Real-World Insight and Strategic Thinking for Business Owners and Advisors
Fortis Business Advisors has been trusted by journalists, trade editors, and business networks to weigh in on the complexities facing small businesses in transition. Our insights have been featured in ABL Advisor, the Journal of Corporate Renewal, and The Secured Lender, with broader visibility in Retail Dive and Woman's World, and through presentations with the Secured Finance Network and America's SBDC.
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Explore field-tested strategies and real-world commentary on growth, distress, and liquidation—drawn from direct experience supporting small businesses and their advisors.
Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) can seem like a quick fix for small businesses needing fast access to capital, especially in emergencies; however, they can lead down a perilous path, potentially exacerbating financial distress.
An immediate cash solution for small businesses can lead to deeper distress. Lean how MCAs operate, the risks involved, and options small businesses have when facing challenges from MCA debt.
In this feature article published in Woman's World, Ben Nicholson is quoted with practical tips on saving money at store liquidation sales.
In this edition of The Small Business Show, Jim Fitzpatrick and Ben Nicholson delve into the ins and outs of Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs).
A presentation given at the SBA Lenders' Training Conference for the UGA Small Business Development Center.
A presentation given at Webinar Wednesday for the CSUB Small Business Development Center.
A presentation given at the National Conference to Small Business Development Centers.
Looking through the lens of history to determine what could happen next.
As the Fed continues to raise rates, more companies will trigger into "zombie" status, unable to service their debt payments.
Tactics distressed businesses will use to conserve cash and triage disbursements.
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An analysis of the impact that current and projected interest rates will have on a loan for an acquired business, including inflation effects.
Modeling a cause/effect sequence to evaluate worst-case scenarios a business can face in order to walk back into situation-specific scenarios, especially as new inputs arise.
Co-authored with S. Gregory Hays of Hays Financial Consulting and featured in the Journal of Corporate Renewal. When reality is faced in a timely manner, small-chain retailers have options to ensure maximum recovery during liquidation.
In the thrid quarter of 2021, a motion was granted from the Bankruptcy Court in the Easter District of Pennsylvania that secured precedence for the use of "Pop-Up" Liquidations.
A highly effective alternative approach to inventory monetization that can deliver profitable results to lenders, business owners, landlords, and more.
A panel discussion with insights into opportunities and challenges lenders and business owners face with small-scale liquidations.
Effective due diligence may show that a defaulted borrower could recover with minimal collateral damage.
Ensure maximum recovery by following key performance metrics.
Ben Nicholson discusses the economics and strategies behind retail liquidations, including markdown timing, maximizing returns, and the required mentality shift away from traditional retailing.
Ben Nicholson explains the dynamics of liquidation sales, noting that consumers often misunderstand the process, which blends economics, art, science, and psychology.
The current disruptive retail shifts are challenging the pricing strategies and value of inventory causing conventional business models to shift.
Through a controlled cost structure, profit becomes a measurable outcome.
Inventory turnover management is a key operational metric that helps small retailers remain competitive.
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To maximize recovery during a liquidation, retailers must follow a 3-Phase approach: Profit - Cost Recovery - Liquidation/Forced Reduction.
Under the guidelines of SBA SOP 50 57, lenders and borrowers can agree to a workout strategy that includes corrective measures.
Once break-even is reached, every additional dollar of revenue represents pure profit.