The American job market is quietly undergoing another seismic shift. According to recent data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S. layoffs surged over 400,000 in the first half of 2025—a sharp increase driven by corporate downsizing, automation, and rising interest rates. In cities across the country, headlines read like echoes of the 2008 crisis: “Thousands Let Go,” “Entire Departments Cut,” “Another Tech Giant Slashes Jobs.”
But where some see setbacks, others see a chance to start over.
At job fairs and employment expos across the country, a new trend is emerging—displaced professionals aren’t just looking for another job… they’re looking for freedom. They’re exploring freelancing, franchising, and, most importantly, factoring brokers—self-employment and small business ownership. And that’s where your opportunity begins.
The Rise of the “I’m Done“ Entrepreneur
Many of today’s would-be business owners are not your typical wide-eyed dreamers. They’re former middle managers, tech workers, veterans, and retail survivors. They’ve been through one layoff too many. They’ve seen careers crumble in one round of corporate restructuring. And they’ve made a decision: “Never again.”
These individuals arrive at job fairs with a different question than others:
“I don’t want another boss. How can I launch something of my own?“
That’s where you, as a factoring broker or freelance commercial finance consultant, offer a critical dual pathway:
- A new career in finance consulting—especially attractive to those seeking home-based independence with real income potential.
- Access to capital—for those who already have a startup idea, service business, or small company and need funding.
Why Job Fairs Are a Goldmine for Factoring Brokers
Most brokers think job fairs are only for HR departments and recruiters. But many modern job fairs now feature “entrepreneurship corridors“, sponsored by…
- Chambers of Commerce
- SCORE and SBDC advisors
- Local banks and CDFIs
- Veteran-owned business networks
- Franchisors and coaching services
This is where you belong—positioned not as an employer but as a career catalyst.
How You Help at These Events
As a factoring broker, you’re uniquely qualified to support two distinct but overlapping groups at job fairs:
1. Would-Be Entrepreneurs
- People ready to start businesses but don’t know how.
- You introduce them to factoring as both a career and a financial service.
- You can recommend the PAL Affiliate or PAL Associate programs, offering them a roadmap to earn from home while building a business.
2. Early-Stage Business Owners
- Many attendees at job fairs already have micro-businesses or side hustles (consultants, truckers, contractors, e-commerce sellers).
- They may need working capital, factoring, equipment leasing, or even merchant cash advances.
- You position yourself as a non-bank finance expert who helps them grow.
The Hidden Bonus: Referrals from Other Exhibitors
Some of the best relationships you’ll build at job fairs aren’t from attendees—they’re from the other vendors.
Network with:
- SCORE mentors
- Chamber of Commerce directors
- Franchise consultants
- Veteran resource officers
- Bank representatives who can’t approve most small business loans
These professionals are constantly looking for trusted financial contacts to refer startups and funding-seekers to. Be that resource. Offer a free guide or setup a simple referral landing page to collect introductions.
Your Booth Strategy: Presenting the Right Message
Your message at a job fair shouldn’t be “Do you need financing?“ Instead, it should be…
- “Ready to start a business? Let’s talk about your funding options.“
- “Want a career without a boss? Ask about becoming a commercial finance consultant.“
- “Need cash flow to launch your idea? We offer real solutions without the bank red tape.”
Bring brochures. Offer Factoring guides and booklets. Set up a looping video explaining how brokers help businesses thrive. And collect names of those interested in learning more.
In a world of rising layoffs, factoring brokers are perfectly positioned to help rebuild Main Street—one entrepreneur at a time. Whether you’re introducing someone to the industry as a career or helping a new startup secure working capital, job fairs are fertile ground for growth.
So, while other exhibitors hand out applications, you’ll be handing out opportunity.