10 Things We Don’t Finance (Yes, Some of These Have Been Asked)
- Jared Holmes
- May 22
- 3 min read
After years in commercial lending and equipment financing, I’ve learned one thing:
If it exists, someone has probably tried to finance it.
Most of the time, the requests make perfect sense. Heavy equipment, trucks, manufacturing equipment, generators, forestry equipment, and business expansions are exactly what commercial financing is built for.
But every once in a while, a request comes across the desk that makes you stop and say:
“…wait, seriously?”
So in the spirit of keeping things interesting, here are 10 things we do not finance.
1. Boats
And before anyone asks:
Fishing vessels? Actually, While we don't do it, but this is Maine... So we know a guy
Personal boats? Not our lane.
A yacht “for networking purposes”? Definitely not.
We stick to business-use equipment with clear commercial applications.
2. Exotic Cars
Lamborghinis and Ferraris are fun to look at.
They are not equipment financing.
If your construction company needs a dump truck, great. If you want a McLaren as a “marketing vehicle,” we are probably not the right call.
3. Planes
Aircraft financing is its own world with:
FAA filings
Specialized collateral requirements
Aviation underwriting
Very cool industry. Very different industry.
4. Space Stations
Listen, if you are in a position to finance a space station, you probably are not filling out an online equipment application.
But if that changes, I’d at least like to hear the pitch.
5. Casinos
Gaming financing comes with an entirely different set of licensing, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Also, if your repayment plan depends on someone hitting red 17, underwriting may have concerns.
6. Submarines
This feels oddly specific, but yes, someone once asked.
Commercial equipment financing works best when the collateral stays above water.
7. Firearms Manufacturing
Because of industry restrictions and lender compliance requirements, most traditional equipment finance sources avoid this space entirely.
Even strong businesses can face major financing limitations depending on the industry.
8. Zoo Animals
To be clear:
Excavators for a zoo? Absolutely.
Financing the Panda itself? No.
Collateral inspections would get complicated quickly.
9. Adult Entertainment Businesses
Many lenders have industry restrictions tied to compliance, banking relationships, and risk tolerance.
This is one of the more commonly restricted industries across commercial finance.
10. Buildings
This one surprises people.
We finance equipment inside buildings all the time:
CNC machines
Forestry equipment
Generators
Commercial kitchen equipment
Manufacturing equipment
But actual buildings and real estate fall into commercial mortgage lending, which is a completely different financing category.
What We Do Finance
Fortunately, the list of things we can finance is much longer.
That includes:
Construction equipment
Forestry equipment
Manufacturing equipment
Snow removal equipment
Trucks and trailers
Generators
CNC machines
Medical equipment
Restaurant equipment
And many other business-use assets
If it helps your business operate, produce revenue, or grow capacity, there is a good chance we can help.
The Bottom Line
Commercial financing has guidelines, industry restrictions, and asset requirements that shape what lenders will and will not consider.
Some limitations are practical. Some are regulatory. And some are just objectively funny to talk about.
Either way, if you are unsure whether your next purchase qualifies, it is always better to ask early before structuring the deal.
About the Author
Jared Holmes is the founder of Brilliance Funding Partners, where he helps business owners navigate the commercial lending landscape with confidence. With 10 years of hands-on experience in SBA lending, equipment financing, and working capital solutions, Jared focuses on asking the right questions and delivering financing strategies that make sense for each business. Connect with Jared for a personalized conversation about your options.
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