My background in banking and private markets led me to a practical question: what happens before a business is ready to speak with a lender? I’m developing OnGrid around that part of the process—helping owners understand their finances, organize their records, and work through the gaps that can hold up a financing conversation.

According to the Federal Reserve’s 2026 Report on Employer Firms, based on the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey:

• 60%of surveyed small employer firms applied for financing.
• 42%of applicants received the full amount requested.
• 22%received no financing.

I conducted this research to test the problem behind OnGrid. The figures show that financing gaps are common; they don’t establish that owners will pay for my service. That is something I still need to validate.

Source: Federal Reserve Banks · 2026 Report on Employer Firms. Financing activity covers the 12 months leading up to the survey.

OnGrid is designed around four stages:

1. 01 — Diagnose

   Assess financial standing, credit considerations, existing obligations, and capital requirements.

2. 02 — Prepare

   Identify documentation gaps and develop a practical financing-readiness plan.

3. 03 — Navigate

   Evaluate appropriate financing options, costs, and lender requirements.

4. 04 — Follow Through

   Support next steps, qualified introductions where appropriate, and ongoing financial readiness.

The financing challenge is documented. I still need to test OnGrid’s commercial model and measure whether the service improves client readiness.