re registered to attend. Taking place on October 28-29 at the Wynn, B2B Finance Expo will once again bring together leaders from Small Business Lending, Fintech, Real Estate Lending, Revenue Based Financing, SBA Lending, and beyond.
The room block is also full but the Wynn may still be honoring the discount code so be sure to take advantage now since it could shut off at any moment. Book Your Room Here.
Business Finance Brokers in 2025
August 15, 2025
We’re now ten years out from the original “Year of the Broker” article in AltFinanceDaily Magazine. Brokers are still here, the business has just changed slightly. Here’s some of the top line differences vs. 2015:
Cold Calling: 12% of merchants say they started their search for business funding options from a cold call.
Google Search: Organic search rankings beginning to diminish in favor of AI Q&As.
Training: AI can now listen to every call and grade you on every component of it.
CRMs: Pen and paper are over. Every touch on a deal should be traced and automated and deal tracking organized in a system.
Competition: Every POS solution and merchant fintech software now has a funding button embedded into it.
Commissions: Still high.
Funding Options: Lines of credit, term loans, MCAs, SBA, equipment financing, real estate lending, and more.
Regulations: There are now numerous state registration and disclosure requirements. (See the map here).
Leads: Referral networks are now more valuable than ever. Referrals from CPAs, lawyers, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and more.
Gates: You may have to go through a super broker to get access to a top tier funder.
Startup Costs: The registration requirements in several states has significantly increased the cost of starting a new broker shop today.
NMEF Announces Strategic Joint Venture With Oaktree to Accelerate Growth in FMV Leasing Platform
June 10, 2025JUNE 10, 2025, NORWALK, CT – North Mill Equipment Finance, LLC (“NMEF” or “North Mill”), a leading commercial equipment lessor located in Norwalk, Connecticut, today announced a new partnership with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), a global investment firm with deep expertise in credit and asset-backed finance. The collaboration launches a joint venture designed to grow NMEF’s fair market value (FMV) equipment leasing platform, alongside Oaktree’s investment in the venture.
The combined capital commitment from Oaktree and NMEF will support the funding of $350 million in FMV equipment lease originations initially, with additional capital capacity available to continue funding the venture.
This partnership combines NMEF’s established origination network and servicing capabilities in the equipment leasing space with Oaktree’s institutional capital base and investment team. This new extension of NMEF’s platform will focus on FMV leases across a wide range of essential-use equipment including construction, medical, logistics, and manufacturing assets.
“This marks a major step forward in our efforts to deliver flexible, value-driven leasing solutions to the market,” said David Lee, Chairman and CEO of North Mill Equipment Finance. “We’re excited to work with a partner like Oaktree who shares our long-term vision and brings deep understanding of asset-backed investing.”
Under the terms of the agreement, NMEF will originate and service all transactions through their national network of independent originators and vendors. North Mill will also invest alongside Oaktree in the venture.
“We’ve built a strong and scalable platform, and this partnership allows us to bring it to a broader investor base,” said Lee Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Structured Products at NMEF. “Together with Oaktree, we’re well-positioned to meet growing demand for flexible equipment financing solutions.”
Paul Cheslock, Vice President of Structured Products at NMEF, added, “This collaboration gives us the capacity to do more of what we do best—helping businesses acquire the equipment they need with creative and sustainable financing options.”
From Oaktree’s perspective, the partnership is a natural fit with their investment strategy. “We’re pleased to partner with North Mill to support the next phase of growth for their FMV platform and bring long-term value to their customers,” said Rana Mitra, Managing Director at Oaktree. “We are excited to partner with an extremely high-quality originator and servicer like North Mill as we continue generating attractive asset-backed finance exposures for our investors,” said Brendan Beer, Portfolio Manager for Oaktree’s Asset-Backed Finance and Structured Credit strategy.
About North Mill Equipment Finance (NMEF)
NMEF is a national, premier lender who works with third-party referral (TPR) sources to finance small to mid-ticket equipment commercial leases and loans ranging from $15,000 to $3,000,000 and up to $5,000,000 for investment grade opportunities. NMEF accepts A – C credit qualities and finances transactions for many asset categories including but not limited to medical, construction, franchise, technology, vocational, manufacturing, renovation, janitorial and material handling equipment. NMEF is majority owned by an affiliate of InterVest Capital Partners. The company’s headquarters are in Norwalk, CT, with regional offices in Irvine, CA, Voorhees NJ, and Murray, UT. For more information, visit www.nmef.com. One of NMEF’s controlled affiliates, BriteCap Financial LLC, is a leading non-bank lender providing small businesses with fast, convenient financing alternatives such as working capital loans since 2003 from its main office in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.britecap.com.
