Feb 17, 2010 – First Star Capital, an established national leader in the commercial equipment financing industry, is expanding its services in the medical equipment financing sector.  The company has taken a variety of steps to focus on the specific financing needs of the medical and dental community, offering alternatives to traditional bank loans.  They have announced that they have set aside significant funding resources to allocate to this division, increased lending limits for the application only programs, implemented a new working capital program and launched a comprehensive new website dedicated to medical and dental professionals. (www.firststarmedicalfinance.com). 

The medical and dental industry has always been one of the company’s strongest performing sectors.  “We recognized an opportunity to expand upon something that has always been a strong performer for First Star”, says President Brad Harmon.  “We’re excited to ramp up our focus, allocate greater resources and provide more expanded financing options for medical practices and medical equipment vendors in a time when capital is scarce.” 

In addition to adding more staff to service the growing division, First Star has launched a new website specifically for the growing medical equipment finance division (www.firststarmedicalfinance.com).  “The new website was designed to showcase our expertise in medical equipment financing and provide medical professionals a comprehensive financing option for needed equipment replacements and/or additions.  The site provides a thorough overview of the different types of medical lease and finance options available, tax benefits, payment calculators and all of the relevant credit and application documents”, says Harmon.

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First Star Capital is an established firm that has financed thousands of different businesses across the country and has funded hundreds of millions of dollars worth of capital equipment. They are an independent commercial lender with a specialty focus in equipment financing and leasing. First Star Capital is a direct lender with the ability to quickly and efficiently fund new financing requests between $10,000 and $10,000,000.

San Jose, CA –– December 21, 2009 –– Download PDF

SunPods Inc., a company delivering modular, fully integrated and tested solar power generation systems to customer sites has teamed with First Star Capital to make it easier for small and medium-sized operations (2.5kW to 400kW) to fund the purchase of solar electrical power generation.

SunPods delivers reliable, cost-effective solar power generation. SunPods’ unique Sun Smart Technology™ creates a modular, rugged solar power appliance from the most advanced components being produced. First Star Capital recognizes that eliminating the uncertainty of cost and schedules that have normally been associated with solar power installations presents a unique financing opportunity. According to Brad Harmon, President of First Star Capital, “We can now treat solar power generation like any other capital investment. With traditional solar installations the custom design and installation process make it harder to put together a financial package because each project has to be carefully evaluated for risk. SunPods eliminates the risk. We’re financing a capital acquisition, our expertise, not an engineering project.” More accessible financing makes solar power generation a reality for more operations. “There is large demand at small to medium-sized installations, but financing is a necessity. For example, SunPods makes sense for agricultural operations but they need predictable financing so they can replace payments to utilities with payments on their own solar equipment. First Star Capital has the expertise and knowledge to make this happen.” observed Dan Jaeger, President of SunPods.

SunPods is currently shipping three product lines:

• SP-100 for commercial installations
• SP-300 for EV charging stations
• SP-500 for support of agricultural operations

Financing from First Star Capital for SunPods’ systems is available immediately.

About First Star Capital
First Star Capital is an established firm that has financed thousands of different
businesses across the country and funded hundreds of millions of dollars worth of capital
equipment. We are an independent commercial lender with a focus in equipment
financing and leasing. First Star Capital is a direct lender with the ability to quickly and
efficiently fund new financing requests between $10,000 and $10,000,000. Corporate
headquarters are located at 3050 Citrus Circle, Suite 222, Walnut Creek, CA. 94598.
Phone: 800-604-4817. Website: www.firststarcapital.com.

About SunPods Inc.
SunPods is expanding the solar power generation market by delivering modular,
self-contained solar power appliances. Fully configured units are shipped from our
factory to the site. Site preparation is minimal and there is no on-site assembly. SunPods’
units are pre-engineered, pre-manufactured and pre-tested in a rigorous factory setting
making them ready to power up on delivery. SunPods makes project management and
execution simpler and quicker. Corporate headquarters are located at 1922 The Alameda,
Suite 214, San Jose, California 95126. Website: www.sunpods.com.

First Star Capital's own President, Brad Harmon, was featured in NEFA's Newsline magazine. To read his article, click here.

Walnut Creek, CA – March 18, 2009
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On February 17, 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 was signed into law which should lead to stabilization and economic improvement.   There are numerous pronounced benefits for businesses – specifically geared toward the small to medium sized companies- that have the ability to jumpstart the economy both locally as well as nationally.  First Star Capital, a commercial equipment lender, has responded by launching a new website www.economicstimulusinfo.com in an effort to keep these businesses updated on how the stimulus package can benefit them.

