What do you do when completed jobs take longer to get paid, but your business still needs to move forward? For a solar and roofing company in Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii, this challenge became a reality. Changes in payment timelines created a strain on cash flow, making it harder to maintain operations and plan ahead.
Instead of waiting for delayed payments, the company pursued a working capital solution. In 15 days, they secured $150,000 in funding. This case study explains how the process worked and how the company overcame cash flow delays.
The Challenge: Slower Payments Impacting Cash Flow
The company was actively completing projects, but payments were not arriving as quickly as expected. Changes in payment structures and timelines caused delays in receiving funds from completed jobs.
This created several challenges:
- Cash flow became inconsistent
- Operational expenses continued without delay
- New projects required upfront costs
- Financial planning became more difficult
Even though the business remained active, delayed income created pressure. As a result, the company needed a solution to stabilize cash flow.
The Solution: $150K in Working Capital
To address the gap, the company applied for working capital funding. This option provided immediate access to funds without relying on slow-paying receivables.
They were approved for $150,000. These funds allowed them to:
- Maintain steady operations despite delayed payments
- Cover expenses tied to ongoing projects
- Take on new work without hesitation
- Improve overall financial flexibility
Most importantly, the funding helped the business stay consistent while waiting for incoming payments.
The Process: Funding Completed in 15 Days
The process moved forward efficiently, even with a brief delay on the client’s side.
Tuesday (12/5)
The full package was submitted to the credit team for review.
Wednesday (12/6)
Approval was received quickly after submission.
Client Delay
The client experienced a delay of about 1.5 weeks before signing final documents.
Tuesday (12/19)
The client signed all final documents to proceed.
Wednesday (12/20)
Funds were deposited into the company’s bank account.
Despite the delay, the overall timeline remained efficient and structured.
The Results: Consistent Operations and Financial Stability
With $150,000 in working capital, the company regained control over its finances. Instead of being impacted by delayed payments, they continued operating without disruption.
Key outcomes included:
- Stable cash flow during payment delays
- Continued progress on active and new projects
- Reduced financial stress
- Stronger ability to manage business growth
As a result, the company remained productive and positioned for continued success.
Key Takeaways for Contractors and Service Businesses
This case highlights important lessons for solar, roofing, and other service-based businesses:
- Payment delays can happen even with completed work
- Cash flow gaps can disrupt otherwise healthy businesses
- Working capital can provide immediate financial relief
- Flexibility in funding helps maintain momentum
Businesses that plan for delayed payments can avoid unnecessary slowdowns.
Conclusion
Delayed payments can create serious challenges, especially for businesses that rely on steady cash flow. In this case, a solar and roofing company secured $150,000 in working capital in 15 days to overcome payment delays.
By taking action and using a structured funding process, they maintained operations and avoided disruption. For businesses facing similar challenges, fast access to capital can provide the stability needed to keep moving forward.