Featured in Entrepreneur: Why a Downturn Is the Time to Build Stronger Businesses

Juice was featured in Entrepreneur, in an article exploring why economic slowdowns can create opportunities for businesses that focus on discipline, planning and long-term decision-making.

Rather than encouraging aggressive expansion, the article highlights the importance of measured growth, cost control and using capital intentionally. These themes closely align with how many UK SMEs are rethinking business loans in the UK and their approach to funding in uncertain markets.

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Katherine Chan, CEO of Juice, shared her perspective in the article, drawing on her experience across the fintech sector:

“Throughout my fintech career, I’ve navigated these waters firsthand. From my own journey and from watching others in the space, my advice is clear: economic downturns don’t have to signal decline. In fact, they can create a powerful window for strategic growth.”
Katherine Chan, CEO of Juice, via Entrepreneur

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Why downturns expose weak growth strategies

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The Entrepreneur article makes a clear point. Economic pressure does not create problems. It exposes them.

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Businesses that struggle during downturns are often those that:

- Overextended during strong markets

- Took on inflexible debt

- Lacked visibility over cash flow and unit economics

- Prioritised growth over profitability

In contrast, businesses that continue to grow tend to be those with tighter controls, clearer priorities and access to funding that supports flexibility rather than fixed commitments.

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The role of funding in resilient growth

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One of the article’s central themes is the importance of choosing the right type of capital during uncertain periods.

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For many SMEs, traditional small business loans can introduce risk during downturns because:

- Repayments are fixed regardless of revenue

- Capital is locked in upfront

- Flexibility is limited once terms are agreed

This can force businesses to carry debt they do not immediately need, increasing pressure on margins and cash flow.

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Why flexibility matters more than scale

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As highlighted in the article, resilient businesses focus on optionality. This is where flexible business funding structures become critical. Access to capital does not need to mean constant utilisation. It means being able to act when opportunities arise without committing prematurely. For digital and ecommerce businesses in particular, growth opportunities often come in waves. Inventory cycles, marketing efficiency and seasonality all require timing, not constant deployment of capital.

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A revolving credit facility as an alternative to fixed debt

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Juice provides funding through a revolving credit facility, rather than a traditional fixed-term loan. Instead of drawing a full loan upfront, businesses are approved for a credit limit and access funds when required.

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Key characteristics:

- Credit limits up to £1m

- Standard 24-month facility term

- Transparent monthly pricing agreed upfront

- Draw down and repay multiple times

-Use for inventory, marketing or working capital

- Early repayments allowed

- Interest applies only to the amount drawn

This structure supports better working capital management and avoids unnecessary debt during quieter trading periods.

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Supporting profitability during uncertain markets

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The Entrepreneur article reinforces a simple idea. Sustainable growth comes from protecting profitability, not maximising leverage.

By aligning funding with real trading activity, businesses can:

- Invest selectively

- Preserve cash during slower periods

- Maintain control over margins

- Make decisions with clearer downside protection

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This approach is particularly relevant for ecommerce financing, where revenue can fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

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If you are looking for business funding that prioritises flexibility, transparency and long-term sustainability, you can explore Juice here.

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