1stMILE and Fundbox Partner to Bring New Business Credit to the Automotive Aftermarket

Redmond, WA, Dallas, TX – October 29, 2026 - 1stMILE, a financial experience platform built for the automotive aftermarket, announced today that it will partner 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. 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. 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,” said Benjamin Walker, Director of Product, Fundbox. “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 seamless 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 & service business for their customers for years, often at the expense of their own cash flow,” said 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.

This program is separate from the 1stMILE Mastercard, a consumer credit card offered at participating shops.

1stMILE at SEMA

1stMILE will share more about the program, including eligibility and availability, at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3 to 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Shop owners, multi-location operators, and partners who want an early look, or want to learn how to get involved, can visit 1stMILE at Booth #44219 or get in touch at 1stmile.com/lets-talk.