For four years, Mallard Bay has helped outfitters, guides, lodges, and charters run their operations — bookings, payments, calendars, client management, and everything in between. Today we're announcing the next chapter: Mallard Bay Money Hub, a new suite of financial tools designed to help your business grow, not just run.
The first Money Hub product is Mallard Bay Capital, in partnership with Stripe.
Why we built this
Outfitters run seasonal businesses, and the money rarely shows up when you need it most. Leases are due before opening day. Equipment gets bought before the first client pays a deposit. Boats get repaired in the offseason, when revenue is thinnest.
Traditional banks were not built for that rhythm. Getting a business loan usually means weeks of paperwork, tax returns, collateral conversations, and terms designed for businesses with steady year-round revenue.
We think there's a better way. Because your bookings and payments already run through Mallard Bay, eligible outfitters can access financing based on the business you've already built — no paperwork marathon, no waiting rooms.
What is Mallard Bay Capital?
Mallard Bay Capital gives eligible outfitters access to financing through Stripe Capital, with terms designed around how a real outfitting business earns money:
- One flat fee, known upfront. You'll see exactly what the financing costs before you accept anything. No compounding interest, no late fees, no early payoff fees.
- A simple application. Apply in a few clicks. Applying won't impact your personal credit score.
- Fast funding. If you're approved, funds typically arrive in one to two business days.
- Payments that flex with your season. You pay automatically with a fixed percentage of your sales. Strong month, you pay more down. Slow month, you pay less. (Offers include a minimum amount due per payment period — full terms are shown in your application.)
How it works
- Check your eligibility. Eligibility is based on factors that include your payment volume and history on Mallard Bay. If you're eligible, you'll receive a financing offer by email.
- Select your offer. Choose the amount that's right for your business. The financing fee and payment rate are set based on the funding amount — you don't have to take the full amount offered.
- Receive your funds. If you're approved after your application is reviewed, funds are deposited typically in as little as one to two business days.
- Pay as you earn. A fixed percentage of your sales automatically goes toward the balance until the total amount is paid.
What outfitters can use it for
Working capital is most valuable right before your season, which is exactly when it's hardest to come by. Outfitters use financing like this to lock in leases, buy or repair equipment and boats, purchase inventory and gear, fund marketing ahead of booking season, cover insurance and permits, and bridge operations through the offseason.
Who's eligible
Mallard Bay Capital is available to outfitters on a paid Mallard Bay subscription who process their bookings and payments through the platform.
From there, eligibility for a financing offer is determined by factors that include your payment volume and history on Mallard Bay. If you qualify, you'll be notified by email — there's nothing to sign up for.
Not eligible yet? You could be soon. Eligibility is reassessed regularly. While not guaranteed, increased payment volume and history on Mallard Bay can increase your likelihood of receiving a financing offer — and can factor into the size of future offers. The more of your business runs through Mallard Bay, the stronger your standing.
Ready to put Money Hub to work?
Already on a paid plan? Keep an eye on your inbox — the first offers are rolling out now.
On the free plan? Upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock Money Hub — reach out and we'll help you find the right fit.
Also new in Money Hub: Instant Payouts — get your money in minutes, not days →
Frequently asked questions
Is this a loan?
Mallard Bay Capital provides access to financing through Stripe Capital. The specific product and full terms are shown during your application, before you accept anything.
What does it cost?
One flat fee, disclosed upfront in your offer. The fee is set based on the funding amount you select. There's no compounding interest, and no late fees or early payoff fees.
Will applying affect my credit?
Applying won't impact your personal credit score.
How do payments work during my slow season?
Payments are a fixed percentage of your sales, so they scale down when business is slow and up when it's strong. Offers include a minimum amount due per payment period; if your sales don't cover the minimum, the remainder is debited from your linked bank account. Exact terms are in your application.
Can I pay it off early?
Yes. There are no early payoff fees, and the flat fee doesn't change.
Do I have to take the full amount offered?
No. You select the amount that's right for your business.
I didn't get an offer — why not?
Eligibility is determined by factors including your payment volume and history on Mallard Bay. If you didn't receive an offer, you're not currently eligible. Eligibility is reassessed regularly, and running more of your bookings and payments through Mallard Bay can increase your likelihood of a future offer, though it's not guaranteed.
Who is behind the financing?
Financing is offered through Stripe Capital and its financial partners. Mallard Bay is not a lender.
Who do I contact with questions?
Questions about your specific offer or application go to Stripe support, linked from your offer email. Questions about Mallard Bay, your subscription, or getting more of your business on the platform — reach out to our team anytime.
Stripe Capital offers financing types that include loans and merchant cash advances. All financing applications are subject to review prior to approval. In the US, Stripe Capital loans are issued by Celtic Bank or Lead Bank, and YouLend provides Stripe Capital merchant cash advances.
Stripe Capital loans have a minimum amount due each payment period. If the amount that you pay through sales doesn't meet the minimum required, your bank account will be automatically debited the remaining amount at the end of the period.
