Unbankable with Alex Shvarts

Alex Shvarts

Most businesses don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they run out of capital. Unbankable is a business podcast for entrepreneurs who don’t wait for permission - especially from banks. I’m Alex Shvarts, Founder & CEO of FundKite. For over a decade, I’ve worked directly with thousands of small and mid-sized business owners across the United States, providing working capital when traditional banks said no. On this podcast, I sit down with CEOs, founders, operators, and leaders in alternative finance, fintech, private capital, and business growth to talk about what actually builds durable companies. No hype. No guru talk. Just real conversations about: • Scaling a small business • Working capital strategy • Alternative financing • Risk management • Hiring and firing decisions • Cash flow discipline • Profitable growth • Leadership under pressure • Building partnerships that last If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, startup founder, operator, or executive looking to grow smarter - this show is for you. We talk about what happens when banks say no. We talk about execution. We talk about capital. And we talk about building something real. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who needs it. When banks say no - there is FundKite. Learn more about alternative business funding at 👉 https://fundkite.com Build smarter. Scale responsibly. Stay unbankable. – Alex Shvarts

Episodes

  1. Why So Many NBA Players Go Broke After Retirement | Mario Chalmers

    Jun 5

    Why So Many NBA Players Go Broke After Retirement | Mario Chalmers

    Business funding, entrepreneurship, investing, and building wealth after a successful career all come down to one thing: having the right team and making smart decisions before the money stops coming. I’m Alex Shvarts, founder and CEO of FundKite. Every year, thousands of business owners apply for business funding, working capital, and growth capital because they need help scaling their companies, managing cash flow, and creating long-term success. In this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with two-time NBA Champion Mario Chalmers to talk about life after professional sports, business ownership, investing, leadership, and why many athletes struggle financially after retirement. Mario shares what it was like playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and one of the greatest teams in NBA history. More importantly, he shares the lessons he learned transitioning from basketball to business. We discuss: 🏆 life after the NBA💰 why many professional athletes go broke📈 investing, business ownership, and wealth building🚀 how to transition from sports into entrepreneurship🤝 why building the right team matters📊 business funding and growth opportunities🧠 leadership lessons from championship teams💵 managing money after million-dollar paychecks stop🎯 how successful entrepreneurs make decisions🔥 why confidence in sports doesn’t automatically translate to business At FundKite, we work with business owners every day who need business funding, working capital, and growth capital to keep growing. One lesson that applies to both athletes and entrepreneurs is simple: you don’t have to know everything, but you do need the right people around you. If you’re building a business, investing for the future, or trying to create long-term wealth, this conversation is full of lessons that go far beyond basketball. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations about business funding, entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, cash flow, and building successful companies. What’s more difficult: becoming a champion — or staying successful after you’ve already won? 👇

    39 min
  2. The Healthcare System Is Broken! How Doctors Are Building Businesses Outside the System?

    Jun 2

    The Healthcare System Is Broken! How Doctors Are Building Businesses Outside the System?

    Business owners ask me all the time: How do you grow a business without running out of cash?How do you get business funding when traditional banks say no?How do you get working capital for your business without sacrificing growth? The reality is that every business owner eventually faces the same challenge: access to capital. In this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Dimitri Gitelmaker to discuss something that applies to every entrepreneur — building a business outside of a broken system. While Dr. Gitelmaker built his practice outside the traditional healthcare model, the lessons apply to every founder, business owner, and entrepreneur trying to scale a company, manage cash flow, build a strong brand, and create long-term value. At FundKite, we’ve helped thousands of businesses secure business funding, working capital, and growth capital when traditional financing wasn’t the right fit. That’s why conversations like this matter. We discuss: 💰 How entrepreneurs build businesses outside traditional systems📈 Why access to capital can make or break a growing compan🚀 How to scale a service-based business🧠 Why every professional eventually becomes a salesperson🔥 Building a premium brand instead of competing on price🏥 How concierge medicine became a successful business model🤖 AI, innovation, and the future of healthcare📊 The challenges of scaling expertise-driven businesses👨‍💼Leadership, hiring, delegation, and business growth💡 What every entrepreneur can learn from doctors, consultants, and service professionals If you’re searching for how to get business funding, how to get funding for your business, how to raise business funding, or how successful founders build companies outside traditional systems, this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations about business funding, working capital, entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, and business growth. #alexshvarts #UnbankablePodcast #ConciergeMedicine #HealthcareBusiness

