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!

The transition from W-2 employee to business owner brings unexpected financial challenges that many entrepreneurs aren't prepared to handle. While most business owners dutifully secure a CPA for tax preparation, they're missing a crucial piece of their financial team: a dedicated financial advisor who can transform their business cash flow into long-term wealth.

Financial experts Sean Williams and Rachel Walker reveal the strategies that allow small business owners to access the same financial advantages as Fortune 500 companies. They break down the essential components of proper cash flow management – including how to forecast 6-12 months ahead, segment expenses strategically, and create that critical 3-6 month emergency fund that prevents panic decisions during lean periods.

Beyond day-to-day operations, they explore how business owners can leverage tax-advantaged vehicles like retirement plans and Index Universal Life policies to simultaneously reduce taxable income while building wealth. These financial tools create tax-deferred or tax-free growth opportunities that most entrepreneurs miss when focusing solely on their business operations.

Perhaps most valuable is their guidance on succession planning through tools like buy-sell agreements and key person coverage. These strategies ensure your business maintains its value and continues operating smoothly even after unexpected events like disability or death. As Williams emphasizes, "If you don't plan to succeed, you're planning to fail."

Whether you're generating $100,000 or $1 million in revenue, implementing these financial strategies creates the foundation for true independence – where work becomes a choice rather than a necessity. Don't wait until tax season to think about your financial future. Connect with a financial advisor who can help articulate and achieve your vision while you focus on growing your business.

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!

Have you ever felt like your business money and personal money are in a constant tug-of-war, leaving you stressed and stuck in the middle? This revealing conversation with money coach Teddy Nguyen tackles the emotional and practical sides of managing finances as an entrepreneur.

Teddy, who founded Lion Lamb Money after transitioning from social work to financial coaching, shares candidly about his own journey of unlearning toxic money beliefs that initially hindered his business growth. "If you make a lot of money, it means you're a bad person" was a mindset he had to overcome before he could truly help others while sustaining himself. His fresh perspective frames money not as something with moral value but simply as a tool—like gas in a car—that powers both business and personal aspirations.

The discussion dives deep into why more income doesn't automatically solve money problems, revealing how the same patterns and behaviors follow us regardless of how much we earn. Teddy explains the critical difference between expenses and investments, sharing a personal story about trying to run his coaching business using only free tools that ultimately cost him more in time and missed opportunities than actual subscriptions would have. This penny-wise, pound-foolish approach is a trap many new entrepreneurs fall into.

Particularly valuable is Teddy's insight into how emotional spending affects business decisions. He breaks down how stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) influence financial choices and offers practical frameworks for removing emotion from spending decisions. His impulsive purchase decision-making tool has saved him from numerous costly mistakes and helps clients create systems that automate good financial habits.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to create better harmony between your business and personal finances, this conversation offers both the psychological understanding and practical steps to transform your relationship with money. As Teddy reminds us, "You're building a business not to make money—you're building your dream with it." What's beyond the money for you?

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!

What if your business faced a catastrophic event tomorrow? Would your insurance truly protect you? According to shocking statistics, around 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster strikes. This sobering reality formed the cornerstone of our eye-opening conversation with commercial insurance experts Kristen Lonergan and Aaron Flores from Champion Commercial Insurance.

The discussion revealed critical blind spots that most business owners have when it comes to their insurance coverage. Property sublimits, business interruption planning, and liability transfer through contracts emerged as three areas where businesses frequently remain dangerously exposed. As Kristen candidly explained, "If you take your policy and flip it over and start reading from the back, that's where all the damage is." Most business owners never examine these crucial exclusions until it's too late.

Both experts emphasized that insurance should never be treated as a commodity purchased solely on price. Instead, they advocated for building a relationship with your agent that borders on uncomfortable intimacy. "Your insurance agent needs to know more about you than your spouse knows about you," Kristen advised, highlighting that this level of transparency enables proper risk assessment and mitigation. Aaron added that accessibility and communication should be non-negotiable expectations from your insurance provider, especially as your business evolves.

The conversation also explored how inflation impacts insurance premiums, the value of customized insurance audits, and why certain industries—particularly those with large auto fleets or extensive roof square footage—face mounting challenges in securing affordable coverage. For business owners preparing for renewal negotiations, the experts recommended being proactive 90-120 days before renewal and having frank discussions about risk management strategies.

As lending requirements continue to evolve, having comprehensive insurance coverage isn't just about protection—it's increasingly becoming a prerequisite for accessing capital. Don't wait until disaster strikes to discover the gaps in your coverage. Connect with insurance professionals who will be strategic partners in your business planning and growth. Your business deserves more than minimum coverage; it deserves a champion.

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!

Have you ever dreamed of owning a business without starting from scratch? The world of franchising offers exactly that opportunity, but there's much more to it than most people realize.

Franchise consultant Rudy Farico pulls back the curtain on this powerful business model, revealing that franchising extends far beyond the fast-food restaurants most associate with the industry. With 34 years of experience and over 900 businesses launched, Rudy explains how franchising spans numerous sectors including healthcare, senior services, automotive repair, and countless other industries.

The statistical advantage of franchising is compelling. While 80% of independent startups fail within two years, franchises enjoy a remarkable 95% success rate. This dramatic difference stems from following proven systems rather than reinventing the wheel. As Rudy colorfully puts it, "Don't put shrimp on your Big Mac" – a metaphor for the importance of following the established franchise formula.

Many potential owners hesitate due to financial concerns, unaware of the various funding options available. Through retirement accounts, home equity, and other assets, franchise ownership becomes accessible without requiring massive liquid capital. The Franchise Disclosure Document provides transparent information about startup costs, ongoing fees, and performance metrics, allowing for informed decisions when paired with proper professional guidance.

The most successful franchise owners share one critical trait: coachability. They trust the system, follow the established processes, and leverage the support provided by the franchisor. For those considering this path to business ownership, proper research and guidance from experienced consultants like Rudy can make all the difference between struggling and thriving.

Ready to explore if franchising might be your path to business ownership? Connect with Rudy at FranchiseWithRudy.com or text "RUDY" to 26786 for a free consultation tailored to your background, goals, and budget.

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!

Banking might seem like a simple matter of opening an account and making deposits, but the reality for business owners is far more complex—and getting it wrong can cost you dearly. This eye-opening conversation with banking veteran Demetrius, who brings 24 years of experience across credit unions and traditional banks, reveals critical insights that could save your business from financial and legal headaches.

The most startling revelation? Many entrepreneurs unknowingly jeopardize their businesses by commingling personal and business funds. This common mistake doesn't just muddy your bookkeeping—it strips away the legal protections of your business structure, potentially exposing your personal assets to business lawsuits. Even worse, when seeking funding, lenders may disqualify substantial portions of your income if they can't clearly identify business transactions separate from personal ones.

Beyond protection concerns, choosing the right banking partner requires understanding your own business operations intimately. Does your business require international wire transfers? Will you need payroll services? Do you prefer digital banking or face-to-face relationships? Each bank offers different fee structures and services designed to attract specific types of businesses while discouraging others. As Demetrius reveals, these fees are often negotiable—something many business owners never realize.

Perhaps most valuable is understanding the strategic advantage of relationship banking. Regional banks and credit unions typically offer greater access to decision-makers who can provide quick answers and customized solutions. The right banking relationship can alert you to specialized programs based on your geography, industry, or business stage that you might otherwise never discover.

Ready to strengthen your business foundation with smarter banking? Explore our complete podcast library for more insider knowledge on securing funding and optimizing your business finances. Subscribe now and join our community of savvy entrepreneurs who understand that financial knowledge equals business power.

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!