Business growth often stalls when traditional funding sources say no. Companies find themselves caught between ambitious expansion plans and limited financial resources, watching opportunities slip away while waiting for bank approvals. Michael Sean McCall, Executive Vice President at Assurance Business Concepts, has spent 15 years helping businesses break through these barriers using alternative funding strategies and corporate credit building.
Unlocking Growth Through Strategic Funding
Most business owners think banks are their only option for serious funding. Michael’s seen this mistake cost companies’ years of growth. “My team and I have spent the past 15 years helping companies, from early-stage companies to mature organizations, get the capital and strategic support they need to grow,” he says. But here’s what surprises most people: some of the best funding options never involve a bank at all. Michael calls it alternative funding, though there’s nothing alternative about it anymore. These options work for healthy companies looking to grow, not just businesses in trouble. “Alternative funding isn’t just for companies in trouble. It’s a strategic lifeline,” he explains. The trick is knowing which option fits your business.
Know Your Alternative Funding Options
Invoice factoring, merchant cash advances, revenue-based financing, equipment leasing. These aren’t backup plans. They’re legitimate funding sources that can work better than traditional loans for many businesses. “Options like invoice factoring, merchant cash advances, revenue-based financing, and equipment leasing can be tailored to your business model,” Michael points out.
The real advantage comes from matching the funding to how your business actually operates. Seasonal businesses need different solutions than companies with steady monthly revenue. “The key is understanding which option aligns best with your cash flow and growth timeline,” Michael says. “We help our clients navigate this space every day to find what works best for their unique situation.” Getting this match right can mean the difference between funding that helps you grow and funding that creates new problems.
Build Corporate Credit Separate from Personal Credit
Here’s where most small business owners mess up. They use their personal credit for everything business-related. Michael sees this all the time with new clients. “Here’s something a lot of small business owners miss: your business can build its own credit profile,” he explains. Building business credit isn’t complicated, but most people don’t know where to start. “That means you don’t have to rely on your personal credit to secure funding. Start with a DUNS number, open accounts with vendors who report to business credit bureaus, and use business credit cards responsibly,” Michael advises.
Strong business credit opens doors that personal credit can’t. “A strong business credit score not only opens doors to better loan terms but also boosts your company’s credibility,” he notes. That credibility matters more as your business grows and needs bigger amounts of funding.
Position Yourself for Better Terms
Getting money is one thing. Getting it on terms that don’t kill your business is another. Michael’s team spends a lot of time helping clients present themselves properly to lenders. “It’s not just about getting funding, it’s about getting the right funding,” he says. Lenders want to see clean books and realistic projections. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many businesses can’t show either. “Lenders and investors look for businesses with sound financials, clean books, and realistic projections,” Michael explains. “At Assurance Business Concepts, we help clients restructure their financials and present a clear value proposition.” The payoff is worth the effort. Better preparation usually means better terms. “That often means lower interest rates, more favorable repayment terms, and long-term financial flexibility,” Michael points out. Those better terms can save thousands over the life of the loan.
Waiting for banks to approve your loan application while opportunities pass you by makes no sense. Michael’s advice is straightforward: “If you’re serious about scaling your business, don’t wait for traditional funding to say yes. Explore alternative options, build corporate credit, and position yourself for success.” His team helps businesses through the entire process, from figuring out what type of funding makes sense to getting the best possible terms. “And if you need a partner in that process, my team and I are here to help. Let’s grow smarter, together,” Michael concludes. The funding is out there. The question is whether you’ll go get it.
Follow Michael Sean McCall on LinkedIn or connect with him directly via email to learn how your business can access smarter, faster funding.