    51 min
  3. The Business Side of Being an Artist | Why Talent Is Not Enough

    May 22

    The Business Side of Being an Artist | Why Talent Is Not Enough

    Alternative business funding, music entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and building wealth beyond your main career all come down to one thing: turning income into long-term assets. I’m Alex Shvarts, founder and CEO of FundKite, and in this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with Shifta — music artist, entrepreneur, real estate investor, developer, and founder of the Timeless brand. Shifta started in music at a young age, built his name through records like “Ganja Shop,” toured internationally, and learned early that music income can be powerful — but unpredictable. Instead of spending everything on image, he used his first real money from music to buy property, build equity, reinvest into his career, and eventually expand into real estate development, restaurants, cannabis, beauty, and family-run businesses. In this conversation, we talk about: * why artists need to think like entrepreneurs* how Shifta turned music income into real estate* why making money in music is harder than people think* how to handle rejection and keep going* why one hit song is not a financial plan* how real estate can create long-term stability* why image can destroy wealth if you are not careful* how to balance creativity, business, family, and discipline* what young artists should know before spending their first big check This episode is for artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to build something bigger than one moment of success. Drop a comment: if you made your first big check today, would you spend it, save it, or invest it? _______ Banks focus on credit scores. We focus on real businesses.This channel breaks down how entrepreneurs access capital using cash flow—not rigid bank rules. 📞 Call us for a consultation: (877) 502-5003🌐 Learn more: fundkite.com #alexshvarts  #UnbankablePodcast #MusicBusiness #Entrepreneurship

    43 min
  4. How to Build a Media Brand That Actually Lasts

    May 19

    How to Build a Media Brand That Actually Lasts

    Building a media brand today takes more than content creation — it takes authenticity, storytelling, trust, and a real business strategy that can survive changing platforms, AI, podcasts, radio, and social media. I’m Alex Shvarts, founder and CEO of FundKite, and in this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with Keith “Papa Keith” Walcott — legendary Miami radio host, media personality, voice actor, event host, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Papa Keith has been the voice of Miami for decades, currently hosting afternoon drive on 103.5 The Beat. He has recorded more than 18,000 radio and TV commercials, built revenue streams beyond radio, worked with brands and advertisers, and used his platform to support the community through his People Matter initiative. In this conversation, we talk about: * why authenticity matters more than copying trends* how to build a personal brand that lasts* why radio is not dead* how storytelling helps entrepreneurs sell their business* how media personalities monetize their voice and influence* why people spend money with people they like* how to adapt your brand to different markets* why giving back can save your purpose* how entrepreneurs can use media, podcasting, and community to grow We also talk about business funding, access to capital, why entrepreneurs need a plan before raising money, and how relationships still matter in a world where everything feels transactional. This episode is funny, honest, and full of real lessons for entrepreneurs, creators, media professionals, and business owners who want to build something real — not just chase attention. Drop a comment: what matters more today — followers, authenticity, or real relationships? _______ Banks focus on credit scores. We focus on real businesses.This channel breaks down how entrepreneurs access capital using cash flow—not rigid bank rules. 📞 Call us for a consultation: (877) 502-5003🌐 Learn more: fundkite.com #alexshvarts #UnbankablePodcast #MediaBranding #Entrepreneurship

    43 min
  5. Why Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Follow the Roadmap

