Business Finance • economics24.com

February 20, 2009

Small Business Startup Loans – What Are the Fundamentals of Business Finance?

Filed under: Business — Tags: Business Finance, Business Financing, Business Functions, Business Loans, Business Startup Loans, Capital Venture, Cooperatives, Debts, Facelift, Intension, Investor, Lending Institutions, Obligation, Profits, Setting Up A Business, Small Business Startup, Small Business Startup Loans, Sources Of Finance, Venture Capital, Venture Group — admin @ 9:14 pm

David S. Stratton asked:

If you want to set up or considering setting up a business of your own, you must bring one thing in mind. You must know that you will need money to make sure that the business functions as it ought to. For the purposes of this study, we shall think of business finance as all the money that will be required for the smooth functioning of the business. This will include money from a variety of sources such as loans from lending institutions, cooperatives and these loans may be acquired either on short term or on long term bases. One thing that should be borne in mind is that it is necessary for every person to understand the fundamentals of business finance. This study is not only meant for those coming into business for the first time. Keep in mind that at every stage in the business, there will be a need to finance to expand, transform or even give a new facelift to your business. The good side about this study us that it will enable you to know where you can seek for finance for your business, it will help you to better manage these finances so that you should avoid falling into debts by paying your loans and it will equally let you know what type of loan is appropriate or not for your business.

Knowing the Essentials of Business Financing

Ahead of opting for any source of finance that might be open to you as an investor, there is always an obligation for you to not only become aware, but to understand and appreciate the importance that financing has to do to your business. As of now, one of the sources of finance to your business is venture capital. Venture capital will refer to a venture group that is willing and able to pump in finance to your business. But it should be kept in mind that this is done with the intension that the venture group will become part of the business. It will have to take part in the running of the business and equally in the profits of the business. In some cases, the option of an angel financing may also be available. This is a situation in which high risk ventures will be financed for the reception of high profits. Another source of financing is corporate venture capital financing. This is almost the same thing with venture capital but the difference is that groups and not individuals will be involved into the financing. You can also think of taking a loan from a bank or any financing establishment.

If you are an experienced financier, you will realize that identifying and making use of these sources of finance is easily done if you are aware of all the essentials of business financing. This will be difficult for the novice. What has been realized is that most lending institutions have already created and developed some form of confidence with those already in business, plus the fact that they think their money will be better protected with those who already have some worth to prove.

It May Be Necessary To Integrate Your Business When Seeking For Financing

The rationale for confidence building will vary from one lender to another and will also depend on the lender’s personal conviction about the business. It is normal that every lender will want to scrutinize and make use of any former financial record of a business before it can give loans to that business. In other cases, it is known that sources of finance may be easily opened to groups of business than to individuals. This is the more reason why you must understand all the essentials of business financing before making an application for it. Sometimes, it is necessary that as a sole proprietor, you may decide letting a takeover of your business. This is to give your business a positive credit worth so that it can stand a good chance of being financed. But you must make sure that you seek expert advice in doing this. Remember that there are so many essentials in all of the above and you must be skilled enough in these before you can achieve any success.

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February 11, 2009

How to Find Finance Related Articles

Boris Tomson asked:

How to find Finance Related articles: Finance means to provide funds for business or it is a branch of economics which deals with study of money and other assets. In a Business management, finance is a most important characteristic as business and finance are interrelated. One can achieve its goal through the use of suited financial instruments. Financial planning is essential to ensure a secure future, both for the individual and an organization.http://finance-info.synthasite.comPersonal financePersonal finance may be required for education, insurance policies, and income tax management, investing, savings accounts. Personal loan is an effective source of personal finance. To avoid burden and life become enjoyable personal finance may be used as if getting it from a right source at minimum cost.Business financeFinancial planning is essential in business finance to achieve its profit-making objectives. There are two main types of finance available to small business:Debt Finance: lending money from banks, financial institutions etc. The borrower repays principal and interestEquity Finance: source of equity finance may be through a joint venture, private investors. It is a time consuming process.http://finance-info.synthasite.comState financesFinance of states or public finance is finance of country, state, county or city. It is concerned with sources of revenue, budgeting process, expenditure spent for public works projects.How to maintain your finance solutionsTo maintain your finance then take up best finance solutions this will give you the advice to manage your finance in better way. In financial crises, applying for a loan is the best way to finance your needs. Nowadays E-finance is another option for finance as borrower gets wider option in choosing the best lender. Financial planning is important for your finance solutionsBoris tomson is a professional content writer based in India. He has a special interest towards automotive field and can provide information related to any topic. http://finance-info.synthasite.com

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February 5, 2009

Financing a Small Business – What Alternatives are There to Finance Your Business?

