Mistakes That Can Cost You Funding

Updated on 27 May 2025 • Reading Time: 2 minutes

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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your chances of getting business funding? In this brief, we explore the most common mistakes that entrepreneurs make when applying for funding, from poor financial records to not doing enough research on funders. If you’re planning to raise capital, these are the pitfalls you can’t afford to make.

Small Business Funding Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for small business funding requires careful preparation. Avoid common mistakes like requesting too much or too little, insufficient research, missing documents, poor cash flow management, ignoring guidelines, neglecting credit scores, overlooking collateral, and last-minute applications. Thoroughly research funders, prepare all documents, and plan to increase your chances of securing the right funding for your business growth. Read More!

5 Bootstrapping Mistakes to Avoid

Bootstrapping funds many start-ups but comes with risks. Avoid common mistakes like lacking a business plan, overspending on marketing, not paying yourself, mixing personal and business finances, and neglecting customer research and feedback. A clear plan, careful spending, proper financial management, and a strong customer focus help ensure your bootstrapped business grows sustainably and successfully. Read More!

What You’re Getting Wrong About Funding, and How to Fix It

Investors face risks when funding startups and seek transparency about those risks. Entrepreneurs must have clean credit, passion, tested ideas, and realistic valuations. Experts advise explaining your idea simply, bootstrapping, and focusing on a minimum viable product. Avoid overcomplicating your business, ignoring numbers, or misunderstanding funders’ needs to improve your chances of securing funding successfully.

Income Statement Template for Small Businesses

Struggling to get your financials for a funding application? We’ve got you covered.

Download our free Income Statement Template (available in Excel and PDF) to get a clear picture of your business’s financial performance. This template helps you: track your income and expenses, understand your profitability, get funding-ready with accurate numbers, and make better strategic decisions for growth. It’s one of the key documents that funders look for.

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Important – Please Read Before Applying:

  • This funding is strictly for registered businesses with a valid CIPC registration number.
  • Your business must have an active business bank account (applications using personal accounts will not be accepted).
  • Minimum monthly turnover: R50,000 for the past 6 months.
  • This is not personal funding or a grant.

Applications that do not meet these requirements will, unfortunately, not be processed.