For creators, funding can be the difference between staying stuck at your current level and taking your channel or business to the next stage. But not all funding is created equal. Before you agree to any deal, it’s worth slowing down and making sure you understand what you’re getting into. A bad funding agreement can tie your hands, limit your freedom, or end up costing way more than it’s worth.
That’s why we’ve put together this Creator Funding Checklist: a breakdown of the most important things to consider before you say yes to any type of funding.
#1: Understand the Fine Print
Contracts can look simple on the surface, but the fine print often tells a different story. Look closely at:
- Length of the agreement – How long will you be tied in?
- Exclusivity clauses – Are you restricted from working with certain brands or platforms?
- Revenue share – Are you giving away future earnings, and if so, for how long?
If the terms feel confusing or loaded with legal jargon, that’s a red flag. A good funding partner will be clear, upfront, and easy to understand.
#2: Know Equity vs. Advances
Some funding companies ask for equity, which means giving away ownership of your brand or business. Others offer advances, which is essentially cash upfront against your future earnings.
- Equity: You give up a piece of your business permanently.
- Advance: You keep ownership, and the funding is repaid through future income.
Most creators prefer advances because you maintain control of your brand—something you’ve worked hard to build.
#3: Know the Repayment Terms
Not all repayment plans are equal.
Ask them:
- How quickly is the money expected back?
- Is there a flexible repayment tied to actual income, or a strict timeline regardless of your earnings?
- What happens if your revenue dips?
A creator-friendly funding partner should tie repayment to your real earnings—not force unrealistic deadlines that create financial stress.
#4: Know the Impact on Taxes
Many creators overlook the tax implications of funding. Depending on how the agreement is structured, you could end up with unexpected tax obligations. Always make sure you understand:
- Whether the advance is considered taxable income.
- How repayment affects your deductions.
- If there are additional state or international tax implications.
Working with a funding partner that’s transparent about taxes will save you a headache later.
P.S. At Breeze, we’re proud to offer the bonus of being tax-efficient. No surprise tax bills, just stress-free financial support to help you grow.
#5: Look For The Hidden Fees
This is where a lot of creators get burned. Some companies advertise one thing but bury the fees in the details.
Watch for:
- Processing fees
- “Administrative” costs
- Penalties for early repayment
- Surprise charges not explained upfront
A straightforward funding partner won’t nickel-and-dime you—they’ll tell you exactly what it costs, period.
#6: Retaining Creative Control
Funding should give you more freedom to create, not less. Some companies attach conditions around what you can post, when you can post, or even the type of content you can produce. That’s a huge red flag.
You should always maintain full creative control over your channel and content. A good funding partner understands that your voice and your audience are the reason you’re successful in the first place.
The Breeze Difference
At Breeze, we built our funding model with creators in mind. That means:
- Straightforward terms – no confusing fine print.
- No equity – you keep full ownership of your channel and business.
- Simple repayment – tied to your earnings, never forced.
- Tax-efficient – our advance is tax-free and our fee is tax-deductible
- Full creative freedom – your content stays yours.
- No hidden fees – what you see is what you get.
Getting funding shouldn’t feel like selling your soul. It should feel like getting the support you need to grow, without strings attached. That’s why Breeze is the go-to choice for creators who want funding done right.
Before you say yes to any funding deal, run through this checklist. Ask questions, read carefully, and make sure the agreement gives you the freedom and flexibility you need to keep building your career. With the right partner, funding can open the door to new opportunities and bigger growth. With Breeze, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting: support, transparency, and the freedom to keep creating.
