(BPT) - Small businesses keep America moving. They build homes, repair essential systems, deliver goods and provide the services communities count on every day. Together they generate roughly 44% of U.S. economic activity. In the Federal Reserve's latest Small Business Credit Survey, small employers cited rising costs as their most common financial challenge, and only 42% of businesses that sought financing received the full amount they requested. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, bringing its benchmark rate to a range of 3.75% to 4.00% — its first hike since July 2023 — as it works to address inflation that has stayed above its 2% target.

For small businesses already navigating rising costs, this added borrowing expense makes financing options that avoid interest charges an even more meaningful consideration.