Small Business Line of Credit: How to Choose the Right Option

Small Business Line of Credit: How to Choose the Right Option

A small business line of credit helps entrepreneurs maintain  a constant supply of cash to keep up with recurring expenses and the ebb and flow of seasonal changes in business. For the 50% of businesses owner who have experienced cash flow problems, a small business line of credit can be a necessary lifeline. . You may be thinking: “My business is profitable, we don’t need additional cash reserves.” But many businesses with and without cash flow issues keep a line Read More
How to Qualify for Government Contracts

How to Qualify for Government Contracts

Ever wonder how your business can get government contracts? After all, the U.S. government is the largest buyer in the world, with purchases amounting to about $500 billion dollars per year. Government agencies are such a big customer of small businesses that some small businesses make their cash solely off of business from government contracts. And maybe your business can capitalize on this big small business customer, too. Here’s your guide to understanding contracting opportunities with the U.S. government and how Read More
How to Apply for a Free Employer Identification Number (EIN)

How to Apply for a Free Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If you’re a small business owner, or are otherwise self-employed, chances are you’ve heard of an EIN or Employer Identification Number. You may not be clear, however, on exactly what an EIN is, whether you need one or how to go about getting a free EIN if you do. That’s what we’re here for. Let’s walk through the basics, starting with what an EIN is. What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? An EIN is a lot like a Social Read More
What is the Debt-Service Coverage Ratio?

What is the Debt-Service Coverage Ratio?

If you’ve applied for a small business loan before, you’re reasonably familiar with how a lender decides whether or not they want to work with you. Many will want to look at your credit scores (personal and business), business tax returns, monthly bank statements, and more. They’ll want to know how much money you business is bringing in, how much money is going out, and where it’s going. Most lenders will also want to know what existing debt you and Read More
The Best Business Credit Cards of 2018

The Best Business Credit Cards of 2018

Looking for the best business credit cards of 2018? Look no farther. We’ve evaluated business credit cards in various categories so you can choose which one works best for you based on your business spending habits. The Best Small Business Credit Cards Best for cash-back:  Best for travel rewards:  Best for balance transfers:  Best charge card:  Best platinum rewards card:  Best low-fee card:  Best credit builder card: Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Why use a small business credit card? In addition Read More
SBA Loans — What’s the Difference between 7a and 504?

SBA Loans — What’s the Difference between 7a and 504?

Small business owners have a lot of options to consider when it comes to small business loans. From selecting a lender to determining the type of loan you need, the path to financing can be a confusing one. Of the many places you may look, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) can be a great resource for information on loans, and specifically, different SBA loan programs that are exclusively available to small businesses. Of those SBA loan programs, the Read More
Best Business Credit Cards for Startups

Best Business Credit Cards for Startups

As the founder of a budding new company, there are plenty of good reasons for you to consider using a business credit card. Not only can it help you keep personal and business finances separate, it can come in handy covering cash flow, building your credit history, and saving money through various perks and rewards. But what are the best business credit cards for startups? Not all cards are created equal. You’ll want to choose one that best fits the Read More
Business Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Business Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit mishaps happen for a number of reasons, and perhaps one has happened to you. The good news is that there are a few business credit cards for bad credit which will give you the chance to build your business credit so that you can qualify for credit increases or new cards without having your personal credit called into question. (Solid business credit scores can open a number of other doors as well). To save you time, we’ve put together Read More
The Best Small Business Checking Accounts

The Best Small Business Checking Accounts

If you’re looking to grow and sustain your business, opening a business checking account should be at the top of your to-do list. Having a business bank account that’s separate from your personal account allows you to more easily keep track of your money and process financial transactions. But finding the right bank account is crucial. Nav’s 2018 Business Banking Survey showed that 93% of business owners interact with their banking institution on a weekly basis, so choosing a bank Read More
Nav’s 2018 Business Banking Study

Nav’s 2018 Business Banking Study

It’s no secret that a main formula for measuring the health of your business is how much cash you have in the bank. More cash coming in–and less going out–is a shared goal for businesses everywhere. Banks and lenders view the health of your business in the same manner. When you apply for business financing, most lenders will ask to look at your bank statements from the last six months in addition to your profit and loss statement and financial Read More