    May 15

    Why Real Entrepreneurs Don’t Follow the Roadmap

    Real entrepreneurship is not about looking successful — it is about building something real, surviving pressure, and creating your own path when no roadmap exists. I’m Alex Shvarts, founder and CEO of FundKite, and in this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with Sache B — entrepreneur, systems operator, and founder of Agency X. Sache started doing manual labor at a young age, scaled operational businesses with hundreds of employees, and built a reputation for understanding systems, people, sales, and growth at a very high level. Today, he works across multiple industries helping businesses optimize operations, build scalable systems, and grow smarter. In this conversation, we talk about: * why entrepreneurs need to create their own path* how to spot BS in business quickly* why social media success can be misleading* the difference between confidence and overconfidence* why flashy money usually means less than people think* how to hire and keep real A-players* when firing someone can actually help both sides* why one strong business beats chasing endless hustles* how struggle creates financial discipline* what it really takes to stay in business long enough to win This episode is funny, honest, raw, and full of real entrepreneurial lessons about money, people, discipline, communication, and building something meaningful. Drop a comment: what’s the biggest lesson entrepreneurship has taught you so far? #alexshvarts #unbankable #EntrepreneurMindset

    47 min
  6. Michael Beasley on Being Called a Bust, LeBron, Kobe & Building a New Life

    May 5

    Michael Beasley on Being Called a Bust, LeBron, Kobe & Building a New Life

    How to bounce back from failure and rebuild your life is one of the most important lessons any entrepreneur can learn. I’m Alex Shvarts, founder and CEO of FundKite, and in this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with Michael Beasley — former NBA player, number two overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, 12-season NBA veteran, international champion, and now a voice for resilience, reinvention, and business mindset. This conversation goes far beyond basketball. Michael talks about pressure, public perception, failure, identity, emotions, leadership, and what it really means to keep going when the world already thinks it knows your story. We talk about: * why failure is not the end of your story* how pressure changes the way people see themselves* what athletes and entrepreneurs have in common* why emotions and honesty matter in business* how public judgment can distort the truth* why leadership looks different for everyone* how to stop being the victim of your own story* what success really means beyond money What I love about this conversation is that Michael doesn’t give polished, rehearsed answers. He speaks from experience, from emotion, and from truth. And that’s exactly what entrepreneurs need more of. At FundKite, I talk to business owners every day who are fighting through pressure, setbacks, cash flow problems, and moments where they have to reinvent themselves. That’s why this conversation matters — because business is not just numbers. It’s resilience, timing, honesty, and the ability to keep moving forward. 👉 Learn more about FundKite: https://fundkite.com/📞 Call us for a consultation: (877) 502-5003 My question for you:What failure or setback changed the way you look at your life or business? Drop your answer in the comments — I’d really like to hear it.

    57 min
  7. From Technician to Multi-Million Empire | How Entrepreneurs Scale Businesses?

    Mar 26

    From Technician to Multi-Million Empire | How Entrepreneurs Scale Businesses?

    Building a business is never simple. In this episode of the Unbankable Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur Sardor Umrdinov, who built Home Alliance from a small appliance repair operation into a multi-million dollar home service platform. We talk about what it really takes to build and scale a business — hiring the right people, knowing when to fire, managing growth, and avoiding the mistakes that destroy companies. As someone who works with thousands of business owners through FundKite, I see firsthand how entrepreneurs grow, struggle, and succeed. In this conversation, we break down real lessons from building companies in the real world. In this episode we discuss: • how Sardor built a multi-million home service company• hiring and firing employees the right way• the importance of systems and SOPs in business• how to think about funding and growth• common mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling• why understanding your numbers matters If you’re building a company, scaling a business, or thinking about entrepreneurship — this conversation is for you. Follow Sardor UmrdinovYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sardorumrdinov What has been the hardest part of building your business? Drop your answer in the comments - I read them all. At FundKite, we help entrepreneurs access capital based on real business performance and cash flow, not outdated lending models. Learn more or apply here 👉 https://www.fundkite.com Subscribe to the channel for more conversations with entrepreneurs building real businesses.

