Small Business Trends

So you’ve only got so much to spend? No worries.

If your budget is small, avoid gift cards or cash, and aim for gifts that pack a punch when it comes to value. For example, a bottle of wine may cost less than Read More

This article originally appeared on the OPEN App Center. Visit www.theopenappcenter.com for more information and resources for streamlining and growing your business.

Small business owners like us need to make sure we run tight ships. Spending less can help us weather slowing cash flow; cutting expenses can help realize more profit. The following are Read More

When it comes to buying business gifts, we small business owners don’t have an unlimited budget.  So it’s best to decide right up front how much you can afford to spend per person.

Multiple Approaches

There’s no set number for business gifts.  It varies, depending upon whether you are giving the gift to an employee, or Read More

When’s the last time you applied for a grant? For many small businesses, cash flow is a bigger problem than ever.  During a recession, it’s very difficult to get credit from banks, and getting paid within 30 days is no longer guaranteed–but you still have to pay expenses and salaries.

One way you can reduce this Read More

President Obama’s budget reform commission proposed eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction. This idea has analysts scurrying to estimate the proposal’s economic impact.

Unfortunately, our lawmakers often forget the law of unintended consequences when offering up changes to policies. In this case, our elected officials need to consider how making mortgage interest non-tax deductable will impact small business Read More

As part of my entrepreneurship classes, I teach my students to raise capital. When people find this out, they often ask one question: What’s the most important thing I need to know about raising money?  For entrepreneurs, four lessons are especially important.

1. For most entrepreneurs, seeking outside financing isn’t worth your time. Only a small Read More

Small business owners desire certain things from a business bank — specifically, collaboration, openness and a good working relationship. However, a recent study from consumer satisfaction research firm J.D. Power and Associates reveals those needs are going unmet.

The U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study showed that small businesses’ overall satisfaction with their banks has dropped to 711 Read More

Just as most sources of small business financing have slowed down in the recession, angel financing has gone through some changes, too.

Like all investors, angels became more cautious about their investments. But what long-term effect will this slowdown have? A recent study holds some useful news for small businesses that are seeking this type of financing.

Conducted by the Read More

I don’t recall the first time I was asked about the “cash-to-cash cycle” for a business, but I do remember my surprise when I realized how long it was. The term “cash-to-cash cycle” refers to the time from when the cash outlays start for a new product, until the time that the cash revenues are fully realized (deposited in the bank).

Need extra cash to move your business forward? Maybe you want to hire new people, buy a building, expand your inventory, or take your business to the next level, whatever that may be. Word on the street is that banks have money to lend.

Here are five questions you should consider before you begin Read More