The Heart Behind FINSYNC and How We Help Entrepreneurs

Starting a business has always taken courage. Entrepreneurs leave stable jobs, risk savings, and put their hopes into something they believe will make life better. For years, too many of those dreams fell apart for reasons that had nothing to do with talent or effort. Disconnected tools, unclear financial data, and a system that often said “no” left business owners without the support they needed when it mattered most.

At one point, the SBA once reported that 82% of small businesses failed due to poor cash flow management or lack of access to affordable capital. Four out of five dreams were ending, not for lack of effort, but because the system was broken.

For anyone who cares about entrepreneurs, that number was heartbreaking. Watching good ideas stall and families lose stability revealed a deeper truth: the problem was not the people. The problem was the structure around them.

 

Why We Started

FINSYNC began because we wanted to change that story. We have always believed in entrepreneurs. They are the people who bring life to local communities, create jobs, and carry ideas forward with a kind of grit that inspires everyone around them. In 2011, we looked at what business owners were facing and knew there had to be a better way.

We saw hardworking people trying to make decisions without clear cash flow insights. New business owners were being turned away by banks that wanted to help but couldn’t under traditional rules. Families were carrying stress they shouldn’t have had to carry. 

Our mission became simple: fix the system that supports entrepreneurs. 

We set out to build something that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to manage money, access funding, and build long-term success without feeling alone. When entrepreneurs succeed — and in less time — families thrive, businesses grow stronger, and communities become brighter places for everyone.

That’s why we built FINSYNC and why we invite you to be part of what’s next.

 

Our Approach

Solving the problem required more than creating another piece of software. It required a connected network. At the center is the FINSYNC Business Platform that connects your banking, payments, cash flow, payroll, and accounting on one easy-to-use platform, powered by Fynn, your AI Assistant. Instead of logging into multiple tools that don’t talk to each other, entrepreneurs get a single, connected view of their finances.

Then we connect businesses with the right partners to fuel their success. With Funding Navigator, entrepreneurs can be matched to the right relationship banker or lending partner — not just the closest one. Fynn helps you turn complex financial data into clear next steps, so you know when you are ready for capital investments, while our Funding Concierge and partner network help owners navigate options with confidence.

The key was partnership. Instead of competing with banks, we built bridges and invited them into the network. Today, FINSYNC is backed by a nationwide, collaborative network of more than 1,500 financial partners, such as banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, accountants, and community organizations, working together to support entrepreneurs.

 

FINSYNC statistic that less than 1% of our customers have reported problems managing cash flow

 

What Has Changed for Entrepreneurs

The difference is striking. Since we began, less than a fraction of 1% of our customers have ever reported challenges managing cash flow or accessing capital. When business owners can track their financial health, connect with the right partners, and make informed decisions, everything changes. Their confidence grows. Their families feel more secure. Their businesses begin to move from surviving to growing.

As your operations improve, your FINSYNC Score rises, a new way of unlocking access to better funding options, stronger relationships, and a clearer path to financial confidence, faster than ever before. Owners move from guessing to planning, from scrambling to feeling prepared, and from simply surviving to building something that lasts.

A better financial system does more than help one company at a time. It lifts the communities around them, employees, families, and neighborhoods that benefit when businesses grow stronger together.

 

The Power of a Connected Network

There are more than 9,000 banks and credit unions across the country, and most of them operate independently. FINSYNC helps unite them so they can work together to support business owners. 

A banker who cannot fund a startup today can now connect that same owner to someone in the FINSYNC Network who can. A growing business can access tools that help it plan ahead. A scaling business can reach new funding opportunities and deeper relationships with financial partners who understand its goals.

FINSYNC and Fynn bring people, information, and decisions into one connected experience. That’s how the FINSYNC Flywheel turns operational efficiency into lasting growth: by connecting everything and everyone and keeping them working in sync.

 

The Invitation

We believe in a better way forward for entrepreneurs, and we believe no one should have to build alone. 

Whether you are starting a new business, growing an existing one, or supporting owners in your community, there is a place for you in the FINSYNC Network. Together, we’re building the future of connected finance.

Start now. Grow stronger. Succeed together. That is the heart and power behind FINSYNC!

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs and small business owners simplify operations and secure affordable funding through one connected platform. Powered by Fynn, your AI Assistant, FINSYNC brings banking, payments, cash flow, payroll, and accounting together and connects business owners with a nationwide collaborative network of relationship bankers and more than 1,500 financial partners. As operations improve, the FINSYNC Score unlocks better funding and stronger relationships automatically. That’s the power of FINSYNC, everything and everyone connected and working in sync to grow stronger together. 

