Supply Chain Finance (SCF) has garnered growing attention from scholars and practitioners for its ability to deliver win–win outcomes across supply chain networks. As the field evolves, companies are exploring new mechanisms to alleviate financing constraints and improve access to capital. Empirical evidence and game theory analyses indicate that SCF effectively addresses SMEs’ supply-side funding challenges. Moreover, by enhancing governance, transparency, and collaboration among supply‑chain intermediaries, SCF mitigates counterparty default risk, bolsters network adaptability and resilience, and reduces traditional financing barriers for SMEs. These insights not only enrich theoretical literature on SME financing but also offer practical guidance for companies and financial institutions seeking innovative funding solutions.