Seven-Time honoree: Beacon Funding named to Crain's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago. Northbrook, Ill. - Beacon Funding, the industry leader in equipment financing for US-based businesses, has been named to Crain's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago list. This marks Beacon Funding's seventh time receiving this honor, highlighting the company's long-standing focus on building a high-performance workplace where employees are empowered to achieve their best. This award recognizes employers that excel at both workplace practices and employee experience. Honorees are selected through a combination of an employer assessment and anonymous employee surveys conducted by an independent research firm. Beacon Funding's repeated recognition reflects consistent results across culture, engagement, and benefits in one of the nation's most competitive labor markets. Proof in the process. Each year, Crain's Best Places to Work in Chicago is determined by Best Companies Group, an independent workplace culture research firm. The process combines an employer questionnaire with anonymous employee feedback to reflect authentic staff experiences. By excelling in both categories, Beacon Funding's scores reflected strong policies and benefits, along with high levels of employee trust, engagement and loyalty. "This recognition is meaningful because it is based largely on employee input," said Elizabeth Oliva, Vice President of Human Resources. "Beacon Funding Corporation foster an environment where people feel valued, respected, and supported in doing their best work. Employee feedback has always been at the center of how Beacon Funding Corporation evolve as an organization, and that commitment is reflected in its workplace culture. Recognition that sticks. In 2025, Beacon Funding was named one of Monitor's Best Companies for its Workplace Culture. Together, these accolades reflect an employee-centric approach that prioritizes professional growth, well-being, and the flexibility of employees who need to do their best work. The honor also follows a series of other external validations of Beacon Funding's culture and people's practices, including recognition in Monitor's 2026 Best Equipment Financing Companies in the Innovation Category and Monitor's Equipment Financing Team of the Year. Culture that delivers. Crain's recognition reflects more than an internal milestone, it underscores a customer-facing advantage rooted in culture. Beacon Funding sees a direct link between a strong workplace and the business it serves when employees feel supported, they are better positioned to deliver responsive service, creative solutions and lasting partnerships. This employee-first approach strengthens the company's ability to help small businesses nationwide secure the equipment financing they need, even in challenging economic climates. Beacon Funding cultivates a dynamic, supportive workplace designed to attract, develop, and retain top talent. The company offers a hybrid-friendly environment, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits. It also provides wellness resources, flexible scheduling, profit-sharing and 401(k) options, and career development and continuous learning programs. Its Beacon Stars recognition program further celebrates employee achievements and reinforces a culture of appreciation. Together, these offerings help professionals thrive while delivering exceptional service to customers. By sustaining a healthy workplace, Beacon Funding supports its mission to help small businesses acquire the equipment they need to grow. By giving employees the tools, support and autonomy to excel, the company strengthens its ability to deliver best-in-class equipment financing solutions nationwide. About Beacon Funding Corporation. Since 1990, Beacon Funding Corporation has provided equipment financing solutions to organizations across a wide range of industries in the United States.The company supports both young and established businesses with financing and leasing solutions that supports business growth. To explore current openings and learn more about Beacon Funding's workplace, visit the Beacon Funding Careers For information about equipment financing and leasing programs, visit Beacon Funding's Financing Programs. Print a version of its blog post for easier offline reading and sharing. Since 1990, small businesses nationwide have been able to grow with fast affordable equipment financing from Beacon Funding.

