(Practical Paths Forward When the Pressure Is On)
Financial pressure can hit any business — even those that look successful from the outside. Supply chain shocks, cost increases, late payments, or shifting markets can quickly erode stability.
When that happens, it’s easy to feel trapped. But as we’ve seen time and again at Forgepoint, there are always options. The key is acting early and choosing the right one for your circumstances.
Here are five realistic paths that business owners can consider when cash flow tightens and stress begins to mount.
1. Restructure and Rebuild Internally
Sometimes the best solution is to fix what’s already working — with the right structure and discipline.
A financial or operational restructure may include:
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Negotiating better supplier terms
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Consolidating debt or refinancing high-cost loans
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Tightening working capital and expenses
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Refocusing on profitable customers or products
The goal is to stabilise, not shrink. A CFO-led restructure, like those Forgepoint supports, helps restore control and confidence.
2. Seek Strategic Investment or Partnership
If your business is fundamentally sound but undercapitalised, bringing in a strategic investor can provide breathing room — and expertise.
Investors can help by:
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Injecting fresh capital
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Providing new management oversight
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Sharing operational systems and governance
The right partner will align with your values and vision, not just the numbers. This can help you grow again — without surrendering everything you’ve built.
3. Explore a Partial Sale or Recapitalisation
In some cases, a partial sale (selling a share of the business) can relieve debt pressure while keeping you involved in the next phase.
A recapitalisation can:
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Pay down pressing liabilities
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Fund future growth
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Let you reduce personal financial risk
Forgepoint often structures these kinds of solutions — where founders stay connected while we strengthen and professionalise operations behind the scenes.
4. Plan a Full Sale or Exit
If financial and emotional fatigue have set in, a full sale may be the best way forward. Done correctly, it can protect your people, your reputation, and your remaining equity.
A confidential, structured sale to an experienced acquirer like Forgepoint ensures the transition is respectful and efficient — without public distress or disruption to your team.
You can walk away knowing your business continues under steady hands.
5. Wind Down — The Last Resort
If the business is no longer viable, winding down professionally is better than letting circumstances force it.
Handled carefully, this process can:
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Protect personal guarantees where possible
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Ensure compliance with creditors and the ATO
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Preserve personal and professional reputation
Forgepoint can help evaluate whether this step is necessary — and often, find alternatives before it becomes unavoidable.
The Sooner You Act, the More Options You Have
Most distressed businesses wait too long before seeking help. By the time urgency hits, many of these options are already off the table.
Reaching out early — even just for an exploratory conversation — can open paths that protect value and dignity.
Forgepoint’s CFO-led team helps business owners assess their position, structure solutions, or explore acquisition quietly and respectfully. Every discussion is confidential.
👉 Start a confidential enquiry
Forgepoint specialises in acquiring and supporting viable businesses under pressure — with transparency, respect, and financial expertise.
