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Small Business Cents

Selecting a Small Business Accountant

11-04-2009 09:40 AM

Many small business owners do their finances and taxes on their own, so you may ask: why should I find an accountant? The reason: no matter what stage your small business is in, you can benefit from a having an accountant on your side. Read more...

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Will That Be Cash or Credit?

11-03-2009 01:17 PM

"Cash only" businesses still exist in today's society but are they missing out? Check out this guide to the pros and cons of accepting cash vs. credit. Read more...

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Merchant Accounts – Frequently Asked Questions about Accepting Credit and Debit Card Payments

10-27-2009 06:21 PM

Want to accept credit and debit card payments? You'll need to set up a Merchant Account. Don't know how? Check out this guide for frequently asked questions about Merchant Accounts. Read more...

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Credit and Debit Cards: To Accept or Not to Accept

10-20-2009 09:39 AM

Should your business accept debit and credit cards? What are the costs and benefits? Choosing to accept debit and credit card payments is a big step but often necessary in running a successful business. It is important to be aware of all the benefits, downfalls, and laws that regulate their use. Read more...

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Charitable Giving and the Tax Benefits for Small Businesses

10-13-2009 11:04 AM

Many small businesses participate in charitable giving in one form or another. If your business is considering or has participated in charitable giving, you may be entitled to tax benefits. Read more...

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Paying the Boss: 4 Tips for Setting Your Own Salary

10-06-2009 01:29 PM

As the owner, setting your own salary can be a tricky task, especially in markets that see highs and lows. Here are a few tips to help you successfully "pay the boss"... Read more...

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Considering a Business Credit Card?

09-29-2009 10:14 AM

Many established small business owners agree that using a business credit card - rather than a personal credit card - for business purchases makes good financial sense. Here's a quick guide on what you need to know when applying for a business credit card. Read more...

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Gulf Opportunity Pilot Loan Program

09-25-2009 06:15 PM

Although Hurricanes Katrina and Rita took place several years ago, efforts to provide relief to the devastated communities still continue. In an effort to provide a program beyond the traditional realm of disaster relief, SBA implemented the Gulf Opportunity Pilot Loan Program (GO Loan Pilot). Originally implemented as a temporary program in November 2005, this program was recently extended through September 30, 2010. Read more...

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Business Records – Save Money & Time by Going Paperless

09-22-2009 12:01 PM

In recent times, many business owners have cut costs and improved their operational efficiency by going paperless. If this is something you've considered or have already implemented, check out these this quick guide to going paperless. Read more...

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I Need Money - Where do I get it?

09-15-2009 02:42 PM

Each day, the Loans, Grants, and Taxes forum is filled with posts asking for general help in finding money for small businesses. The type of business and financing need varies, but the bottom line remains the same - business owners need money and they're looking for as much guidance as possible in getting it. Well this week you're in luck because we're dedicating this article making sure you know what we know... Read more...

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Equipment Leasing: Weighing the Pros and Cons

09-08-2009 05:51 PM

Most business owners work to save as much money as possible during the startup of their business. While it may be easy to do without certain luxuries, there are some unavoidable costs that have to be paid one way or another. Acquiring the equipment necessary to run your business is one of those costs. Although leasing is not right for everyone, it is a good alternative to buying equipment, and in some situations it can a be just what your business needs to succeed. Read more...

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Selecting the Right Bank for Your Small Business

09-01-2009 12:08 PM

Choosing a bank for your business can be an overwhelming and frustrating process, but it can also have a big impact on your success. Whether you find yourself having too many choices or not enough, it's important make an effort to find the bank that makes the most sense for your business. Read more...

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Additional Stimulus Funds and New Lenders for SBA’s Microloan Program

08-25-2009 11:11 AM

On August 19th SBA issued a press release announcing the addition of funding to the Microloan Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, also known as the economic stimulus package) Read more...

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The Six Steps to Buying A Bankrupt Business

08-18-2009 08:37 PM

During difficult economic times, it's not uncommon to see a business forced to file for bankruptcy. True to the phrase, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" a change in ownership may breathe new life into a failing business. Read more...

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Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business

08-11-2009 01:23 PM

Whether you keep your books on paper, through computer software, or hire an accountant or bookkeeping expert, proper bookkeeping practices are important to the operation and survival of any business. To help business owners have a better understanding of smart bookkeeping practices, we've compiled a quick guide on the basics. Read more...