Top 10 financing questions from hardscapers at the Equip Expo. 30,000 hardscapers and landscapers attended the Equip Expo. Whether they're installing pavers, grinding stumps, or digging, one thing's certain - everyone is looking for a faster and easier way to landscape. Compact equipment provides the productivity boost and labor reduction landscapers need. For example, one mini excavator operator can dig 64-96 cubic yards per 8-hour workday - replacing a crew of 3-4 workers trenching and grading. But how do you afford essential equipment like skid steers, track loaders, and mini excavators and who finances it? If lack of capital is standing in the way, Beacon Funding can offer the hardscaping and landscaping equipment financing support you need. Beacon Funding Corporation has compiled answers to the top ten equipment financing questions hardscapers and landscapers asked at the Equip Expo. In this article... By the end of this article, you'll discover how easy it is to add essential equipment without overextending your budget. Top 10 landscaping equipment financing questions answered. 1. What types of landscaping and hardscaping equipment can Beacon Funding finance? Beacon Funding specializes in financing new and used equipment used for landscape design, hardscaping and hardscape installation, lawn care, and forestry services. * Finance landscaping equipment like: Backhoes, wood chippers, landscape trailers, skid steers, mini excavators, forklifts, stump grinders, mini wheel loaders, trenchers, and telehandlers. * Finance vehicles for landscaping like: Dump trucks, forestry trucks, bucket trucks, and landscaping trucks. 2. Can you finance hardscaping and landscaping equipment from any vendor? Yes, Beacon Funding can finance hardscaping and landscaping equipment located here in the united states. If the vendor or equipment dealership is here in the U.S. or has a U.S. distribution center, Beacon Funding Corporation can help businesses finance it. Whether you're looking at new or used equipment, there is a good chance Beacon Funding Corporation can finance it as long as it's in good condition. "When I first started my business, I had a hard time getting loans from banks because of my low credit score," said Jose. "As a new business owner, it was tough to get the money I needed to grow my company. That's when Beacon Funding came in and gave us the support we needed." 4. Does Beacon Funding require tax returns? No, Beacon Funding doesn't typically require tax returns.no, Beacon Funding doesn't typically require tax returns.no, Beacon Funding doesn't typically require tax returns. In most cases Beacon Funding only requires 3 months of bank statements to verify your business financials for an equipment financing or leasing approval. 5. Does Beacon Funding have age restrictions on the equipment they finance? No, Beacon Funding doesn't have age restrictions. While Beacon Funding takes age into consideration, Beacon Funding Corporation focus more on the overall condition of the machine vs just its age. Beacon Funding can finance new or used landscaping and hardscaping equipment from dealers or private sellers. 6. Does Beacon Funding look at personal credit? Yes. In most cases, Beacon Funding reviews both business and personal credit to approve businesses for equipment financing. Startups looking to apply for equipment financing are evaluated on their startup business plan, personal credit history, the equipment financed, and their industry experience. No. If you don't have business credit, Beacon Funding simply looks at the personal credit to get you an approval. Overall, Beacon Funding looks at 6 key approval criteria: business credit, personal credit, time in business, the equipment financed, financial performance, and transaction size. If you have questions, feel free to give Beacon Funding Corporation a call at 847-897-2499. 8. Does Beacon Funding report to business credit? Yes. Beacon Funding reports each equipment financing payment to credit agencies. Personal Protection: Establishing business credit through equipment financing helps separate personal and business expenses by creating a distinct credit profile for your business. This separation protects your personal credit from any negative impacts of business activities, simplifies accounting processes, and builds a strong business credit history. Build Credit History: Each timely equipment financing payment your business makes increases your business credit score, making it easier to add more equipment in the future. Additionally, it enhances your company's credibility with lenders and suppliers, making it easier to secure favorable financing terms in the future. 9. What are the benefits of financing landscaping equipment? * Upgrade Sooner: Add larger, better equipment to your business for bigger contracts. * More Purchasing Power: Increase your borrowing power and free up bank lines. * Low Monthly Payments: Spread out your costs and grow faster with budget-friendly payments. * Conserve Cash Flow: Spend less upfront and conserve cash to operate your business. * Tax Advantages: Both financing and leasing offer tax benefits to help you save. * Flexible Terms: Get a plan that aligns with your revenue cycles and business goals. * Establish Business Credit: Mitigate risk by separating personal and business expenses. 10. What is Beacon Funding's application process for hardscaping and landscaping equipment? If you're looking for an option with low paperwork, Beacon Funding has you covered. Applying for equipment financing with Beacon Funding is simple, free, and digital. These are the three steps to its application process: * Submit a quick online credit application: Required information will include the type of equipment you are looking to buy, the amount you'd like to finance, and your business details. * Supply 3 months of business bank statement: Your financing consultant at Beacon Funding will walk you through the safe and secure sharing process. * The application is reviewed: When a business is approved for equipment financing, they receive documents with the terms and their monthly payment. If you are happy with the terms, sign the agreement for your financing agreement or lease to begin. There's no commitment to applying: It's your choice to move forward with financing equipment. Its goal is simply to let you know what Beacon Funding Corporation can offer so you can decide if it works for you and your business. Print a version of its blog post for easier offline reading and sharing. Since 1990, small businesses nationwide have been able to grow with fast affordable equipment financing from Beacon Funding.