Starting or expanding a business requires a lot of hard work and money to get off the ground. Finding ways to finance your venture can include everything from applying for loans to getting investors to using your own savings. For minority groups, another option is to get minority grants to start a business. What are...
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It’s not enough nowadays to throw open the doors of your brick-and-mortar location. It’s important to have a website as well. Too many small businesses neglect this aspect of their marketing. A website allows you to attract customers while creating and controlling the message you send. In most cases, your website will be the first...
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Today’s business owners can rely on technology to keep their companies running efficiently. But, with so many apps and tech-oriented small business tools available, how do you know which ones to try? Here’s a list of some popular, productivity-boosting business apps broken down by category. Communication 1. Slack Slack has made a name for itself...
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Small business owners wear a lot of hats. Decisions on health care plans, retirement plans and other benefits are often left solely to the owner. Offering a small business retirement plan to employees isn’t always on the radar. A study by LIMRA showed that only 42 percent of small businesses offered retirement plans – despite...
Read more about How to Pick a Small Business Retirement Plan [Slideshow]
Whether you’re starting a business or already have one, creating a website for your business is essential for reaching potential customers. A website allows you to attract customers while creating and controlling the message you send. In most cases, your website will be the first impression customers get of your company, and you want it...
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Only about half of all new businesses survive five years or more, and only about a third survive beyond 10 years, according to the Small Business Administration. From not having enough startup money to trying to do it all yourself to not investing in marketing, common errors in planning and management can provide challenges for...
Read more about How to Avoid 5 Common Small Business Mistakes [Slideshow]
Research shows small business charitable contributions can help companies connect with their customers and their community. According to a 2010 study by Cone Communications, 85% of consumers have a more positive image of a company when it supports a cause they care about; 90% of consumers want companies to tell them how they’re supporting charitable...
Read more about Small Business Donations: How Charitable Contributions Can Help Attract Customers [Slideshow]
Have you ever had an idea for a small business? Maybe it’s a unique product you believe would be a hit, or a brick-and-mortar storefront that would provide a needed service to a neighborhood. For those would-be entrepreneurs who actually take steps to realize their business idea, however, many eventually hit a brick wall. Financing...
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The business you are building has been an all-consuming priority, a labor of love. You’ve devoted time and trouble to get the business up and running. Your creativity keeps it growing. You’re a rock of commitment. It’s exactly because you’re so devoted to the business, though, that you might be overlooking business risk factors that...
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Starting and operating a small business requires a set of skills many business owners may not possess. For instance, the owner of a music store might be an expert on guitars but have little knowledge of accounting, employee management or inventory control. He might not have the ability to effectively negotiate with landlords, suppliers or...
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When thinking about starting a business, you may also consider where . Big cities, home to a range of fast-growing industries and a diverse, talented workforce, would seem ideal for launching a business. But business owners scouting out potential cities should look beyond just New York City and Los Angeles. While lacking the flashiness of...
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Many U.S. workers dream of a job at a large company with a well-known brand name. But there are advantages to working for a small business, and small business owners can lure top talent by promoting the special opportunities and customized benefits they provide. These opportunities may be a perfect fit for a job candidate....
Read more about 5 Benefits of Working for a Small Company Over a Big Business
Many small business owners are exploring the marketing potential of social media. By tailoring their social medial strategies to their customers and to their own capabilities, they’re discovering new and effective ways to utilize social media tools to expand their businesses. The key is in developing a social media strategy that promotes your brand in...
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What is a business plan? Whether you’re starting a small business or exploring ways to expand an existing one, a business plan is an important tool to help guide your decisions. Think of it as a roadmap to success, providing greater clarity on all aspects of your business, from marketing and finance to operations and...
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You don’t have to live near a canyon or forest for your property to be threatened by wildfire. Nearly 1/3 of U.S. homes are in wildfire-prone areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The impact of a wildfire can be tragic and expensive. For instance, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior spend a staggering $3.5 billion a year combating the fires. Key to lessening the damage to homes and businesses is knowledge and preparation.
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