EBITDA Add-Backs: Which Ones Survive Credit Committee and Which Ones Get Struck?
When business owners prepare for financing events, acquisitions, recapitalizations, or valuation processes, they often encounter the term “EBITDA add-backs.” On paper, these add-backs can significantly improve a company’s adjusted EBITDA, making it appear more profitable and potentially increasing its borrowing capacity or overall valuation. However, credit committees don’t accept all add-backs equally. What one business owner considers […]
Professional Services: Financing Knowledge Businesses with Thin Tangible Collateral
For decades, business financing has been primarily centered around one straightforward concept: collateral. Manufacturers possess equipment, construction companies have machinery, real estate firms own properties, and retailers maintain inventory. Lenders are familiar with how to assess these physical assets because they can be seen, touched, and sold if necessary. But what happens when a company’s most valuable assets leave […]
Cleantech and Battery Recycling: The Financing Stack for First-of-Kind Deployments
The global push toward electrification has accelerated demand for batteries at a pace few industries have experienced before. Electric vehicles, grid storage systems, and renewable energy infrastructure are all dependent on large-scale battery production. But with this growth comes a major challenge: what happens to millions of batteries once they reach end-of-life? Battery recycling has […]
SBA Increases Combined 7(a) and 504 Loan Caps to $10 Million: What Small Businesses Need to Know
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced one of the largest lending expansions in its history. Eligible borrowers can now access up to $10 million in combined SBA-backed financing through the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Previously, businesses were limited to a combined total of $5 million across both programs. Effective July 4, 2026, qualified borrowers can […]
Working Capital, Tariffs, and the Predatory Lending Trap: How Smart Businesses Stay Funded
In today’s volatile trade environment, tariffs are no longer just a line item; they’re a direct threat to business liquidity. For importers and product-based companies, rising costs at the port can create sudden funding gaps that demand immediate action. In these high-pressure moments, many businesses turn to fast financing solutions without fully understanding the long-term consequences. This article explores […]
New SBA Landscape: How 2026 Policy Changes Are Reshaping Business Financing
The Small Business Administration introduced policy changes in 2026. These changes affect eligibility, underwriting, and deal economics for SBA-backed financing. These updates aim to improve program integrity and capital allocation. However, they have a significant and immediate impact on business owners, buyers, and advisors. Anyone pursuing SBA financing must understand these changes. This includes acquisitions, […]
Expansion Capital: 3 Key Financial Moves to Secure Your Growth
If you’re planning to scale your business, securing expansion capital is a major milestone that requires careful financial planning. Whether you’re pursuing a loan, bringing in investors, or seeking other funding sources, having your finances in top shape is essential. At Scout Capital, we help entrepreneurs and small business owners get fund-ready by implementing smart […]
Tariffs on Small Businesses: The Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies
Tariffs on small businesses are no longer just a policy debate; they’re becoming a daily reality. Big shifts in trade policy can feel like distant political moves until they land right at your front door. For small business owners, President Trump’s sweeping tariff policy is one of those shifts. A 10% baseline tariff now applies […]
Proposed Tax Bill: Impact on Cash Flow and Growth
A newly released draft of the proposed tax bill from the House Ways and Means Committee is sparking attention nationwide, particularly among growth-oriented businesses. Its implications for corporate cash flow and investment strategies could be substantial. If your business is pouring capital into innovation, new equipment, or R&D, this proposal might reshape your financial outlook. […]
