A report from the Conference Board released this week indicates that labor shortages could be a reality for hundreds of occupations in the coming years. Occupational and physical therapy, plant operators and nurses all fall onto the Conference Board’s list of nearly five hundred occupations that could be at risk for a labor shortfall in [...]
Small business owners continue to feel the pinch of the recession as, despite improvements in lending, banks are still restraining their small business lending. More small business loans were made in May 2014 than in November 2007, according to the PayNet Small Business Lending Index. However, the rising number does not factor in the increase [...]
If you are thinking of starting a small business, your location is one of the largest indicators of your success. The cities that make top-ten lists boast common features that are significantly related to advances in technology, as well as existing groups of small businesses that create an even more small business-friendly environment. Other factors [...]
The Small Business Lending Index reflected a growth in small business lending that suggests further improvements in the economy. Small business borrowing reached 117.2 on the index in January, outpacing borrowing in January 2013 by four percent despite falling from December’s numbers and reports of slowed business due to a series of winter storms. Increases [...]
Spring is nearly here, and with it comes tax season! For small business owners, determining which taxes to file can be daunting – especially if it’s your first time navigating the business side of the IRS. Below, we break down the different business taxes to help you figure out what you need to file. Income [...]
Social media is a fast, inexpensive way to market your small business to potential clients. With new platforms emerging all the time and established platforms making business-friendly changes, there is no better time to incorporate social media into your marketing strategy. Before jumping in, however, it is important to develop a social media plan. Use [...]
Small business owners have had a difficult time securing the funds to run their companies over the last several years. Though the lending market is slowly recovering, businesses that need working capital quickly still may not be able to meet banks’ strict criteria for small business loan approval. Fortunately, accounts receivable factoring is available in [...]
Obtaining working capital is no simple task for many small business owners, especially newly launched companies. Though tough, finding a funding source is not impossible. Procuring traditional loans is a difficult task because of the stringent qualifications they carry, while other businesses may not be able to afford high interest credit cards. Luckily, several [...]
Mastering your marketing efforts will ensure that your product or service stands out and keep your customers coming back. But there are mistakes that any small business should avoid when implementing its marketing strategy. Make sure your company doesn’t fall victim to these errors: The Marketing Mix Product • Your product isn’t what customers truly [...]
It appears that small businesses aren’t getting the financial help they formerly received from credit unions. A recent small business lending report shows that bank loan approvals, though low, have risen a full 7% within between May 2012 and May 2013. On the other hand, the approval percentage for small business loans has plummeted [...]