For many small businesses, the “off-season” can feel like a forced hibernation. Sales may dip, activity slows, and a sense of uncertainty might creep in. But fear not as this seemingly quiet period is actually a golden opportunity to recharge, strategize, and lay the groundwork for future success. So, ditch the metaphorical blankets and embrace these steps to ensure your business emerges from the off-season stronger than ever. By adopting a proactive and strategic approach, you can not only weather the storm but also emerge stronger and better equipped for sustained growth. Here are some effe ..read more

Preparing for the next year is not just about financial planning. It’s also about taking care of your employees, staying up-to-date with the latest technology, and setting clear goals for your business. Setting clear goals for your business can help you stay focused and motivated and reinvigorate your work during the shortest days of the year. We know there’s a lot you will want to do and accomplish, so consider creating a list of short-term and long-term goals that you want to achieve next year. By setting goals for each of the following areas, you can start the new year well-prepared for th ..read more

Scams impacting small businesses are on the rise. According to a 2023 survey by the National Small Business Association, 59% of small businesses reported being victims of a scam in the past year, up from 48% in 2022. Scams are a serious threat to small businesses, as they can damage their reputation, finances, and operations. Scammers use various tactics to trick businesses into paying money, sharing sensitive information, or downloading malware. We have outlined some common scam tactics and suggestions to help your business prepare and defend themselves.   Here are some of the most ..read more

Small Business Saturday is a celebrated event that supports local businesses and encourages consumers to shop within their communities. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day has grown into a nationwide movement, boosting sales for small businesses during the holiday season. In 2022 alone, according to the Small Business Administration, consumers spent over $17.9 billion on this date, so it’s worth it to see how this event can help your business grow by planning and executing effective strategies. Also, Small Business Saturday isn’t just for retail, as many businesses can promote and b ..read more

Small business owners know that time is money. When you need a loan to cover unexpected expenses, grow your business, or take advantage of new opportunities, every day counts. That’s why speed to fund is so critical for small businesses. What is “speed to fund”?  Speed to fund is the amount of time it takes for a lender to approve and fund a loan. Traditional banks can take weeks or even months to approve and fund a loan, but online lenders can often approve and fund loans in as little as 24-48 hours. Why is speed to fund important for small businesses? There are a number of reasons why ..read more

Securing financing for your small business can be tricky. Particularly when determining which option will be the best fit for your business. Small business loans and business lines of credit are two popular funding choices for small businesses. Understanding the differences and similarities between a line of credit and a business loan can help you decide the best solution for your business. Determining the intent for which your business needs funding and how it plans to use the working capital it receives from those funds is a good starting point. Below, we’ve compiled a general breakdown of ..read more

Strong business credit is a powerful tool for small business owners. A solid small business credit score can signal to banks and online lenders that your business is financially stable, making it an excellent candidate to receive small business financing if needed. Business credit has the potential to either help your business with financial goals or hinder your business opportunities. Small business owners need to understand what business credit is, how to establish credit, and how to improve their business credit score to increase opportunities and successfully grow their business. Thankfu ..read more

As a restaurant owner, your business needs financing to keep it afloat. As a financing company, we know that’s not always easy. Many restaurants can find cash flow management to be a challenge. However, there’s a solution. Merchant cash advances are an alternative to a loan that provides your restaurant with flexible financing in the event of an unforeseen emergency or sales slump. Think of it like a short-term financial reboot. Here’s how a merchant cash advance can bridge the gap between now and your restaurant’s next big break. Table of Contents What Is a Merchant Cash Advance? A merchan ..read more

Whether your small business is facing financial hardships or it’s just the right time to expand, the key ingredient most companies are missing to help grow their business is working capital. Luckily, many alternative business funding options can help small businesses grow out of financial hardships and expand. We’ve compiled a list of the top alternative business funding options that your small business can take advantage of to help grow your business now. Table of Contents What Is Alternative Financing? Alternative financing refers to any small business loan, advance, or another type of co ..read more

Over the years, many women-owned and operated small businesses had to fight to be recognized and respected in the world of business. Countless women business owners face significant obstacles in starting and financing their businesses. If you’re looking to launch or want to grow an existing business, you don’t have to do it alone. Today many of the women who’ve made a name for themselves are creating programs, networks, and platforms designed to encourage the growth of female business ownership. Here are nine fantastic resources that can help guide and aid women business owners. Table of Co ..read more