Should CDs be in the mix of finance tools for a SMB?

Cash flow for a business can be a complicated balance of spending versus saving, but here’s a simple idea from the personal banking side that might be useful: stash extra cash in a certificate of deposit (CD). This common retirement tool makes sense to consider as a safe harbor for business funds, too. Not only does it protect revenue from market fluctuations and accidental spending, but it earns interest.

Can you afford a commercial mortgage?

Here’s what to know before you talk to a banker If making the switch from leasing to owning office space is on your mind, deciding if you can afford a commercial mortgage isn’t quite the cut-and-dried question it might seem. A simple loan calculator can’t replace conversations with a smart commercial banker that knows the finer nuances of conventional versus SBA loans. Plus, their review of your cash flow...

This is the smartest way to finance IT equipment that becomes obsolete quickly

How do we finance information technology (IT) equipment? The best option might surprise you. Technology is expensive, and like a new car that drops a hefty chunk of its value rolling off the lot, it becomes less valuable over time. It’s a major expense that needs replacement fairly often and like a new car purchase, there are two ways to finance it: purchased or leased. 

SBA loans every business owner should be aware of

Business loans can be confusing, especially when it comes to the finer nuances of SBA and USDA loans. Therefore, we’ve created an infographic to help clarify the primary differences between a few of the most popular types of loans: SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, which have a government guarantee for the lender through the Small Business Administration, and USDA loans, which are a similar product for rural area growth through...

This is when you should lease equipment, instead of buy

When financing, there are many options to consider – especially when it comes to a high-ticket purchase for new equipment. Do you put it on a line of credit? Get a SBA loan? Finance through a bank or where it’s purchased? Lease instead of buy?

3 smart places to stash cash reserves for your business

  Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Balancing income with expenses, investing money back in the business, using smart financing to grow and understanding how much cash you need to keep on hand and in reserve are key components of its success. Just how much cash to keep in reserve is a delicate balance that should be positively influenced by where it’s kept.

Protecting your money: is your bank account secure?

Behind the scenes of daily banking activity, banks go to great lengths to protect their customers, spending massive budgets on cybersecurity, data encryption and fraud prevention. Protecting customer data is a priority and clearly their measures are working. According to the American Banking Association’s most recent data, banks stopped nearly $17 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2016, a substantial increase from prior years. Debit and credit card fraud accounted...

Dodd-Frank: We’re lobbying hard for your success

Something noteworthy happened last week for the banking community; the very first act of legislation was signed to begin improving the Dodd-Frank Act, a bill intended to protect consumers that went too far. Passed in 2010 as a knee-jerk reaction to the financial crisis of 2007-2008, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act was an effort to improve consumer protections and prevent unhealthy lending practices that influenced...

Is a business line of credit the best loan choice for your small business?

A business line of credit (LOC) is a familiar loan that’s appealing to many because of its flexibility. It can be easily misunderstood, however, so understanding its nuances are important. A discussion with a lender will often determine whether or not it’s the best solution for a borrower’s needs. Other loan products are often better suited. What is a business LOC? While there are several different types of LOCs,...

Can a business with no operating history be approved for a business loan?

Applying for a business loan is no small thing… it requires a substantial amount of paperwork to demonstrate the business is able to repay the loan. Several years of operating history, tax returns, balance sheets and other documents provide valuable insight to reassure a lender that the business is able to handle new debt. So what happens if there is minimal operating history, or if the business is a...