February 17, 2025

10 Simple Strategies for Small Business Owners to Access and Secure Capital in 2025

OCIE SBDC Finance Center Consultant Craig Russom breaks down how to secure small business capital in 2025.

The OCIE SBDC recently surveyed 1,000 small business owners across the region and found that their top priority for 2025 is accessing affordable capital to grow their businesses. One common mistake entrepreneurs make is giving up after being turned down by their first lender. Many then turn to online lenders, only to end up with high-interest loans — some with annual interest rates exceeding 50%. With hundreds of reputable lenders in the marketplace, preparing with the right strategies can improve your chances of securing the funding your business needs.

Accessing Capital in 2025

Organize business financial records.

Ensure that all financial records, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, are up-to-date and accurate. Lenders will review these to assess your financial health. Close out 2024 business financials.
Build a strong personal and business credit score.

Pay bills on time, reduce existing debt, and monitor your personal and business credit scores. It can take months to repair what is being reported so it is key to start this as soon as possible. Work on your personal financial statement.
Separate business and personal finances.
Ensure all transactions related to the business are conducted independently. This improves clarity and credibility to your business.
Evaluate and improve cash flow management.
Create a cash flow forecast to predict income and expenses. Identify ways to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the timing of receivables.
Strengthen your revenue stream.

Focus on diversifying your income sources. Lenders prefer businesses with stable and predictable revenue.
Draft a solid business plan.
Develop or update a comprehensive business plan outlining your business model, market, growth strategies, and financial projections. Why are you looking for debt? How does this help your business?
Build collateral.
Save cash and review your assets that could serve as collateral, such as equipment, real estate, or inventory. Lenders often require collateral to secure loans, including personal assets.
Reduce outstanding debt.
Pay down high-interest debts and consolidate loans if possible. A lower debt-to-income ratio makes your business more attractive to lenders. This is very important on the personal side, as well.
Register and legalize your business.
Ensure your business is fully registered, licensed, and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Lenders often require proof of legitimacy and a business bank account.
Seek professional advice.
Work with an OCIE SBDC consultant, accountant, bookkeeper, or financial advisor to review your finances, identify funding needs, and develop a strategic growth plan. Schedule an appointment today!

Meet the Consultant

Craig Russom is a finance consultant with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC Finance Center helps small business owners navigate the loan process by assessing their businesses, assisting with loan packaging, and connecting them with reputable lenders. The process begins with a loan consultant helping you assemble a bank-ready loan package. Once completed, your consultant presents the loan to a network of financial institutions — including banks, CDFIs, and nonprofits — that actively partner with the SBDC Finance Center. If your business is not yet ready for funding, the center will help identify growth opportunities and prepare you for future capital needs.

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.