This is the genius of small-claims court. Equifax has to either send a representative (which would cost them more than $1000), or they lose by default. You don't actually have to prove anything.
Once in normal court, you would need to hire a lawyer, and they would just find some local representation. At this point, you would probably withdraw the case because it isn't worth that investment.
But suppose you kept going. Their local council is going to proxy their attempts to change venue to where they are located. Unless you had a really compelling argument, they would probably win the change of venue. Now you need to find another lawyer somewhere else, and it is probably an expensive locale like New York or LA where they have a firm on retainer. Still want to push the case? Me neither.
By all means, try the small claims route. But don't think for one second that it is a slam dunk.
Alabama: Must file in municipality where the other party (defendant) resides
Alaska: Easy to move to regular court
Arizona: Easy to move to regular court
Delaware: Cannot be used for punitive damages (basically this)
Indiana: Easy to move to regular court (If I am reading it right)
Michigan: Easy to move to regular court
New York: Must file in municipality where the other party (defendant) resides
Oregon: Basically must file in municipality where the other party (defendant) resides. Easy to move to regular court