Episode 318: How to Structure Your Business for Venture Capital Funding (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
The Foundation That Gets You Funded
Here's something that might surprise you: there are billions in venture capital funding available right now. The problem isn't the money. It's that only 3% of it goes to women-owned businesses.
Business strategist Ms. Cat (Catherine Mitchell) knows this statistic intimately. After losing her six-figure property management position when the company sold, she faced a choice. She could search for another corporate job or take control of her financial future. Entrepreneurship won—and now she helps other women do the same through her Concept2Company program.
Here's what most women don't realize about venture capital funding: the reason businesses can't access it often has nothing to do with their product or service. It's the foundation. Those structural details that seem small? They're actually disqualifying you before funders even review your pitch.
In this episode of the Game On Girlfriend® podcast, Ms. Cat walks through the specific structural mistakes women make when starting their businesses. From choosing the wrong business name to using a Gmail account, these foundational errors send signals that your business isn't investment-ready.
If you're building a business and you know you'll eventually need funding to scale—whether that's for a brick-and-mortar location, expanding your team, or launching a new product line—this episode gives you the blueprint for setting up correctly from day one.
Watch the full episode
The Structural Mistakes That Disqualify Businesses From Funding
Before you even apply for venture capital funding, certain mistakes can knock you out of the running. Ms. Cat reveals why some business names are considered "high risk" by funders. Your NAICS code? It matters more than you think. Plus, using your personal address on LLC documentation sends the wrong signal to potential investors.
"A lot of times, the reason why people can't get funding has absolutely nothing to do with the actual business itself. It's the foundation and structure." — Ms. Cat
When to Start Looking for Venture Capital Funding
Not every business needs capital right away. Ms. Cat explains the telltale signs that your business is ready for funding. Look for the capital gap between where you are and where your business can go. And here's the thing—having one to two years of solid P&L statements makes a significant difference in how funders evaluate your application.
Side Hustle vs. Main Hustle: Making the Leap
Making three to four times more with your side business than your corporate job? It might be time for a change. Ms. Cat walks through both the math and the mindset required for a successful transition. But here's what's really important—she talks about what really has to drive you from the inside to keep going when things get hard.
"You have to have some type of burning desire, something tugging on you saying, I want to do more, and if you don't have that every day in your ear, this side of the fence might not be for you." — Ms. Cat
Why Mentorship Matters More Than Passion
You might have a brilliant concept. But if business fundamentals aren't your strength, you're piecing together information from TikTok and YouTube without a solid foundation. Ms. Cat makes the case for getting guidance from someone who's navigated this path before—someone who can show you reality while helping you move through it faster.
The Confidence Factor in Funding
Beyond the numbers and structure, Ms. Cat addresses the worthiness issue that holds so many women back. Sometimes we disqualify ourselves before we even ask. But when your business is properly structured and branded? It creates confidence to walk into funding conversations knowing everything is set up right.
"Sometimes we just don't ask. We don't apply. We don't try. We just disqualify ourselves before we even ask." — Ms. Cat
Listen to or Watch the Full Episode
Venture capital funding. Does that phrase make you think "I don't know what that is" or "I don't want to know what that is"? Either way, it's time to talk about it.
Listen to the full episode here, or watch the video version here.
Related Episodes You'll Love
If structuring your business for funding resonated with you, these episodes will take you deeper into the money mindset and financial planning that supports sustainable business growth:
- Episode 312: Awakening, Abundance & Ancient Wisdom — Rewriting Your Money Story with Halle Eavelyn — Women receive only 3% of venture capital funding—but here's the thing: that's not just about business structure. There’s also a deep financial conditioning we've inherited. Halle Eavelyn joins Sarah to unpack the programming that holds women back from wealth and how to rewrite your money story from the ground up. Listen to or watch episode 312 here.
- Episode 313: But What About the Money? Why Your Nervous System Determines Your Income — Ms. Cat talked about how women disqualify themselves before even asking for funding. Episode 313 reveals why—and it's not what you think. Sarah breaks down how your nervous system regulates your income and what to do about it so you can actually receive the money your business deserves. Listen to or watch episode 313 here.
- Episode 310: How One Courageous Conversation Led to Impacting 11.6 Million Lives with Carrie Rich — You've structured your business for funding—now what? Carrie Rich shares how financial life planning helps women entrepreneurs build the kind of wealth that creates real freedom. This is the practical next step after you've got your foundation right. Listen to or watch episode 310 here.
About Ms. Cat (Catherine Mitchell)
Ms. Cat is a business strategist, entrepreneur, and co-host of the rising podcast Both Sides of the Check. She is the founder of Concept2Company, a program designed to help entrepreneurs structure their businesses for funding, make their first $10K in 30 days, and land consistent clients without leaning on friends and family.
With years of experience guiding business owners through scaling, funding, and systems-building, Ms. Cat has built a reputation for simplifying complex strategies into step-by-step blueprints that actually get results. Her unique approach combines tough-love accountability with practical, actionable tools that help entrepreneurs go from idea to income.
In addition to consulting, Ms. Cat owns her own tax software company, equipping professionals with training and mentorship under her ERO Expansion Hub mentorship program.
About Sarah Walton
Sarah Walton is a business coach, podcast host, and mentor who helps women entrepreneurs build businesses they love. She's the creator of the Abundance Academy, Effortless Sales, and the Game On Girlfriend® podcast. Sarah's mission is to put more money in the hands of more women while teaching authentic, heart-centered business strategies.
Ready to explore how we can work together?
Ready to build a business foundation that positions you for growth and funding? Book a free 15-minute chat with Sarah to discover how you can work together.
Binge More Game On Girlfriend™ Podcast Episodes
Something Just for You
Freedom in your business is here. Make revenue that allows you to exhale. Grab my free Freedom Calculator below, and know exactly how much your business needs to make so you can be FREE.
Thanks for subscribing! Check your email for further instructions.