The Federal Reserve releases its first quarter 2012 bank survey which helps gauge today's lending environment. Every quarter, the Federal Reserve conducts an extensive survey of lending officers at domestic banks and at the domestic branches of foreign banks operating in the U.S. The results of this survey provide key insight into what decision makers in the lending process are thinking and doing. The survey from the first quarter of 2012 has been released and the news is mixed. Lenders are … [Read more...]
Actualización bancaria: ¿se volverán a ofrecer préstamos pronto?
La Corporación de Seguro Federal para Depósitos (FDIC, por sus siglas en inglés) ha publicado recientemente el perfil bancario para el último trimestre de 2011. Este informe proporciona una visión detallada de la condición del sector bancario en los Estados Unidos. Si nos ponemos a analizar los detalles, podemos obtener algunos datos importantes con respecto a lo que los propietarios de pequeñas empresas pueden esperar para el resto de 2012. Importancia de la actualización bancaria: La … [Read more...]
Should You Go Down Market In This Economy?
A new study finds that 16 percent of the population lives in poverty. What does this mean for your business? Should You Go Down Market In This Economy? The U.S. Census Bureau recently published a shocking study about the financial condition of consumers, which could have a significant impact on the future of small business. The study calculated the number of Americans that are living in poverty, which the Census classifies as a family of four living in the continental U.S., having a total … [Read more...]
Are U.S. Banks Getting Healthier?
Banks need to bounce back so that small businesses to thrive. But is the banking sector really on the road to recovery? Are U.S. Banks Getting Healthier? The fate of virtually every small business in the United States is tied to the health of the banking sector. Banks are the institutions that circulate and multiply money throughout our economy. Think of them as financial funnels; when the funnels are in working order, money from depositors enters the narrow stem, multiplies and exits the wide … [Read more...]
Most people pitching investors for capital today aren’t ready
3 Questions To Ask Yourself (Before You Meet With Investors) Most people pitching investors for capital today aren't ready. Here's how to tell if you are. For companies seeking investment capital in the current market, the margin of error is slim. Investor expectations have become moving targets. Angels sound more like venture capitalists; venture capitalists sound more like private equity companies; intermediaries like investment banks won't return your call unless you can absorb eight … [Read more...]
How To Loan Money To Family or loved one
What do you do if a friend or loved one asks for a loan? Here are some points to consider. Warning: This article is about how to lend money to a relative the right way. However, it doesn’t guarantee that you'll get repaid. Proceed with caution. As the economy continues a long slide back into recession, many families that haven’t faired as badly as others are receiving an awkward request from relatives and close friends: loans. Loaning money to a loved one is a tricky thing. Once the … [Read more...]
The Most Business-Friendly States In The Country
Relocating your business is a headache no matter where you're going. Here are the most business-friendly states in the country. Relocating your business—whether across town or across the country—is a grueling, complicated and expensive process. I’ve gone through this several times, relocating from D.C. to Buenos Aires to New York and to New Jersey, with more waiting around the corner. There are a number of steps you can take to be as productive as possible during a relocation process. But those … [Read more...]
What The End Of Quantitative Easing 2 Means For Your Business
How will the end of the $600 billion economic stimulus package affect your business? The end of June 2011 marks the conclusion of the $600 billion economic stimulus program known as “Quantitative Easing 2” or “QE2.” It’s called “2” because it represents the second round of quantitative easing undertaken by the Federal Reserve after the financial crisis spurred by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Before discussing what the implications are for your business, it’s important to understand what … [Read more...]
Intuit plans to give $1 million to small businesses in the next nine months.
Software company, Intuit plans to give $1 million to small businesses in the next nine months. Here's how to get some. Does Your Small Business Deserve Free Money? I sense something in the air. If I’m not mistaken it's love and appreciation for small businesses. Finally, we are beginning to get the respect we deserve. As the economic engine of the United States, small, startup, and growing businesses play a vital role in job creation and value creation. The latest company to recognize this … [Read more...]
A New Streamlined Process for SBA Loans
The National Federation of Independent Businesses recently published its “Small Business Economic Trends” report for January 2011. Since 1986, this survey captures small business owner perspectives on key areas such as earnings, spending, inventory, sales, and credit. This latest report confirms that small business owners continue to be “in a rut” with little change in their perceptions for 2011. According to the survey, credit conditions for small business owners have rebounded from record … [Read more...]