    53 min
  8. The Sale Starts at NO! Revenue-Based Financing & The Truth About Sales

    Mar 9

    The Sale Starts at NO! Revenue-Based Financing & The Truth About Sales

    No is a big word. Most people hear “no” and stop. In sales, in funding, in business. But the sale doesn’t start until you hear the word no. In this episode of Unbankable, I sit down with our Chief Revenue Officer, Justin Solomon, to talk about the real world of sales, business funding, and the mistakes we see every day from entrepreneurs. This isn’t motivational fluff. This is practical, hard-earned experience from over a decade funding small businesses across America. We cover: • Why “selling” is the wrong mindset• Why attracting is more powerful than convincing• The biggest mistake business owners make when applying for funding• Why desperation destroys negotiating power• How to handle rejection in sales• Why listening beats scripts every time• The danger of hypergrowth without a plan• How to choose the right funding partner• Why transparency matters in financing• Where the revenue-based financing industry is heading Too many business owners apply for capital when they’re on their back foot — emotional, unprepared, desperate. Funding works best when it’s planned. Revenue-based financing can be a powerful tool when used responsibly. But you need to understand what you’re getting into. At FundKite, we’ve built a boutique, relationship-driven funding platform designed to move with your cash flow - not against it. Sophisticated capital.Entrepreneurial speed.Real conversations. 📞 Call us for a consultation: (877) 502-5003🌐 Learn more: https://fundkite.com/ If you’re a business owner - do you apply for funding when you’re strong… or only when you’re desperate?

    56 min
  9. The Real Formula for Business Growth! | Funding, Risk & Smart Scaling

    Mar 2

    The Real Formula for Business Growth! | Funding, Risk & Smart Scaling

    Building a business isn’t about hype - it’s about execution, discipline, and making hard decisions when it matters most. In this episode of Unbankable, I sit down with a leader who has deployed over $2.3 billion in working capital to small and mid-sized businesses across all 50 states. We break down what actually separates entrepreneurs who scale from those who burn out - especially when banks say no. My guest is William J. Gallagher  the President of CFG Merchant Solutions, a firm that has funded thousands of businesses nationwide. With a background managing billion-dollar portfolios on Wall Street before betting on small business, he shares real insights on risk management, capital strategy, hiring decisions, partnership dynamics, and what it truly takes to build a durable company. In this episode, we discuss: • How to scale a small business without traditional bank financing• When to hire — and when to let people go• Why growth without margin can destroy your company• The biggest mistakes business owners make when seeking working capital• How to choose the right alternative financing product• Why financial organization is critical for funding approval• Risk management strategies for entrepreneurs• How to avoid “catch-up capital” traps• Building long-term partnerships in business• Scaling from $5M to $50M in revenue If you’re a small business owner, startup founder, entrepreneur, or operator navigating working capital, alternative lending, private capital, fintech solutions, business growth strategy, or scaling challenges in the U.S. market — this conversation is for you. Success shouldn’t bring guilt. It should bring responsibility. When banks say no — there is Fundkite.Learn more about alternative business funding 👉 https://fundkite.com Subscribe and drop a comment:What’s the toughest business decision you’ve had to make? #fundkite #Entrepreneurship#AlternativeFinance#Unbankable #AlexShvarts

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Most businesses don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they run out of capital. Unbankable is a business podcast for entrepreneurs who don’t wait for permission - especially from banks. I’m Alex Shvarts, Founder & CEO of FundKite. For over a decade, I’ve worked directly with thousands of small and mid-sized business owners across the United States, providing working capital when traditional banks said no. On this podcast, I sit down with CEOs, founders, operators, and leaders in alternative finance, fintech, private capital, and business growth to talk about what actually builds durable companies. No hype. No guru talk. Just real conversations about: • Scaling a small business • Working capital strategy • Alternative financing • Risk management • Hiring and firing decisions • Cash flow discipline • Profitable growth • Leadership under pressure • Building partnerships that last If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, startup founder, operator, or executive looking to grow smarter - this show is for you. We talk about what happens when banks say no. We talk about execution. We talk about capital. And we talk about building something real. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who needs it. When banks say no - there is FundKite. Learn more about alternative business funding at 👉 https://fundkite.com Build smarter. Scale responsibly. Stay unbankable. – Alex Shvarts