The Game On Girlfriend Podcast

Only 3% of venture capital funding goes to women-owned businesses. But here's the thing—it's not because your idea isn't good enough. It's because of foundational mistakes you're making before you even apply. Business strategist Ms. Cat (Catherine Mitchell) joins Sarah to break down exactly what keeps women entrepreneurs from accessing the billions in funding that's actually available. From choosing the wrong business name to using your personal Gmail account, these structural errors are disqualifying you before funders even look at your pitch. Ms. Cat walks through the NAICS code trap, why your LLC address matters more than you think, and the exact moment you should start looking for funding. Plus, she gets real about the burning desire you need to make the leap from side hustle to main hustle—and why entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. This conversation is part of Sarah's mission to put more money in the hands of more women.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The 5 foundational mistakes that disqualify businesses from funding—including why certain business names are considered "high risk" and how your NAICS code can knock you out of the game When to actually start looking for venture capital funding (and the capital gap test to know if you're ready) Why using your home address on your LLC is a red flag to investors—and what funders are really looking for when they Google your business The 3-4x rule for knowing when your side hustle is ready to become your main hustle Why funding challenges have nothing to do with your product or service—it's all about foundation and structure How women disqualify themselves before they even ask for funding (and how proper structure gives you the confidence to apply) The burning desire you need beyond just a good idea to survive entrepreneurship   READY TO BUILD A BUSINESS FOUNDATION THAT POSITIONS YOU FOR GROWTH? 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. Book Your Free Call → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=13047670&appointmentType=34706781 CONNECT WITH MS. CAT Podcast: Both Sides of the Check (available wherever you get your podcasts) Website: https://connectwithmiscat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectwithmscat/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectwithmscat YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectwithmscat   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.   FREE GIFT FROM SARAH Get Sarah's Freedom Calculator and discover how much your business needs to make so you can finally be free.  → Download: https://sarahwalton.com/freedom   LEARN FROM SARAH Explore Sarah's online courses and free resources to start building your business with confidence.  Online Courses: sarahwalton.com/online-courses     Free Resources: sarahwalton.com/free-resources CONNECT WITH SARAH Website: https://sarahwalton.com/podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSarahWalton Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesarahwalton   RELATED GAME ON GIRLFRIEND® EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE Episode 312: Awakening, Abundance & Ancient Wisdom — Rewriting Your Money Story with Halle Eavelyn - https://sarahwalton.com/women-money-mindset-halle-eavelyn/ Episode 313: But What About the Money? Why Your Nervous System Determines Your Income - https://sarahwalton.com/money-mindset-nervous-system-income/ Episode 310: How One Courageous Conversation Led to Impacting 11.6 Million Lives with Carrie Rich - https://sarahwalton.com/financial-planning-women-entrepreneurs-carrie-rich/   LOVE THE SHOW? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Thank you so much for listening. I'm honored that you're here and would be grateful if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking "Write a review." Your reviews help other women entrepreneurs find the show and get the support they need to build businesses they love. Thank you for being part of the Game On Girlfriend® community! (If you're not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial.)