Light at the end of the tunnel?

American City Business Journals show small businesses are feeling better about their future.


While most agree the economy has a long way to go, there does seem to be a more optomistic approach and an eagerness to succeed. Small businesses are most concerned about the cost of health insurance and employee benefits. Banking and finance came in second and unemployment came in third.


With the economy and finance a heavy burden for business owners, making sound business decisions is a must. From finding the right financing partner to when and how to grow a business are some of the biggest concerns facing businesses. Local Small Business Development Centers are an excellent outlet for advice. They can advise you on almost every business need. But make sure to explore all your options first and factor in all the risks to make sure the decision is right for you. To read more about the Small Business Development Center visit them at: http://www.ntsbdc.org/.

Getting and keeping a small business

Millions of people dream of owning there own business. Being in control of your own future has great advantages but there are some factors you should consider first.

1. Find a business expert or group of experts that work with start-up and growing companies. They can provide you with education and counseling on the smallest of details when starting or gowing a business.

2. Ask your banker for advice on financing. If he can't help you he may refer you to other resources such as factoring companies or asset based lending firms to help you build your business or at least help with financing solutions.

3. Establish a sound track record with your business. A good credit history is as just as important in business as in personal finance. Make timely payments to suppliers and vendors and take advantage of trade discounts . Ultimately this will pay off when applying for future loans.

4. Be patient. It takes time to establish a solid business and get everything running smoothly.

Despite rumors of an economic recovery businesses continue to find little financing with which to run their companies. This coupled with mis-management or lack of adequate cash flow are the most common reasons for failure.

Consider factoring...
This is one of the best ways to regulate your cash flow and get through the rough times. Factoring can provide you with up to 90% of the value of the invoice and keep your suppliers paid, taxes up to date and employees paid. Factoring programs vary and many will allow you to tailor a program for your comapny's specific needs. Finds one that's right for you today.

Factoring.... the cash of tomorrow

Eighteen months after the almost collapse of the US financaial system we still can't agree on how to fix the problem. Companies continue to fail because little if any financing is available to them especially for growth. Companies who did have financing are now likely to loose it because institutions are cutting back lending dramatically.

So what is a business owner who still needs cash to run his business to do? Believe it or not there are some alternatives. Accounts receivable financing or factoring has become a viable source of financing for all types of businesses. Businesses now take advantage of an immediate steady stream of cash for their business. Factoring companies programs vary in services and price but there is almost certainly one for everyone.

Cash is king

Many small business owners think a good cash base is the way to offset some of the effects of a recovering economy. One good way to create this cash is by increasing a company's cash flow by factoring.

Factoring has become increasingly popular these days among all types of businesses and for good reason. It's fast, dependable and easy to manage. For a small fee a company can get their money up front rather waiting for their customers to pay. Factoring programs differ from institution to institution but for the most part work off an advance and reserve type system. What this means is a percentage of the invoice is paid up front and the balance or reserve less the factor's fee is paid when the factoing company is paid.

So if cash is king for you factoring could be a good option.