Retail Business Guide (Types of Retail, Getting Funding, and More)
When was the last time you interacted with a retail business? It probably wasn’t long ago. If you’ve walked into a store and purchased an item, you’ve been a retail customer. If you’ve done online shopping, you’ve been a retail customer. Retail businesses are everywhere and play an important role in the economy. By 2022, total global retail sales were valued at a staggering $26.7 trillion! That’s why many people dream of opening a retail business. It doesn’t have to remain a dream. With this ultimate guide to success in opening a retail business, it can be a reality. What…
How to Get a Business Auto Loan
Are you a medium-sized or small business owner looking to grow your operations? If so, a business auto loan could be an excellent option for acquiring company vehicles without tying up your cash flow. If you’re expanding your fleet or just need a single car for daily operations, understanding how business auto loans work can help you make the best financial decision. In this guide, we’ll help break down what a business auto loan is, the eligibility requirements, where to get one, and how to apply. What Is a Business Auto Loan? A business auto loan is a financing tool…
The 8 Best CRM Software for Small Businesses
Finding the right CRM software for your small business can make a world of difference in how you connect with customers, manage relationships, and drive growth. With the right system, you can streamline everything from tracking sales leads and automating marketing efforts to handling customer service interactions—all within one platform. However, the CRM needs of small businesses are unique. Unlike large corporations with extensive budgets and complex requirements, small businesses often look for affordability, ease of use, and features that scale as they grow. This guide will discuss some of the top CRM software options tailored specifically for small businesses.…
Working Capital for Manufacturing Businesses
Running a manufacturing business means dealing with a lot of moving parts—literally and financially. One key to success is having enough working capital to keep day-to-day operations flowing smoothly, from paying suppliers to managing inventory and handling customer payments. But here’s the tricky part: too little working capital can bring everything to a grinding halt while too much working capital can mean you’re not using your financial resources efficiently. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of working capital management, explore the positive working capital ratio, and offer practical tips for improving your company’s financial health. Understanding Working Capital…
Step-By-Step Guide to Establishing Good Business Credit
As an entrepreneur, you need to make sure that you’ve always got access to working capital. This often means taking on a business credit card or loan, which requires a good business credit score. A good credit score can open up a whole new world of opportunities. Whether you need to take out credit now or not, having a positive standing with credit bureaus can help you access opportunities later when needed. This often seems tricky when starting, as you need credit in the first place to build a credit score. However, establishing positive business credit scores is a pretty…
Business Loans for Bad Credit: What Are Your Options?
Starting, and even more importantly, sustaining a small business can be a huge challenge. Often, the biggest hurdle is finance. It can be especially challenging to get the funding you need without a good credit score. That’s why some lenders have introduced business loans for bad credit borrowers, in recent years. But in the world of business loans with bad credit, how do you qualify? Who should you turn to for help, and what can you do to improve your chances of approval? You’ll find the answers to these and other important questions, in this guide to business loans for…
Short-Term Loans 101: Everything You Need to Know
What does a bakery gearing up for the festive season, a bustling coffee shop with a broken espresso machine, and an event planning company that just landed a larger-than-usual gig have in common? They are all examples of small businesses that need a short-term loan. Short-term loans could help them with extra inventory, machine repairs, and additional temporary staff wages. And if your small business has any cash flow gaps or unexpected opportunities, a short-term business loan could solve your problems, too. Welcome to Short-term Loans 101, where you learn everything you need to know for your business. What Is…
What Is an Amazon Loan & How to Qualify
Do you need to boost the cash flow in your small-to-medium-sized business? If you are an eligible Amazon seller, you just might find what you’re looking for in the Amazon lending program. Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, with millions of sellers and a 37.6% e-commerce market share in the United States. The platform’s online sales structure helps countless small businesses to thrive. And Amazon loans help sellers overcome financial barriers so that they can scale their businesses. But exactly what is an Amazon loan, and how do you qualify for it? This guide explains all you need to…
Secured vs. Unsecured Loan: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Small business loans can help business owners with startup costs, expanding operations, purchasing inventory, and funding day-to-day operations. If you’ve already started looking for a loan for your small business, you may have encountered the terms secured and unsecured loans. What is the difference and which of the two is ideal for your business? Knowing the difference between secured and unsecured options can help you select the best one for your business. Secured business loans usually require collateral and may provide larger amounts with lower interest rates. Therefore, they’re ideal if you have assets to back them. Unsecured loans, on…
How to Approach Business Lines of Credit
Have you ever faced an unexpected expense or a sudden opportunity for growth that required immediate cash? These situations are common for small- to medium-sized business owners. That’s where a business line of credit can be incredibly beneficial. Unlike traditional loans, a line of credit gives you access to funds whenever needed. It offers flexibility to cover costs without taking out a large loan upfront. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about business lines of credit. We’ll explore how they work, the pros and cons, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.…
How to Check Your Business Credit Score
Checking your business's credit health is vital for its financial stability and growth. Excellent credit health opens doors to better financing options, competitive interest rates, and stronger partnerships. To learn if your business is credit-healthy, you need to check your business credit score. Business credit scores range from 0 to 100. Your business’s credit score informs lenders as they assess your business’s eligibility for credit products like business loans. A high score indicates that your company pays its bills on time, doesn’t incur too much debt, and is legally compliant. Regularly checking your business credit score helps you build a…
Payroll Software for Small Business: 9 Top Solutions
Managing payroll can be one of the most time-consuming tasks you face as a small business owner. Beyond calculating hours and salaries, you also juggle deductions, taxes, and ever-changing compliance regulations. It’s easy for small errors to sneak in, which could lead to costly penalties and frustrated employees. You want a system that simplifies the payroll process and ensures accuracy and peace of mind. After all, your time is precious, and handling payroll shouldn’t prevent you from focusing on growth and building meaningful connections with your team. This article will discuss the best payroll software options for small businesses like…