How Andi Mendoza Built Legacy Markets and Helps Others Do the Same

By 2019, Andi Mendoza was worn out. She had spent years in corporate roles and then ran a 35-person home care agency that demanded everything she had. The stress, long hours, and financial pressure left her looking for a way forward.

 

A Moment That Sparked Change

Everything shifted in February 2019 when Andi met her stepdaughter’s friend, a successful e-commerce entrepreneur in his mid-twenties. He became her mentor, and with his coaching, she learned the basics of e-commerce while still managing her home care agency. “I was working seven days a week while they were only working twenty hours,” she said. It pushed her to rethink what was possible.

With his guidance, Andi launched her own e-commerce company alongside the home care business. In just nineteen months, she scaled both and paid off the six-figure debt she had been carrying for years. Once the debt was gone, her husband asked if she wanted to retire. Her answer was simple: yes! They put the home care company on the market, and it sold in October 2020.

Soon after, her husband passed away unexpectedly. As she navigated that loss, Andi searched for purpose and found it in helping others build their own businesses.

 

Turning Ideas Into Action Through FINSYNC CO.STARTERS

Andi created Legacy Markets, a platform that helps people launch purpose-driven online businesses. “You need a story behind your business. People want to support stories,” she said.

 

Structure That Made Growth Possible

Her work caught the attention of WaFd Bank, which introduced her to FINSYNC CO.STARTERS. The workbook, weekly sessions, and clear framework gave her students a way to turn ideas into real plans. “CO.STARTERS helps people see how everything connects,” she said.

Her first cohort included founders with very different strengths. A strong marketer could help someone who struggles with it. Someone focused on operations could help others think through systems. The group kept meeting after class, often talking through ideas over hot wings on Friday evenings.

 

Community Support Sustained Momentum

The program created quick wins:

• Andi’s stepdaughter secured a five-thousand-dollar donor check for her kids’ wellness initiative.

• Participants refined ideas that had been stuck for months or years.

• Several began connecting with WaFd bankers to open business accounts.

The group left with more than business plans. They gained confidence and a group of people they could call for advice. “They did not feel alone,” Andi said. “They filled in each other’s gaps.”

 

Tools That Helped Ideas Keep Moving

As the cohort shaped their businesses, FINSYNC gave them a way to track money, understand cash flow, and prepare for funding when they were ready.

 

Andi Mendoza owner of Legacy Markets

 

Paying It Forward Through Financial Literacy and Mentorship

Today, Andi teaches free financial literacy classes and mentors entrepreneurs at all stages. She brings her “acts of service” approach into every session. “I work for others for free to help them win,” she said.

Whether she is guiding someone through a business plan or encouraging a teenager who dreams of launching a store, she reminds people that they do not have to figure it out alone.

 

What Business Owners Can Do Next

Two steps that help any founder move forward:

1. Start with a guided program or community. A cohort like CO.STARTERS gives you structure, accountability, and feedback you cannot get on your own.

2. Use financial tools that give you clarity. A business account and a platform like FINSYNC help you stay organized and make decisions with confidence.

As Andi puts it, “CO.STARTERS brought everything together for me. It is not just a class. It is a community of people helping each other grow.”

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs and small business owners simplify operations and secure affordable funding through one connected platform. Powered by Fynn, your AI Assistant, FINSYNC brings banking, payments, cash flow, payroll, and accounting together and connects business owners with a nationwide collaborative network of relationship bankers and more than 1,500 financial partners. As operations improve, the FINSYNC Score unlocks better funding and stronger relationships automatically. That’s the power of FINSYNC, everything and everyone connected and working in sync to grow stronger together. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Startup Funding Options

Many new founders hit the same wall as soon as they try to grow. The idea is working, early customers are interested, and momentum is building, but the moment they look for funding, everything stalls. Applications take time, requirements feel unclear, and the sources that look promising on paper often turn out to be out of reach. The business is ready to move, but the money is not.

This guide breaks down the main funding options for early-stage businesses and helps you choose the option that fits your stage, goals, and financial reality.

 

Understanding What Lenders and Investors Look For in a New Business

Before exploring funding options, it helps to understand how decision-makers evaluate risk. Most lenders and investors focus on three things: how your business makes money, whether you can repay or generate returns, and how much time you have before the money runs out.

A service provider with recurring clients looks different from a retailer with seasonal sales or a startup with no revenue yet. These differences affect which options are available. Being honest about where you are in the process will save time and improve your chances of finding the right kind of capital.

