If you missed it, CEO Weekly recently published a compelling piece on David Monegro, CEO of Aspira Capital Group, sharing his journey and insights into making capital more accessible for small businesses. You can read the full article here: CEO David Monegro of Aspira Capital Group Shares Insights on Accessing Capital for Entrepreneurs. CEO Weekly
Here are the key takeaways — and how you can apply them to your business.
Why Traditional Financing Fails Many Small Businesses
- Rigorous eligibility criteria: Many small and minority-owned businesses don’t meet the rigid credit, revenue, or collateral thresholds demanded by traditional banks.
- Time-consuming processes: The paperwork, back-and-forth, and long waiting periods can stall growth and operations.
- Missed opportunities: While you wait, you may miss opportunities to invest, hire, or expand.
Monegro points out that the right alternative structures can fill this gap by focusing on future receivables rather than historical metrics. CEO Weekly
What Aspira Does Differently: Revenue-Based Advances
Here’s how Aspira sets itself apart:
- Advance on future receivables
Instead of requiring collateral or perfect credit, the business receives capital today in exchange for a portion of expected revenue down the road. This aligns investor and entrepreneur incentives. - Focus on underserved communities
Around 85% of Aspira’s portfolio is Hispanic‑owned businesses. Monegro emphasizes that minority entrepreneurs often face greater funding barriers — and deserve access to capital on fair terms. CEO Weekly - Transparency & personalized service
Unlike faceless fintech platforms, Aspira emphasizes clarity, responsiveness, and a human touch — helping clients understand terms and plan ahead. - Strong early traction
Since launching in May 2023, Aspira has raised over $3 million in capital and funded more than $3.7 million in deals.† CEO Weekly
They’ve also served 900+ clients within their first year. CEO Weekly
Lessons You Can Apply Today
Here are strategies you can borrow to make capital more accessible and sustainable in your business:
- Track and forecast your receivables rigorously
If you want to partner with providers offering advances, you’ll need reliable revenue insight, customer aging reports, and trend analyses. - Choose advance partners, not “lenders”
Look for capital providers that frame themselves as collaborators in your growth, rather than creditors expecting rigid repayment. - Prioritize transparency
Make sure any provider shares full terms, pricing, and payment schedule clearly — hidden fees and ambiguity destroy trust. - Build a strong narrative especially if you’re minority-owned
Highlight your mission, market traction, and plans. Many capital providers now look for strong founders, not just perfect financials. - Start small and scale smart
Don’t take on more capital than you need. Begin with a modest advance to validate your ability to handle the structure, then scale as your operations grow.
Why This Matters
The traditional capital ecosystem is often tilted in favor of large firms or those already well-established. By innovating with receivables-based advances and prioritizing underserved entrepreneurs, companies like Aspira are helping re-level the playing field so more business owners can access the working capital they deserve.
Related Questions
Question | Quick Answer |
---|---|
Is this right for all businesses? | It works best for businesses with steady incoming revenue (e.g. B2B services, recurring contracts, subscription models). |
Are rates higher than bank terms? | Typically yes — because risk is higher. But you’re paying for flexibility, speed, and accessibility. |
Can you negotiate the advance terms? | Sometimes — especially if you have good revenue history or a strong sales pipeline. |
What should I avoid? | Hidden fees, unclear schedules, revenue caps that stunt growth, and providers who don’t offer clarity or flexibility. |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial or investment advice. Aspira Capital Group’s services are subject to availability and individual terms and conditions. Readers are encouraged to consult with financial advisors or relevant experts before making any financial decisions.