ROK Financial Business Loans & Services (2025 Guide)

Introduction: Why ROK Financial Dominates the Alternative Lending Space

In today's volatile lending environment, the gap between what small business owners need and what traditional banks offer has never been wider. That's where ROK Financial steps in.

Headquartered in the heart of New York's financial ecosystem, ROK Financial has rapidly become the go-to source for fast, flexible, and scalable small business funding. With a streamlined process, real human support, and a vast partner network of 75+ lenders, ROK is purpose-built for entrepreneurs who can't afford to wait — or be denied — by conventional banks.

Whether you're looking to scale, stabilize, or save your business, ROK has a product for every situation. This guide — built exclusively for MarketingByKevin.com readers — outlines every funding solution ROK offers, explains how to qualify, and provides guidance on deploying funds for maximum ROI.

Related Reads:

Section 1: Complete List of ROK Financial Products & Services (2025)

1. Working Capital Loans

Short-term cash infusions are designed to stabilize operations, handle emergencies, or fund rapid growth. Flexible approval even with lower credit.

2. Business Term Loans

Predictable monthly payments over 1–5 years, up to $5M in funding. Ideal for equipment purchases, expansions, or refinancing high-interest debt.

3. SBA 7(a) Loans

Government-backed small business loans with low rates and long terms. Best for well-established businesses requiring $ 100,000–$ 5 million.

4. SBA Express Loans

Fast-track SBA option offering up to $500K with streamlined paperwork. Quick approval for strong applicants.

5. Equipment Financing

Purchase or lease essential equipment (such as vehicles, machinery, and technology) with fixed payments and tax benefits.

6. Merchant Cash Advance (Revenue-Based Financing)

Ideal for businesses with consistent credit card sales. Payback is a percentage of daily revenue. No fixed terms.

7. Business Line of Credit

Revolving credit access. Draw only what you need, reap and reuse. Great for managing seasonal or cyclical cash flow.

8. Startup Business Loans

New businesses with less than two years of operating history can qualify. Often unsecured with fast decisions.

9. Commercial Real Estate Loans

Purchase or refinance property. Structured for owner-occupied or investment real estate.

10. Franchise Financing

For franchise fees, equipment, location buildout, and working capital. Supports both new and existing franchisees.

11. Invoice Factoring

Unlock cash from unpaid invoices. Get funded within 24–48 hours without waiting for client payments.

12. Healthcare Practice Loans

Tailored to dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, and more. Covers expansion, payroll, insurance, and equipment.

13. Asset-Based Lending

Leverage receivables, inventory, or equipment as collateral. Higher funding amounts for businesses with tangible assets.

14. Bridge Loans

Temporary capital for transitions — acquisitions, bridge to SBA, time-sensitive needs.

15. ERTC Advance

Get early access to your Employee Retention Tax Credit rebate. No need to wait on IRS delays.

16. Unsecured Business Loans

No collateral required. Best for fast-moving capital without tying up assets.

17. High-Risk Industry Financing

Cannabis, adult, gambling, and other “unbanked” industries can qualify through alternative channels.

18. Debt Consolidation Loans

Refinance high-interest MCA or term loans into one manageable payment. Improve cash flow and credit standing.

All programs are backed by ROK's concierge-style support and lender-matching algorithm.

Section 2: Which ROK Funding Product Is Right For You?

Selecting the right loan product isn't just about how much money you need — it's about aligning capital structure with your business model, growth timeline, and financial profile.

1. Need Quick Capital with Minimal Paperwork?

Choose: Working Capital Loans or a Merchant Cash Advance

Ideal for businesses needing $10K–$500K fast
Minimum paperwork and lower credit requirements
Funds are typically delivered in 1–3 days

Apply with ROK Financial

2. Planning a Major Purchase, Expansion, or Debt Refinance?

Choose: Business Term Loan, SBA 7(a), or Debt Consolidation Loan

Get up to $5M with structured monthly payments
SBA options offer the lowest interest rates
Best for businesses with at least 2 years in operation

Internal Resource: Business Term Loans Without Bank Red Tape

3. Starting a Business or Franchise?

Choose: Startup Business Loan or Franchise Financing

Funding for initial working capital, buildout, or franchise fees
Often unsecured, with early-stage flexibility