This comprehensive site contains details of the Section 179 tax deduction as well as news and links to other informational web sites.  While the ARRA has a particular focus on creating jobs in the green energy, highway, and school building sectors, there are several other industries that stand to benefit significantly from the economic stimulus act.  Industries such as electronic medical records, utilities and all types of professional services such as engineers, attorneys, accountants, consultants, regulators and administrators will experience heightened demand and be positioned for job growth and greater economic prosperity. 

Although nearly two-thirds of the $787 billion economic recovery plan is geared toward government based initiatives to create jobs and spark activity in stalled sectors of the economy, about one-third provides tax relief and investment incentives for small to medium sized businesses.  Small and medium sized businesses have always been catalysts of economic growth and employment. 

“We wanted to develop a site where our customers can obtain current and accurate information on how they can use the stimulus package to help their own business.  You don’t have to be a huge corporation like GM or AIG to reap some of the benefits.  Our goal is to do our part in generating confidence and turning the economy around for the better”, says First Star Capital president Brad Harmon.  “The answer lies in helping small businesses move forward, retain their employees, and stay competitive.  Small and medium sized businesses (those with less than 500 employees) make up roughly 99% of US companies.  These are the folks that are most likely to be drivers of economic improvement”.

For more information on First Star Capital, please visit www.firststarcapital.com

About First Star Capital:
First Star Capital is an established national firm that has financed thousands of different businesses across the country and has funded hundreds of millions of dollars worth of capital equipment. They are an independent commercial lender with a specialty focus in equipment financing and leasing. First Star Capital is a direct lender with the ability to quickly and efficiently fund new financing requests between ten-thousand and ten-million dollars. Since they are a direct lender with their own funding and servicing capabilities they are able to deliver tangible value added financing solutions with the utmost flexibility.

Walnut Creek, CA – January 14, 2009
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Allegiant Partners Incorporated and First Star Capital, two privately-held equipment finance firms in the Bay Area, have merged making Walnut Creek-based First Star Capital a wholly owned subsidiary of San Rafael-based Allegiant Partners. The acquisition officially commenced July 1, 2008 and both firms are very pleased with the results so far.

First Star Capital was formed nearly four years ago by founder Brad Harmon. The company quickly grew to an equipment finance company funding $10 million annually. The acquisition allows Allegiant Partners, an indirect funding source for commercial leasing brokers nationwide, to enter the direct finance business for the first time.

Allegiant Partners was founded in 1998 and is focused on the underserved niche of high margin asset based loan and lease financing. The company's primary target customer is a promising, capital intensive enterprise in need of equipment financing. By adding First Star Capital, Allegiant expects to almost double their current funding volume in 2009. The synergy created by the acquisition allows rapid growth opportunity for both firms. Allegiant expects to finance over $30 million of equipment in 2009.

Eight out of ten US businesses lease or finance some or all of their equipment. First Star Capital is a commercial equipment leasing firm that offers flexible financing and leasing options to businesses in a variety of industries throughout the country. They specialize in transaction sizes ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000. Pairing up with Allegiant allows First Star greater flexibilityin credit decisions and the ability to place transactions onto their own balance sheet.

Brad Harmon, President of First Star, says “this marriage of two solid equipment finance companies is exciting for everyone. First Star is now able to offer more financing options to our clients during a time when those options seem to be drying up everywhere else. Allegiant now has a direct sales force. While many lenders and brokers have been forced out of the market due to the current credit crisis, First Star and Allegiant were able to steadily increase market share throughout the 2008 calendar year.”

For more information on Allegiant Partners please visit www.allegiant-partners.com or contact Doug Houlahan, Business Development at 415-451-4045.

For more information on First Star Capital please visit www.firststarcapital.com or contact Kim Shea at 925-256-7200.

Walnut Creek, CA – June 16, 2008
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First Star Capital, a commercial lender with a specialty focus in equipment financing and leasing headquartered in Walnut Creek, California has announced the expansion of its credit facilities. The expansion is specifically targeted to increase credit availability for all business owners and equipment vendors. In addition, First Star Capital has lowered equipment finance and lease rates while continuing to invest in technology that enhances transaction processing efficiency.

The expanded credit capacity provides a complement to First Star Capital’s other product offerings which include new and used equipment financing with seasonal and deferred payment structures, working capital loans, and private label vendor financing. The primary goal is to continue offering attractive equipment leasing and financing options in a tighter economic environment. “We’ve developed a strategy to support business growth while bank lending is contracting,” said Brad Harmon, President of First Star Capital.

According to Mr. Harmon, First Star Capital has widened its credit window to meet the needs of medium and large businesses with larger commercial sized transactions as well. There is now less financial data required for new equipment financing and leasing requests up to $500K. In addition to the stream lined qualification requirements we have also lowered our pricing from a cost of funds standpoint.

First Star Capital has reduced documentation requirements to make the application process faster and more convenient. Most new requests will be considered with a one page credit application. “Our aim is to provide a pleasant and efficient experience for our clients and vendor partners,” Harmon said. “To business owners across the nation: First Star Capital is here to help.”