Filed under: Business — Tags: Angel Financing, Belief, Bests, Business Finance, Business Plan, Business Sector, Decisions, Department Of Labor, Doing Business, Existence, Finance Business, Financing A Small Business, Ins And Outs, Interest Rates, Loans, New Businesses, Three Quarters, Unemployment, United States Department, United States Department Of Labor — admin @ 11:29 pm

David S. Stratton asked:

A lot of reasons exist why you should not only get into business, but also endure in business. You may want to take any of these decisions because of the love of a particular business, because of a need to do so, because you are bound to continue from where someone stopped or because you simply have a feeling to do so. In almost every country of the world, people are looking at the business sector as one of the bests. There are always statistics of these found in all countries. For example, the United States Department of Labor produces statistics which indicate that for almost the first three quarters of last year, unemployment was very high and a lot of people resorted to doing business.

There is no need to trouble yourself on the way your business is going to look like. All that is necessary for you to do is to develop a plan and seek for any of the so many options of securing finance for the business. The following lines are meant to encourage those coming into business and even those already in business to seek for means of financing their businesses:

Loans

This type of finance for a business is common all over the world and it can easily be gotten. In some cases, there is often a belief the loans can easily be gotten by everyone who applies for it. This may be true or false. It all depends on your business plan, the lending policy of the bank and the type and value of security you have. What makes this source of finance much considered is that interest rates on the loans are also reasonable. It should be warned that you should not get into taken of loans without seeking for proper recommendations from experts. Remember that it is always good to know the ins and outs of every type of loan ahead of getting into it.

Angel Financing

This is also another common source of finance that is common among new businesses and even those that are already in existence. What obtains here is that there are so many people who have the willingness and ability to pump finance into any business which have potentials to grow. Angel financing can be a family type. This will involve members of the same family pulling their resources together and investing it to develop a business plan. This is good but not preferable because of the close ties that the members may attach to each other, which may not be best for the health of a business. Angel financing can also be an affiliation angel. This will involve an association of friends willing to see a business plan from conception to completion. Another strand of angel financing is idea angel. These are financiers who are involved at the conception and actual progress of the business. Whatever the form of angel financing that you may opt for, you must get into the set of connections that these angels operate before you can benefit from financing.

Equity Financing

This involves raising money for the business by using what the business owns and can give out to the public. There are individuals willing to pay for equity in the business and even take part in the running of the business. Although this type of financing is common, it may not be available to every type of business. This is the more reason why every business owner must always carry out enough research in order to get the appropriate financing for his or her business.

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January 15, 2009

Financing a Small Business – What Alternatives are There to Finance Your Business?

Loans

Angel Financing

Equity Financing

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January 14, 2009

Practical Alternatives For Commercial Finance Funding

Steve Bush asked:

When faced with business finance funding decisions, it is essential for business owners to determine their practical and effective alternatives. In the face of recent volatile conditions impacting financial markets, this will not be an easy task. For example, there has been much misinformation and confusion about the true availability of commercial financing throughout the United States. Getting more accurate information about what is realistically possible can be one of the most difficult challenges for commercial borrowers.

Even for business owners who are satisfied with their current commercial finance funding arrangements, it is advisable to explore business financing options that might be necessary if economic conditions change further. The use of Plan B contingency financing is an important tool to assist commercial borrowers in this process.

There are a number of harsh realities which must be confronted by all commercial borrowers when assessing their realistic options in the current challenging commercial finance funding climate. There are several factors which will have an immediate impact on which financing alternatives can be considered. First, unsecured lines of credit are rapidly disappearing for many businesses because commercial lenders are eliminating or reducing this kind of working capital financing. Second, many regional banks have decided to stop or reduce their lending activities involving commercial mortgages and other commercial loans. Third, commercial construction financing is available on a very limited basis. Fourth, businesses which are not currently profitable or not current in their debt payments will encounter particular difficulties in seeking new funding. Fifth, many lenders are requiring more collateral for any new commercial loans.

The primary message of this article is to emphasize the importance for commercial borrowers of being more realistic when seeking new financing or refinancing. As noted above, there are some stark changes which now impact almost all new commercial loans. Despite these new and difficult challenges, most business owners will still be able to obtain new financing, although it is very likely that either the terms or kind of financing will be different from previous business financing arrangements.

