Table of Contents ToggleCash Flow Reality CheckWhat the latest numbers sayWhat it means (plain English)7 practical moves to protect cash and unlock growthReferencesCash Flow Reality CheckIf you’ve felt the whiplash lately—orders up, cash down—you’re not alone. Fresh Q2-2025 data shows most small businesses expect growth, yet many are running on thin cash buffers while customers spend more cautiously. Let’s turn those headwinds into a plan.[1]Need a 15-minute cash-flow game plan? Apply in minutes. Fast decisions. No obligation.Start Application Talk to an Advisor Rated “Excellent” on TrustpilotSee why business owners choose Sunwise Capital for speed, clarity, and service. Read reviewsWhat the latest numbers sayConfidence is high—but cushions are thin. 91.5% of owners expect growth (26.1% significant; 65.4% moderate), yet 70.0% hold ≤ 2 months of expenses (26.8% <1 month; 43.2% 1–2 months).[1]How owners bridge gaps: Most rely on business lines of credit (58.5%), delaying owner pay (52.9%), and making minimum card payments (39.8%) while waiting on receipts.[1]Why many skip the bank: 71.5% did not apply at a traditional bank; top reasons for funding elsewhere include denials (42.7%), complex applications (35.9%), and slow decisions (31.6%).[1]Customers are changing: 56.3% observed shifts—smaller average ticket sizes (48.1%) and more pre-purchase questions (39.4%).[1]Funding flow is moving: The report shows a 5% drop in bank loan inflows YoY and +4% in fintech loan inflows (Apr 2024–Jun 2025 period).[2]AI remains under-used: Roughly half aren’t using AI; among users, top use-cases are marketing (66.7%) and workflow automation (34.8%).[1]What it means (plain English)You can’t “budget” your way out of timing gaps if deposits lag. Owners with a ready line of credit, flexible terms, and equipment-specific financing can serve demand and protect payroll—without mortgaging their sanity.7 practical moves to protect cash and unlock growthBuild a 60-day runway (on paper first). Map fixed vs. variable expenses and payroll. If you’re under 60 days, set a weekly target (e.g., +0.5 weeks/month) and use a revolving LOC as a bridge, not a crutch.[1]Right-size your funding mix. Use lines of credit for timing gaps; term loans for predictable investments; equipment financing for upgrades/expansion. Owners most often need funds to boost cash flow or cover ongoing expenses—match the tool to the job.[1]Accelerate receivables; don’t finance them by accident. Add card-on-file, ACH with small incentives, and invoice reminders at T+1/T+3/T+7. If you’re regularly “making minimums,” you’re financing customers at card rates—tighten terms and automate follow-ups.[1]Offer more ways to pay (strategically). Your peers accept Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Apple/Google Pay—yet many accept none. Add 1–2 options your customers already use. Evaluate surcharging policies thoughtfully; only ~1/3 pass fees today.[1]Price for smaller baskets—without shrinking margin. If average ticket size drops, re-bundle into “good/better/best,” introduce warranties/service plans, and test threshold discounts (“Free delivery over $X”). Equip staff with comparison sheets and FAQs.[1]Adopt “minimum viable AI.” Start with ad copy testing, email draft-assist, and simple intake/chat for FAQs to reduce pre-sale friction.[1]Secure equipment financing before you need it. Pre-approve a limit so you can press “go” when demand pops. Owners who bypass banks cite speed, clarity, and flexible terms as decisive.[1]Find. Fund. Fuel. Map your 90-day working capital gap and receive a tailored plan.Apply in Minutes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
Table of Contents ToggleCash Flow Reality CheckWhat the latest numbers sayWhat it means (plain English)7 practical moves to protect cash and unlock growthReferencesCash Flow Reality CheckIf you’ve felt the whiplash lately—orders up, cash down—you’re not alone. Fresh Q2-2025 data shows most small businesses expect growth, yet many are running on thin cash buffers while customers spend more cautiously. Let’s turn those headwinds into a plan.[1]Need a 15-minute cash-flow game plan? Apply in minutes. Fast decisions. No obligation.Start Application Talk to an Advisor Rated “Excellent” on TrustpilotSee why business owners choose Sunwise Capital for speed, clarity, and service. Read reviewsWhat the latest numbers sayConfidence is high—but cushions are thin. 91.5% of owners expect growth (26.1% significant; 65.4% moderate), yet 70.0% hold ≤ 2 months of expenses (26.8% <1 month; 43.2% 1–2 months).[1]How owners bridge gaps: Most rely on business lines of credit (58.5%), delaying owner pay (52.9%), and making minimum card payments (39.8%) while waiting on receipts.[1]Why many skip the bank: 71.5% did not apply at a traditional bank; top reasons for funding elsewhere include denials (42.7%), complex applications (35.9%), and slow decisions (31.6%).[1]Customers are changing: 56.3% observed shifts—smaller average ticket sizes (48.1%) and more pre-purchase questions (39.4%).[1]Funding flow is moving: The report shows a 5% drop in bank loan inflows YoY and +4% in fintech loan inflows (Apr 2024–Jun 2025 period).[2]AI remains under-used: Roughly half aren’t using AI; among users, top use-cases are marketing (66.7%) and workflow automation (34.8%).[1]What it means (plain English)You can’t “budget” your way out of timing gaps if deposits lag. Owners with a ready line of credit, flexible terms, and equipment-specific financing can serve demand and protect payroll—without mortgaging their sanity.7 practical moves to protect cash and unlock growthBuild a 60-day runway (on paper first). Map fixed vs. variable expenses and payroll. If you’re under 60 days, set a weekly target (e.g., +0.5 weeks/month) and use a revolving LOC as a bridge, not a crutch.[1]Right-size your funding mix. Use lines of credit for timing gaps; term loans for predictable investments; equipment financing for upgrades/expansion. Owners most often need funds to boost cash flow or cover ongoing expenses—match the tool to the job.[1]Accelerate receivables; don’t finance them by accident. Add card-on-file, ACH with small incentives, and invoice reminders at T+1/T+3/T+7. If you’re regularly “making minimums,” you’re financing customers at card rates—tighten terms and automate follow-ups.[1]Offer more ways to pay (strategically). Your peers accept Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Apple/Google Pay—yet many accept none. Add 1–2 options your customers already use. Evaluate surcharging policies thoughtfully; only ~1/3 pass fees today.[1]Price for smaller baskets—without shrinking margin. If average ticket size drops, re-bundle into “good/better/best,” introduce warranties/service plans, and test threshold discounts (“Free delivery over $X”). Equip staff with comparison sheets and FAQs.[1]Adopt “minimum viable AI.” Start with ad copy testing, email draft-assist, and simple intake/chat for FAQs to reduce pre-sale friction.[1]Secure equipment financing before you need it. Pre-approve a limit so you can press “go” when demand pops. Owners who bypass banks cite speed, clarity, and flexible terms as decisive.[1]Find. Fund. Fuel. Map your 90-day working capital gap and receive a tailored plan.Apply in Minutes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
