Presented by QuickBooks Capital 

This article is presented in partnership with QuickBooks Capital, helping small businesses access flexible financing when it’s needed most.

Financing a seasonal business isn’t easy. You need up-front capital to prep for the busy season, and then you need ongoing cash to keep up with mid-season expenses and unexpected slowdowns. For many business owners, relying on sales alone isn’t sustainable.

That’s where seasonal financing comes in. With the right solution, you can cover your bases, seize opportunities, and stay steady through the ups and downs. And when you plan ahead, you’re more likely to secure financing through providers like QuickBooks Capital— where the books you already keep can help give you a decision in minutes and provide you that critical cash flow during your busy season.1

First, we’ll explore how seasonal financing can support your day-to-day operations. Then we’ll dive into six funding methods that work well for seasonal businesses.

How to use seasonal financing.

Whether you're gearing up for opening day or navigating a mid-season rush, seasonal financing can be a powerful tool to keep your business operating smoothly year-round. 

Here are a few smart ways to put seasonal financing to work:

  • Hire extra help to serve more customers during peak periods.
  • Stock up on inventory before the season starts, or replenish mid-season to meet demand.
  • Purchase equipment or make repairs to keep operations efficient.
  • Launch marketing campaigns to build buzz ahead of your busy season.
  • Cover cash flow gaps when income is delayed but expenses can’t wait.

6 financing methods for seasonal businesses.

1. Term loan.

A business term loan gives you a lump sum of capital that you repay over a set period—typically with predictable, fixed payments. It’s ideal for seasonal businesses that need funding upfront to prepare for their busy months, or bridge slower periods.

You can use a term loan to cover large expenses like equipment, inventory, marketing, or payroll. By spreading out your payments, you maintain cash flow flexibility while investing in growth. 

If you’re an Intuit QuickBooks Online user, you may be eligible to apply through QuickBooks Capital for a Term Loan directly from your account. The platform leverages your QuickBooks user account info to make the process quicker and easier to apply for than a financing option from a standalone funder.

2. Business line of credit.

For seasonal businesses, cash needs can change quickly—and that’s where a business line of credit shines. You get approved for a set credit limit and can draw from it whenever you need funds, up to the limit.

A line of credit is especially helpful when you’re not sure how much you’ll need, or when you’ll need a financial safety net for surprise expenses. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow, making it a flexible, cost-effective option for covering instances like payroll, inventory restocks, or last-minute opportunities.

QuickBooks Capital provides access to a Line of Credit that integrates seamlessly with the platform, so you can manage your funds alongside your books. It’s a powerful tool to keep in your back pocket—ready to use when you need it most.

3. Accounts receivable financing.

Making strong sales doesn’t always mean you have cash on hand. If your customers take 30, 60, or even 90 days to pay, you could be stuck waiting on income you need right now.

That’s where accounts receivable financing—also known as factoring—can help. A factoring provider will buy your outstanding invoices and give you an advance (usually 80-95% of their value), then collect payment from your customers. Once paid, they’ll send you the remainder minus any fees.

Sometimes less money today is more valuable than more money tomorrow. If business is booming but your cash is tied up in accounts receivables, this can be a great way to get you the money you need to fund your busy season.

4. Revenue-based financing.

Revenue-based financing (RBF)—sometimes called business or merchant cash advance—provides a lump sum of capital that you repay as a percentage of your daily or weekly sales. That means your payments flex with your business—higher during the busy season, lower during the off-season. 

While this model can offer convenience and fast access to funds, it often comes with higher fees and less transparent terms than traditional financing options. Plus, lenders typically evaluate your recent revenue history, which could impact the accuracy of your true seasonal earning potential assessment.

RBF can be helpful in a pinch, but it’s best used after other options have been examined.

5. Small business credit card.

A business credit card can be a helpful tool for managing day-to-day expenses—like restocking supplies, covering minor repairs, or handling last-minute overtime costs. It functions similarly to a line of credit, offering revolving access to funds with flexible repayment.

Some cards come with generous credit limits (up to $50,000 or more), but they also tend to carry higher interest rates. It’s important to use credit cards strategically and aim to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid costly interest charges.

While business credit cards are great for smaller, recurring purchases, they might not offer enough funding—or favorable terms—for larger seasonal needs. If you’re looking to invest in equipment, marketing, or staffing, financing options through QuickBooks Capital may be a better fit, with term loans and lines of credit tailored to your financial profile.

6. Equipment financing

The right equipment can make or break your peak season. Whether it’s a new register to speed up checkouts, a truck to expand deliveries, or a new espresso machine to handle morning rushes, investing in equipment can help you serve more customers and boost revenue.

Equipment financing is one way to spread out the cost of these purchases over time. In some cases, the equipment itself acts as collateral for the loan, making it easier to qualify without putting up additional assets.

An extra cash register or blender can help you process customers faster, helping you make more sales and capitalize on the peak season. More sales now is worth the monthly expense, especially since you'll own the new piece of equipment moving forward and can sell it at a later point if necessary.

Capitalize on peak season.

When you’re running a seasonal business, timing is everything. With the right financing in place, you can stock up, staff up, and step into your busy season with confidence. Whether you’re preparing months in advance or navigating a mid-season surprise, funding can give you the flexibility to perform at your best.

QuickBooks Capital makes it easy for Intuit QuickBooks customers to apply for term loans and lines of credit directly from the QuickBooks platform, cutting down on paperwork and stress. It’s a simple way to turn your seasonal momentum into long-term growth.

Learn more about QuickBooks Capital and explore your seasonal financing options today.

QuickBooks Term Loan and QuickBooks Line of Credit loans are issued by WebBank.

1Subject to eligibility. QuickBooks Online subscription required.

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