For example, even though working capital loans are not as widely available as they were just a few months ago, this kind of commercial financing is still in fact obtainable. The main change for business borrowers is the likelihood that they will be dealing with a different commercial lender, since some of the largest providers have stopped making these loans. Furthermore, the lenders which are currently most willing to consider working capital funding are not aggressively promoting these particular financing activities.

Business cash advance programs which are based on credit card processing activity are another example of an increasingly practical commercial financing option in the midst of an uncertain economy. Although this business funding option has been available for several years, it has not been utilized by most small business owners. For most businesses which accept credit cards, business cash advances should be evaluated as an important tool for improving business cash flow. Commercial borrowers wanting to consider this financing alternative should consult with a commercial finance funding expert who is knowledgeable about both this specialized kind of working capital financing as well as commercial real estate loans and other commercial loans.

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January 7, 2009

Business English Vocabulary Lesson for ESL – Finance & Accounting Vocabulary 2

Filed under: Education — Tags: Accounting, Business English Vocabulary, Business Esl, Business Finance, Business Vocabulary, Esl English, Esl Lesson, Esl Vocabulary, Vocabulary English, Vocabulary Lesson — admin @ 9:34 pm

bizpod asked:

Visit http://BusinessEnglishPod.com to download this video and others covering more business ESL vocabulary.

This Business English video ESL lesson introduces English vocabulary related to finance and accounting.

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August 18, 2008

Beat the Credit Squeeze With Flexible Business Finance

Terry Cartwright asked:

Five proactive steps a business can take to beat the credit squeeze including business finance, planning and taking a positive approach to meeting and solving the problems that might arise.

The credit squeeze is a fact of business life and is not just about money but confidence in the market too. There are always winners and losers in every business situation and confidence and business finance can beat the credit crunch.

1. Ensure the bookkeeping and financial accounts of the business are up to date.

Keeping the accounting records up to date is an essential first step to ensuring the business owner knows exactly where the business stands. Reviewing recent financial performance and taking positive action to increase sales and margins where possible and control costs by eliminating waste protects the business from surprises and downturns.

By having available the recent costs, views and action can be taken to reduce those costs and in some circumstances to increase business costs where the profit potential is highest. For example a detailed examination of advertising and promotion costs may indicate some campaigns should be reduced while the money saved invested in better performing areas.

Not all sales produce the same profit for the business. By concentrating efforts on the highest profit margin products and services the effect on working capital can be reduced which can take the pressure off working capital funding.

2. Preparing a realistic business plan can help the business plan ahead.

Many small businesses prepare a business plan when starting up especially if government grants or business finance is to be applied for. Failing to prepare an updated business plan during a credit squeeze can be a plan to fail.

During a credit squeeze a business can find itself operating in an unstable market where the rules and actions of the past might not be evident in the future. Banks increase the cost of borrowing, customers save money by leaving the market and sometimes failing to pay or at least taking longer. Suppliers tighten their grip by increasing prices and demanding tighter payment periods.

Business takes steps to protect income, cash flow, liquidity and in extreme cases survival. That is why failing to meet these new challenges is a plan to fail.

Prepare a business plan on the basis of the recent history and extend the financial results forward following the recent trends. Input into the financial forecast the opportunities that can be exploited to increase business and take a realistic view of the potential negative factors that may be suffered.

The business plan should include both a written view of the next twelve months ahead and include a profit and loss account reflecting the optimistic view and the most negative view with contingency plans should the worse scenario become a fact. A cash flow statement calculated from the business plan to show the effects on liquidity is a vital tool.

3. Improve financial flexibility to increase the business finance options.

Arrange the business finances with more than one bank and increase the number of financing options. A single bank may not offer the size of overdraft or loan facilities or the competitive rates the business requires. View the financial market as a competition between suppliers for your business finance and utilise several to spread the finance between them.

By maximising financial flexibility options for bank accounts, loans and overdrafts and financing asset purchases the effect on business progress can be minimised. Consider leasing agreements, invoice factoring and other specialist financial institutions in addition to the main bank account provider. Cash flow and working capital requirements are crucial.

4. Go out and get more sales.

When sales go down it is easy to become depressed. Fight it and remember how the business obtained new sales channels and customers in the past and exploit the opportunities in the future. Focus on the unique selling points of the business and its products and revitalise campaigns to increase sales.

Consider sales and product diversification into both related and other areas. There are always new opportunities including new products and markets, selling existing products to a wider audience including increased geographical presence. It may help to list all sales activities in sales channels and look for more sales channels in which they company can operate.

