#31 - Leveraging Debt to Fuel Business Growth with Fractional CFO, Shay Bacani

In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx chats with Shay Bacani, the Founder and CEO of Censure Financial, to dive into the world of business growth, scaling, and acquisition. Shay shares her journey from growing up in Chicago with a stock-exchange-savvy father to becoming a Fractional CFO who helps businesses raise funding, multiply wealth, and navigate the path to acquisition. Together, Jessica and Shay discuss the critical importance of understanding your financial story, leveraging debt to fuel business growth, and positioning your company for scalability. Shay breaks down the stages of raising capital, from pre-seed to Series A, and offers actionable insights for women entrepreneurs on overcoming fears around giving up equity or taking on debt. They also highlight key financial mistakes businesses make, why proprietary assets are crucial for long-term success, and the strategic benefits of acquiring other companies to accelerate growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Shay’s expertise—tune in now! Learn more about the Business Performance Audit: https://tailoredpremier.com/business-performance-assessment Highlights: (01:37) Shay's journey from corporate finance to launching her own firm. (03:46) Understanding the limitations of bootstrapping and the benefits of raising capital. (06:44) A breakdown of pre-seed, Series A, and beyond: When and how to raise funds. (09:47) Equity vs. debt: Deciding which approach works best for your growth strategy. (14:09) The importance of crafting a compelling financial narrative to attract investors. (17:30) Why proprietary assets and innovations are key to long-term business value. (25:12) Reframing debt as a strategic growth tool and overcoming the stigma associated with it. (28:31) Lessons from successful businesses and governments: Using debt to accelerate growth. (30:00) Shay’s top three lessons for entrepreneurs: Stay adaptable, prioritize exceptional customer experiences, and trust your instincts. Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade and @thejessicamarx Website: Million Were Made Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Connect with Shay: Instagram: @centurefinancial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaybacani/ Website: https://centurefinancial.com/