Five Proven Ways to Make Your Business More Fundable From a CEO who's helped 80,000 SMEs

Securing the right funding can accelerate the growth of your small or medium-sized business. Get it wrong, though, and you risk stalling your momentum or putting your company in financial jeopardy. Many business owners make a fatal mistake when it comes to funding. Too often, business leaders hope the right funding will materialise simply because they're passionate or have a great product. But capital isn't won on passion alone, it's earned through preparation, insight, and clarity. Whether you're a start-up looking for your first raise or a scale-up ready to expand, here are five actionable ways to make your business more fundable and dramatically improve your chances of turning ambition into capital in the bank.

1. Know how much you need and what it will do for you
One of the most common missteps is vague or poorly justified funding requests. Lenders and investors aren't interested in arbitrary numbers, they want to know exactly what the money is for and how it will drive returns. Owners should be precise. Break down your funding requirements. Is the money for hiring a sales team? Purchasing equipment? Launching a new product? Outline each line item and quantify the financial or operational uplift it will enable.

You should also be able to demonstrate ROI, so don't just ask for capital, but show how that capital will yield growth. Can you confidently say that a £100,000 investment in digital marketing will bring in £300,000 in new revenue? The more credible the story, the more compelling the opportunity. Strategic funding isn't about getting as much money as possible, it's about asking for the right amount, for the right reasons, with the right impact.

2. Master your financial story and keep it tidy
Your financials are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; they are the autobiography of your business. Lenders want to understand your past and predict your future, both of which rely on clean, consistent financial records.

Keeping immaculate books must be a priority, aa disorganised or outdated accounting is a huge red flag. With the availability of modern cloud-based software, there's no excuse for messy ledgers. Reconciliation should be monthly as standard, not an annual panic. It's also recommended to understand your credit profile. Your business credit score, and often your personal one, play a significant role in financing decisions, so monitor them closely. Simple actions like paying suppliers on time and responsibly managing credit lines can steadily improve your score.

Planning ahead is also key. Develop robust financial projections for at least the next 12 to 24 months. Include profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts. Lenders don't expect a crystal ball, but they do expect thoughtful planning. Include best-case, base-case, and worst-case scenarios to show resilience here. Your financial hygiene reflects your business discipline, but it also builds trust, which is an essential currency in any funding conversation.

3. Look beyond your bank
Many SMEs instinctively turn to their traditional bank for funding, and many end up disappointed. The reality is that the funding landscape today is vast, varied, and evolving rapidly. It's important to explore the full ecosystem when acquiring funding. From startup loans and government-backed schemes like SEIS/EIS, to asset finance, invoice finance, and revolving credit facilities, there are tailored products for nearly every situation. The key is matching the right product to the right need.

In light of this, she encourages business owners to explore and understand specialist solutions. "For example, invoice finance unlocks cash from your unpaid invoices, VAT funding helps smooth large quarterly bills, and asset finance can spread the cost of vital equipment. Each has a clear purpose and distinct advantages over traditional term loans. Don't ignore grantsInnovate UK, local councils, and in. dustry bodies offer valuable non-dilutive funding. These opportunities are competitive, but for businesses pursuing R&D, sustainability, or innovation, they're well worth pursuing."

I'd also consider equity funding. If rapid growth is your goal, angel investors and venture capital can offer not just cash, but strategic value, introductions, mentoring, and industry insight. Yes, you give up equity, but in return you gain a partner in your growth journey. Platforms like Swoop exist to make this landscape easier to navigate, so you can find the right fit without spending months doing manual research.

4. Make the case for funding
Remember that securing funding is fundamentally a sales exercise. You're selling your business's potential, to generate returns, to grow sustainably, to solve problems that matter. Business owners should craft a compelling business plan. This is more than a formality, as a strong plan articulates your market opportunity, your competitive edge, your leadership team's strength, and your strategic roadmap. I'd recommend keeping it concise, but thorough.

This leads me on to my next point of honing your pitch. Whether you've got 60 seconds or 30 minutes, you must be able to communicate your value proposition clearly and confidently. Be ready for the tough questions as investors will more than likely challenge your assumptions and lenders will probe your numbers.

It's vital to pre-empt objections and think like a lender here. Question if you can address concerns about your market size, your team's experience, and your repayment ability. I'd come prepared with data too, as doing so shows maturity. However, SMEs need to welcome the scrutiny, as it likely means they're interested. Investors fund people as much as they fund businesses. Show that you know your business better than anyone else.

5. Get the right support
Timing and guidance can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Don't wait until you're desperate, and that the best time to seek funding is when things are going well, not when cash flow is squeezed and you're under pressure. Proactive funding reflects stability and planning, which is exactly what lenders want to see. Using expert partners is also advised, as navigating the funding ecosystem alone is time-consuming and risky.

Securing funding isn't about luck, it's about strategy. When you're clear about what you need, keep your finances in top shape, explore the full spectrum of funding options, and present your case like the high-potential business you are, the odds shift dramatically in your favour.