January, 2016

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How This Business Hit the Million Dollar Mark—in Under 4 Years

Fundera

When Jason Daniels was 18 years old, he saw an ad in the newspaper for electrical work. The job offered $7.50 an hour: well over the $5 an hour he was currently making. Although he had no experience in electrical work, that didn’t stop him from applying. Little did he know that this one decision, inspired solely by finances, would change his entire career trajectory.

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Loan-pricing models: What to consider

Abrigo

Financial institutions that structure and optimize pricing for loans are able to make sure they are adequately compensated for the risk they are taking. Instead of pricing loans based on a “gut feel” or a request to match or beat competitors’ rates, institutions that utilize loan-pricing models incorporate a more methodical approach. Benefits of loan pricing This methodical approach can help ensure the best loan and terms are matched to the borrower so that the financial institution makes the sa

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How FinTech can help accountants & business advisers: free e-Guide

GoCardless

Have you ever stopped to think how software could improve your accountancy practice? Our free e-Guide discusses how FinTech add-ons can help your practice become efficient.

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New eGuide—The Small Business Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs

Fundera

Entrepreneurship remains a male-dominated game. Only 38% of entrepreneurs in the US are women—and even fewer run their own small businesses abroad, in the UK and Germany. This is a big issue: entrepreneurship encourages good ideas, creates employment opportunities, and generates wealth for the global economy. The more entrepreneurs we have, the better off we all are.

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PayPal Working Capital vs. Square Capital: What You Need to Know

Fundera

When you’re a small business owner seeking capital, being able to get financing from a source you know and trust is a big plus. Two popular payment-processing services that many small business owners rely on now offer small business loans, too. Here’s a closer look at business loans from PayPal Working Capital and Square Capital. PayPal Working Capital.

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The 51 Best Finance Apps for Small Business Owners

Fundera

One of the best parts of owning a small business? You get to have a hand in every pot. Whether that means creating a marketing plan, overseeing employees, managing inventory, checking equipment, dealing with financials, or coming up with the big idea in the first place, you’re the jack of all trades. But that’s also one of the greatest challenges, too.

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SBA Loans: Myth vs. Reality

Fundera

If you’re a small business owner looking for working capital to grow your business, you’ve probably come across information on SBA loans. A quick Google search shows some of the most widely-held beliefs about this funding option. “ The typical SBA loan process is cumbersome and often disappointing. ”. “ SBA loans are expensive, and it’s like pulling teeth to get one. ”.

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How This Small Business Owner Is Keeping the Art of Photography Alive

Fundera

Denton Camera Exchange from The Vision Beautiful on Vimeo. Armand Kohandani doesn’t just buy and sell cameras. He’s a proud member of a growing creative community in Denton, Texas that’s breathing life into the art of photography. When Armand opened Denton Camera Exchange, his inventory was small, but his goal was clear: “I wanted to create a business that would serve the creative community in town, instead of compete against it,” he explains.

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There’s No Business Like the Wedding Planning Business

Fundera

It pays to keep calm and carry on. In fact, these very qualities have literally helped generate a growing income stream for Eileen Kaden Dean, owner of a successful wedding planning business in the New York City and New Jersey area. “To be successful in this business, you have to stay calm and realize that a wedding emergency isn’t your emergency.

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Progress Billing: How to Effectively Invoice Clients So You’re Always Getting Paid

Fundera

For businesses that engage in projects with long timelines and large budgets, it can be pretty difficult to identify the fairest way to invoice clients. On the one hand, clients don’t want to cut huge checks before any work has been completed. But from a vendor’s perspective, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to keep up with the overhead costs of completing a large-scale project without any cash coming in the door.

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Here’s How Short-Term Lenders Use Your Bank Statements—and Why You Need to Know

Fundera

If you’re a small business owner who needs fast capital, short-term lenders might be the answer to your prayers. Unlike traditional banks, short-term lenders typically ask for minimal documentation when you apply for a loan, making the application process much easier and quicker. But if you own a seasonal business whose income goes through extreme ups and downs throughout the year, there’s one hitch to the otherwise straightforward application process.

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50 Small Business Bloggers You Should be Following on Twitter

Fundera

As a small business owner, you’ve got quite an inventory of different “hats” to wear, and we’re not talking sombreros or berets. While you might have team members leading marketing, finance, and customer experience efforts, and feel comfortable that they’ve got it handled, it’s important for you as the owner to be educated in each area of your business.

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How These Business Owners are Changing The Neighborhood They Call Home

Fundera

Partners William Meek and Erik Archambeault were working 9-to-5s in Chicago, grinding along, when the life they knew came to a crossroads. AT&T, where Archambeault worked, was moving their business from Chicago to Dallas. Archambeault and Meek had the choice to move with the company, or Archambeault could take a severance, allowing the two to stay in Chicago.

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The True Cost of that Latte: Is Starbucks Killing Your Cash Flow?

Fundera

As a business owner, it feels good to dine out using your business credit or debit card. You worked hard for that money, you deserve. But, it’s all too easy to quickly deplete your bank account with purchases that aren’t mission-critical to your business operations. For example, you may not think twice about fueling up with daily double lattes at Starbucks and lunchtime sandwiches at your favorite deli.

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If You Owe Uncle Sam Money, You Might Have to Think Twice About Getting a Business Loan

Fundera

If you’re banking on getting a small business loan but owe the federal government taxes, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. Not paying your taxes and owing Uncle Sam money is a big no-no in the business world. Even worse, this could lead to the government slapping a tax lien on your business, meaning you might have a tough time getting that business loan.