For more information or to apply for equipment financing please visit www.firststarcapital.com

About First Star Capital: First Star Capital is commercial equipment leasing firm that works with funding partners nationwide to offer competitive and flexible financing options to businesses in all industries.

Walnut Creek, CA – June 2, 2008
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So, you’ve been toying with the idea of buying some new equipment for your business. It’s been in the back of your mind for some time now. There’s always that looming question – Is now the right time? After all, the US economy is on the brink of a recession and we’re in the middle of an unprecedented credit crunch. Maybe now is not the right time! Think again. Despite the credit crunch of 2008 and the threat of recession, now can be an excellent time to buy, lease or finance equipment for your business.

The Feds have helped make acquiring new business equipment very attractive for the 2008 calendar year. It has to do with the Federal Tax Code Section 179. Section 179 is an accelerated tax deduction that enables a business to write off the full purchase price of equipment put into service during any given year. It’s nothing new, but what has changed is the following: the maximum allowable deduction went from $125K to $250K for 2008. This change is not expected to be permanent. It was supposed to be reset to $129K but due to the current state of the economy it was raised to $250K as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. This will allow small businesses tremendous tax savings if they are in need of new equipment this year. Successful business is all about financial leverage and when the Feds offer it, we should take full advantage, especially since this dramatic increase is likely to be temporary.

So, you’re still not sure? The big question one should ask is; how much money will this equipment generate? If the cost is higher than the expected income then now is probably not the right time to acquire it. However, if you’ve really looked at the numbers and determined that the income will exceed the cost on a monthly basis then do it. Take advantage of the Feds current offer. The credit crunch has presented a great time to buy, lease or finance equipment for your business. Don’t forget – talk to your CPA for details on how Section 179 can benefit your business.

For more information or to apply for equipment financing please visit www.firststarcapital.com

About First Star Capital: First Star Capital is commercial equipment leasing firm that works with funding partners nationwide to offer competitive and flexible financing options to businesses in all industries.

Walnut Creek, CA, 2/14/2008
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First Star Capital is pleased to announce the addition of two new
members to their leasing team:

Melissa Todd, Sales Coordinator. Melissa is a Bay Area local who joins First Star with over 4
years of experience in the lending industry. She’ll be streamlining marketing efforts and
focusing on sales support.

Steve Lee, Equipment Finance Specialist. Steve has over 6 years in sales and is excited about
returning to the equipment leasing field. He’s a Los Angeles native who moved to northern CA
to attend UC Berkeley in 1998.

First Star Capital has also moved to a larger office in Walnut Creek to accommodate the growing company. “This an exciting time for First Star Capital and I’m looking forward to what’s in store. With the addition of Steve and Melissa we are positioning ourselves for spectacular 2008 and beyond” says President Brad Harmon.

Walnut Creek, CA, 11/29/07
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The CLP Foundation has announced Brad Harmon, President of First Star Capital in Walnut Creek, as the newest Certified Lease Professional (CLP). This designation is the premier certification in the equipment leasing industry. The CLP designation is recognized and respected throughout the industry as a whole and is held in high esteem by the primary industry associations such as the NAELB, UAEL, and ELFA.

To put it in perspective, the equipment lease and finance industry accounts for nearly $250 billion in annual capital equipment expenditure - almost a third of all commercial equipment investment. Eight out of 10 U.S. companies lease and finance all or some of their equipment. There are roughly 4,000 – 5,000 leasing firms in the U.S but there are only less than 250 CLP’s.

The CLP title is only given to those individuals that have demonstrated success in the leasing industry for a minimum of five years and have completed a thorough training program covering 16 subjects and have passed the most rigid test in the industry.

According to Harmon, "Becoming a CLP is a great accomplishment for me personally. It also presents new opportunities for First Star Capital. It is another step in the right direction for a growing firm. I am excited about our prospects for the future and look forward to becoming more involved in the leasing associations in the years to come.”

First Star Capital has quickly established itself as a dependable and reputable equipment financing firm in the Bay Area. Established by Brad Harmon in March '05, the company has surpassed some impressive milestones in less than three years. 2007 represents the second full calendar year in business and First Star is already funding more volume than similar companies that have been around for 10 – 15 years. Furthermore, they have been recognized by the Better Business Bureau as an Honor Roll Member. First Star offers equipment financing for small to medium-sized businesses nationwide and its clients include publicly traded companies with thousands of employees as well as small “mom & pop” community-oriented businesses. They routinely approve transactions for equipment such as garbage trucks, laboratory instruments, computer networks, database software, manufacturing machines, kitchen & food processing equipment as well as high definition camera and broadcasting equipment. Any business that needs to stay current with their equipment and technology in order to remain competitive and viable in their industry can benefit from an equipment lease or finance option.