Question 1

What does ARCS stand for?

Accepted Answer

ARCS stands for Adaptive Renewable Capital Solutions. It also carries a personal meaning - the letters reflect my initials and the initials of my three children, Aidan, Stella, and Chelsea. It's a name that reminds me every day to do this work with integrity.

Question 2

What types of businesses does ARCS work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with small and mid-sized businesses across a wide range of industries - from organic farms and manufacturing operations to commercial property owners, municipalities, and clean energy providers. If you're investing in efficiency, clean equipment, or sustainability improvements, we can likely help.

Question 3

How does ARCS make money if I don't pay you?

Accepted Answer

We're compensated by the lender or financing institution once a deal closes - similar to how a mortgage broker works. This means our services cost you nothing out of pocket, and our interest is aligned with finding you a deal that actually closes and works for your business.

Question 4

Is ARCS a lender or a broker?

Accepted Answer

Neither, exactly. We're a financing consultant and intermediary. We work with a network of lenders and C-PACE providers to find the best structure for your project, then guide you through the process from application to funding. Think of us as a trusted advisor, not a salesperson.

Question 5

What's the minimum project size you work with?

Accepted Answer

Most of our transactions range from $50,000 to $2 million or more. If you're not sure whether your project qualifies, reach out - we're happy to give you a straight answer quickly.

Question 6

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Accepted Answer

It varies by lender and product. Strong credit opens more options and better rates, but we also work with credit-challenged situations when the project itself supports approval. We'd rather have an honest conversation than tell you upfront you don't qualify without reviewing your situation.

Question 7

How long does the approval process take?

Accepted Answer

Many equipment financing decisions come back within 24-72 hours for smaller transactions. Larger or more complex deals (including C-PACE) take longer due to property assessments and lender underwriting. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the start of the process.

Question 8

Do I need to put money down?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Equipment leases often require no or minimal down payment. C-PACE offers 100% financing with no money down. Loans may require a down payment depending on the lender and credit profile. We'll be upfront about what to expect.

Question 9

Can I finance used equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. Eligibility and terms vary by lender, but used equipment financing is available for qualifying assets. Let us know what you're looking at and we'll check what's available.

Question 10

What happens on the first call?

Accepted Answer

We'll ask about your project, your business, and your goals. You'll get an honest read on what's possible, which financing structures might fit, and what the process looks like. There's no obligation and no pressure - just a useful conversation.

Question 11

What information do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

For most applications, we'll need basic business financials (2 years of tax returns or financial statements), a description of the equipment or project, and some basic business details. For C-PACE, we'll also need property information. We'll walk you through it.

Question 12

Can I use financing alongside tax credits or utility rebates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we'd encourage it. C-PACE in particular can be layered with federal tax credits (like the IRA investment tax credit), utility rebates, and other incentives - often making projects cash-flow positive from day one. We'll help you understand what's available.

Question 13

What if I apply and I'm not approved?

Accepted Answer

We'll tell you why, what would need to change, and whether there are alternative options. We don't leave people without answers. If now isn't the right time, we'll help you understand what the path to approval looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Financing & Eligibility

Process