5 Ways Small Businesses Are Funding Growth in 2026
By Calabasas Lifestyle
Running a small business in Calabasas, Malibu, or Westlake Village comes with a particular set of advantages — an affluent customer base, a thriving local economy, and a community that genuinely supports local. But it also comes with the same challenge every small business owner faces regardless of zip code: finding the capital to grow when you need it most.
Whether you're opening a second location, purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or simply managing cash flow through a slower season, the right funding at the right time can be the difference between staying still and moving forward. Here's a look at the five most effective ways local business owners are funding growth right now — and what each one means for your specific situation.
1. SBA Loans — The Gold Standard for Established Businesses
If you've been in business for at least two years, have solid revenue, and a reasonable credit profile, an SBA loan is worth serious consideration. Backed by the Small Business Administration, these loans offer some of the most competitive rates available — starting as low as 5.9% fixed — with repayment terms up to 10 years and loan amounts that can reach into the millions.
The catch has always been the complexity. SBA applications are detailed, the process takes time, and most business owners don't know where to start. The solution is working with a funding specialist who handles the application process for you — matching you with the right SBA program and doing the legwork so you can focus on running your business.
Best for: Established Calabasas and Malibu business owners with strong revenue who want the best possible rates and long repayment terms.
2. Business Term Loans — Straightforward Capital for a Specific Goal
A business term loan is exactly what it sounds like — a lump sum of capital upfront that you repay over a fixed period with predictable monthly payments. No complexity, no surprises. You know what you're borrowing, what you're paying, and when it's paid off.
Term loans are available from $5,000 to $5.5 million with repayment terms ranging from 3 months to 10 years. They're the right tool when you have a specific investment in mind — a renovation, a marketing push, a new hire, or equipment — and you want a clean, structured way to fund it.
Best for: Business owners with a clear purpose for the capital who want predictable payments and a defined payoff timeline.
3. Lines of Credit — Flexible Capital That's There When You Need It
A business line of credit is less like a loan and more like a financial safety net. You're approved for a set amount — say $100,000 — and you draw from it only when you need it. You pay interest only on what you use, not on the full credit limit.
This is one of the most versatile tools a business can have. Use it to cover payroll during a slow month, take advantage of a time-sensitive opportunity, or manage the gap between sending invoices and getting paid. The flexibility is the point — it's capital that's there when you need it and costs you nothing when you don't.
Best for: Businesses that need ongoing access to flexible capital rather than a one-time lump sum. Particularly useful for seasonal businesses in the Calabasas and Malibu market.
4. Equipment Financing — Get What You Need Without Draining Cash Reserves
For restaurants, medical offices, salons, fitness studios, and any business that depends on physical equipment to operate — equipment financing is one of the smartest funding tools available. Rather than paying out of pocket for a $50,000 piece of equipment, you finance it over time and let the equipment pay for itself through the revenue it generates.
The equipment itself typically serves as collateral, which means qualification is more accessible than with unsecured loans. And because you're preserving your working capital, you maintain the financial flexibility to handle everything else your business needs.
Best for: Any Calabasas or West Valley business that needs to purchase, upgrade, or replace equipment to operate, compete, or grow.
5. Merchant Cash Advance — When Speed Matters More Than Anything
Sometimes you need capital today — not next week, not after a two-week underwriting process. A merchant cash advance gives you immediate access to funds based on your business's future revenue. Repayment is tied to your daily or monthly sales volume, so when business is slower, you pay proportionally less.
Approvals often happen the same day. Funding typically follows within 24-48 hours. It's not the right tool for every situation — the cost of capital is higher than a traditional loan — but when timing is critical and cash flow is tight, it delivers results that traditional lenders simply can't match.
Best for: Businesses with consistent revenue that need capital fast and want repayment flexibility tied to actual sales performance.
How to Know Which Option Is Right for You
The honest answer is that the right funding option depends on your specific situation — your revenue, your credit profile, how long you've been in business, and what you need the capital for. What works perfectly for a Westlake Village restaurant may not be the right fit for a Calabasas boutique or a Malibu service business.
The most important thing is talking to someone who understands all the options and can match you with the right lender — not just the most available one.
A Local Resource for Calabasas Business Owners
Calabasas Lifestyle has partnered with Coastal Capital USA to help local business owners access the funding they need to grow. Coastal Capital USA works with a network of 100+ lenders nationwide — meaning lenders compete for your business, not the other way around. Same-day approvals, fast funding, and a real person who does the legwork so you don't have to.
No hard credit pull to get started. No obligation. Just a conversation about what's possible for your business.
Learn more at coastalcapitalusa.com
Calabasas Lifestyle is the region's digital-first lifestyle magazine covering Calabasas, Malibu, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Woodland Hills. We spotlight the people, businesses, and ideas shaping our community.
