Category Archives: Funding

April 20: How The Angel Investment Process Really Works

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You only get one chance to make a great first impression with angel investors.

In this webinar, Martin Zwilling, founder of Startup Professionals and accredited angel investor, will provide his insights into the world of angel investing when he discusses:

  • Milestones entrepreneurs need to achieve before approaching angel investors
  • Recommended preparation and processes for meetings with investors
  • Timing, preparation and discussion topics for any investor meeting

[ REGISTER NOW ]

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Martin Zwilling Marty Zwilling is the Founder and CEO of Startup Professionals as well as a regular contributor to Forbes and Entrepreneur. In addition to writing “Attracting an Angel,” Zwilling is an an accredited angel investor.

Martin Zwilling

New study finds majority of small businesses unprepared for cash crisis.

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Neva Peterson founded a bookkeeping and consulting business in Las Vegas five years ago, mainly on a shoestring budget, working alone from a home office.

Before the first year ended, she’d grown Neva Knows Business enough to sublet office space, and hire a part-time employee. That employee worked more hours as Peterson brought in additional clients. Soon, it was time to hire again. Business was flourishing, but there were occasional cash shortages when Peterson needed to make payroll.

“Small-business loans are so hard to get,” Peterson says. “It’s practically like donating an organ, you have to jump through so many hoops. And, meanwhile, the clock is ticking.”  Continue reading →

Ask SCORE | Need funding for your small business?

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Small Business Administration loan programs might be the answer. 

Starting a small business takes time, hard work, and money. Depending on your type of business and your present financial situation, you may find you need to reach to outside sources for funding.

One resource you can turn to for assistance in obtaining a loan to start or grow your business is the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). While the SBA does not directly lend money to small businesses, it can facilitate loans with third party lenders. Various banks, credit unions, community development organizations, and microlending institutions throughout the U.S. partner with the SBA to provide funding to small businesses without access to other financing options with reasonable terms.

SBA sets specific guidelines for loans, which are made by its partners, and it guarantees that they’ll be repaid by the borrowers. This benefits small business owners by giving them access to much-needed funding, and it eliminates some of the risk to the lending partners.

To qualify for an SBA loan, your business must meet certain criteria regarding business size, financial standing, and others. You must also meet the credit qualifications of the lender.  Continue reading →

The Secret Weapon That Can Help You Get a Better Business Loan

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by Gerri Detweiler

Carolyn Walters’ small business clients know they can ask her more than just tax questions. While “tax is the heart and soul of what I do,” she says as the owner of Financial Solutions Accounting and Tax in Greensboro, NC, she has expanded her business to offer a variety of different services.

“The challenges that small businesses have usually end up in my lap one way or another,” she says with a chuckle.

Walters wants to be the first resource her small business clients turn to when they have questions about small business financing and credit. “Quite a few of my clients are looking at ways to expand and grow their businesses, and that takes money,” she says.

Some of them have the funds they need to grow, but others will need to borrow. And even those who don’t have to borrow may find it advantageous to do so. “If you can get credit at low rates and still maintain the integrity of the business goals you are trying to accomplish, it may make sense,” Walters says.  Continue reading →

How to find the right investor for your small business.

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By Caron Beesley, Contributor

Although small businesses still turn to credit unions, community banks, and traditional banks for their capital needs, outside equity such as angel investment and venture capital, are  valid options. In fact, the venture and angel capital industries are experiencing a sharp increase in demand thanks to a greater certainty in the domestic economy.

If you’re looking for a private equity firm, venture or angel capitalist to fund your business, what are your options? Below are some tips for identifying the right fit for your needs and taking those important first steps.  Continue reading →

SBA Loans Explained

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By Caron Beesley, Contributor

It’s been a stellar year for SBA lending, which is good news for small businesses.

In FY 2014, the SBA’s flagship loan program, the 7(a) Loan Program, achieved another lending record. By the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30), SBA had approved 52,044 7(a) loans for nearly $20 billion, an increase of 12 percent in the number of loans and 7.4 percent in dollar amount over the previous year.

If you have struggled to get financing in the past or are thinking of venturing into small business loan territory for the first time, you may be wondering what SBA’s loan programs are all about.

By way of introduction to SBA’s loan programs – what they are, who can benefit, and how to apply – here’s a brief explanation.  Continue reading →