Start with your cash cycle
The right cash plan depends on your work mix. Recurring maintenance, a large installation, and seasonal cleanup can each produce cash on a different schedule. Use the actual invoice and collection terms for each job rather than assuming every contract pays when work begins.
Mobilizing a new maintenance contract
Suppose these costs are due before the first customer payment. The amounts are illustrative.
- Crew costs before first collection
- $14,000
- Materials and supplies
- $7,000
- Fuel and mobilization
- $3,000
- Available cash assigned to this start
- −$8,000
- Uncovered contract-start cost
- $16,000
Only count cash that is not already needed for another job or existing obligation. If a customer pays after the first invoice date, extend the cash plan to the actual expected collection date.
Match the expense to a funding structure
| Business need | Structure to consider | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal payroll, supplies, and recurring cash gaps | Revolving credit line | Test payment obligations against a slow season and check continued draw access. |
| Starting a defined new contract | Working capital financing | Map the first collections and any reimbursement delay before choosing the term. |
| Mowers, trailers, trucks, or irrigation equipment | Equipment financing | Compare maintenance, useful life, asset security, and the down payment. |
These are topics for a funding review, not preapproved products or a recommendation that one structure fits every business. Third-party providers set eligibility, pricing, and final terms.
Plan around the contract’s collection rhythm
A monthly invoice does not necessarily mean cash arrives monthly on the same date. If a customer has a review process, delayed approval can move the collection into the next period. Forecast the collection date, not just the invoice date.
For a machinery purchase, include operating costs alongside the financing payment. Fuel, repairs, insurance, and crew use all affect whether the asset creates enough business benefit. Discuss a separate equipment structure if that makes the operating cash plan clearer.
Use the same time period for expenses and receipts
An expected future payment does not cover an earlier obligation. The cash-gap calculator helps organize amounts; a dated cash forecast is still needed to check timing.
Documents and numbers to prepare
- Contract billing and collection terms.
- Crew schedule and payroll before first customer payment.
- Material, fuel, and mobilization costs.
- Equipment quote if an asset purchase is part of the request.
- Recent revenue, business bank statements, and existing financing payments.
The provider may ask for additional business, owner, tax, or financial documents. Ask what is required before sending sensitive documents and use the application’s intended upload process.
Questions to answer before applying
Your funding conversation checklist
- Is the customer billed in advance, at month-end, or after completion?
- What is the actual delay between invoicing and receiving cash?
- Which contract-start costs are one-time and which repeat?
- How will weather or seasonal demand affect the repayment source?
- Can a deposit or revised billing schedule reduce the funding gap?
Then compare the full offer: net proceeds, total payback, payment frequency, fees, guarantee, lien, and early repayment terms. Use the loan and factor-rate calculators to understand sample costs without entering contact information.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landscaping company use a line of credit?
A line of credit may be considered for changing short-term needs, subject to provider underwriting. Confirm draw rules and payments rather than assuming an approved limit is always accessible.
Can I finance a mower or trailer?
Equipment financing or another structure may be available depending on the purchase and business. Ask about down payment, security, total cost, and the required repayment term.
What should I prepare for a seasonal funding review?
Have recent bank statements, a realistic seasonal revenue forecast, existing obligations, and the dates and expenses that create the funding gap. Final document requirements come from the provider.
Tell us what your business needs.
Discuss your cash timing, requested amount, and potential financing options with Gerold at Sunlight Capital Pros.
Sunlight Capital Pros is a financing brokerage. Final approval, amount, rate, permitted uses, and terms depend on the third-party provider and underwriting.