Today’s big thought: Commercial cleaning companies don’t get the bank financing they deserve. Is this your opportunity to clean up?
Let’s get into it: Commercial cleaning and janitorial service companies demonstrate 31% lower default rates than the small-business average.
- Yes, but: Most banks categorize them as “service businesses” without recognizing the essential, recession-resistant nature of commercial sanitation.
The reality: Buildings need cleaning regardless of economic conditions. Commercial cleaning businesses have predictable cash flows and critical operational needs that make them excellent financing candidates…assuming lenders understand the sector.
3 fast facts brokers should know:
- Contract-based revenue provides stability: Cleaning companies typically operate on recurring contracts, creating predictable monthly revenue that supports consistent equipment financing payments.
- Equipment is the business: Unlike businesses where equipment supports operations, commercial cleaning equipment is the operation. Floor scrubbers, extractors, and pressure washers directly generate revenue.
- Growth through equipment acquisition: Cleaning companies expand by adding equipment and contracts simultaneously. Financing enables growth that cash constraints would prevent.
The broker bottom line: Commercial cleaning represents an underappreciated niche with excellent credit characteristics and repeat equipment needs.
- Brokers who understand this sector build portfolios of low-risk, loyal customers that banks leave on the table.
TimePayment can help you clean up. To build your cleaning equipment portfolio, reach out to our Third Party Originations team today.
Source: Proprietary 2025 Sawbux Marketing survey