Why funding needs to be part of your consulting conversations

As an accountant or bookkeeper, you’re often the first person business owners turn to when their numbers aren’t adding up—or when they’re dreaming of growth. You see the story behind the statement. But are you also helping them write their next chapter?

One important piece that is often missing from consulting conversations is funding—Whether it’s accessing a loan, applying for a grant, or finding ways to streamline cash flow. Not talking about it doesn’t make the need go away. In fact, avoiding funding talks can lead clients down risky pathsincluding loan products such as merchant cash advances, which can be detrimental to their financial health in the long term.

I know this firsthand.

From bookkeeping deadlines to funding solutions

Before joining Swoop, I led a cloud-based bookkeeping and payroll company. We care deeply about helping our clients succeed—but when questions about funding or grants arise, our answers are nothing more than a few links we find on Google and the phone book.

Not because we don’t want to help. We just don’t have the time or tools.

I remember the awkwardness of handing over multiple contacts or government website links, hoping the client would follow through and magically find what they needed. But most don’t. The process is confusing and requires business owners to invest additional time they don’t have to get unclear results. And for us as a company, staying on top of the ever-changing funding landscape while managing deadlines and client deliverables, means investing time we don’t have.

That’s why I joined Strike—A platform that acts as a commercial marketplace for funding. With one app journey, advisors and their clients can access a variety of funding options—grants, loans, equity, and savings products—supported by a team that helps guide the process. It finally feels like the tool we’ve always needed.

Why this is more important now than ever

We are in a business environment that prioritizes agility. Many of your clients are facing increasing costs, hiring challenges, and changing demand. Other companies are looking to expand, digitize or acquire. And everyone wants to avoid surprises regarding cash flow.

But often, funding is a reactive conversation—something that only arises when the client is already in a difficult position. By making it proactiveYou give clients the opportunity to explore options thoughtfully, not rush.

Here are some simple and open questions You can include in your advisor check-in:

• “Do you expect any major purchases or growth plans in the next 6–12 months?”
• “How are you currently managing cash flow during slower periods?”
• “Have you explored funding options for your business before?”
• “Are you aware of any grants or incentives that may apply to your industry?”
• “If we can help you access better financing, would you be interested in exploring what’s out there?”

These questions are not only helpful—they are empowering. They position you not only as a financial manager but also as a growth partner.

Risk said nothing

Here’s the harsh reality: if you don’t talk about funding with your clients, someone else will. And someone may offer a product that does more harm than good.

Many business owners end up accepting high-cost, short-term financing merchant cash advance (MCA) out of despair. These products often come with high fees, daily payment schedules, and little flexibility—something your clients may not understand until it’s too late. By helping them assess funding before is urgent, you can guide them towards sustainable strategic choices.

You don’t have to be an expert

You might think, “That sounds great, but I don’t have time to be a funding expert.”

The good news? You don’t need to. With a tool like Swoop, you can act as a conduit—helping your clients access an ecosystem of vetted options without having to do the hard work yourself.

Just as we rely on technology to simplify bookkeeping, we can now do the same for funding.

Ready to add funds to the conversation?

If you’re curious about how this fits into your company’s workflow—or how to start introducing these conversations—let’s chat. Adding funds to your consulting toolkit doesn’t require a major overhaul. Just a shift in perspective, and the right partner.

Let’s help your clients fund their future—with more confidence and less risk.

To find out how to onboard a funding advisor into your company, click here to book a callback.