About Oaktree
Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $203 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, equity, and real estate. The firm has more than 1,200 employees and offices in 25 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.oaktreecapital.com.
Maxim Commercial Capital Exceeds Expectations in Q1 2025
April 22, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (April 22, 2025) – Maxim Commercial Capital (“Maxim”) announced exceptionally strong results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 150% increase in funding volume over the prior year’s period. Maxim is a national provider of loans and leases from $10,000 to $3 million collateralized by class 6 and 8 trucks, trailers, heavy equipment for the construction and agriculture industries, and real estate.
“As the unprecedented pace of change under the new administration’s economic policies present challenges for our industry, we remain steadfast in our mission to be the preeminent non-prime finance company supporting entrepreneurs, vendors, and finance brokers,” noted Michael Kianmahd, Maxim’s CEO. “Despite market conditions, we approved 80% of financing applications submitted in Q1 2025, funded borrowers in 37 states, and continued to invest in our infrastructure, systems, and team regardless of market conditions.”
Maxim’s dedicated, solutions-oriented approach is particularly impactful when equipment pricing is turbulent. For example, when Class 8 used truck prices increase, Maxim’s team works with buyers to clarify price points and financing structures they can afford and refers them to vendors if needed. In a recent interaction, Maxim approved financing for a current customer with 2 years’ experience and challenged credit to purchase a $55,000 2020 Peterbilt 579. When the applicant communicated he needed a lower down payment, Maxim proactively revised the approval for a less expensive, higher mileage 2019 Peterbilt 579 and closed the deal.
Contractors nationwide with challenged credit are growing their businesses with heavy equipment financed by Maxim during Q1 2025. Notable examples include an Alabama-based tree service company specializing in disaster relief work that purchased a new, $65,000 2025 Kymron CX10 Crawler Crane for 42% down to fulfill its government contracts and expanding residential business; a South Carolina-based contractor who purchased a $52,000 2014 Caterpillar 308E2 CR Hydraulic Excavator for 34% down to expand his tree-planting business; and, a start up roadside and recovery contractor with a sub-500 FICO who added a second truck by leasing a $6,660 2018 Ram 4500 Wrecker Tow Truck.
Maxim continues to expand and improve its infrastructure to support its growth. The company currently is seeking to hire an accounting manager and senior accountant. Please visit https://www.maximcc.com/our-company/careers/ for job descriptions and to apply.
About Maxim Commercial Capital
Maxim Commercial Capital helps small and mid-sized business owners nationwide by providing loans and leases (“financing”) from $10,000 to $3 million secured by trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and real estate. It funds equipment purchase financings and leases, working capital, and debt consolidations. Maxim’s more creative financing structures leverage equity in real estate and owned heavy equipment to facilitate growth and preserve customers’ cash. As a leading provider of transportation equipment financing, Maxim supports startup and experienced owner-operators and non-CDL small fleet owners by funding loans and leases for class 8 and class 6 trucks, trailers, and reefers. Learn more at www.maximcc.com or by calling 877-776-2946.
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Contact:
Michael Kianmahd, CEO
Maxim Commercial Capital
michael@maximcc.com
(213) 984-2727
Maxim Commercial Capital Reports 25% Growth in 2024
January 21, 2025LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Maxim Commercial Capital (“Maxim”) announced impressive growth during 2024, continuing a multi-year trend. The hard asset secured lender reported a 25% increase in funded deals during the year as compared to 2023. Maxim is a national provider of loans and leases from $10,000 to $3 million collateralized by class 6 and 8 trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and real estate.
“Our team stepped up to fill an increasing capital void for small businesses in 2024,” noted Michael Kianmahd, Maxim’s CEO. “Our consistent delivery and flexible terms have earned Maxim a strong reputation over the past 16 years among our customers and referral partners.”
