This article was reviewed and updated on August 17, 2020 How do you apply for an EIN? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a completed Form SS-4 to receive an EIN. We can help you get your employer identification number, right here, right now. Just answer a few questions required by the IRS—the whole process takes a few minutes. Once you’ve completed the application, you can file the application online, in the mail, or fax it in yourself. If you’re… Read More

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

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

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

Even if you run a low-risk company, business insurance is something you’ll need to consider along your journey as a business owner. As your company grows it will inevitably take on more risk, and business insurance becomes something you need to secure before it’s too late. But what coverage does your business need? There are dozens of different insurance policies or packages that you could end up with, so it’s easy to be under- or over-insured. Do your due diligence… Read More

This article was reviewed and updated on August 24, 2020 Small business bankruptcy is serious, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end for your business. It does present some tough decisions and a good amount of paperwork, however, so you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. Let’s take a look at a few questions you probably have about bankruptcy.  Even if you are familiar with consumer bankruptcy, realize that, as a small business owner, business bankruptcy law may… Read More

What is a DUNS number? A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for a business created by credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet is one of the three major business credit bureaus. DUNS numbers have become the standard numbering system to identify businesses across the globe. The Data Universal Numbering System—or DUNS number—was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. Just as your social security number reveals a lot about you—your bank account, tax returns,… Read More

Coworking spaces are one of the hottest trends for those starting or growing a small business: Instead of working from a corner of your bedroom or renting an office, you find a shared space to hang your shingle. In the U.S., coworking spaces can be found in most major cities and some smaller ones, as well as in countries around the world. These arrangements offer the ability to rent space in a place dedicated to entrepreneurs and working professionals. In… Read More

One day, an up and coming contractor with a passion for restoration is alerted to his dream job.  A federally funded restoration of a historic landmark is up for bid, and he knows this is more than a dream, it’s a career making move.  With a background that has him well prepared and a workforce he’s confident in, he starts the bidding process only to find out that, because it’s a federal contract, he needs a surety bond if he… Read More