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Fresha Capital Emerges as a Powerful Go-To Growth Engine for the Global Beauty and Wellness Professionals

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LONDON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fresha, the world’s leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, has reported strong performance from Fresha Capital, its embedded business financing programme developed in partnership with global financial technology platform Adyen. Since launching in early 2026, the programme has surpassed $20 million in loans issued to beauty and wellness businesses, with over 80% of borrowers returning for additional financing and renewal amounts increasing by approximately 50% on average. With more than $200 million in financing available to eligible partners, Fresha Capital is becoming an increasingly important part of the company’s global financial services offering, helping businesses access the capital they need to invest, expand and manage their operations.

The programme’s performance reflects growing demand for accessible financing within the beauty and wellness industry, where businesses often face challenges securing traditional loans despite maintaining established customer bases and consistent trading activity. Out of 135,000 businesses, from single-chair to large enterprises, more than 10,000 businesses are currently eligible for financing through Fresha Capital, which is fully embedded within Fresha’s all-in-one business management platform. Beauty merchants can access financing directly through their Fresha account and monitor incoming and outgoing transactions through Fresha Wallet, bringing financial services into the same system they already use to manage appointments, payments, marketing, clients and daily operations.

Using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, Fresha Capital analyses existing business performance and payment data to help determine financing eligibility and generate pre-approved offers, removing much of the complexity traditionally associated with business lending. Eligible businesses can access financing directly through their Fresha account without lengthy applications, extensive paperwork or the need to approach a bank. Once an offer is accepted and approved, funding can be made available in seconds, giving businesses immediate access to capital when opportunities or unexpected financial pressures arise. This technology-driven approach enables Fresha to provide financing based on real trading activity, rather than relying solely on conventional, long-winded lending assessments.

Fresha Capital is available across established markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. The company is continuing to expand its financial services offering across the European Union, most recently introducing Fresha Capital in France and Spain in September 2026. This international expansion comes as Fresha strengthens its position as the leading all-in-one software platform for the global beauty and wellness industry, extending its capabilities beyond traditional booking and business management to provide integrated financial services designed specifically for the sector.

Alongside its international expansion, Fresha is strengthening its financing capabilities to serve enterprise and multi-location beauty and wellness businesses. The company is developing financing options of up to $500,000, with longer repayment terms and greater flexibility to meet larger capital requirements. This will enable established salon groups and major brands to invest in new locations, equipment and infrastructure, positioning Fresha Capital as a powerful growth engine for the global beauty and wellness industry.

Unlike traditional business lending, Fresha Capital uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze existing payment and business performance data, enabling financing offers tailored to the individual needs and trading activity of each business. On average, financing offered through the programme represents approximately 65% of a business’s monthly takings, providing access to capital proportionate to its existing operations. Analysis of more than $20 million in financing across 1,546 providers found that inventory purchases, day-to-day cash flow support, business renovations and equipment upgrades were among the most common reasons businesses accessed capital. Renovations and premises improvements alone accounted for approximately $1.94 million, highlighting the importance of accessible funding in an industry where continued investment in physical spaces, equipment and staff is essential.

The programme’s impact is already evident among businesses using Fresha, including London-based barbershop SliderCuts, founded by internationally recognized barber and Fresha ambassador Mark Maciver. Known for working with high-profile clients including Stormzy, LeBron James and Anthony Joshua, Maciver faced significant financial pressure after renovation costs at his Hoxton barbershop escalated far beyond the original budget. With mounting expenses threatening the future of the business, he received a financing offer through Fresha Capital, providing the funding needed to keep SliderCuts operating. Speaking to The Times about receiving the offer, Mark Maciver, Founder of SliderCuts, said: “When that loan came through, it was like a miracle because I didn’t even ask them. I was also calling them to say, ‘Yo, is this real?'”

Maciver’s experience demonstrates the importance of accessible financing when businesses face unexpected financial pressures or opportunities for investment. Beyond immediate funding requirements, research conducted through Fresha’s Capital Feedback Project found that 75% of surveyed partners with sufficient cash flow would consider accessing Fresha Capital should the need arise. Combined with the programme’s strong repeat borrowing rates, these findings indicate significant potential for continued adoption as Fresha expands its financial services offering internationally.

William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha, said: “Fresha is building the most comprehensive operating system for the global beauty and wellness industry, and financial services are fundamental to that ambition. Seeing 80% of borrowers return for additional financing demonstrates the demand for this programme and the opportunity ahead of us. Through our partnership with Adyen, we’re bringing sophisticated financial infrastructure directly into the hands of the businesses that need it, from independent professionals to major enterprise operators. Our ambition is to make Fresha the platform businesses turn to for everything they need to operate, invest and grow.”

Fresha Capital is delivered in partnership with Adyen, combining Fresha’s global network of beauty and wellness businesses with Adyen’s financial technology infrastructure. The collaboration reflects the growing role of embedded finance in business software, where financial products are integrated directly into the platforms businesses already rely on rather than accessed through separate banking and lending providers. By bringing financing into its wider operating platform, Fresha is creating a more connected approach to business management, combining scheduling, payments, marketing, client relationships and financial services within a single system.

Dane Carmody, Head of Product at Fresha, said: “Fresha Capital was built to make business financing more accessible, using payment and performance data to provide funding that reflects how beauty and wellness businesses actually operate. The programme’s strong adoption demonstrates the demand for financing that is built directly into the tools businesses already use. As we expand into new markets and develop larger financing options for enterprise partners, we’re creating even more opportunities for businesses to access capital when they need it.”

With continued international expansion, strong repeat borrowing rates and plans to introduce larger financing options for enterprise businesses, Fresha Capital is entering its next phase of growth. The programme is becoming a central part of Fresha’s global financial services strategy, reinforcing the company’s ambition to build the first truly all-in-one, 360-degree operating system for the global beauty and wellness industry.

About Fresha

Fresha is the world’s leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, trusted by over 140,000 partner businesses across more than 120 countries. Its fully integrated ecosystem spans scheduling, payments, marketing, team management and a global consumer marketplace, giving beauty and wellness businesses everything they need to operate, grow and scale. The Fresha Marketplace connects millions of consumers with salons, spas, barbershops and wellness studios worldwide, with over one million monthly downloads and more than $1.4 billion in monthly transaction value. To learn more, visit fresha.com.

Press enquiries

press@fresha.com

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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