Financial structuring for SMEs: protecting cash flow while investing
In an uncertain economic environment, financial structuring has become an essential strategic lever for Swiss SMEs. It is no longer just a question of finding financing, but of optimising the entire capital structure to maximise growth capacity while preserving the liquidity necessary for daily operations.
Balance sheet optimisation: a key issue
A balanced balance sheet is the foundation of any healthy business. Financial structuring aims to optimise the ratio between equity, financial debt and asset financing. By making clever use of leasing to finance fixed assets, SMEs lighten their balance sheet: the leased assets do not appear on it, which automatically improves debt-to-equity and asset return ratios. This structural improvement subsequently facilitates access to other sources of financing — bank credit, investors, cantonal grants — on more favourable terms.
Combining different financial instruments
Effective financial structuring does not rely on a single instrument. It generally combines: leasing for equipment and productive assets, bank credit for working capital or real estate, sale and leaseback to release liquidity from existing assets, and sometimes crowdfunding or development capital solutions for high-growth phases. The art of structuring consists in finding the right mix of these instruments according to the company's risk profile, business cycle and medium-term objectives.
Ecofina's strategic advisory services: beyond mere financing
Ecofina does not position itself as a simple financing broker. For over 20 years, we have been supporting Swiss SME directors in their overall strategic thinking: analysis of the existing financial structure, identification of optimisation levers, implementation of coordinated financing solutions and long-term monitoring. Our ESG commitment is reflected in our approach: we systematically integrate environmental and governance dimensions into our recommendations, notably via our GreenTech label for technological equipment. Because financial performance and sustainable responsibility are not mutually exclusive, they reinforce one another. Contact our advisors for a free financial audit of your SME and discover the optimisation margins within your reach.