5. Ask for professional advice and assistance.

Increase the level of communication with each professional advisor including accountants, financial advisors, solicitors, bank managers and business advisors and any managers of financial institutions. The more the merrier and by keeping in touch more opportunities and more favourable responses will be possible.

There is no such thing as a silly question when the future of the business and its employees are at risk. Discussing options with a variety of professional advisors increases those options and if increased business finance is required for growth or survival in the future, the higher level of personal dialogue will ease that route forward.

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Avoiding Problems With Working Capital Business Cash Advances

Filed under: Finance — Tags: Bank One, Business Cash Advance, Business Finance, Business Owners, Cash Advances, Cash Shortfall, Closing Costs, Commercial Financing, Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Receivables, Finance Tool, Financial Asset, Future Sales, Lenders, Merchants, Sales Volume, Small Business Loan, Small Businesses, Viable Business, Working Capital — admin @ 9:40 am

Stephen Bush asked:

In this article we have identified the ten major problems which should be avoided when obtaining working capital and business cash advances based on credit card processing. As noted below, it is not necessary to accept any of these business finance difficulties.

Credit card processing and small business loan strategies are closely connected in many ways. Business owners should not overlook the substantial working capital benefits which will accrue to their business by effectively coordinating credit card factoring and processing. These benefits will increase measurably if a number of common business cash advance problems can be successfully avoided.

Even thriving small businesses frequently need more working capital than they can borrow from a bank. One of the most important commercial financing needs for any business is ensuring that short-term cash requirements are successfully met. This is frequently a difficult task.

The use of a viable business cash advance strategy has become an increasingly important business finance tool for many businesses faced with a potential short-term cash shortfall. However, as noted below there are a number of potential problems to be anticipated and avoided when businesses use credit card processing to seek working capital advances.

Most merchants have documented credit card processing activity and sales volume. This documentation of processing activity and sales volume is a financial asset, since up to $300,000 and more can typically be obtained via a business cash advance based on future sales volume.

Before employing this strategy for working capital business cash advances, businesses should realize that there are several recurring potential problems that they need to anticipate. Highlighted below are ten common credit card receivables problems to be avoided when business owners are considering this financing approach.

First, many lenders will attempt to charge closing costs. Business owners should realize that this is an unnecessary transaction cost for business cash advances when dealing with a truly reputable provider of working capital financing based on credit card factoring.

Second, many lenders for these services also charge up-front fees. This is also a transaction cost that can and should be avoided, and with the best programs there will not be any up-front fees.

Third, many programs for business cash advances have collateral requirements. For business owners seeking credit card financing, this is an unnecessary requirement and should be avoided.

Fourth, some lenders will require financial statements and tax returns for all business cash advances. Such additional documentation requirements should only be necessary for larger working capital advances.

Fifth, monthly fixed payments to repay merchant cash advances are imposed by some providers. The preferred approach is to avoid such fixed payment requirements.

Sixth, some providers impose a fixed term for repayment. This requirement to pay off the business cash advance over a fixed term should be avoided.

Seventh, many business finance programs require businesses to have at least two years of operating history to qualify for working capital business cash advances. While many business owners can meet such a requirement, a more practical standard for newer businesses is a minimum of one year in business.

Eighth, most providers of business cash advances currently require credit scores of 680 or higher. In today’s difficult economic climate, this can be a challenging requirement. It is feasible to obtain this kind of working capital financing with scores around 500.

Ninth, for merchants needing larger business cash advances, it will be disappointing to learn that many programs are limited to a maximum of $25,000 to $50,000. Providers that are better capitalized for this business finance strategy will be able to accommodate an advance of $300,000 and higher.

Tenth, many providers will require 12 to 24 months of documented credit card sales of $12,000 to $25,000 or more. A more practical possibility for business owners will involve a transaction history with six months of $5,000 or more.

It is not likely that all ten of the obstacles described above will be pertinent for all business owners. Business borrowers are likely to experience several of these problems if they are considering a business cash advance that uses credit card factoring and credit card processing.

Can all ten credit card finance obstacles discussed above be avoided? There are indeed viable credit card receivables programs which avoid all of the problems described. For any business owner considering this approach to working capital financing, it is probably worth repeating that it is not necessary to accept any of these problems in order to obtain business cash advances based on future sales.

