Ready for growth but not sure whether to take on debt, raise equity, or both? We sit down with Kimberly Evans—banker, CFO, and multi-company founder—to translate funding jargon into plain English and map a path from corporate comfort to entrepreneurial control. Kimberly shares why equity dilution isn’t losing, it’s leveraging; how to time your first raise; and what separates a credible founder from a risky bet in the eyes of investors.

We get tactical fast. Kimberly outlines the early team investors look for—CEO, an operator who can execute, and a real financial partner (accountant or fractional CFO)—plus the tech lead who can build systems and defend them. We unpack what belongs in a tight investor deck, how to keep a clean cap table, and why a secure data room can win you a second meeting. Clean numbers beat hype every time, and realistic projections grounded in sales cycles signal you understand your market. We also dive into the growing importance of cybersecurity for both lenders and equity partners. If ransomware can end your business, it can end their return, so show your policies, controls, and incident response.

Kimberly doesn’t shy away from the human side. Many high performers struggle with the ego and habits that made them great employees but shaky founders. Her Bridge 40 method helps leaders rebuild mindset, automate operations, and design for time and location freedom. We contrast bank lending’s narrow box with equity’s portfolio logic so you can pick the right capital for your stage and risk profile. You’ll leave with a practical checklist: build the team, validate demand, tighten financials, secure your tech, package the deal, and ask for exactly what you need.

If this conversation helped clarify your next move, follow the show, share it with a founder friend, and leave a review. Your feedback helps more builders find the capital and clarity to scale.

Support the show

If you need assistance in obtaining funding, book a free discovery call at www.tdjequityllc.net. Let us know the scope of funding needed and the amount. A broker will contact you to discuss your funding needs. And remember, at TDJ Equity Funding, we do not force your funding needs into a lender's box but find a lender's box that fits you!

We map the legal moves that turn a young company into a funding-ready business, from entity choice and clean governance to strong contracts and bankable IP. Uma Bansal shares the checklists investors trust, the red flags that stall deals, and the timing for hiring counsel.

• choosing between LLC, S corp and C corp for growth and funding
• separating personal and business finances to avoid liability
• drafting robust contracts lenders respect
• converting IP into assets and collateral
• due diligence red flags and how to fix them
• corporate governance, minutes and resolutions
• compliance requirements in regulated industries
• key loan terms, covenants and default triggers
• bringing in investors with solid operating agreements
• when to hire an attorney and how to build your team

If you'd like to be a guest or get in touch with us, please visit our website at www.tdjequityllc.net or email us at team@tdjequityllc.net

Support the show

If you need assistance in obtaining funding, book a free discovery call at www.tdjequityllc.net. Let us know the scope of funding needed and the amount. A broker will contact you to discuss your funding needs. And remember, at TDJ Equity Funding, we do not force your funding needs into a lender's box but find a lender's box that fits you!

What happens when you leave your W-2 job and that comfortable corporate benefits package disappears? For small business owners, creating your own financial safety net isn't just important—it's essential. Yet as financial consultant Don Workman reveals in this eye-opening conversation, most entrepreneurs are dangerously underprotected.

Did you know that approximately 75% of small businesses are underinsured? While you're pouring everything into growing revenue, your business and personal financial foundation might be perilously fragile. Workman walks through the critical insurance coverages every business needs: general liability to protect against lawsuits from injuries on your property, professional liability (E&O) to guard against claims of negligence, workers' compensation for employee injuries, and increasingly vital cyber liability insurance to protect against data breaches that could devastate your business reputation.

Beyond business protection, Workman illuminates the personal financial safeguards entrepreneurs need. Unlike financial advisors who charge monthly fees regardless of performance, Workman explains how consultants like himself offer free consultations and are compensated by carriers only when solutions are implemented. This approach makes professional financial guidance accessible to businesses of all sizes.

The conversation covers powerful retirement vehicles that allow business owners to defer up to $68,000 annually (as of 2024), tax-advantaged life insurance products that offer both death benefits and living benefits for conditions like terminal illness and Alzheimer's, and annuities that provide growth potential with protection from market downturns. Workman also introduces a supplemental program through IRS Code Section 125 that can save businesses significant money on payroll taxes while providing valuable benefits to employees.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or have been running your business for years, this episode delivers actionable insights to ensure you're not just making money, but protecting it properly. Connect with Don Workman at WealthGuard Solutions to receive a free consultation and start building the comprehensive financial protection strategy your business deserves.

Support the show

If you need assistance in obtaining funding, email us at podcast@tdjequityfundinginsiders.net. Tell what the scope of funding is needed and the amount. A broker will contact you to discuss your funding needs. And remember, at TDJ Equity Funding, we do not force your funding needs into a lender's box but find a lender's box that fits you!