1West research roundup
Small business financing by the numbers
The published numbers below show why equipment financing and working capital matter: kitchens cost more than they did, and most owners borrow to cover operations. Each statistic is quoted from its named source.
Last updated: Published by 1West, the financing company this guide covers
How much does it cost to equip a restaurant kitchen?
Crestmont Capital's 2026 statistics put a full commercial kitchen buildout for a new full-service restaurant at typically $75,000 to $250,000 for equipment alone. These 1West guides collect that and other published figures so owners can plan with sourced numbers rather than guesses.
Restaurant equipment
$75,000 to $250,000
Typical equipment cost alone for a new full-service restaurant kitchen, before furniture, fixtures or construction.
Source: Crestmont Capital, Restaurant Equipment Financing Statistics 2026
20 to 35 percent
Rise in many commercial kitchen equipment categories from pre-pandemic levels.
Source: Crestmont Capital, Restaurant Equipment Financing Statistics 2026
10 to 25 percent
Price premium of Energy Star-rated refrigeration and cooking equipment over standard models.
Source: Crestmont Capital, Restaurant Equipment Financing Statistics 2026
About $1.5 trillion
Projected restaurant industry sales for 2025.
Source: Crestmont Capital, Restaurant Equipment Financing Statistics 2026
Roughly 6% to 18%
Restaurant equipment financing rates, depending on credit and business history.
24 to 72 hours
Time in which online lenders may fund.
Small business lending
36.2 million
Small businesses in the United States, employing 62.3 million people and generating 43.5% of GDP.
Source: Fora Financial, Small Business Lending Statistics and Trends for 2026
57%
Full-approval rate at small banks, the highest among lender types.
Source: Fora Financial, Small Business Lending Statistics and Trends for 2026
17% to 29%
Growth in online fintech lenders’ share of applications from 2020 to 2025.
Source: Fora Financial, Small Business Lending Statistics and Trends for 2026
56% and 46%
Shares of small businesses borrowing to meet operating expenses and to pursue expansion.
Source: Fora Financial, Small Business Lending Statistics and Trends for 2026
SBA programs
Up to 50%
Share of a 504 project covered by a private lender loan with a senior lien.
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA lender resources
At least 10%
Borrower equity contribution toward total 504 project cost.
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA lender resources
$50,000 or less
Microloans for businesses and certain non-profit childcare centers.
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA lender resources
Questions about these numbers
How much does a full commercial kitchen cost to equip?
Crestmont Capital's 2026 statistics put a full commercial kitchen buildout for a new full-service restaurant at typically $75,000 to $250,000 for equipment alone, before furniture, fixtures or construction. The same source notes many kitchen equipment categories are up 20 to 35 percent from pre-pandemic levels. Your own vendor quotes will set your real number.
More answers in the FAQHow fast can equipment financing fund?
1West's equipment financing page lists about one week as the time to fund, as of November 2026. Market sources describe a wide range: Rezku says online lenders may fund within 24 to 72 hours, and Biz2Credit notes some lenders decide within 24 hours for highly qualified borrowers. Timing is never guaranteed and depends on your documents and lender review.
More answers in the FAQAre SBA loans better than online loans?
Neither is better for everyone. SBA loans often carry longer terms and lower rates but take more documentation and time. Online options can move faster; Fora Financial reports that online fintech lenders' share of applications grew from 17% in 2020 to 29% in 2025. Choose based on how soon you need funds and what you can document.
More answers in the FAQHow much does restaurant equipment financing cost?
Cost depends on your credit, business history, the equipment and the lender. Rezku's 2026 guide puts restaurant equipment financing at roughly 6% to 18% depending on credit and business history. 1West's equipment financing page lists rates as low as 7%, as of November 2026. Your final rate and fees come only from a lender's offer, so compare total repayment, not just the rate.
More answers in the FAQWhat is an SBA 504 loan?
An SBA 504 loan finances major fixed assets such as owner-occupied buildings and heavy equipment. The SBA describes a structure with a private lender loan covering up to 50% of the project cost and a borrower contribution of at least 10% equity. One construction financing guide notes 504 can finance up to 90% of an owner-occupied project.
More answers in the FAQTurn the numbers into a plan
Apply with 1West to compare offers for your own project.
Financing is subject to lender approval and final terms.
Sources cited on this page
- Crestmont Capital, Restaurant Equipment Financing Statistics 2026: kitchen buildout costs, equipment price inflation, Energy Star premiums, industry sales projection
- Rezku, Restaurant Equipment Financing in 2026: roughly 6% to 18% depending on credit and business history; online lenders may fund within 24 to 72 hours
- Fora Financial, Small Business Lending Statistics and Trends for 2026: small business counts, approval rates, application channels, borrowing reasons
- U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA lender resources: 504 structure and microloans of $50,000 or less, including certain non-profit childcare centers