 

Map Out What You Actually Need Before Seeking Funding

Many founders ask for more money than they need or choose a funding path without a clear plan. Start by calculating the basics. What will the funds be used for? How soon will the investment begin to generate revenue? How quickly can the business repay? Finally, consider both best and worst-case scenarios. This helps you match the right funding source to your true needs, rather than guessing.

Divide your needs into two categories: working capital and growth capital.

1. Working capital covers day-to-day operations, such as payroll, supplies, and rent. 

2. Growth capital pays for expansion, such as new equipment, marketing, or hiring. 

Knowing the difference keeps you from taking on the wrong type of debt at the wrong time.

 

Top 7 Funding Options for Small Businesses

There is no single right answer for every business. Here are the most common paths founders consider.

1. Bootstrapping: Works well when costs stay low or revenue comes in early, but it can slow growth and limit capacity during busy periods.

2. Friends and Family: Helps you move fast. Use a simple written agreement to avoid confusion later.

3. Business Credit Cards and Lines of Credit: Useful for early cash flow gaps. A credit line works best with steady expenses. Stay on top of payments so the balance does not get out of hand.

4. Bank Loans and SBA Options: Banks want clean records and a clear plan. Early founders often struggle here, but organized financials and updated documents improve your chances.

5. Revenue-Based Financing: Payments rise and fall with your sales, which can help if income is unpredictable and you need more flexibility.

6. Grants and Competitions: Free funding that takes effort to win. Strong applicants show community impact, innovation, or job creation.

7. Angels and Venture Capital: Investors trade capital for equity. Angels Investors are often more approachable for early-stage ideas. Venture capital fits fast-growing companies in large markets, so timing matters.

 

How to Build Your Capital Stack and Keep Your Financials in Order

Most businesses use multiple funding sources as they grow. Start with a small grant, add a line of credit to manage cash flow, then use revenue-based financing when you are ready to expand. This mix will shift over time, and lenders want to see that you can manage it. 

Clean records, steady tracking, and clear projections make it much easier for someone to approve your next step. Investments in a business platform such as FINSYNC’s, powered by AI to simplify operations and funding, help keep everything organized so lenders can review up-to-date numbers without confusion or delay.

 

How to Evaluate the True Cost of Capital

Interest rates are only one piece of the decision. Pay attention to the total cost, how payments work, how quickly you can get the funds, and how the choice will affect your cash flow. Sometimes the quicker option is the one that keeps your business moving. The point is to choose the type of funding that actually helps you move forward.

 

What To Do Before You Apply for Business Funding

Funding gets easier when you have a clear picture of what you need and how the money will help your business grow. A simple plan, solid records, and the right support can take a lot of stress out of the process and help you make decisions you feel good about.

FINSYNC connects entrepreneurs with relationship bankers and lending partners who help match the right funding to the right stage, along with the tools to stay organized every step of the way. Together, they help you simplify the path to funding and grow your business with confidence.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: Celebrating Five Entrepreneurs Building Stronger Business Communities

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrates the power of women who transform ideas into businesses that make a lasting impact, strengthening both their families and their communities. With guidance from FINSYNC CO.STARTERS and simple tools in the Business Platform, many find the clarity and connections that help them grow at their own pace.

The stories of these five women show how clarity, courage, and community can turn ideas into impact.

 

Tami Levin – Helping Others Find Their Path Forward

After years in the corporate world, Tami Levin wanted her work to feel more personal, so she joined FINSYNC CO.STARTERS and turned her coaching practice into a real business. She helps people navigate transitions, such as career changes or new ventures, and provides tools to find clarity and purpose. “CO.STARTERS helped me take my ideas out of my head and put them into a real plan,” she said. Today, her practice empowers professionals seeking a better balance between work and life, and her impact extends far beyond her direct clients.

 

Kristin VanCuren Koester – Calico Charlie’s Candy & More

In a small Ohio town, Kristin VanCuren Koester, with the help of her husband Matt, transformed a simple childhood love of candy into Calico Charlie’s Candy & More, a charming shop known for nostalgic treats and local favorites. Through her FINSYNC CO.STARTERS program, she learned how to price products, handle inventory, and map out everyday operations. “CO.STARTERS helped me take my ideas and make them real,” she said. Her shop is now a lively part of the community, bringing families together and collaborating with other small businesses to create a welcoming, joyful space.

 

Kimberlee Richards – The Flourishing Agency

Kimberlee Richards, owner of the Flourishing Agency, helps founders and organizations communicate clearly and grow with intention. FINSYNC CO.STARTERS pushed her to refine her services, validate pricing, and design a sales process that fit her strengths. She uses The FINSYNC Business Platform to keep her finances organized in one place, which helps her plan budgets, hire contractors, and manage campaigns with confidence. Her agency continues to grow through strong relationships and clear storytelling that helps clients reach the people they serve.