4. Operating in a Niche or High-Risk Industry?

Choose: High-Risk Industry Financing or Unsecured Loans

Alternative channels bypass traditional bank denials
Approval focuses on business revenue and potential, not stigma

5. Need Revolving Access to Cash?

Choose: Business Line of Credit

Draw funds as needed
Great for inventory restock, seasonal cash flow, or payroll gaps

6. Waiting on Invoices or Government Refunds?

Choose: Invoice Factoring or ERTC Advance

Convert future income into instant cash
No need to wait on slow client payments or the IRS

Still not sure? Apply with ROK Financial and get matched with the top lender for your exact business profile.

Section 3: How the ROK Financial Application Process Works — Step-by-Step for 2025

Step 1: Complete the Pre-Qualification Form (No Hard Credit Pull)

Before speaking with a lender or providing sensitive financial information, ROK uses a quick, no-obligation form to pre-qualify your business. This takes just a few minutes and does not impact your credit score.

You'll typically be asked for:

Business name and industry
Monthly revenue (average over last 3 months)
Time in business (minimum 6 months preferred)
Use of funds

This step filters you into the right funding path and unlocks soft offers without wasting time.

Step 2: Get Matched to the Best Funding Options from 75+ Lenders

ROK's proprietary system analyzes your pre-qualification data against its extensive lender network — including fintech lenders, private capital firms, non-bank institutions, and select SBA intermediaries.

You'll benefit from:

Multiple real-time offers tailored to your profile
Avoiding high-risk lenders or unfit loan types
One unified process instead of applying to 5–10 sources

This “matchmaking” model helps secure higher approvals with better terms — without damaging your credit from repeated hard pulls.

Step 3: Review Offers with a Dedicated ROK Funding Advisor

Once matched, you'll be contacted by a ROK expert who explains:

All terms (rates, fees, repayment frequency)
Documentation required for final underwriting
How to compare term length vs interest vs cash flow impact

ROK's expert advisors help you structure your funding to avoid future debt traps or unnecessary stacking.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents for Final Underwriting

Depending on the loan type and amount, you may be asked for:

3 to 6 months of business bank statements
Business license or entity documentation
Voided check for funding deposit
Equipment quote (if financing an asset)
Tax returns or P&L statements (for SBA or higher-value loans)

Underwriting times vary by lender, but most short-term or working capital deals are processed in under 48 hours.

Tip: Connect your bank account through Plaid during this step to expedite the process and increase your approval chances.

Step 5: Get Funded — Fast

Once underwriting clears, funds are deposited directly into your business account. Timing depends on the product:

Working Capital / MCA: 24–72 hours
Term Loans / Equipment Financing: 2–5 business days
SBA Loans / CRE: 1–3+ weeks

Your repayment begins on a schedule based on loan type — daily, weekly, or monthly — with complete transparency.

Step 6: Post-Funding Support and Long-Term Capital Strategy

What sets ROK apart is what happens after you're funded:

Renewal options are available once 50% is paid down
Advisors help monitor cash flow and avoid debt stacking
Pre-approval for new products as your business grows

Businesses that maintain a relationship with ROK tend to secure higher-value financing on better terms with each subsequent cycle.

Ready to Apply?

Get your business pre-qualified in minutes and connect with a real advisor.

Apply with ROK Financial

Section 4: ROK vs Traditional Banks — What's the Difference in 2025?

When small business owners think of financing, most instinctively turn to traditional banks. But in today's lending landscape, banks are no longer the default — and often not the best option.

Approval Standards: Banks vs ROK

Banks: Require excellent credit (680+), at least 2 years of business history, complete tax returns, financial statements, and collateral. Approval can take weeks or months.
ROK Financial: Works with credit scores as low as 500. Approves businesses as young as 6 months old. Most approvals are received within 24–72 hours.

Conclusion: If your business isn't already a “prime borrower,” banks say no. ROK finds a path to yes.

Speed and Funding Timelines

Banks: Underwriting timelines average 3–6 weeks. SBA approvals often take 60 days or more.
ROK: Working capital and MCA fund in under 72 hours. Even SBA Express loans are prequalified faster.

Conclusion: Time-sensitive opportunities are missed waiting on banks. ROK moves at the speed of your business.

