financing source. That way, the lender or investor can see where youve been and where youre planning to go.     Here is a list of readily available financing sources for expanding your small business. Consider each potential source of money carefully-each has unique advantages and disadvantages as they apply to your business. Approach whatever source makes the most sense for your business first; you can try others if the first one doesnt work.     1. Trade Credit     After you establish a reliable record of prompt payment with your suppliers, normally they will consider extending additional credit for your expansion plans. Let them know of your plans well in advance; if you begin delaying your payments to finance your expansion without notifying them, they may get annoyed. They have an interest in seeing you grow; after all, youll be buying more from them in the future. Sometimes they will even introduce you to their bankers and investors if you approach them with a well-thought-out business plan.     2. Commercial Banks     Remember those banks that were so hard to get money from when you started your business? Well, once you can show a profitable history, they become a lot more friendly. As an established businessperson you can often secure flexibility from banks that you might not expect. For example, they may lend you money and take a security interest in your accounts receivable. Or they may take a security interest in your inventory, equipment or other business assets.     3. Equipment Leasing Companies     Leasing companies own equipment that they rent to businesses and individuals. Some leasing companies are similar to rental yards in that they have a supply of equipment on hand that they rent out. Sometimes these companies offer repair and trade-in privileges in addition to short-term rentals.     Other leasing companies-called full finance leasing companies-do not take physical possession of any equipment. You find the equipment you want, and they buy it for you. Full finance leasing companies have no equipment inventory and offer no return or repair services. They borrow money from a bank, so youll have to pay back the equipment cost plus interest and a leasing company service fee over a fixed time. Normally, you have the option of buying the equipment for an additional price at the end of the lease term. Full finance leasing companies base their credit decisions on your companys financial condition. They will want to see lots of financial records from your company and may request that you pledge some of your personal assets to guarantee the lease. Of course, make sure you understand what you agree to before you sign anything.     4. Accounts Receivable Factoring Companies     Factoring companies-also called factors-buy your accounts receivable at a discount. Then, they collect your accounts at full face value. This can be a very expensive way to raise cash-I only recommend it as a last resort. Some factors require that your accounts pay them directly instead of paying you. This can cause problems with customers, wholl assume that you are having serious cash flow problems. Approach factors with caution and make sure you understand the implications of the agreement before you sign it.