 

Thrive Community Partners – Sarah Stephens Krupp and Renee Smith

Sarah Stephens Krupp and Renee Smith created Thrive Community Partners to help small businesses gain access to training, support, and strong local networks. Their work brings together chambers, city leaders, lenders, and founders to support entrepreneurs from early ideas to long-term growth. FINSYNC CO.STARTERS gave them a people-first framework for program design, and helps them manage the financial side of their operations. When communities need to guide founders toward funding, they use Funding Navigator to connect entrepreneurs with the right relationship bankers. The result is a healthier local economy with more businesses opening and growing.

 

The Common Thread: Connection and Confidence

Each story looks a little different, but the themes are familiar. Clarity helps owners turn their ideas into real steps. Community support and consistent efforts turn small wins into lasting change. Tami helps people find direction. Kimberlee helps leaders share their stories. Sarah and Renee strengthen entire local networks. Kristin brings people together through creativity and hometown pride.

When business owners understand their numbers, stay organized, and have people in their corner, they make better decisions, and their impact spreads through the community.

 

Celebrating Women Who Build

On Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we celebrate women who turn ideas into meaningful impact. The work is not easy, but it changes lives. FINSYNC is proud to support entrepreneurs like Tami, Kristin, Kimberly, Sarah and Renee, women proving every day that when ideas are nurtured with the right support, they do not just grow businesses. They build stronger communities.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

How Revenue-Based Financing Helps Small Businesses Grow Without Debt

Getting access to funding is one of the biggest roadblocks small business owners face. Traditional loans can be tough to qualify for, take a while to get approved, and lock you into fixed payments that limit flexibility. Revenue-based financing (RBF) offers a more flexible option that adjusts to your business’s performance. For many entrepreneurs, it’s become a smart way to grow without taking on debt or giving up equity.

 

What Is Revenue-Based Financing?

Revenue-based financing is a type of funding in which you receive capital from an investor upfront in exchange for a share of your future revenue. You repay the original investment plus a set return, but payments rise and fall based on your monthly revenue.

If sales dip, your payments shrink. When business picks up, payments increase. That flexibility makes RBF a solid fit for businesses with variable income, such as online retailers, subscription-based businesses, or service-based companies.

Because approval focuses more on business performance than personal credit or collateral, RBF decisions are often made much faster than those for traditional financing. Unlike equity investment, you retain full ownership and control.

 

How It Works

A typical RBF agreement includes three components:

• Funding Amount: You receive a lump-sum upfront. 

• Repayment Cap: You agree to repay a multiple of the original amount, typically 1.3-1.5x.

• Revenue Share: You pay a percentage of your monthly gross revenue (usually 3% to 10%) until the cap is met.

The structure aligns your investor’s success with your own. If revenue increases, repayment accelerates. If growth slows, repayment adjusts.

Tools like FINSYNC, powered by your AI Assistant Fynn, help you track revenue and cash flow in real time so you always know what you can afford — and how repayment fits into your overall financial picture. 

 

Why Small Businesses Like It

Small businesses favor RBF for several reasons:

• Flexible Payments: Adjusts with your revenue

No Equity Loss: You maintain full ownership

• Faster Approval: Based on performance, not personal credit

• Aligned Incentives: Investors succeed when you succeed

• Easier Growth Planning: Works well for marketing, inventory, or hiring

For businesses with consistent sales but limited collateral, RBF can serve as a practical stepping stone before pursuing larger options, such as bank loans or SBA financing.

 

What to Watch Out For

RBF has trade-offs:

• Repayment caps can make it more expensive than a low-interest loan

• Highly seasonal businesses may experience unpredictable repayment timelines

• Slow revenue periods extend the payoff period

• It’s better suited for short-to-mid-term needs rather than large expansions

Still, many entrepreneurs prefer the flexibility compared to rigid loan payments or giving up partial ownership.

 

When It Makes Sense to Use RBF

RBF is worth considering if your business:

• Has steady revenue

• Has clear growth potential

• Wants to avoid debt and retain ownership

• Needs capital for marketing, hiring, or inventory

• Can track performance data easily

If you’re already using a platform like FINSYNC, all your revenue, cash flow, payments, payroll, and accounting are working together, giving you clearer insight into how RBF fits into your funding strategy.

 

Tying It All Together

Securing funding is only part of the journey. How you manage your operations, including your cash flow, payments, payroll, and accounting, directly affects your ability to grow and qualify for better financing.