Founded during the 2008 financial crisis, the privately-owned lender supports the needs of small and mid-sized businesses, including startups and those with challenged credit, during all types of economic landscapes. Keys to Maxim’s success include its dedication to customer success, providing value to its referral network of equipment vendors and finance brokers, and providing excellent customer service through all cycles and markets.
Class 8 truck financings during the year comprised loans and leases for experienced and startup owner operators in 41 states across the U.S. New borrowers included: an experienced owner operator with challenged credit who purchased a 2019 Kenworth T680 with 539K miles for $38,135 with 22% down and the help of a co-applicant; a startup owner operator with a limited credit history and 642 FICO who purchased a 2019 Kenworth T680 with 472K miles for $39,248 with 25% down; and, a startup owner operator with bad credit who purchased a 2020 Peterbilt 579 with 424K miles for $55,047 with 27% down.
Notable heavy equipment financings during the year included 100% purchase financing for a small car hauling business to buy a 2020 Freightliner M2 4-Car Carrier for $105,000. Maxim secured a second lien on the borrowers’ home as additional collateral in lieu of a down payment, helping the company preserve cash. A startup entrepreneur purchased a 2015 Freightliner 114SD, his first dump truck, for 36% down on the $109,000 invoice; and a subcontractor with 35 years of experience replaced an older compact track loader by leasing a 2023 New Holland C337 priced at $83,760 from Maxim.
Maxim also provided essential working capital for small businesses through structured real estate-secured, cash-out financings. New borrowers funded in 2024 include the owner of a virtual platform offering on-demand exercise and meditation classes who borrowed $200,000 in growth capital secured by a second lien position on her home; and, experienced restaurateurs in New York City who borrowed $410,000, secured by a 1st lien against a family residence, to pay off MCA debt held by five lenders, make property improvements, and expand the business’s catering services.
Maxim continues to expand and improve its infrastructure to support its growth. The company currently is seeking to hire an accounting manager and senior accountant. Please visit https://www.maximcc.com/our-company/careers/ for job descriptions and to apply.
About Maxim Commercial Capital
Maxim Commercial Capital helps small and mid-sized business owners nationwide by providing loans and leases (“financing”) from $10,000 to $3 million secured by trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and real estate. It funds equipment purchase financings and leases, working capital, and debt consolidations. Maxim’s more creative financing structures leverage equity in real estate and owned heavy equipment to facilitate growth and preserve customers’ cash. As a leading provider of transportation equipment financing, Maxim supports startup and experienced owner-operators and non-CDL small fleet owners by funding loans and leases for class 8 and class 6 trucks, trailers, and reefers. Learn more at www.maximcc.com or by calling 877-776-2946.
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Ready Capital Grows as Leading Non-Bank Small Business Lender
November 10, 2024
“Ready Capital has become a leading national non-bank lender to small businesses providing a full suite of loan options from $10,000 unsecured working capital loans to $25 million plus real estate-backed USDA loans,” said Ready Capital CEO Thomas Capasse during the company’s Q3 earnings call.
Ready, in some ways, has flown under the radar in recognition. On the one hand the company is the top non-bank SBA lender in the country and fourth overall SBA lender in the country. On the other hand, the company has previously acquired Knight Capital, iBusiness Funding, Madison One Capital, select non-SBA assets of Fountainhead, and Funding Circle USA. The result is that the overall organization is a powerhouse with a current public market cap of $1.25B.
iBusiness Funding, once the technology arm of Knight Capital, has played an integral role for the company. For example, when Ready acquired Funding Circle USA, it did it through the iBusiness Funding brand.
“[In 2019, iBusiness Funding was] a leader in unsecured small business lending,” Capasse said on the call. “And then they adopted their tech to the PPP which was very accretive. And since then there’s been the initiative within the SBA to emphasize small loans below $350,000, which many times are minority women-owned businesses, and so that’s been a significant initiative by the SBA& and so what we’ve done is iBusiness has developed a tech stack, which is now being marketed as a third-party underwriting model for banks. Banks just do not focus on that at all. Even if they do SBA loans, it’s mostly for larger loans again above the $350,000 to the $5 million. So the idea with iBusiness is to grow the revenue stream from this software-based business.”
On Funding Circle, Capasse said that the newly acquired subsidiary would be “accretive to earnings once fully ramped.” The numbers offered so far was that $6.6 million growth in Q3 origination income came from small business working capital loans through the Funding Circle platform.
