get a loan and payback the highest you owe first and then down the line. You're getting the money back in 180 days that's guaranteed. So, just get a loan and start paying people back now.
Highest first is not necessarily the best way to do it. Then you wait longest to make the first payout and have the most number of people who have nothing. I (think) am in the middle so lowest first or highest first does not make much difference to me. I think the best way is to pay out in rounds as you get the money, a percentage. Sure it is more work, but everyone then knows you are serious.
It may be more trouble for the payouts, but we have all been put through trouble as well.