Most business owners only call the bank when they’re in trouble. Cash is tight, deals are falling apart, stress is mounting.
By then? It’s too late.
The banks shut the doors and wave at you from behind the glass. That’s the obvious mistake.
The less obvious one? Not realizing the best time to secure financing is when you don’t need it. That’s when banks give you more, on better terms, and when private lenders are willing to play ball.
That’s the theme of my conversation with George Otel, founder of U.S. Business Funding. He’s closed 400+ deals, from SBA loans to $50M commercial bridge financings.
He’s also been on the other side as a business owner who knows what it’s like to hit a wall when funding isn’t lined up.
And right now, while capital feels scarce and multifamily investors are calling this a “3-year recession,” George sees massive opportunity, especially with the $10 trillion baby boomer business sell-off already underway.
Look for the money when you don’t need it because if you need something fast, it won’t be cheap. If you have time, you have options to look for something cheap. -George Otel
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Banks love you more when you don’t need them.
You’ll get offered more money than you asked for when you’re strong, but the second you look distressed, the same lender disappears. Why is that the exact opposite of how entrepreneurs think about financing? - Bridge loans are just the beginning.
Fast capital is a band-aid, not a solution. The winners use bridge money only as a setup for long-term refinancing. How do you structure that from day one so you don’t get stuck? - Buying beats building in this market.
You’ll struggle to get a dime for a startup, but banks line up for businesses with systems and cash flow. With trillions in businesses set to change hands, is acquisition the smarter path for the next generation?
