If you’re a business owner struggling to secure the capital you need to grow, this episode is for you. Tyler Chisholm sits down with Anthony D. Almeida, CEO of The Unbankers, to talk about what it *really* means to be finance-ready—and why so many small and mid-sized businesses are left behind by traditional banks. With over 25 years in the trenches of corporate finance, Anthony shares how his team steps in to support businesses seeking loans under $10M—especially those scaling fast, acquiring competitors, or managing complex turnarounds. From the critical role of fractional CFOs to building forward-looking financial models, Anthony offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what lenders actually want—and how to plan for capital before you need it. For leaders tired of hearing “no” from the banks, this episode introduces an alternative path built on relationships, strategy, and deep operational insight.

In this episode:

• What it means to be an Unbanker and why that matters
• Why traditional banks are stepping away from sub-$10M deals
• How The Unbankers fill the financing gap with hands-on, operationally-savvy support
• Insights into asset-based vs. cash-flow lending
• The increasing role of fractional CFOs
• When and how to start preparing for financing
• Lending market comparisons between Canada and the U.S.
• What industries Anthony loves to work with—and which ones they steer clear of

Wisdom bombs:

• "You're not as finance-ready as you think you are." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Noah built the ark before it rained. That's how you need to think about your business finance strategy." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Lenders will look at your cash flow as an asset. If it's strong and predictable, that tells a compelling story." – Anthony D. Almeida
• "Business plans aren't just for the lenders; they're how you articulate your vision to yourself." – Anthony D. Almeida

For the Extra Curious:

• Learn more about The Unbankers: https://www.unbankers.com
• Explore the rise of fractional CFOs: https://www.cfoshare.org
• Guide to being finance-ready: BDC's Business Loan Checklist: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/money-finance/get-financing/business-loan-application-checklist
• Overview of cash flow-based lending: Investopedia on Cash Flow Lending: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cash-flow-lending.asp
• Understanding asset-based lending: NerdWallet Guide: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/business/asset-based-lending

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

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Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Anthony De Almeida’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-de-almeida-726123a

The UnBankers’ Website: https://www.theunbankers.com

The UnBankers’ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunbankers/

The UnBankers’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunbankers/

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing