Businesses Rethinking 'Growth at All Costs' in 2026

Experts say capital strategy, cash flow planning are key to success in the unpredictable year ahead

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:22am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of financial documents, a calculator, and a pen arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the importance of strategic financial planning for businesses in the year ahead.As businesses rethink 'growth at all costs' in the face of an unpredictable 2026, a methodical approach to capital strategy and cash flow planning will be key to weathering the storm.NYC Today

As businesses prepare for an unprecedented 2026, many are shifting away from a 'growth at all costs' mindset that dominated the last decade. Experts say the businesses that will thrive are those whose owners understand how capital access has fundamentally changed and are willing to adapt their financing approach accordingly.

Why it matters

The global market is undergoing heavy turbulence, which means the old rules no longer apply. Businesses will be tested on their capacity to adapt to these changes and keep a methodical outlook, resisting the temptation to be reactive. Those that manage this will be richly rewarded, while those that get it wrong could face major challenges.

The details

Lending in 2026 is vastly different from five years ago, with banks significantly tightening up small business lending. This has led alternative lending to become the 'main course', offering legitimate providers, transparent terms, reasonable pricing, and fast approvals based on actual revenue rather than credit scores or collateral. Experts warn against common mistakes like waiting until desperate for funding, confusing cash flow with profit, pursuing growth-at-all-costs, and not thoroughly reading loan terms. Instead, they advise building relationships with multiple capital sources, stress-testing scenarios, investing in financial management systems, and prioritizing opportunities that fit a clear strategy.

  • January 2026 is a critical time to lock in capital strategy before falling behind the competition.
  • By February, businesses that waited to plan their capital approach will already be reacting instead of choosing.
  • As summer approaches and businesses need capital, those that didn't plan ahead will be left with fewer options.

The players

Frank Scarso

The founder and CEO of Avanza Capital Holdings, a New York-based alternative lending firm that has deployed more than $250 million in merchant cash advances to businesses across 48 states since 2017.

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What they’re saying

“January is when you lock in your capital strategy. Don't think about it. Lock it in. Otherwise, by February you're already behind the competition. By March you're reacting instead of choosing, and by the time summer rolls by and you need capital, you'll be left with the scraps.”

— Frank Scarso, Founder and CEO, Avanza Capital Holdings

“Lending in 2026 is nothing like what it was five years ago. Banks have significantly tightened up and regulatory pressure is through the roof as they collectively pull back from small business lending, especially for those under the 5 million per year mark.”

— Frank Scarso, Founder and CEO, Avanza Capital Holdings

What’s next

The main next step is for businesses to start planning their capital strategy for 2026 as soon as possible, even if they don't need funding until later in the year. Experts advise building relationships with multiple lenders, running financial scenarios, and locking in a plan before the competition gets ahead.

The takeaway

In the unpredictable business landscape of 2026, the companies that will thrive are those that take a proactive, methodical approach to capital strategy and cash flow planning. By adapting to the changing lending environment, stress-testing their finances, and prioritizing opportunities that fit their overall vision, savvy entrepreneurs can position themselves for success even as the global market faces heavy turbulence.