Posted by Paul Thompson on June 21st, 2011
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.
Posted by Paul Thompson on January 23rd, 2011
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!
Posted by Paul Thompson on January 10th, 2011
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.
Posted by Christina Lopez on July 31st, 2010
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
Posted by Christina Lopez on July 14th, 2010
Some of the most successful small business owners I know started their businesses out of a hobby. It makes sense when you think about it because our hobbies typically revolve around things we’re passionate about, and you need that passion in order to develop a successful business.
Even if you don’t have a hobby per se, you can get inspired to start a business from things you enjoy doing, things you’re really good at, and things that just interest you. The problem is, it can be hard to see the business potential in an everyday activity. It can be helpful to have a brainstorming partner, throwing you ideas and giving you a chance to grab what interests you for further exploration.
That’s my goal with a new series I’ll be starting next week on small business ideas.
Posted by Christina Lopez on July 5th, 2010
Unless you have done it before, incorporating a small business can be an exhausting and overwhelming process. Where to start? What to do next? Where can you find relevant resources?
The article, “How to Incorporate Your Small Business in 7 Steps,” helps to make the process manageable by breaking it down into individual steps. It walks you through the major phases of incorporating your small business from choosing your business name, to naming your directors, to filing the paperwork.
If you’re just beginning the process of forming a corporation, I’d love to hear if the steps outlined in the article are helpful to you. What other information would be useful as you explore incorporating your business?
Photo © forwardcom
Posted by Christina Lopez on June 10th, 2010
Small business owners have some overwhelmingly favorable data on their side. Small businesses represent the vast majority of all businesses in operation, and the small business sector is responsible for nearly all new job creation. Yet, even with these two powerful facts, the small business sector constantly struggles with obtaining adequate credit lines.
The following statistics have been compiled by the National Association of Credit Management and provide a snapshot of the small business sector.