Insights into the world of small business lending and development

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Why franchising is a good idea even if you are happily employed

You might be perfectly content at work. Maybe you like your co-workers, your boss is a great person, the company seems to be doing really well and you are totally satisfied with your current salary.

If this describes you, than we just have one thing to say: You should join a franchise.

This may seem counterintuitive. After all, why would you leave a job you’re perfectly happy with to take a risk on business ownership? There are actually several reasons why you should do this:

1. No job is safe.

You are just one economic downturn away from losing your jo...

The Export-Import Bank of the United States 101: Protecting small business exporters and driving economic growth

Are you one of the 300,000 U.S.-based small businesses that export your products and services to international markets? Do you know there are ways to protect your company’s assets from non-payment by foreign buyers and to improve your cash flow?

Established in 1934, the Export-Import Bank of the United States is an independent federal government agency whose mission is to support U.S.-based jobs by facilitating the export of U.S.-produced goods and services. EXIM Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States and fills in the gaps when private sect...

USBC shares how to support black entrepreneurs during Black History Month and throughout the year

This post originally appeared on Small Business Majority.

We are proud to partner with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.(USBC), a national organization that promotes economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs through advocacy work and by providing resources and tools. USBC is the umbrella organization for over 100 Black Chambers and small business associations through the country that deliver local support to small business owners. In honor of Black History Month, we talked with USBC President Ron Busby to share insight into tools and resources that c...

Need to fix your credit? Do it like a financial pro (for free) with this self-guided video series

This post originally appeared on the blog of our partner, CDC Small Business Finance.

Are you looking into a small business loan? Before filling out an application, you’ll want to know whether you have a high enough credit score to qualify for financing. And if your score is not quite there yet, don’t give up — you have the power to fix your credit yourself.

Believe it or not, you don’t need a credit-repair company to spot and correct common credit issues. Financial experts with proven methods will walk you through this very process in this five-part video series, produc...

Finance 101: How to build wealth as a small business owner

This is the fourth post in a series on the basics of small business finances. Check out our posts on small business bank accounts, small business credit cards and accounting software. Stay tuned for future posts in this series.

Hopefully you’ve been reading other posts in this series, designed to help you navigate the early steps you need to establish your small business finances. But once you have a bank account, a credit card, an accounting system and your finances are running smoothly, what’s next? While it might take you several years of operation to feel like you’r...

How to make the most of your relationship with your mentor or mentee

As a small business owner, your relationships with your community and your peers are essential to your success. Your fellow business owners can provide much needed support and advice as you grow your small business. This is why many new entrepreneurs turn to a mentor who has already paved their own path. But, a successful mentorship takes effort. Here are some tips on how to have a successful mentor-mentee relationship.

4 ways to make the most of your mentorship

1. Have open communication. A good mentor-mentee relationship has open and honest communication. As a...

Small business owners: Ask yourself these 5 essential financial planning questions to ensure you're on the right track

This post orginally appeared on the blog of our partner, CDC Small Business Finance.

If you’re a business owner, money matters are often top of mind. Is my company bringing in enough revenue? Will I have enough saved up for retirement? How much will I owe in taxes this year?

Handling it all may seem insurmountable. But with the right financial planning and experts on your side, you’ll be able to stay on top of your short-term and long-term priorities. This includes everything from the day-to-day management of your business to your well-deserved retirement.

How to turn your idea into a business

Do you have a great idea for a new business and want to start your journey as an entrepreneur? Starting a business can seem like a daunting task and you might need some help figuring out if you’re ready to turn your idea into a reality. Watch our video for tips to help you determine if your business idea has legs.

Finance 101: Navigating small business accounting software

This is the third post in a series on the basics of small business finances. Check out our posts on small business bank accounts and small business credit cards, and stay tuned for future posts in this series.

Our earlier posts in this series covered small business bank accounts and credit cards, underscoring how important it is to keep your personal and business accounts separate. Another important step in formalizing your small business finances is devising a bookkeeping or accounting system that works for your small business. While some people might be able to come up wit...

Are you ready for Small Business Saturday?

This Saturday, November 24, is Small Business Saturday! It’s a great occasion to kick off your holiday marketing and get customers in the door. While small businesses may not have access to expensive marketing gimmicks, you can make up for it in creativity and excellent customer service, and utilize the many resources available to small business owners.

You probably already know that the Small Business Administration and American Express partner to release holiday marketing materials for small business owners, and you can easily personalize these resources to your business. Check...

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