Fundera

DECEMBER 10, 2018

You’ve probably heard it said that “small business is the backbone of America.” But what does that saying mean in practice? How many small businesses are there in this country, and how many people do they employ? Even if you’re a small business owner yourself, it can be hard to understand just how important small businesses are and how much they contribute to the economy—especially since the press focuses much more on the country’s biggest companies.

Small Businesses 105

Small Businesses Law Firms 105

GoCardless

DECEMBER 13, 2018

3 surprisingly straightforward ways everyone can gain access Direct Debit.

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Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Any small business owner knows that entrepreneurship has its highs and lows. When you hit the low points of entrepreneurship, sometimes it helps to read some inspirational quotes from other prominent business owners who have been in your shoes. Here are 53 business quotes from inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders like yourself for the days when the going gets tough. 7 Small Business Quotes on Success.

Small Businesses 97

Small Businesses 97

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

As a small business owner, you know the ins and outs of your company like the back of your hand. So when you need advice to remedy a situation or drive your business forward, it might feel like you’re the only one who’s equipped to do it. However, the right small business association will be there to provide you with the answers, advice, and tools you need to grow your business and become the best small business owner you can be.

Small Businesses 89

Small Businesses 89

Fundera

DECEMBER 8, 2018

There’s a lot that can stunt your business’s growth. Financial problems, inefficient staff, negative reviews, and slumps in the economy are just some of the threats your startup may face. Many business setbacks are out of your control. However, you can safeguard your enterprise by avoiding a few common startup mistakes. 6 Common Startup Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them.

Small Businesses 87

Small Businesses 87

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

To take on the challenge of starting a wine business, you need to be determined, fearless, and passionate about your craft—although owning a vineyard seems romantic, the wine business is a tough one. . Just take a look at the success story behind Russell Bevan of Bevan Cellars. Bevan bought his first 10 acres in Napa Valley’s Sonoma County in 2004, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he got his first 100-point Robert Parker score f or his 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Credit Scoring 85

Credit Scoring Credit Unions Small Businesses 85

Fundera

DECEMBER 14, 2018

8 Genius Marketing Tactics to Boost In-Store Sales. Theme days and events. Flash sales. Partnership with local philanthropy. Click and collect. Retargeting campaigns. Facebook ads. Joint partnerships. Giveaways. Advertising Disclosure: Fundera receives compensation from our partners, which may impact how and where their products appear on our site. .

Small Businesses 81

Small Businesses Transactions 81

Fundera

DECEMBER 10, 2018

As a small business owner, you’ve likely mastered the self-management techniques necessary to be your own boss. If you’ve grown your business enough to require employees of your own, it can be exciting to bring on new members to your team. However, learning to successfully manage others is a unique challenge that takes practice and patience. No matter if you’re a large business or only managing two other people, being in charge of others can challenging — and incredibly rewarding.

Small Businesses 79

Small Businesses 79

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

What Is a Perfect Credit Score? When it comes to personal credit scores, the absolute perfect credit score is 850. Though it may seem impossible, it’s actually totally doable if you’re responsible with your debt and check (and recheck) your credit score often. But a perfect credit score may not be necessary if you have a great or even a good score.

Credit Scoring 75

Credit Scoring Bankruptcy Credit and Collections Default 75

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

The 8 Components of a Business Plan. Executive Summary. Company Overview. Market Analysis. Business Organization. Product Development Plan. Marketing and Sales Plan. Financial Plan and Projections. Appendix. Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to get serious about a business you’ve run for quite some time now, you need a business plan.

Small Businesses 76

Small Businesses 76

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

12 Tips for Selling a Business to a Competitor. Get an Idea of Your Business’s Value. Don’t Let Emotions Get in the Way. Always Proceed With Caution. Try to Get the Most Out of the Deal. Due Diligence Takes Precedence. Know Who You’re Working With. Make Sure You’re Ready to Sell. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. Get What You’re Owed Now. Make Sure You’re The One Driving.