Flexibility of Loan Options

Banks: Offer term loans, SBA loans, lines of credit — but minimal alternatives.
ROK: Offers 18+ products, including asset-based lending, revenue-based financing, startup loans, franchise capital, and more.

Conclusion: ROK doesn't force your business into a narrow product — they offer a custom-built capital solution.

Personal Touch and Support

Banks: Loan officers are often generalists with limited time or business knowledge.
ROK: Every client is assigned a funding specialist who builds long-term funding strategies and helps you avoid stacking.

Conclusion: ROK acts as a strategic partner, not just a loan processor.

Credit and Financial Risk

Banks: Pull full credit, report to bureaus, and may require personal guarantees or liens.
ROK: Many products don't require hard credit pulls, and unsecured loans don't put your assets at risk.

Conclusion: ROK provides more innovative ways to fund your business without jeopardizing your credit.

Next Step: Compare ROK's approval odds with what your bank might offer. You may find better terms, faster service, and a more strategic lending partner.

Apply with ROK Financial

Section 5: How to Qualify for the Best Rates and Terms

In business lending, approval isn't the ultimate goal — achieving optimal terms is. Whether you're aiming for lower rates, higher funding limits, or better repayment flexibility, ROK Financial structures its process to reward savvy borrowers.

1. Know Your Lending Profile Before You Apply

Elite borrowers approach lending like underwriters — they prepare in advance. Here's what lenders (and ROK) evaluate:

Credit Profile (Personal and Business): A FICO score of 600+ opens more options, but even subprime applicants can qualify if revenue is substantial.
Business Revenue Trends: Lenders seek consistent and growing monthly revenue. Spikes or dips signal instability.
Time in Business: The 2-year mark opens the door to more traditional products, but ROK supports businesses as early as 6 months.
Industry Risk: Certain industries (e.g., restaurants, trucking, andcannabis) face higher scrutiny. ROK's vast lender network helps offset this.

Pro Tip: Use ROK's funding specialists as strategic advisors. They'll tell you which product fits your exact profile and how to improve it — before applying.

2. Boost Key Approval Metrics

If you're on the edge of approval or want to qualify for a lower rate, make these moves:

Increase Average Daily Balances: Lenders appreciate seeing that you're cash-flow positive. Avoid overdrafts.
Reduce NSFs and Overdrafts: Fewer red flags = more negotiating power.
Eliminate High-Risk Stacking: Paying off MCA stacks or consolidating debt makes you a safer borrower.
Get Your Docs Ready: Bank statements, IDs, voided checks, and business licenses speed up approvals and unlock better terms.

Insider Tip: ROK's lenders prefer 3–6 months of clean business banking. Start now — even if you won't apply for 90 days.

3. Negotiate Product Type — Not Just Rate

Top-tier borrowers don't just chase interest rates. They ask:

What's the actual cost of capital over 12 months?
Does this product fit my cash flow, seasonality, and growth timeline?
What's the prepayment structure — can I save by paying early?

ROK's value lies in product flexibility. You may qualify for multiple options — including some with lower weekly payments, early payoff incentives, or more extended amortization periods.

4. Use ROK as a Long-Term Capital Partner

The best borrowers don't treat financing as a one-off. They build a capital roadmap. ROK specialists help you:

Stair-step from high-cost to low-cost capital (e.g., use MCA → then graduate to SBA).
Refinance or consolidate debt strategically.
Pre-qualify for better funding after tax season, new contracts, or revenue milestones.

Long-term clients with good repayment history are prioritized for exclusive lender tiers and better rates.

Next Step: Even if you're not ready to borrow now, pre-qualify and map out your best next move with a ROK specialist.

Pre-Qualify for Funding with ROK Financial

Section 6: Strategic Use Cases — When & Why to Use ROK Funding

Growth Capital for High-Margin Scale

Businesses with strong gross margins can accelerate growth using short-term or flexible funding. Whether you're investing in digital marketing, expanding your sales team, or scaling inventory to meet seasonal demand, ROK's working capital or term loans can significantly increase your ROI when used strategically.

Pro Move: Align loan amortization with your return window. For example, use a 12-month term loan to fund campaigns with 90-day ROI cycles.