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Our Plans to Expand the Loans & Grants Advisor

08-06-2009 09:51 PM

The scope of the Loans & Grants Advisor is expanding to include additional financial information relevant to the small business community. Read more...

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The Fine Print: Business Loan Terms

08-04-2009 04:11 PM

Most people can tell you that obtaining a loan can be a lengthy process that requires a great deal of paperwork. It's easy focus on the loan's key areas and most importantly, approval. What's less clear is what actually make those documents so long. What is in the fine print? Read more...

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How Much is My Business Worth?

07-28-2009 02:05 PM

Placing a value on your business's worth can be a difficult task with no clear path to an accurate answer. It is prudent to seek professional advice when trying to determine the best valuation method for your business , but even before you speak to an expert, you should have a good understanding of what can be a very complex topic. Read more...

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I'm Applying for a Loan. How Do I Know if I Have Enough Collateral?

07-21-2009 10:32 AM

For most lenders, a great credit score will only get you so far. Whether entrepreneurs try to take advantage of using business credit, or rely solely on their personal credit scores, at one point or another they will be required to show some form of business loan collateral. Read more...

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I know My Personal Credit Score...But What about My Business Credit Score?

07-14-2009 01:26 PM

Your credit score can either be a blessing or a curse when it comes to functioning in today's society. Fortunately for entrepreneurs, you have the unique opportunity to build and maintain business credit in addition to your individual credit score. Read more...

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Seller Financing – A Flexible Alternative for Small Business Sellers and Buyers

07-09-2009 01:38 PM

Seller financing can be a flexible, mutually-beneficial process for both the sellers and buyers in a small business sale, especially when cash or traditional lending is hard to obtain. Read more...

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A Quick Guide to Microloans

06-30-2009 12:13 PM

Money money money...these days, it's all about the money. Who's got it, where can you get it, how can you get it, and how to spend it? Well if you're a small business and are looking for just a small amount of money, a microloan might be just what you're looking for. Read more...

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Community Development Block Grants - How Do They Benefit Businesses?

06-23-2009 12:13 PM

Community Development Block Grants are annual Federal grants to state and local governments that fund a wide range of economic development projects. Some of these grants help small businesses through loan, grant, and technical assistance programs. Read more...

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Grants.gov – What’s in it for Businesses?

06-16-2009 12:52 PM

In the last blog post, the Truth About Government Grants, we explained why people are having so much trouble finding small business grants. We also pointed to the main web portal for finding grants available from the Federal government: Grants.gov. In this post we follow up with what Grants.gov is, and what’s available to non-profit and for-profit organizations. Read more...

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The Truth About Government Grants

06-12-2009 01:16 PM

“Where can I a get a small business grant?” is the single most common request asked by small business owners. And the answer is probably this single most frustrating one an entrepreneur hears, but here it goes, because it is worth repeating... Read more...

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Venture Capital & Equity Capital Programs

06-03-2009 10:41 AM

If you plan on being the next Apple, Google, or Genentech, venture capital is a viable financing option. Venture capital refers to investments made into start-up or emerging companies with high potential for growth and return. Venture capitalists not only provide money, but also business planning expertise and assistance to help start-ups succeed in its industry. Read more...

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Applying for a Business Line of Credit

05-12-2009 11:19 AM

Are you looking for a loan that can help you with short-term working capital? Find out more about a Business Line of Credit Loan, how to apply, and what you should use it for. Read more...

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Loans for Business Owners with Poor Credit Scores

04-29-2009 10:57 PM

During this credit crunch some business owners not only taking an unavoidable hit on their credit access but also on credit scores too. Learn about some loan programs for small business owners with less than ideal credit. Read more...

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Green Tax Incentives

04-14-2009 01:11 PM

Business owners are increasingly finding that energy management is good for the planet and good for business. Whether you’re replacing old equipment with more sufficiently options, or outfitting your facility in solar panels, you can take advantage of energy efficient incentives. Read more...

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Financing for Women and Minority Entrepreneurs

04-02-2009 07:55 PM

Loans and grants are available to help women and minorities start and grown their businesses. These opportunities are designed to maximize the potential of women and minority entrepreneurs and promote sustainability in the business community. Read more...

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About Small Business Cents

The official word on small business grants, loans, and finance

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