Funding Readiness Playbook

Business challenge

Most funding rejections happen because the business is not ready, not because the opportunity is bad.

Key decisions

Score readiness, fix gaps in financials and governance, then pick the funder type that fits your stage.

Steps

1. Step 1 · assess

   Score readiness

   Run the readiness check to see where the gaps are.

2. Step 2 · fix

   Fix financial hygiene

   Reconcile 12 months, get tax clearance, clean up ownership records.

3. Step 3 · prepare

   Write a one-page pitch

   What you do, traction, ask, and use of funds — one page.

4. Step 4 · apply

   Apply through a partner

   Work with an advisor who has relationships with matching funders.

Templates

Readiness checklist, one-page pitch template, financial pack outline.

Mistakes to avoid

Applying to every funder at once. Missing tax clearance. Overstating the ask relative to traction.