FINSYNC helps you run your business and fund your growth, all in sync. The platform connects you with more than 1,500 banks, lenders, investors, and community partners through the Financial Network. When your operations improve, your FINSYNC Score increases. This can open the door to better funding options, including revenue-based financing.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

7 Small Business Accounting Tips That Improve Cash Flow and Attract Lenders

Many small business owners work hard, generate steady sales, and still worry about their cash flow. Bills pile up, invoices linger, and opportunities slip away because the money is not there when needed. This is one of the biggest reasons small businesses struggle to grow.

Accurate accounting is the framework that supports a thriving business. It is the key to keeping cash flowing and showing lenders your business is ready for funding.

 

1. The Hidden Cost of Poor Cash Flow

A business can look profitable and still struggle if income and expenses are out of sync. Late payments or seasonal costs can create cash gaps, leading to stress and missed opportunities.

Cash flow fuels every part of your business. Without a clear view of what is coming in and what is going out, it is nearly impossible to plan ahead or qualify for new financing when opportunities arise.

 

2. Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Profit

Profit measures your long-term success, but cash flow determines whether you can make payroll next week or pay your vendors today. Many small businesses fail not because they are unprofitable, but because they run out of cash to keep operations going.

Lenders understand this. They care less about how much you made last quarter and more about how consistently you manage the money you already have. Strong accounting practices that reflect predictable cash flow can make all the difference in securing funding.

 

3. Get Organized and Build a Foundation for Stability

One of the simplest ways to improve your cash flow is to stay organized. That starts with accurate, up-to-date bookkeeping. Track income and expenses often to spot issues early. Automating this process saves time and reduces errors.

Part of staying organized also means separating your finances. Opening a dedicated business checking account keeps records clean, simplifies accounting, and shows lenders you run your business professionally.

 

4. Plan Ahead with Forecasting

Once your records are organized, start forecasting. A 30 to 90-day cash flow projection helps you anticipate when money will come in and when major expenses are due.

Look for trends in customer payments or seasonal dips in revenue. If you can see a shortage coming, you can delay a purchase, adjust invoice timing, or apply for credit early instead of waiting until you are in a crunch.

These small steps help create a rhythm of control, and lenders notice. Businesses that can demonstrate consistent cash management are far more likely to qualify for funding.

 

5. Turn Insights into Funding

When you are ready to apply for a loan or line of credit, your accounting data becomes your best sales tool. Lenders review your financial statements to assess stability and repayment ability.

Keep your balance sheet and cash flow statements up to date each month. Accurate reports not only improve your chances of approval but also help you secure better loan terms.

 

6. Simplify with Modern Accounting Tools

Managing accounting, payments, and payroll can feel overwhelming when done separately. Modern platforms make it easier to keep everything in sync.

FINSYNC connects accounting, payments, payroll, and cash flow in one platform so everything works together to help your business run more efficiently. Real-time insights simplify financial management and keep you prepared for growth and funding opportunities.

Automation reduces busywork, improves accuracy, and gives you more confidence in your financial decisions.

 

7. Strengthen Your Cash with Smart Habits

Once your systems are in place, look for ways to further strengthen your cash position.

• Invoice quickly: The faster you send invoices, the faster you get paid. Offer small discounts for early payments to encourage faster turnaround.

• Negotiate with vendors: Many suppliers will extend payment terms once you have built a good relationship. This gives you flexibility without straining cash reserves.

• Watch for patterns: Track when sales tend to dip and set aside a little more during the busy months to stay steady through slower ones.

• Use profits with purpose: Paying down high-interest debt or saving for equipment upgrades helps stabilize your business and prepare for growth.

These steady habits show lenders you plan ahead and manage money wisely, making your business a safer investment.

 

Bringing It All Together

Solid accounting is a strategy that strengthens your credibility, supports better decisions, and builds long-term financial health.

FINSYNC helps small business owners move from fragmented financial systems to one connected platform. With Funding Navigator, you are matched with real bankers who understand your goals and guide you toward the right financing. Everything works together to help you make smarter decisions and grow with confidence.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

How Top Accounting Software Can Help You Attract Investors

Many small business owners lose investor interest not because their idea is weak, but because their financials are unclear. Disorganized books send the wrong signal: risk. In today’s funding landscape, clarity and accuracy are what draw investors’ attention.

Top accounting software helps you see your cash flow clearly, manage your business with confidence, and prove to investors that your finances are solid.

 

The Financial Story Behind Every Pitch

Good ideas attract attention, but investors commit to businesses that show financial control and steady management. That proof shows up in accurate statements, consistent revenue tracking, and reliable forecasts.

Without organized accounting, errors can pile up: late reconciliations, missing invoices, or expenses logged in the wrong category. Those small mistakes can distort your financial picture and make your business appear less secure.

