When most small business owners think of funding, they picture one word: loans. But in today’s financial landscape, that’s just one option on a much wider menu. If you've been turned down by a traditional bank or simply want to avoid high-interest debt, alternative funding sources can unlock new growth without unnecessary risk.
At Sasha Watson Financial Solutions (SWFS), we guide clients toward lesser-known but highly effective capital solutions — especially those that don’t involve taking on debt.
Traditional loans can be difficult to secure, especially for newer businesses, startups, or sole proprietors. Credit requirements, collateral, and restrictive repayment terms can create barriers that slow your momentum — or stop it altogether.
Alternative funding provides flexibility, accessibility, and often faster turnaround times. These sources are designed to meet businesses where they are — and get them where they want to go.
Here are some of the most powerful (and often overlooked) options:
This model offers upfront capital in exchange for a percentage of your future monthly revenue. There’s no fixed payment — instead, you pay more when business is booming and less when it’s not. Great for businesses with strong sales but limited assets.
Yes, they still exist — and SWFS helps clients find and apply for them. Federal, state, nonprofit, and corporate entities offer grants targeted at women-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and rural businesses. This is free capital you don’t have to repay.
These mission-driven lenders focus on underserved entrepreneurs. They often provide microloans and flexible capital options with below-market interest rates — and tend to be more lenient than banks.
Waiting on a big invoice or government contract to pay out? Lenders can advance up to 90% of the amount up front, giving you liquidity when you need it most.
With platforms like Mainvest or Honeycomb, small businesses can raise funds directly from their community — often in the form of revenue-sharing investments rather than traditional equity or loans.
Finding funding is about more than just filling out applications — it’s about strategy. At SWFS, we evaluate:
✅ Your industry, timeline, and capital needs
✅ Your business's credit and cash flow situation
✅ Which funding paths offer the best terms with the least risk
✅ Documentation preparation to increase your approval odds
We also bring our network of lenders, funders, and grant sources to the table — so you’re not navigating it alone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to funding — and there shouldn’t be. If a traditional loan isn’t right for you, you still have options. From grants to revenue-based financing to community lending, alternative funding sources can provide exactly what your business needs to grow — without putting it in a financial bind.
Sasha Watson
Founder & CEO, SWFS