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18 Best Small Business Forums To Talk With Other Business Owners

Fundera

Small business owners, by the very nature of running a small business, don’t have the luxury of a big network of like-minded professionals. Everyone has their own niche, interests, or business plan—so where can you turn for advice, feedback, and even commiseration? Whether you’re just starting a business or growing it into its next stage, you’d benefit from having somewhere to discuss issues and find solutions.

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What Karate Can Teach You About Running a Small Business

Fundera

Hiro Karate: A Small Business Revolution Mini-Documentary from The Small Business Revolution on Vimeo. “Who’s going to win? Is it going to be your weaknesses, or is it going to be your strengths?” That’s the question guiding Hiroshi Allen, a small business owner and founder of martial arts school Hiro Karate. “I run my business like I would train as an athlete,” says Hiroshi, who operates his dojo with the same discipline he’s acquired practicing and competing in karate his entire life.

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These Entrepreneurs Share Their Secret to Starting a Business With Your Best Friend

Fundera

Brio Solutions is a thriving software consulting firm in Philadelphia, PA. By building applications to increase internal efficiency, Brio Solutions brings cloud-based solutions to life for hundreds of small businesses. It’s no surprise that Brio Solutions was named one of the Philadelphia 100 4 years in a row —a list of the 100 fastest growing companies in the Greater Philly area.

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When Does Short-term Debt Make Sense?

Fundera

There’s a reason why the old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is so prevalent—because access to capital is the lifeblood of any business, and small businesses in particular. This concept is never more apparent than when a company is on the verge of an exciting revenue-generating opportunity, but can’t make it work because it lacks the funds.

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VA Small Business Loans: Here’s Where to Find Them

Fundera

Determination. Discipline. Self-confidence. Leadership skills. These qualities are a part of every veteran’s military training experience. They’re the traits that allowed soldiers and marines to survive on the battlefield, equipped naval and air force servicemen to achieve their missions, and emboldened coast guards and reservists to keep our country safe.

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SBA Loans for Women: The Key to Securing Funds for Female Entrepreneurs

Fundera

If you’re a female business owner searching for financing, you may be able to score funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA, which offers several loan programs, is actively working to boost SBA loans for women. Last year, SBA loans under the agency’s flagship 7(a) loan program were up 22% for women, and hit an overall record $23.5 billion in lending dollars.

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6 Terrible New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners

Fundera

Happy New Year! Time to turn over a new leaf and make this a banner year for your small business. But wait… You resolved to do what this year? 1. “This year, I’ll do it all myself.”. Got this one here. Hiring help can have a profound impact on the growth of your business. Delegating tasks—especially tasks you hate or those outside your expertise—frees you up to lead and improve your business. 2.

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Why Your Sales Are Growing—But You’re Losing Money

Fundera

Many new business owners begin with two primary goals: make a profit and grow a business. And these goals seem pretty closely connected, too. After all, a growing business is a profitable business, right? Not always. While it might sound counterintuitive, more sales don’t always equate to greater profits. In fact, the demands and stresses that come with organic sales growth can seriously depress profits—or, in the worst case scenario, even cost a business money or ruin its future viability

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Why Certain Small Business Lenders Will Only Work With Profitable Businesses

Fundera

If you’re a small business owner looking to borrow money, you might be uneasy about whether you’ll qualify for credit, especially if you own a business that doesn’t appear to be profitable. While it’s true that certain small business lenders only work with profitable businesses for certain types of business credit, other lenders are more flexible. Here’s what you need to know about business profitability and borrowing money.

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Fundera Fireside Chat: How Profitability on Your Tax Returns Affects Your Loan Chances

Fundera

This week’s Fireside Chat: Meredith Wood, Editor-in-Chief, sits down with Colleen Fitzgerald, Account Manager, to discuss how profitability on your tax returns will affect your loan options. Why is profitability important? What does it have to do with your tax returns? Which types of lenders care about profitability? And how can knowing all of this help you grow your business?

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The Legal To-Do List Every Business Owner Needs to Memorize

Fundera

You’re working around the clock to bring your new venture to life, when something dawns on you: this stuff is confusing. Especially all the finicky legal details—with so many things to do as a new business owner, how can you keep track of it all? In this post, you’ll learn how to get a handle on the most important legal tasks, so you and your business can keep taking the world by storm. 1.

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10 Words of Advice from the People Making Loan Decisions

Fundera

Ask the Underwriter: Ever wonder what exactly goes on in the heads of your loan underwriters? (You know, those people actually making the final decision about whether you and your small business qualify for funding—and if so, for how much?) We sat down with Steve Freshour, Director of Credit at Dealstruck , and Chris Capecelatro, Senior Underwriting Manager at Funding Circle , to get some advice on your behalf.

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Great Places to Find Small Business Loans for Minorities

Fundera

If you’re a minority small business owner, you might’ve learned the hard way that equal opportunity doesn’t always apply to small business loans. The Problem. A recent study coauthored by a Brigham Young University business professor recruited nine people—three black, three Hispanic, and three white—to act as “mystery shoppers” and apply for $60,000 small business loans.

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If Interest Rates Rise, How Will Alternative Lending Be Affected?

Fundera

When the Federal Reserve increased interest rates on December 16th, 2015, borrowers and alternative lenders might have felt a twinge of unease. After all, investors who’ve been funding these lenders can now earn a higher rate through traditional banks. So will investors and big banks celebrate rising interest rates while alternative lenders and borrowers worry about going out of business?

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How This Vet Saved His Business $3,000 a Month

Fundera

After high school, Brian Williams felt the drive to do something more. Something important. This desire, along with an itch to work immediately, inspired him to join the army. And it proved a good choice—not only did Williams serve his country, but he picked up a real knack for working with electronics, which would one day lead him down the path to entrepreneurship.