The Playbook for Turning Debt into Growth and Not Using Funding

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, Paul Graham and Jimmy Rios dive into critical strategies for business owners facing financial challenges in 2025. From navigating SBA rule changes to transforming ugly balance sheets into profitable exits, they reveal how proactive planning, debt restructuring, and smart capital allocation can make or break a business. Whether you're scaling, refinancing, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode offers practical insights and real-world solutions every entrepreneur should hear.

Highlights of the Podcast

00:01 - The Long Game vs. Quick Wins

01:07 - SBA Rule Changes Impacting Refinancing

01:31 - Jimmy Rios’ Role and Approach

03:32 - The Myth of More Funding as a Solution

06:14 - SBA Refinancing: What's Changing and Why It Matters

10:04 - Proactive Planning and Capital Strategy

11:06 - Working Capital Justification Requirements

14:04 - Honesty, Accountability & Hard Truths

16:32 - Non-Recourse Funding as a Debt Solution

18:08 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways

#BusinessFunding #EntrepreneurshipTips #SBAChanges2025