Small Business Case Study: Rapid Test & Trace
Background
Supporting Growth in a Fast-Moving E-Commerce Market
Rapid Test & Trace is a Canadian e-commerce retailer specializing in at-home medical test kits. The company launched during the pandemic with COVID-19 rapid tests and has since expanded into flu, strep, HIV, and other diagnostic categories. Now in its fourth year, the business serves customers nationwide through a search-driven online model.
Challenge
Maintaining Cash Flow for Inventory & Marketing
As the product line expanded, Rapid Test & Trace faced growing inventory pressures, seasonal spikes in demand, and tightening margins as market pricing normalized post-pandemic.
Traditional lenders were unwilling to fund the business due to fluctuating historical financials and perceived volatility in COVID-related product demand. With heavy reliance on Google Ads, and strep and flu products frequently selling out, the company needed fast access to capital to maintain growth.
Solution
Fast, Flexible Financing to Support Peak Demand
Merchant Growth provided a financing solution tailored to an e-commerce business with seasonal cycles and high customer search intent.
Working closely with their advisor, Jesse, the company secured their desired funding amount, and the capital was used primarily for inventory purchases and digital advertising, enabling the business to stay visible and in-stock during peak illness season.
Result
Improved Inventory Stability and Stronger Seasonal Sales
With financing in place, Rapid Test & Trace:
- Kept high-demand tests — especially strep — consistently in stock
- Maintained essential marketing spend on Google Ads
- Strengthened cash flow during the winter illness surge
- Achieved smoother, more predictable operations
“Speed is everything for us. Jesse really went to bat to help us secure the amount we needed.”
— Owner
For more information, visit Merchant Growth.
