Business and Financial News

Are you fully taking advantage of all the tax deductions that are available to small businesses? Whether you file your taxes yourself or hire just a bookkeeper, there are many deductions that go overlooked. Here are 10 helpful small business tax deductions that are often overlooked.

1. Tax Preparation Fees

   Did you know that the costs associated with preparing your small business taxes are actually tax deductible? This knowledge can have a big impact not only on your taxes, but whom you choose as your tax preparer.

   Bookkeepers or tax preparers are often extremely busy during tax season and don’t often sit down to offer advice. While tax preparer fees may be cheaper, you could splurge for a CPA or even a Tax Lawyer/CPA who can better qualify your deductions and counsel you about smarter small business tax deductions.

Read more…

Your business dreams are sitting there waiting to be hatched, but money is the issue. On the other hand, your small business is in desperate need of some financial assistance or is looking to expand and needs a little kick in the wallet.

As President Obama pointed out in September regarding the American Jobs Act, everyone understands that small businesses are where the majority of new jobs start.

Whatever your small business situation may be, one of the big questions that all small business owners must deal with at some point or another is how can I go about getting a loan for my company?

In reality, it may be easier than you think, but it is having the patience to deal with all the paperwork, the rejections and so on that leaves many business owners shaking their heads.

In the event you’re seeking a business loan, here are some things to keep in mind:

• While your family and/or friends may seem like a more logical choice to help you begin a business or provide money when necessary to keep the company running or allow it to expand, shy away from this notion. W

Read more…

Trade show marketing can be a great way for your small business to find and open new markets around the country and promote your products to those who are unfamiliar. And while we’ve talked before about the benefits and how to find the right trade show for your industry and product, there are a few trade show tips and secrets that will improve your success.

Here are a few trade show tips that will give you an edge at your next showing:

Booth Design

During small business trade shows, you want to grab the attention of attendees and participants. While your product is the star of the show, a well-designed booth is the stage for your showpiece.

Whether you build your booth space yourself on a budget or pay a specialty shop to construct your booth, keep these elements in mind:

• Walls – First, be sure to color coordinate with all booth elements, starting with the walls. You

Read more…

What is the truth behind small business lending? How difficult is it for US small businesses to get loans today?  How do community banks and their recent failure rates fit in?

FeeFighters, a resource for small business, put together an infographic outlining key facts to such questions.

Even though working online offers few barriers in terms of cost for aspiring entrepreneurs many people still struggle with achieving small business success. You would think with all the internet business opportunities availability that more people would find success online but sadly this is not the case. What is it that seemingly makes it so difficult for the internet business entrepreneur to reach their goals of finding success online in their chosen niche?

Here are 3 significant factors that contribute to the difficulties faced by many when pursuing internet business opportunities.

Passion Blinds Reality

Having passion for what you do is a tremendous asset however it is possible that it can also prohibit you from being more objective in your decision making. Some internet business opportunities may be appealing because of your own personal interest but do not always assume the marketplace shares in your enthusiasm!

Read more…

We take pleasure in announcing that Correda Rizer, the owner of Custom Flipz, is the recipient of the 10th Small Business Grant. With her impressive enthusiasm for providing affordable housing with a “custom” fit that accomates people of all financial backgrounds, she impressed our regulars and stood out amongst many other small business owners. Congratulations on her well-deserved win.

During the final voting round of the grant, Custom Flipz emerged as the leader, with 34% of the votes. Correda was followed by another exceptional business, ChargedUp Media, who got 25.6% of the votes.

Idea Cafe regulars have had their say and distinguished Custom Flipz as the most brilliant business idea. Now we will be contacting Correda to arrange the awarding of the $1,000.00 cash grant.

As a rule, all Idea Cafe grant winners provide monthly reports on how their business is doing since receiving Idea Cafe’s Grant.

Read more…

Most small business owners have limited budgets, so it can take a little extra time and some creativity to make the most of the resources you have available. Add a slow market or a personal crisis to the mix, and getting a handle on your small business finances can seem impossible.

But it is possible, through consistent networking, smart marketing and precise cost-cutting. Gather up your determination, creativity and never-say-quit attitude, and browse these six small business hard time strategies to help get you over the financial slump and onto a bright future.

Photo (c) linusb4