159 When Debt Beats Equity (And Why Most Founders Get This Wrong)

What if that "non-dilutive capital" just put your house on the line?Most founders think equity is their only option, but 73% of businesses seeking financing actually apply for loans. The gap isn't about availability—it's about understanding what you're signing up for. In this episode, we break down SBA loans, personal guarantees, convertible debt, factoring, and the brutal truth about when debt accelerates your business versus when it destroys everything you've built. Discover why your EBITDA matters more than your assets, how customers can be your best source of capital, and the one question every founder must ask before signing a personal guarantee. This is the financing conversation nobody had with you before you needed it.Keywords: debt financing, equity financing, SBA loans, personal guarantee, startup funding, convertible debt, factoring, business loans, EBITDA, founder advice