Your financials tell a story. When that story is clear, investors can see your progress and potential. Top accounting software helps you organize the details so your numbers build confidence, not confusion.

 

Top Accounting Software Builds Confidence

Ask any investor what they care about most, and you will likely hear the same answer: cash flow. It’s one of the clearest measures of how well a business can sustain growth.

The best accounting and cash flow software shows exactly how money moves through your business, giving you a clear view of your daily finances and long-term growth potential.

When your software automatically syncs income and expenses, you can:

• Identify seasonal or monthly trends.

• Adjust payment schedules to improve cash flow.

• Prepare realistic forecasts that show how new funding will be used.

Strong financial organization sets the stage for smart planning. Investors look for owners who understand their risks and already have a plan to handle them.

 

Turning Data Into Strategy

Numbers are only valuable when they guide decisions. The best accounting software helps you move from reacting to predicting.

When you review your dashboards each month, clear patterns begin to emerge. You might see that one service brings steady repeat revenue while another drains time and profit. Maybe sales peak during certain seasons, but cash flow dips when inventory costs rise. These insights help you refine pricing, improve billing, and focus marketing where it matters most. They also strengthen your business long before you meet with an investor.

The more data-driven your strategy becomes, the easier it is to answer tough questions during funding discussions:

• How will this investment improve your margins?

• What are your biggest cost drivers?

• When will you reach profitability?

With clean, accurate data, you can answer confidently because you are not guessing. You are showing measurable results.

 

Build Trust Before You Ask for Investment

Investors recognize when a business has full control of its finances. When your numbers are organized and transparent, they signal that your business is prepared to grow with the right support.

The right accounting software gives you that foundation. It keeps your books accurate, your cash flow visible, and your story credible.

With FINSYNC, you can manage accounting, payments, payroll, and cash flow in one place, so you are always ready for your next conversation with an investor or lender. When your numbers are clear, your opportunity is too.

Before you pitch your idea, make sure your numbers tell the story investors want to see.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

How FINSYNC CO.STARTERS Helped Jena Stearns Grow Beyond Laser Creations

When the world slowed down in 2020, Jena Stearns got busy.

After 16 years in insurance, Jena found herself at home during the pandemic, feeling restless and creative, surrounded by sewing supplies. What started as a way to help her community quickly grew into something much bigger.

“I had young kids at home and decided to start sewing masks,” Jena said. “I had the materials and knew how to do it. We sewed about 5,000 masks and sold them locally. Then, when Ohio required businesses to provide masks for employees, friends started calling, saying they needed hundreds the next day.”

To keep up with demand, Jena invested in her first laser cutting machine. It allowed her to produce 40 to 50 masks at a time instead of one by hand. “That machine changed everything,” she said. “We made around 8,000 masks before I said, ‘I never want to see another one again.’”

That turning point sparked a new idea: What else could this machine do?

 

Turning a Pandemic Project into a Business

When her local chamber hosted a fall farmers’ market, Jena and her mother decided to experiment. “We made anything and everything the laser could create, such as signs, cups, shirts, you name it,” she said. “People loved it. We realized there was a real need for a creative space and custom printing in our community.”

Encouraged by the response, the Fostoria chamber recommended Jena join FINSYNC CO.STARTERS Core, a 10-week program designed to help entrepreneurs test, refine, and grow their business ideas. The program was led with excellence by Sarah Stephens Krupp and Renee Smith, owners of Thrive Community Partners. 

“At first, I thought I didn’t need a business class,” she said. “But I signed up thinking, I will probably learn something.’ It turned out to be so much more than I expected. It wasn’t a seminar, it was a workshop that really got into the details of running a business.”

 

Learning to Think Like an Entrepreneur

Through the Core program, Jena gained clarity about the difference between a hobby and a profitable business. “It helped me put my passion on paper,” she said. “Sometimes you feel busy, but when you do the math, it doesn’t always make sense. CO.STARTERS helped me figure that out.”

She especially credits the program’s unit cost section for shaping how she prices her work today. “I still use that every day,” she said. “It taught me to factor in everything, from supplies to time to overhead. I’m not paying to have a hobby. This is my career, my paycheck.”

 

Photo of Jena owner of Beyond Laser Creations

 

From Home Garage to Main Street

After completing CO.STARTERS, Jena entered her chamber’s Launch Fostoria contest, which was modeled after Shark Tank, using the business plan she had created during the program. Competing against other local entrepreneurs, she pitched her vision to judges and eventually to a live audience of nearly 500 people.

She won.

The prize package, worth around $16,000, covered her first year of rent, marketing, and additional training. With that boost, Jena opened her storefront, Beyond Laser Creations, which has now been thriving for more than four years.

