You know what’s wild? Most startups don’t fail at getting funding because they’re a bad idea or don’t have potential, it’s because they’re not prepared. In this episode, I sit down with Zac Smith from LendingWISE to break down why so many business owners struggle to get the money they need.

Zac’s been in the trenches with business owners all over the country, and he breaks down the biggest mistakes people make; from not having a clear use of funds (he uses a grocery store analogy that totally nails it) to waiting until they’re in a crisis before reaching out for help. And if you’ve ever tried going the traditional bank route and ended up frustrated, trust me, you’re not alone. Zac explains exactly why most banks say no, and what options you do have.

We got into some real talk about using credit cards to fund businesses, hard money loans, SBA programs, and how the whole lending process actually works. Zac even shared stories of clients who were drowning in debt with $80k a month in payments, and how his team helped cut that by more than half. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes stuff you don’t hear often.

So if you’re growing fast, trying to scale, or just feeling stuck, this episode’s going to hit home. Zac’s not here to sell magic solutions...he’s giving the real, practical advice that could literally save your business. Give it a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:47 - What LendingWISE actually does for small businesses

01:40 - Who are LendingWISE’s ideal customers?

02:46 - Can you get capital from LendingWISE no matter where you are?

03:37 - The most common funding mistakes business owners make

08:40 - Can you get funding if you’re just starting out?

13:44 - SBA Loans: Everyone talks about them, but who actually qualifies?

17:08 - If you’re scaling fast, you’re probably getting rejected

23:21 - What’s next for business lending? (and how AI changes the game)

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Zac Smith is the Owner and Managing Partner of LendingWISE, LLC, bringing over 15 years of experience in non-bank finance and leasing. For the past six years, he has worked directly with small business owners, focusing on expanding access to capital and helping them become bankable. Zac specializes in assisting businesses in the restaurant, trades, and retail sectors. At LendingWISE, Zac is committed to providing small business owners with the support they need to secure funding, offering services that include small business loans and tax incentives. His mission centers on helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business financing and achieve their growth objectives. 

CONNECT WITH ZAC SMITH:

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-smith-small-business-loans-made-simple

• Website https://teamlendingwise.com/meet-the-team

RESOURCES:

• Visit our website: https://www.boxedbiz.us

• Are you ready to start your own business? Take our assessment test to find out now: https://boxedbiz.us/assessment-quiz/

• Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572485474163

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