Bankruptcy 75

Bankruptcy Law Firms Transactions Credit Risk 75

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Your First Credit Card: The 5 Best Sources. Your bank. If you’ve had a checking or savings account with a certain bank, this existing relationship will up your odds for qualifying for your first credit card. Credit cards for no credit history. These will take some work to find them, but almost all the major credit issuers offer “limited history” credit cards.

Credit Scoring 75

Credit Scoring Credit Card Companies Deductions Small Businesses 75

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

Entering into a small business partnership can be very exciting. You’ve (hopefully) found someone who shares your vision , works well with you, and has lots of great ideas. Together you feel you have what it takes to make your small business dreams a reality. Whether your partner is a long-time friend or someone you just met last week, it’s a great feeling to find someone you feel you can launch a business with.

Small Businesses 75

Small Businesses 75

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Every business, big or small, strives for more than one-off purchases—they want their customers to become lifers. Often, establishing brand loyalty in your customers means proving to them, over and over again, that your product or service is the best they’ll find. Or, you could cut to the chase and draw in those loyalists through experiential marketing techniques… but what is experiential marketing?

Small Businesses 75

Small Businesses 75

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Is your business also a brand ? Do you create original materials and assets for your business? If so, it’s important that you understand the difference between trademark and copyright? . Brand identity and intellectual property can be just as important as revenue when it comes to your business. Research shows that 43% of customers spend more money at brands they are loyal to, and 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers.

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Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

The Best High-Limit Business Credit Cards. Chase Ink Business Preferred: The best high-limit credit card with a welcome bonus. Chase Ink Business Cash: The best high-limit credit card for cash back rates. The American Express Blue Business Plus: The best high-limit credit card for 0% intro APR offers. As you’re searching for the best business credit card for your business, all the bells and whistles can easily distract you.

Credit Scoring 74

Credit Scoring Transactions 74

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

As a small business owner, you’re always looking for new ways to engage your customers—you want to get them excited about your company, and keep them loyal. Sometimes, that means offering coupons, rewards programs , or even just by using conventional marketing channels like print and digital advertisements. But business giveaway ideas could be a great way to shake up things.

Small Businesses 73

Small Businesses Transactions 73

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Credit scores have become a huge part of our lives. They affect everything from our transportation to our homes—you think they could have at least taught a course on it in school. There’s no question a good credit score is crucial for so many varying parts of our lives, but the questions stands—what is a good credit score? What is the score you need to get the best credit card, mortgage, business loan , auto loan, etc., etc.?

Credit Scoring 71

Credit Scoring Credit and Collections Credit Risk Default 71

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

When Tom Stanley asked William Danko for help studying the affluent in 1973, it began a decades-long collaboration that produced one of the most popular and influential books about money ever written, “ The Millionaire Next Door.” The two PhDs explored what lies underneath everyday millionaires—the rich people among us who don’t overspend but save and invest wisely and have the bank accounts to show for it.

Small Businesses 70

Small Businesses 70

Fundera

DECEMBER 14, 2018

What Is a CPN (Credit Privacy Number)? Credit privacy numbers or credit profile numbers (often referred to as CPNs) are nine-digit numbers promoted online as an alternative to your Social Security number (SSN). In fact, they’re sometimes called secondary credit numbers, or SCNs. With rising concerns about identity theft, data breaches, and online privacy, you might be considering using a credit privacy number.

Credit Scoring 66

Credit Scoring Credit Application 66

Fundera

DECEMBER 10, 2018

What Is IRS Form 940? Businesses with employees file IRS Form 940 to report their obligations under FUTA—the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. Form 940 shows the amount of federal unemployment taxes the employer owed the previous year, how much has already been paid, and the outstanding balance. The form is due January 31, or February 10 for businesses that have already deposited their unemployment taxes in full.

Credit and Collections 65

Credit and Collections Nonprofit Organizations Small Businesses 65

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

What Is Seller Financing? Seller financing is when a business’s original owner offers the buyer a loan to cover a portion of the price of the business. First, the buyer makes a down payment in cash as soon as the deal closes. The seller’s loan covers the remaining amount of the sale price, plus interest, according to the terms set by the lender. Seller financing rarely covers the entire price of a business, so buyers usually use another form of financing in tandem with their seller’s loan.

Credit Scoring 64

Credit Scoring Default Small Businesses 64

Fundera

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Business owners have a lot on their mind, so until the task becomes relevant, we’re sure you aren’t exactly spending free time wondering how to create an invoice. And, even then, for a small business owner using accounting or billing software , the purpose and importance of writing an invoice might not be clear. After all, isn’t creating an invoice just a formality?

Credit and Collections 62

Credit and Collections Default Small Businesses 62

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

When you’re looking for a loan, it usually goes in three phases: r esearching and choosing a loan, applying for the loan and getting approved, and then paying it off. As you’re just starting your loan shopping, chances are you stay mostly focused on the first two phases. You want to understand if you’ll qualify, what you’ll need to apply, and how long before you’ll get the cash.

Credit and Collections 59

Credit and Collections Credit Card Companies Deductions 59

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

When searching for business financing , it’s all about hearing one phrase: “You’re approved.” After a big post-Recession decline, approval rates in small business lending have quickly picked up speed. Large banks are now approving more than a quarter of business loan applications, and small banks are approving half of business loan applications. Low unemployment rates, rising costs for companies, and a general sense of optimism among small business owners have contributed to the surge in lending

Credit Scoring 54

Credit Scoring Small Businesses Deductions 54

Fundera

DECEMBER 14, 2018

American Express Secured Card, Summarized. There is no secured business credit card from American Express, but there is an American Express secured card meant for consumer use—the USAA Secured American Express credit card. The secured AMEX comes with the following features: $35 annual fee. Interest-earning security deposit. Ideal for building credit.

Credit Scoring 49

Credit Scoring 49

Fundera

DECEMBER 14, 2018

When you’re starting your new business, it’s often difficult to know what to do first. There are so many large and small tasks to attend to that you might not think about your small business checking account options right away. But it’s important to make sure you have your finances in order, and to pick a bank that’s right for you. You might be thinking about opening a Bank of the West business account, and want to know what options are right for you.

Credit Unions 49

Credit Unions Transactions Small Businesses 49

Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

Difference Between an Independent Contractor and an Employee. The key difference between an independent contractor vs. an employee comes down to taxes. An employer is responsible for withholding taxes, including income tax, social security tax, and Medicare tax from an employee’s paycheck. An employer is not responsible for withholding taxes from an independent contractor.

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Fundera

DECEMBER 13, 2018

If you are reading this, you’re probably considering setting up an online store with Shopify. Great idea! Shopify is a highly regarded ecommerce platform for its ease of use, abundance of features, and affordable cost. In fact, 10% of all ecommerce businesses in the world host their store on the Shopify platform , including major brands like Budweiser, Tesla, Red Bull, and Nestle.

Credit Card Payments 49

Credit Card Payments Credit and Collections Transactions Small Businesses 49

Fundera

DECEMBER 12, 2018

These days, the business world in general is hyper-focused on all things digital, and the field of business marketing in particular is obsessed with the internet. We’re quick to embrace the latest ways to reach any online audience, and we forget that offline promotion can be equally vital. The physical business card is a powerful tool in that arsenal.

Transactions 49

Transactions 49

Fundera

DECEMBER 9, 2018

If you’re a small business owner, you probably jump any chance you can get to save time and money. And with so many stellar automation tools out there, it’s now easier than ever to cut unnecessary time wasted on manual tasks that can instead be done automatically. If you spend hours chugging away on Facebook with little or no returns, you’ve probably wondered whether your business’s social media can be automated.

Small Businesses 45

Small Businesses 45