Seasonal Business Funding
Seasonal businesses can absolutely get MCA — but when you apply determines how much you get. Underwriters use a 3-month deposit average. Apply in peak season and that average is at its highest. Apply in the slow season and you're leaving money on the table. Here's the complete timing strategy for every major seasonal industry.
Yes, seasonal businesses qualify for MCA — and timing your application strategically can double your advance amount. MCA uses your most recent 3 months of bank deposits as the underwriting base. Apply during or immediately after your peak season when those 3 months reflect your highest deposits. Applying in the off-season based on low-deposit months will result in a fraction of what you could qualify for in peak season.
Best application windows for the most common seasonal business types.
MCA underwriters use the 3 most recent calendar months of bank statements — not an annual average, not a "seasonally adjusted" figure. Which 3 months are in that window is the single biggest factor determining your advance amount.
A landscaper applying in February (with November, December, January statements showing $5,000/month) will receive a dramatically smaller offer than the same landscaper applying in July (with May, June, July statements showing $28,000/month). Same business, same history, completely different outcome based solely on timing.
Same business, completely different advance amounts based on application timing.
How to maximize your advance amount and manage repayment as a seasonal business.
Yes. Seasonal businesses qualify for MCA — timing the application is the critical factor. MCA uses a 3-month average of recent deposits. Apply during or immediately after your peak season when those 3 months reflect your highest deposits. Applying in the slow season will yield a significantly smaller advance.
Apply during your peak season or within 1 month after it ends. The 3-month window should include your strongest revenue months. For a landscaping business (peak May–September), apply June through August. For snow removal (peak December–February), apply January through March.
MCA underwriters use the most recent 3 calendar months of bank statements to calculate average monthly deposits. They do not average over a full year. For seasonal businesses, the advance amount is almost entirely determined by which 3 months are in the window. A $30,000/month summer landscaper who applies in winter (with $6,000/month winter deposits) will receive an advance based on $6,000 — not $30,000.
Yes, and you should. A brief note explaining your seasonal revenue pattern — along with prior year's peak-season statements — helps underwriters understand your model. Some underwriters will consider a 6-month average or prior-year peak statements for clearly seasonal businesses. Request this when you receive your offer.
A lower holdback rate (8%–10%) means smaller daily remittances, which is easier to manage when revenue drops in slow season. The advance takes longer to repay but the payments are more sustainable year-round. Ask about flexible holdback options when reviewing your offer.
Yes — but the advance will be based on your current slow-season deposits, which will be lower. If you need slow-season funding, your best options are: (1) apply earlier in peak season and size the advance to bridge your entire slow season, or (2) accept a smaller slow-season advance and use it specifically for essential operating expenses.
June through August — the middle of peak season. By June, 3 full months of strong revenue (April, May, June) can be shown. Applying earlier means the window includes winter months with lower deposits.
Industries with strong seasonality in MCA underwriting include: landscaping (peak spring/summer), snow removal (peak winter), construction and roofing (peak spring–fall), holiday retail (peak October–January), pool services (peak summer), ice cream and summer food, holiday/event catering, marina/boating businesses, and tax preparation (peak January–April).
Yes, but the amount will be limited by your preceding 3 months — which for most seasonal businesses includes slow-season months. A better strategy: apply 1–2 months into peak season when the window starts including strong months. Exception: if your previous peak season ended recently and trailing months still reflect strong deposits.
November through January — during the holiday season peak. October, November, and December bank statements show maximum retail deposit volume. Applying in late January captures November, December, and January — all strong months. Waiting until February or March misses the holiday peak window entirely.
If you're in or just exiting your peak season, this is the right time to apply. One-page application, 3 months of bank statements, decision in 24–48 hours. Your strongest 3 months tell the story — let's see what you qualify for.
Or call/text: 330-238-3003