Today, the shop offers screen printing, embroidery, laser cutting, and a DIY craft studio, serving a loyal local customer base. Her team includes her mom, two part-time employees, and her husband, who she jokes “works for free.”

 

A Family of Makers

The entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family. Jena’s 12-year-old daughter learned to sew masks alongside her and used her earnings to buy her first iPhone. Two of her children later completed the FINSYNC CO.STARTERS Generator program for young entrepreneurs.

“It’s come full circle,” Jena said. “My kids learned early what hard work and creativity can do.”

 

Building Beyond

Looking back, Jena credits CO.STARTERS with giving her the structure and confidence to turn creativity into a sustainable business.

“It helped me understand what it really takes to run a business,” she said. “When I needed a business plan years later, I pulled out my CO.STARTERS book, updated the numbers, and it was all still there. The foundation hasn’t changed. It just keeps growing.”

Jena’s journey shows how a spark of inspiration, backed by community support and the right tools, can grow into something truly lasting.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

Business Finances Made Simple for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Scale

Every business moves fast with orders, clients, and deadlines all competing for your attention. Beneath it all, your finances quietly set the pace. They shape what you can take on, who you can hire, and how quickly you can grow. When your numbers are clear, decisions come easier. When they are not, growth feels harder than it should.

This guide breaks down how to organize your finances, understand what your numbers are telling you, and prepare for funding with confidence.

 

Why Business Finances Matter More Than You Think

Many business owners focus on sales and operations but overlook where their money goes. Without clear records, it becomes difficult to measure profit, manage cash flow, or plan ahead. Knowing your numbers gives you control. You can see what works, where to cut costs, and how much funding your business can handle.

Lenders and investors notice this discipline. Organized, consistent finances show that you manage money with care and run your business intentionally. The first step is to take a clear look at where you are today so you can build from a strong foundation.

 

Step One: Get a Clear Picture of Where You Stand

The first step toward better financial management is to see where you stand now. Start by separating your business and personal finances. This simple change gives you a clearer view of business performance and avoids confusion at tax time.

Track every source of income and every expense using a simple spreadsheet or digital tool. Make it a habit to review your cash flow each week. Examine what is coming in and what is going out to stay organized.

Do not rely only on your bank balance. Your account may show money already promised for bills or upcoming payments. Instead, create a dashboard that shows income, recurring expenses, and net profit for a clear financial picture.

Automation tools can make this process easier. Link payments, payroll, and invoicing to save time and avoid missing details. The more consistent your system, the easier it is to see trends and make smart choices. Once you have a clear picture, you can use this information to plan your next steps strategically.

 

Step Two: Build a Plan Around Your Numbers

Once you know your business’s position, use that knowledge for your next steps. Your financial data tells your business’s story. If you plan to seek a loan or meet investors, explain that story clearly.

Set measurable goals. For example, you might plan to increase revenue by 15% next year or save a set amount each month for equipment. Knowing your numbers helps set realistic targets.

Focus on key figures lenders want to see, such as revenue trends, profit margins, and debt-to-income ratios. Consistent growth or stability builds confidence.

 

Step Three: Strengthen Your Financial Profile for Funding

If you plan to apply for funding, lenders will look closely at your financial profile. Focus on improving both personal and business credit. Make payments on time, reduce outstanding debt, and correct any errors on your credit reports before you apply.

Review your spending and look for ways to increase efficiency. Sometimes, small adjustments can improve your margins, making your business more attractive to lenders.

Before you apply for a loan, gather key documents. These include your profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reports. Having them ready shows you are organized and serious about your business.

Get to know your banker early so they understand your vision and can advocate for you when opportunities arise. Combine that relationship with tools that keep your finances organized, and you will be ready to grow.

 

Step Four: Use Technology to Stay on Track

Modern tools help you manage finances with less stress. Automation lets you track expenses, project cash flow, handle payroll, and pay bills in one place. This saves time and reduces mistakes.

Choose technology that fits your needs and clarifies your financial health. You should easily check accounts, forecast expenses, and monitor growth without having to search through multiple systems.

Tools like FINSYNC bring everything together in one place, keeping your finances up to date and connecting you with lenders when the time is right. You also have access to personalized customer support that helps you navigate questions and get the most from your account. Using modern systems like this helps you stay organized, save time, and keep your business ready for what comes next.

 

Clarity Leads to Confidence

When you understand your business finances, you make stronger decisions and set yourself up for growth. A financial organization gives you the confidence to plan, invest, and secure funding with clarity.