Stabilization Capital During Volatility

If you're recovering from a revenue dip or restructuring operations, funding can serve as a stabilizer — not just fuel for growth. Use cash strategically to rebuild infrastructure, meet payroll, or pivot offerings without slashing operations.

Key Tool: ROK's consolidation loans or merchant cash advance restructuring services provide struggling businesses with the breathing room they need.

Opportunity Capital for Quick ROI

Sometimes, opportunity knocks — but banks can't move fast enough. A new contract, a real estate deal, bulk inventory discounts, or a franchise buy-in may require capital in 24–72 hours. ROK specializes in rapid-response financing.

Use Case: Equipment Financing for a Limited-Time Vendor Deal. You fund the asset while preserving working capital.

Credit Repair Through Structured Borrowing

Strategic borrowing can actually improve your credit profile over time — if done right. Borrowers who pay off ROK's short-term loans on time often unlock better rates or qualify for SBA loans.

Power Play: Use your first MCA or term loan as a stepping stone. Repay it early, and use the positive history to access 7(a), SBA Express, or revolving lines.

Partner Financing for Acquisitions or Buyouts

ROK structures funding for business partner buyouts, acquisitions, and roll-ups. This is especially valuable for experienced operators ready to scale through M&A.

Advanced Tactic: Use ROK's equipment financing or AR-based lending to free up working capital for your down payment or transition costs.

Section 7: ROK Financial Success Stories — Real Borrowers, Real Results

Construction Business Secures $350K Working Capital to Win Government Contracts

A rapidly growing contractor in Texas struggled to fund upfront materials for a series of six-figure municipal contracts. Banks declined due to inconsistent seasonal revenue. ROK secured a $350,000 working capital line within 5 business days. The contractor not only fulfilled the contracts but doubled annual revenue within 14 months.

eCommerce Brand Grows 5x With Inventory & Marketing Bridge Loan

An online health brand needed to scale paid traffic during a key product launch but couldn't wait for Amazon payouts or slow-moving VC rounds. ROK structured a $ 120,000 term loan and a $ 80,000 line of credit. They scaled to 7 figures in monthly revenue within 90 days, then refinanced into SBA funding for long-term growth.

Multi-Location Restaurant Chain Consolidates $500K in Daily MCAs

A restaurant group with five locations had taken on multiple merchant cash advances and was facing weekly cash crunches. ROK consolidated $500,000 in stacked MCAs into a single structured repayment with better terms, saving the owners over $ 12,000 per month in payments and freeing up working capital for marketing and renovation.

Minority-Owned Trucking Company Approved for Equipment Financing After Credit Rebuild

After years of subprime credit due to personal guarantees on a failed startup, a new trucking business couldn't qualify for traditional loans. ROK guided the owner through three cycles of short-term funding to rebuild payment history. By month 9, he was approved for $150,000 in equipment financing at prime rates.

Next Step:

Whether you're a high-growth startup, a legacy business recovering from debt, or a franchisee scaling to new markets, ROK Financial likely has a success story just like yours.

Explore Real Options With a ROK Funding Specialist

Section 8: The ROK Application Process — Step-by-Step Guide for Fast Approval

Securing fast, flexible funding through ROK Financial is designed to be frictionless — especially when compared to traditional banks. This section guides you through the entire process, enabling you to approach it with confidence, preparation, and strategic intent.

Step 1: Initial Consultation — Speak With a ROK Funding Specialist

Every applicant begins by speaking with a dedicated ROK advisor — not a call center or chatbot. During this discovery call, the advisor will assess your:

Business model and funding needs
Revenue patterns and cash flow
Credit profile and time in business
Current debt obligations or past funding history

Why it matters: ROK's advisors are trained to identify fit across dozens of lenders and products — so the call determines which option gives you the best odds of approval, not just generic loan offers.

Pro Tip:Be direct about your goals and constraints. ROK can often tailor the structure to align with marketing campaigns, tax deadlines, equipment purchases, or working capital gaps.

Step 2: Submit Your Core Application Packet

Once you're pre-matched to an ideal funding option, you'll be asked to upload the standard documents ROK uses to underwrite through their lending partners:

Documents typically required include:

Last 3–6 months of business bank statements
Business license or articles of incorporation
Voided business check
Copy of your driver's license or other ID
Profit & Loss statement or YTD financials (if applicable)

Why it matters: ROK can often pre-approve funding amounts based solely on your recent cash flow and time in business — with no hard credit pull unless you accept a final offer.

