Government, Politics and the Economy
The 100 Fastest Growing Small Public Companies in America
These companies are fast movers, defying the recession they are busily growing, profiting and rewarding their investors. CNNMoney.com
US Service Economy Contraction Slows
Last month, US service industries ranging from retailers to homebuilders shrank at the slowest pace in nine months, bouyed by increases in new orders and employment. Bloomberg.com
Management and Operations
By Charles M Cooper · July 06 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
July 1st saw the beginning of the Small Business Administration’s Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) financing program, which will make it easier for auto, RV and other dealerships to borrow against their inventory and increase their cash flow. The new pilot program is one of the many tools SBA is making available to help increase access to capital and technical assistance to small business.
DFP financing is a revolving line of credit that allows a dealership to obtain financing through SBA’s 7(a) program for inventory that can be titled, such as autos, RVs, manufactured homes, boats and trailers. As each piece of collateral is sold by the dealer, the loan advance against that piece of collateral is repaid. As the loan is repaid, the dealer can borrow against the line of credit to add new inventory.
DFP loans will be available for a minimum of $500,000 up to the $2 million allowable under the 7(a) program. With a maximum repayment term of five years, the loans will co...
By Charles M Cooper · July 06 2009
small business, sba, loans, dealer floor plan financing
Tips from July 3, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about how going green will save you money.
Converting computers, printers, and copy machines to "hibernate" mode will save your business hundreds of dollars when the electric bill rolls around. Not only are you saving money, but you are saving power by keeping your machines on, but in a state of hibernation.
According to the Energy Star website, a compact fluorescent light bulb saves $30 over its lifetime and will pay for itself in 6 months! It uses 75% less energy and lasts 10x longer than an incandescent light bulb.
Xerox found that 45% of paper printed in the office is tossed by the end of the day. Eliminate unnecessary printing and save your business hundreds of dollars per year by ordering fewer reams of paper and ink cartridges.
Disposable coffee cups contribute to unnecessary waste. Spending $2 for coffee mugs with your office logo not only provides cheap...
By Cheryl Sowa · July 03 2009
small business tips, green, recycle, hibernate
The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC or just PCI) is an organization that was started by the five major credit card providers to develop an across the board standard for payment card security. The standard they developed will be put into force by these companies—American Express, JBC, VISA, MasterCard, Discover—in July of 2010. If you take credit cards online then you will need to be in compliance by then. Here is what you will need to know.
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The Standards
Before you can be PCI...
By Charles M Cooper · July 02 2009
small business, credit cards, debit cards, compliance
Government, Politics and the Economy
Why Is America Still Not Hiring?
With the release of two pieces of important employment data, we see that employers are simply not hiring, showing only on up month out of the last eight even with the economic picture improving. Why? CNBC.com
Job Cuts Top 467K in June – Unemployment Now at 9.5%
Unemployment reached a 26-year high in June at 95% as US employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs, suggesting a tough road to economic recovery. BusinessWeek.com
Management and Operations
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By Charles M Cooper · July 02 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
Tips from July 2, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be how to cut corners to save money in your business.
Send emails rather than mail through the USPS whenever possible. The money spent on a number of stamps will add up throughout the year. Additionally, most businesses use email to communicate already, and
When renovating your office, look to purchase used or condition furniture. Some office furniture is very expensive, and looking on websites such as eBay and Craigslist could save you money.
Plan your shipping and mailing ahead of time. Shipping in bulk will save money on fees for trucks, drivers, and general shipping costs. Take advantage of deals through various shipping companies, such as UPS. ABC members receive discounts on UPS shipping. For more information, visit
By Cheryl Sowa · July 02 2009
small business tips, management, email, money
Tips from July 1, 2009 The Small Business tips today will be about making sacrifices in your business to save money.
Cut back on office luxuries, and focus on spending money on the important things. For example, providing office food can be cut back to once a week instead of every day. That money can be used towards a new marketing or advertising campaign.
Let the unproductive and nonprofitable employees go. Having staff is important, but having staff that is not doing any good for your business is wasted money.
Go generic. Some prestigious brands are much, much more expensive than the generic ones. Stick to the basics and you will have extra cash in your pocket.
As a business owner, set money saving trends in the office. Limit personal spending and make other employees aware. They will see the benefits and follow your trend.
Daily Overview: Cutting back on unnecessary things...
By Cheryl Sowa · July 01 2009
small business tips, sacrifies, lucuries, unproductive
Government, Politics and the Economy
Congress to Consider Consumer Financial Protection Bill
Legislation that would ‘level the playing field,’ as the Treasury says, is on its way to Congress in spite of opposition from financial institutions – the first of a number of new regulatory bills President Obama plans to send to Congress. Workforce.com
Making Sure Small Business Contracts go to Small Businesses
A proposed new law aims to keep big businesses from gobbling up procurement deals that should go to smaller firms. CNNMoney.com
By Charles M Cooper · July 01 2009
small business brief, marketing, small business, economy