You do not need a background in accounting to manage your business well. You only need a reliable system and the willingness to stay consistent.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

Lead Generation In 5 Steps for Busy Entrepreneurs

Some days it feels like your business runs you. Between managing customers, tracking expenses, and handling the daily fires that come with ownership, finding time to look for new customers can seem impossible. Yet growth depends on one thing: keeping a steady stream of leads coming in.

 

Understanding Lead Generation

Lead generation means attracting and capturing the interest of potential customers who may want what your business offers. It is about connecting with people who have problems you can solve and collecting their information to continue the conversation. The goal is not to reach everyone, but to reach the right people. 

 

Turning Attention Into Action

Getting attention is simple. Turning that attention into real interest builds your business. Website traffic and leads are not the same thing. Traffic includes anyone who visits your site or sees your post. Leads are the people who take action, such as signing up, asking a question, or downloading something you created.

Before you start building your system, decide today how you will attract people who are genuinely interested in what you offer. Define your next action step and commit to implementing it. Once you understand that difference, the next steps become much easier to follow.

 

Step 1: Identify Who You Want to Reach

Before you spend time or money on marketing, get clear on who your ideal customer is. Knowing your target audience helps you speak directly to them. Think about the people who already buy from you. What do they have in common? What challenges do they face? Where do they spend time online?

You can gather insight from customer feedback, online reviews, or social media comments. Look for patterns in what people ask for and what they appreciate most about your work. Write down a short description of your ideal customer. Give them a name and describe what matters to them. Then, outline a simple business plan that connects what you offer to what customers need most. This helps you create messages that attract people who are most likely to buy from you.

 

Step 2: Create a Reason for Them to Engage

People rarely become customers after seeing one message. They need a reason to connect. Offer something of value that helps them right now. This could be a free guide, a short checklist, or a free consultation. The goal is to give potential customers a helpful resource that also introduces them to your business.

For example, if you run a coffee shop, you could offer a short guide on “How to Brew the Perfect Cup at Home.” If you own a fitness studio, you could share a “7-Day Energy Reset Plan” to help people feel better before they even step through your doors. When potential customers download or sign up for something helpful, you start building a relationship based on value and trust.

 

Step 3: Use Tools That Automate the Process

As a business owner, you have limited time. Automation helps you collect and follow up with leads without constant manual effort. Online forms, landing pages, and email tools can handle a lot of this work for you. When someone fills out a form or subscribes, their information is sent directly to a system that can automatically send them updates or reminders.

This approach keeps your lead generation running, even when you are focused on serving current customers.

Tools such as FINSYNC help small business owners stay organized and work more efficiently by bringing financial tasks like payments, payroll, and cash flow tracking into one connected system. The platform also connects users with banks, lenders, and community partners to make funding easier to access, freeing owners to spend more time serving customers rather than managing paperwork.

female working, giving a muffin to a new customer

Step 4: Nurture Your Leads Without Overwhelming Them

Once someone shows interest, stay in touch. Many leads do not convert right away. Consistent, thoughtful communication helps them remember you when they are ready to buy. You can do this through regular emails, newsletters, or even short updates about your business.

Share stories about how your product or service helped someone else. Highlight results, experiences, or lessons learned. Provide helpful information alongside promotions. The key is to be consistent without being intrusive. A simple monthly message with value can do more than daily sales pitches. To make this follow-up process more efficient, implementing Salesforce lead routing ensures that each interested prospect is automatically directed to the most appropriate sales representative, enabling timely, personalized communication that increases the likelihood of conversion.

 

Step 5: Measure What is Working and Adjust

You do not need complicated reports to understand your results. Start by tracking a few simple metrics, such as how many people signed up this month, where they came from, and how many became paying customers.

If one channel, like email or social media, brings in more leads, focus your time there. If something is not producing results, try a different message or approach. Reviewing your progress once a month helps you make smart adjustments and spend your time wisely.

Even small improvements, such as rewriting a headline or updating your call-to-action, can make a noticeable difference.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to lead generation, a few common errors can waste time and energy. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Trying to attract everyone instead of focusing on your ideal customer.

• Gathering contact information but never following up.

• Sending too many messages too often.

• Ignoring the data that shows what is and is not working.

• Using too many tools or strategies at once without a clear plan.

Lead generation works best when it is consistent and focused. Slow, steady effort often produces stronger results than quick bursts of activity.

 

Small Steps Lead to Steady Growth

Lead generation does not have to be stressful or complicated. By following these steps, you can build a reliable system that keeps new customers coming in.

Start small. Choose one manageable tactic and build from there. Over time, these small actions create lasting growth for your business.

 

 

About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.

 

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1

We are not able to service these businesses at the moment:

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