• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  3 Key Questions to Ask Before Applying for a Small Business Loan

  As a small business owner, you’re no stranger to making big decisions. One of the biggest? Deciding when—and if—you should borrow money to grow your business. Whether you're thinking about launching a new location, hiring more staff, or simply navigating a slow season, taking out a business loan can be a smart move—but only if it’s for the right reasons and at the right time.  You apply for financing, take a step back and answer these three essential questions. 
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  Build a Stronger Business Foundation: 4 Essentials Before You’re Funded

  Build a Stronger Business Foundation: 4 Essentials Before You’re Funded  At Pathway Lending, we want your funding process to go as smoothly as possible. That means having a few foundational items in place before you apply for a loan.   In this resource, we’ll walk through four core elements every business need before funds can be released—from setting up your legal structure to opening a business bank account. We’ll explain why each one matters, what it helps you do, and how it sets you up to make the most of your funding opportunity.   Let’s get your business fund-ready—and future-ready. 
• Free

  

  1 Lesson

  Build Confidence, Not Just Cash: Why Your Business Needs an Emergency Fund

  In Tennessee, we know a thing or two about weather storms—literally and figuratively. From tornadoes and floods to winter freezes and utility outages, small business owners here face plenty of unpredictable challenges. But here’s the good news: preparing for the unexpected doesn’t have to feel daunting—and it can build your confidence as a business owner.  When the unexpected happens—a power grid failure, flash flood, or even a key team member's extended illness—an emergency fund becomes your business’s safety net. It’s not just about protecting your operations. It’s about protecting your peace of mind.  At Pathway Lending, we want our clients to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Let’s talk about how you can create a cushion that helps your business stay resilient through any challenge. 
• Free

  

  3 Lessons

  Building a Smarter Business

  A Guide to the Lean Canvas for Small Businesses - Starting a business is thrilling—but turning a great idea into a profitable venture takes more than passion. At Pathway Lending, we support entrepreneurs at every stage, and one of the most valuable tools we recommend for new business owners is the Lean Canvas. Whether you’re applying for funding, refining your strategy, or simply organizing your thoughts, a Lean Canvas is a powerful way to map out your business model quickly and effectively.  In this blog, we’ll break down what a Lean Canvas is, why it matters, and how to use it to build a solid foundation for your business. 
• Free

  

  3 Lessons

  Building Business Credit

  Your Pathway to Financial Empowerment - We believe that strong business credit is more than just a number—it's a foundation for growth, resilience, and opportunity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, understanding and building your business credit can open doors to financing, partnerships, and more. 
• Free

  

  1 Lesson

  Commercial Real Estate Foundations

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  Credit Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know

  If you're a small business owner, understanding credit—both personal and business—is essential for your long-term success. Credit affects your ability to get funding, work with vendors, and grow your company. But where do you start?  Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the basics of business credit and where you can check your credit score. 
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  Employees vs. Contractors

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  Foundational Steps to Secure a Business Loan

  Business Insurance and Bank Account Basics for Small Business Owners  When you're preparing to apply for a small business loan, you’ll need more than just a strong business plan. Financial institutions require key legal and financial structures to be in place before they consider processing your loan. Two major requirements are business insurance and a business bank account. This guide will walk you through both, using trusted guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 
• Free

  

  2 Lessons

  How to File an LLC in Kentucky

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  3 Lessons

  How to Identify Loan Scams and Predatory Lenders

  Securing financing is a critical step for small business growth, but it's essential to navigate the lending landscape cautiously. Predatory lenders and loan scams can jeopardize your business's financial health. Understanding how to identify and avoid these threats is crucial. 
• Free

  

  6 Lessons

  How to Pay Yourself as a Small Business Owner

  A Practical Guide - Running your own business means you wear a lot of hats. One of the most important, but often most confusing, is figuring out how (and how much) to pay yourself.   Let’s break down the basics so you can pay yourself confidently and responsibly without hurting your business’s cash flow. 
• Free

  

  6 Lessons

  How to Strengthen Your Business Cashflow

  Practical Steps to Help Generate Positive Cash Flow - For many business owners, managing cash flow feels like walking a tightrope—balancing revenue, expenses, and growth opportunities while keeping enough cash in the bank to meet everyday needs. Whether your business is just starting out or scaling up, positive cash flow is essential to growing a business. Let’s explore a few practical strategies to help improve cash flow and create more financial breathing room for your business. 
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  How to Successfully Crowdfund Your Startup

  A Guide for Small Business Owners - Starting a business is an exciting endeavor—but funding that vision can be one of the most daunting challenges. While traditional lending and investment routes remain essential, many entrepreneurs are turning to crowdfunding to bring their ideas to life. If you’re a small business owner exploring innovative ways to finance your startup, crowdfunding could be the path forward.  This guide breaks down what crowdfunding is, the key types, and how to launch a successful campaign—so you can harness the power of the crowd to fund your dream. 
• Free

  

  1 Lesson

  Investor or Lender: What’s the Difference for My Business

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  3 Lessons

  Know Your Numbers: Financial Statements & Recordkeeping Made Simple

  Running a business is no small feat — and if spreadsheets aren’t your strong suit, you’re not alone. Whether you’re managing the books yourself or working with a bookkeeper or accountant, understanding your financial statements and keeping solid records are essential to running a successful business and applying for funding.  These tools aren’t just for compliance — they’re how you get clarity, make smarter decisions, and plan with confidence.  If you're here, it's likely because you're keeping a close eye on your cash flow — or trying to get a better handle on it. That’s a smart place to start. In this guide, we’ll break down two key tools every business needs to take control of cash flow and build a solid financial foundation: 

  • Financial statements — to show you where your business stands. 
  • Recordkeeping — to give you the data to back it up. 
• Free

  

  1 Lesson

  Lean vs. Business Model Canvas

  Open to access this content
• Start Resource

  

  1 Lesson

  Let’s Make Closing Easy

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  2 Lessons

  Making Sense of Your Small Business Finances

  Open to access this content
• Free

  

  4 Lessons

  Mastering Cash Flow: A 12-Month Template to Keep Your Business Financially Healthy

  Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business. Even profitable companies can face difficulties if they run out of cash to cover day-to-day expenses. That’s why having a clear picture of your cash flow—what’s coming in, what’s going out, and when—is essential to staying afloat and growing sustainably.  To support your financial success, we’re excited to share a valuable resource: the 12-Month Cash Flow Statement template, developed by resource partner SCORE. This tool is designed to help entrepreneurs like your forecast, track, and manage cash flow with confidence.