Step 3: Real-Time Lender Matching & Pre-Approval Offers

Once your documents are submitted, ROK's team leverages its lender marketplace to:

Secure multiple soft-pull pre-approval offers
Match you with terms based on actual underwriting guidelines — not just theoretical “up to” numbers
Clarify the structure (term length, repayment frequency, total cost, and flexibility)

What makes this unique: You're not applying to 10+ lenders yourself. ROK handles the negotiations, filters out low-quality offers, and presents you with only genuine options from lenders who are already interested in your deal.

Step 4: Offer Review & Funding Decision

You'll receive one or more offers to review — typically within 24 to 48 hours of submission. Your advisor will walk through:

Loan amount and term
Repayment details
Total cost and any fees
Flexibility to refinance, renew, or prepay

This is your decision point. You can accept, decline, or modify. Many clients ask for adjustments (e.g., longer term, lower daily payment, equipment lease vs. cash loan), which ROK can accommodate.

Step 5: Final Underwriting & Same-Day Funding

Once you sign your offer, final underwriting begins. This is typically fast — under 24 hours — and may include a quick phone verification and/or digital bank login to verify recent activity.

In many cases, funding is wired the same day or by the next business day.

What to expect:

Funding via ACH to your business bank account
A welcome call or onboarding email
Instructions for managing your repayment or customer portal

Step 6: Ongoing Support + Renewal Opportunities

ROK's job isn't done with funding. Their advisors continue to:

Check in on usage and business performance
Monitor early renewal opportunities (often after 50–60% paydown)
Help you graduate into longer-term or lower-cost options (e.g., SBA, AR financing, or term loans)

Why this matters: Clients who return or renew through ROK often access larger funding amounts, better terms, and a more customized structure — because the lender already knows their history.

Section 9: Compliance, Disclaimers & Borrower Best Practices

Securing business funding through alternative lenders like ROK Financial comes with powerful advantages — but also requires careful consideration of compliance, borrower protections, and responsible usage. This section ensures you understand your rights, obligations, and how to approach the process with confidence and clarity.

Understanding the ROK Financial Terms of Service

Before applying for or accepting any funding offer, all borrowers should review the ROK Financial Terms of Use. Key takeaways include:

No Guarantee of Funding – Approval is based on underwriting by third-party lenders, and ROK makes no claims of guaranteed results.
Independent Platform – ROK connects you with financing providers but does not issue loans directly.
Electronic Communication Acknowledgement – By using the platform, you agree to receive updates, documentation, and decisions electronically.
Privacy & Data Sharing – Your financial documents may be securely shared with lending partners for underwriting purposes. ROK's Privacy Policy explains how your data is protected.

Important: Applying constitutes consent to be contacted by ROK and its financing partners. This is a standard practice across all business lending platforms.

Avoiding Common Borrower Mistakes

Even experienced entrepreneurs can fall into traps that delay funding or reduce the quality of their offers. Avoid these key missteps:

Incomplete Applications – Missing documents or inconsistent financials can halt your file or reduce credibility.
Unrealistic Loan Expectations – Be clear about what's feasible. ROK helps you maximize approval odds — but cannot override underwriting guidelines.
Not Asking Questions – Always clarify fees, prepayment terms, renewal conditions, and total cost. ROK advisors are trained to walk you through the fine print.

Best Practices for Long-Term Lending Success

Use Funds Strategically – Deploy capital toward ROI-generating activities, such as inventory, marketing, staffing, or equipment, rather than addressing temporary cash gaps or unrelated ventures.
Build a Funding Track Record – Each successful repayment positions you for larger, longer-term, or lower-rate capital. ROK monitors your progress to help you graduate to better options.
Communicate Early If Challenges Arise – If your business experiences volatility, contact your ROK advisor or lender early. Many lenders offer restructuring or hardship programs if you're proactive in seeking them.
Stay Organized – Maintain clean, up-to-date financials. This reduces friction in both funding and renewals.

YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) and Editorial Compliance

This article is written under strict YMYL content guidelines, which apply to financial and business topics that could impact a reader's livelihood. Here's how we maintain integrity and compliance:

No Misleading Claims – All funding examples are illustrative, and results vary based on lender underwriting.
Third-Party Affiliation Transparency – MarketingByKevin.com may receive compensation if you apply through affiliate links, at no cost to you.
Non-Lender Statement – This site is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. We publish editorial content based on publicly available information and verified sources.

For full disclosure, please review ROK's Terms of Use regularly and consult with a qualified advisor before making funding decisions.

Section 10: What to Do Next — Start Your Funding Journey With Confidence

If you've made it this far, you're serious about securing fast, flexible capital that aligns with your business goals. Here's how to turn this momentum into a real result — and why MarketingByKevin.com exists as your expert guide every step of the way.

Explore Your Real Funding Options — Not Just Generic Offers

Every business has a story. ROK Financial takes time to understand yours — and then match it with lenders who already serve that use case. You'll never get a one-size-fits-all response.

Speak With a ROK Specialist Now →

Compare Related Solutions in Our Lending Hub

Are you unsure if a working capital loan is the best path for you? Want to know if you'd qualify for longer-term financing? Explore our other deep-dive editorial breakdowns:

These guides are interlinked with this flagship page to provide a comprehensive view of the landscape — with expert-level insight, clarity, and strategic framing.

Final Thoughts: ROK Financial Isn't Just a Lender — It's a Strategic Partner

The most successful entrepreneurs don't “chase” capital — they structure it. With ROK, you gain access to a partner who understands the bigger picture: cash flow, seasonal revenue, marketing cycles, renewal runway, credit rebuild, and more.

If your next business move requires capital, this is the best place to start.

Apply Now or Schedule a Free Consultation

Section 11: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What credit score is needed to qualify for ROK Financial funding?

While minimum requirements vary by product, many ROK solutions are available to business owners with credit scores as low as 500. However, stronger credit can unlock better terms and larger funding limits.

How quickly can I expect to receive funding after applying?

Many ROK clients receive same-day or next-day approval decisions. Funding is often delivered within 24–72 hours, depending on documentation and lender.

Can I get approved if a bank has denied me?

Absolutely. ROK specializes in helping businesses that banks overlook — including startups, businesses with seasonal cash flow, or owners with prior credit challenges.

Are there any industries ROK won't work with?

ROK serves a wide range of industries, but specific high-risk verticals may be subject to restrictions. The best way to find out is to speak directly with a funding specialist.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Initial inquiries typically result in a soft pull, which does not impact your score. A hard pull may occur later in the process only with your consent.

Do I need collateral?

Many ROK funding options are unsecured, meaning no collateral is required. However, certain larger loans or equipment financing products may require asset-backed terms.

Section 12: Bonus Resource Hub — Tools, Checklists & Strategy Guides

Free Download: Small Business Funding Readiness Checklist

Ensure your business is prepared to apply for the best possible terms. Covers revenue documentation, tax returns, credit optimization, and how to strengthen your story for underwriting.

Download the Checklist Now

Insider Guide: How to Refinance Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) for Long-Term Savings

Overextended on daily payments? Discover how to optimize your cash flow by bundling, restructuring, and reclaiming your finances without compromising your credit or hindering growth.

Read the MCA Rescue Strategy

Funding Strategy Call Template: What to Ask During Your ROK Consultation

Not sure what to ask when you get on the phone with a funding expert? This strategic call template ensures you hit every point — from product fit to long-term scalability.

Access the Call Strategy Template

Start With the Experts Who Understand Growth-Ready Businesses

You don't need to guess, apply to dozens of lenders, or get stuck in another high-interest trap. ROK's model is designed to help you win.

Start Your Funding Journey Now

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. MarketingByKevin.com is not a lender and does not provide business loans directly. We may receive compensation if you apply for funding through ROK Financial or its lending partners via links included in this content. This does not influence our editorial decisions or rankings.

ROK Financial is a third-party funding platform that connects small business owners with a variety of financing options through its partner network. All loan offers are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and the terms and conditions of the lender. Results and approval rates may vary depending on revenue, industry, creditworthiness, and other factors.

Before applying for any financial product, readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified accountant or financial advisor to understand how business financing may impact their company’s cash flow and obligations.