1stMILE, a financial experience platform built for the automotive aftermarket, is highlighting its business credit program and new EV charging platform at the SEMA Show.

The company is partnering with Fundbox, a leading embedded capital infrastructure provider for the small business economy, to bring business credit to its 1stMILE Automotive Network and the small business customers they serve.

The card and working capital program is "designed to keep the industry running and provide more customized financial services for the tire and repair shops in the 1stMILE Automotive Network and the small business customers who depend on those shops," say 1stMILE officials. The specialty sector of automotive service and suppliers includes commercial tire dealers, retread operators and wholesale distributors that keep trucks, fleets and local economies moving.

“Approved credit should be usable credit," says Benjamin Walker, director of product, Fundbox. "We're bringing capital directly to 1stMILE shops and giving them a way to spend it right away on the parts and inventory that drive their business. By integrating credit where they already work, we can help them act on opportunities when they appear, not weeks later.”

The spend card, powered by the Mastercard network, will provide small business owners and operators access to a digital-first solution to better manage cash flow and access to financing options.

“Our shop owners have been financing the commercial tire and service business for their customers for years, often at the expense of their own cash flow,” says Rob Murphy, vice president of financial services at 1stMILE. “This card puts credit and working capital where they buy and sell, so shops can grow, and their fleet, small-business and wholesale customers can keep moving. Built in at the point of sale, it also gives manufacturers a smarter way to drive sell-out and build loyalty with the businesses that move their products.”

Shop owners, their small business customers and commercial tire, retread and wholesale operations can all apply for business credit through an application hosted by 1stMILE expected to arrive in Q1 2027, say officials. This program is separate from the 1stMILE Mastercard, a consumer credit card offered at participating shops.

A product for EVs

The company is also launching 1stMILE EV Charging, "a turnkey program that puts Level 3 fast chargers at multi-location tire dealers and independent repair shops." 

1stMILE covers the hardware, permitting, installation and maintenance, so shops pay nothing up front. Shops earn a share of charging revenue, and that share grows as utilization grows, say officials. Typical charging sessions bring a vehicle to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle, giving dealers an opportunity to recommend additional services.