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Insights for Growing Brands

Signal over noise. Funding and growth advice for consumer brands.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

Why Ecommerce Brands Are Going Omnichannel (And How to Finance the Shift)

Rising Amazon fees, tariffs, and ad costs are squeezing online-only margins. More brands are expanding into wholesale and retail to survive. Here's what the shift costs and how to fund it.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

How to Build Business Credit From Scratch (Even If You Just Launched)

Business credit is separate from personal credit and most founders don't start building it until it's too late. Here's how to establish a credit profile that opens doors when you need financing.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

Cash Flow Planning for Seasonal Brands: A 12-Month Funding Timeline

Seasonal brands can't afford to figure out financing when they need it. Here's a month-by-month framework for planning your capital so you're funded before demand hits.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

How to Read a Term Sheet (Without a Lawyer)

Every financing offer comes with a term sheet. Most founders sign without fully understanding what's in it. Here's a plain-English guide to reading the parts that matter most.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

Revenue-Based Financing Explained: The Pros, Cons, and True Cost for DTC Brands

Revenue-based financing sits in a sweet spot between MCAs and bank loans. Here's how it actually works, what it costs, and how to tell if it's right for your brand.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

SBA Loans for CPG and Ecommerce Brands: Are They Worth the Wait?

SBA loans offer the lowest rates in small business lending. But the application process is slow, paperwork-heavy, and not for everyone. Here's how to decide if it's worth pursuing.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

What Lenders Actually Look at When You Apply (And How to Score Better)

Most founders apply for financing without understanding what lenders are evaluating. Here's exactly what they look at, why it matters, and how to improve your chances before you submit.

Laminar Team · 5 min read

Debt vs Equity: When Should a CPG or DTC Brand Take on Debt?

Equity gets the headlines, but debt might be the smarter move for your brand. Here's how to think about when to borrow versus when to raise, and why the best founders use both.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

How to Fund a Big Retail Order Without Running Out of Cash

You just landed a massive purchase order. Now you need to figure out how to fund production without draining your bank account. Here's how CPG and ecommerce brands actually do it.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

PO Financing vs Invoice Factoring: Which One Does Your Brand Actually Need?

Both solve cash flow problems, but they work at completely different stages. Here's how to know which one fits your situation and when you might need both.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

The Hidden Cost of Merchant Cash Advances (And What to Use Instead)

MCAs are fast and easy to get. They're also one of the most expensive ways to fund your business. Here's what the fine print actually costs you and what alternatives exist.

Laminar Team · 4 min read

How to Lower Your Borrowing Costs: 5 Strategies for Ecommerce and CPG Founders

Most ecommerce and CPG brands overpay for capital without realizing it. Here are five practical ways to lower your borrowing costs and keep more margin in your pocket.