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August 16, 2008

The Important Aspects Of Business Finance

Filed under: Finance — Tags: Accounting Records, Accounts Receivable, Bookkeeping Software, Business Budget, Business Businesses, Business Failure, Business Finance, Business Finances, Business Owner, Business Success, Cash Flow, Computer Software, Finance Business, Household, Loan Lenders, Money, Payment Schedules, Proof, Regular Payment, Running — admin @ 9:00 am

James Copper asked:

Business finance is one of the most important aspects of running and maintaining a business. Finances dictate the success or failure of a business. If a business owner does not properly maintain their business finances then they will soon see problems arise. Business finance is something that every business owner must deal with and understand.

Part of business finance is setting up proper cash flow. A business owner needs to clearly define their accounts receivable and accounts payable. They need to maintain a steady and balanced cash flow at all times. This means they must never let your accounts payable exceed their accounts receivable in any given month.

A business owner must also carefully manage their debt. They should never let their debt get too high or out of control. They should maintain regular payment schedules to ensure they do not fall behind on repaying any debt.

Keeping clear and concise records is extremely important to keeping business finance under control. A business owner should either hire a professional or use some type of bookkeeping computer software to maintain accounting records.

It is important for a business owner to maintain a business budget, much like they would for their household. This will help them ensure they are keeping track of all the money coming in and going out of the business. This is a good method to avoid getting too much debt.

Proper record keeping can also help out should the business owner need to get a loan. Lenders prefer to have records to refer to when making a decision on a loan, especially for a business. Businesses are seen as risky because they can easily fail. Lenders like to see proof that they business is doing well or at least a forecast that shows significant proof the business will do well. This is what good record keeping does.

Business finance is something many people do not think too much about when starting a business. This is why so many businesses fail. When a business is just starting up lenders like to see a good business plan in place, including a financial plan. This shows the business owner is really understanding all that is involved with taking a business successful.

Every business owner should have their business finances in mind at all times. Money is the biggest indicator of success in business, so it makes sense for that to be one of the top priorities of a business owner. For proper business finance a business owner should maintain records for all of the money going in and coming out of the business. They should track all debts and money owed to the business, as well. By practicing good business finance, a business owner is going to be one step closer to ensuring their business succeeds.

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February 28, 2008

Business Finance in UK

Filed under: Finance — Tags: Asset Finance, Business Finance, Commercial Finance, Commercial Mortgages, Corporate Business, Debt Collection Uk, Equipment Leasing, Finance Fund, Financial Assistance, Information Technology Business, Leasing Company, Leasing Services, Mares, Operating Leases, Plant Machinery, Running A Business, Tedious Task, Uk Finance, Uk Finances, Venture Capital — admin @ 1:47 am

nicholas maben asked:

There are companies that help a business in hire purchasing and arranging for leasing. You can approach such dedicated companies for such services. UK Finance for hardware funding for the information technology business is also available in companies. Leasing services for small businesses, agricultural and industrial funding operations are available in companies dedicated to that service. A company called Richard Mares Asset Finance in UK finances for agricultural and industrial setups. If you need information on UK finance for equipment leasing, mortgages and commercial finance then you can approach companies like 1st Leasing Company and 1pm.co.uk. Many options for UK finance are available with them. Just check out their website for more details on the different types of finance available with them. For UK finance from 5,000 upwards you can approach companies like 1pm. They work closely with their clients to provide what they need.

Running a business and becoming successful in that venture requires a lot finance and financial assistance. In UK finance for business can be got from different sources. Business related financial services are provided by many organizations in that field. UK finance for leasing a company or organization, UK finance for debt collection, UK finance for Venture Capital can also be arranged.

Companies like Corporate Business Finance fund you for Plant, Machinery and for other corporate financial services. They provide finance in UK for many services like hire purchase, leasing, operating leases, factoring, release of capital, and commercial mortgages. Each and every business may need a unique funding requirement and it is a tedious task to arrange for funding when you need to run your business. A lot of time is wasted in searching for proper funding. Under such circumstances you can approach companies like these for UK finance for your funding requirements.

There are companies that fund only the big companies. Finance for big companies is given by UK finance companies like the Benington Securities. It is a private enterprise brokerage. They cover only the corporate investments. There are many companies that provide UK finance for even individuals. Companies like Troman finance provide funds for the individuals and small business firms.

For new start ups it is difficult to get finance in UK or elsewhere. Most of the finance companies will fund only the established businesses. But companies like Oak Leasing help even the start ups since they understand the difficulties that the startups face. The problems that the start ups face are only initially. If they have a proper business plan they could come up. The team at Oak leasing would finance your startups and for any new equipments that you need. More details are available in their website.

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