4 Common Small Business Spending Mistakes

4 Common Small Business Spending Mistakes

Running a business isn’t always easy, and there are various challenges that can halt or reverse growth however, few are as dangerous as those that directly impact your finances. Fortunately, you can mitigate financial risk by taking control of your spending and monitoring cash flow.   Here are four common small business spending mistakes as well as a few suggests to help you avoid them.   4 Common Small Business Spending Mistakes 1. Failure to separate business from personal expenses Read More
15 Expert Tips for Scaling Your Small Business

15 Expert Tips for Scaling Your Small Business

When you’re serious about growing your small business it makes sense to get the best advice possible. You can do that even if money is tight by tapping the expertise of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) advisors and consultants. SBDCs are funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDC Centers offer free consulting and free or low-cost training. (Find yours here.) Their results speak for themselves: SBDC clients grow sales Read More
This Entrepreneur Financed Her Business With a Side Hustle

This Entrepreneur Financed Her Business With a Side Hustle

Charlie Heck is the founder of Checkmark Creative, a marketing boutique that works with small businesses to tell their stories through social media, website design, and infographics. “We take really complex material and make pretty little Facebook and Instagram posts out of it,” explained Heck. After a job loss, Heck found a non-traditional way to save money to start her business and fund a cross-country move. Starting Out Why did you start your business? I was raised in a small Read More
Do I Really Need to Use a Separate Business Credit Card?

Do I Really Need to Use a Separate Business Credit Card?

Using a credit card for business expenses can be a convenient way to get some extra time to pay off expenses, and can also make it possible to get rewards and benefits every time you swipe. In general, though, it’s always a good idea to use a separate credit card for business expenses as you do for personal expenses. Here’s why. Separating personal and business expenses As the saying goes, you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. While that might not Read More
Personal Credit Cards vs. Business Credit Cards

Personal Credit Cards vs. Business Credit Cards

You’re probably already familiar with the way personal credit cards work. As a business owner, you might have opened a credit card account or two for your company as well. Yet while the pieces of plastic you carry in your wallet may look similar, personal credit cards and business credit cards have some key differences. Here are four important facts about personal and business credit cards that you should know. Personal Cards vs. Business Cards 1. Business credit cards might Read More
Best Financing Options for Farmers

Best Financing Options for Farmers

Whether you’re a vibrant, family-owned operation, or you want to try a small crop for the very first time this year, the allure of farming spans generations and is an integral part of our country’s most rewarding history. As the daughter of farmers, I understand what a personal commitment the occupation is; it can be also very, very expensive. How can a start-up farming operation get rolling when large corporations have a market advantage? What funding options are available for Read More
This Hemp Oil Company Found Success Partnering with Retailers

This Hemp Oil Company Found Success Partnering with Retailers

Todd Morrow is devoted to bringing more “green” into the lives of Americans. But, not the type of green you’ll see on St. Patrick’s Day! Morrow is the CEO of HempMeds, the first pipeline to make products containing CBD hemp oil legally available across the United States. The company sells CBD-based products like raw oils and skincare solutions direct to consumers and through retailers and wholesalers. Morrow says the business has grown through word of mouth, even within his family. Read More
5 Low-Interest Business Credit Card Alternatives

5 Low-Interest Business Credit Card Alternatives

If you have good personal credit, it’s relatively easy to qualify for a business credit card. But if you’re planning to finance large expenses over time, using a credit card can get expensive. Here are some alternatives to consider that may offer lower interest rates, or won’t charge interest at all. 1. Small business loan If your business has been around for a while and has good financials, you may be able to qualify for a small business loan. Banks Read More
Can I Get a Business Credit Card Without a Social Security Number?

Can I Get a Business Credit Card Without a Social Security Number?

A business credit card is designed to help you keep your business and personal expenses separate, so it can be surprising to find out that business credit card issuers ask for a Social Security number when you go through the application process. There’s a good reason for this request, but, fortunately, you may be able to get around it if you don’t have a Social Security number. Here’s what you need to know. Why credit card issuers require a Social Read More
How to Lease a Car Through Your Business

How to Lease a Car Through Your Business

Leasing a car or truck under your business name, instead of through a personal credit profile, is gaining in popularity among even the smallest of companies. Some business owners like the idea of having newer cars to drive to meetings and events. Others don’t like putting so much wear and tear on their personal vehicles and have deemed the IRS’ standard mileage deduction to be not as rewarding as deducting straight expenses. Still, others are hoping to expand a sales Read More