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	<title>Business Savvy &#187; Raising Business Capital</title>
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	<description>Business Plans, Business Tips, and More</description>
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		<title>Convertible Debt as an Option for Raising Business Capital</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/convertible-debt-as-an-option-for-raising-business-capital-2007-07-01/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/convertible-debt-as-an-option-for-raising-business-capital-2007-07-01/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:51:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://business.savvy-cafe.com/convertible-debt-as-an-option-for-raising-business-capital-2007-07-01/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are two compounding ways of gaining capital for a business; a company can gain debt capital, or equity capital. The first is the debt capital; this money is essentially borrowed by the business with an arrangement to pay back this money. This arrangement made has a secured interest rate that is due with in [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up'>Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/five-things-to-know-before-venturing-out-for-business-capital-2007-06-22/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Five Things to Know Before Venturing Out for Business Capital'>Five Things to Know Before Venturing Out for Business Capital</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/don%e2%80%99t-forget-about-governmental-programs-for-start-up-financing-2007-06-29/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing'>Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are two compounding ways of gaining capital for a business; a company can gain debt capital, or equity capital. The first is the debt capital; this money is essentially borrowed by the business with an arrangement to pay back this money. This arrangement made has a secured interest rate that is due with in a certain time period. The second, equity capital is committed by the proprietors (shareowners) for the purpose of business functioning’s that demand not to be refunded. Approximately in the near time to come the debt might become exchanged into equity for the company. This lets in combining exchangeable protections.</p>
<p>The easiest kind of equity capital is mutual stock. Mutual stock accepts numerous identifying components as observes here:</p>
<p>• Mutual stock is not exchangeable into some other subdivision of protection</p>
<p>• From one individual they partake in one ballot</p>
<p>• Incentives constitute without any boundaries but exclusively when announced by the panel of managers</p>
<p>• In settlement, mutual stock holders follow the end precedence to which to disperse the assets</p>
<p>There might be two types of mutual stocks, which are released. This is what to look for in venturing in capital proceedings. The one that is considered the most usual is the Class “A” mutual stock, which is comparable to favored stock without the exceptional balloting rights, which approximately legislative acts involve in the portions marked “preferred.” The other kind of mutual stock is junior common stock. This junior common stock is less likely to be used by businesses, but it is a quicker way to get inexpensive stock into custody of important workers at very little tax cost.</p>
<p>It takes some important decision making on what kind of capital to gain and how to organize the funding dealings when acquiring stakes. Equally, it is essential to realize the central conditions and refer the suitable legal and company consultant when entering on the capital-gaining operation.</p>
<p>As of the origination of GT Business Plans it gave birth to over 200 companies plans.  GT Business’ customers delivered conjointly produced over $750 million in funding, founded many new merchandise and help lines and advanced in a competitive reward and commercialized contributions. GT Business accepts the established option for venture capital firms, angel investors, corporations and entrepreneurs in the acknowledgements.  Venture Capital firms embody a crucial origin of a long-run development capital. This is an option for one going through some very hard funding times, with their business.</p>
<p>Venture capital firms and individuals are more concerned with the numerous equal components that determine bankers’ investigation of a lending document from littler business’. While the financial institutions face the contiguous time to come of littler business, they are greatly shaped their proceedings. Venture capitalists await the long run of the succeeding company. Financial institutions represent creditors while the venture firms are proprietors. They accommodate stock in the business, contributing their committed capital to its fairness establishment. Consequently, they analyze subsisting or designed merchandise or services and the expected commercializes for them with utmost concern. They only put profit into the businesses that are quickly gaining revenue and yielding a healthy amount of earnings. Venture capitalist; search more indigently at the characteristics of the merchandise and size of the commercializing, than do the commercial financial institutions.</p>
<p>For the venture capitalist it is hard to predict the productiveness of a starting business. Therefore, these venture capitalists arrange a stringent insurance for venture proposition size, the period of time the business has been around, necessities and rating operations to shorten any chances, because their investments are exposed to any unsuccessful business.</p>
<p>Almost all venture capital firms’ investment involvement is confined to plans offered by the businesses with a profound functioning account. Earnings attained by those businesses aren’t granted a good deal of priority a head of an investment determination arrived at. Businesses that can grow into a new merchandise line or new commercializing with extra income are especially exciting. The venture capitalists allow finances to modify so much of the businesses development in a gush instead of bit by bit as they would on continued profits. Venture capitalists make sure that capital investment examines and capital source reports are designed in a 5-year period. This is due to the numerous amounts of “start up” businesses that are looking for funding from venture firms. These researchers and informant examiners should have these ready for every quarter so that they may be set for any funding problems along the way in the business’ plan.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up'>Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/five-things-to-know-before-venturing-out-for-business-capital-2007-06-22/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Five Things to Know Before Venturing Out for Business Capital'>Five Things to Know Before Venturing Out for Business Capital</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/don%e2%80%99t-forget-about-governmental-programs-for-start-up-financing-2007-06-29/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing'>Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/don%e2%80%99t-forget-about-governmental-programs-for-start-up-financing-2007-06-29/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/don%e2%80%99t-forget-about-governmental-programs-for-start-up-financing-2007-06-29/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:58:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Many people dream about owning their very own business, being their own bosses, doing what they enjoy and financial freedom. However, how does one achieve this if they are short on funds? Conventional methods can include asking for loans and financial backers for the business. When this fails some people even turn to applying for [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up'>Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/clean-up-with-these-winning-tips-to-start-a-janitorial-service-2007-05-20/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Clean Up with these Winning Tips to Start a Janitorial Service'>Clean Up with these Winning Tips to Start a Janitorial Service</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/benefits-of-having-your-own-franchise-business-2007-07-03/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Benefits of Having your Own Franchise Business'>Benefits of Having your Own Franchise Business</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people dream about owning their very own business, being their own bosses, doing what they enjoy and financial freedom. However, how does one achieve this if they are short on funds? Conventional methods can include asking for loans and financial backers for the business. When this fails some people even turn to applying for business credit cards. However, there is one more route that many forget about, the government.</p>
<p>The United States government is the only one in the world that gives grants and loans to start-up businesses, especially small businesses. There are literally billions of dollars available if you just know where and how to look. Why would the government do this you ask? It helps build and strengthen the entire economy in the long run it benefits everyone. There are also many states and their development agencies as well as local governments who may be willing to help as well. Usually the money they offer can be used to start almost any kind of small business. They make it fairly easy to be approved as well, all you have to do is be a United States citizen at least 18 years of age and no collateral is required, nor credit checks or security deposits. How much easier could it possibly be?</p>
<p>Now that you are armed with this information how do you find these grants? One of the best ways to find grants and which ones you might qualify for is to go to grants.gov. This website has proved to be invaluable to many looking for money to start up their new businesses. According to the website they have thousands of grants available from over 26 agencies. You&#8217;re bound to find someone willing to give you a grant. Another key place to look for government help in this area is the United States Small Business Administration. This organization is especially geared towards small businesses and can help in finding places that offer government grants or loans. While the administration does not directly offer grants or loans they can steer you in the right direction.</p>
<p>A very popular route in securing government help in raising money for your start up business is called the Small Business Investment Company, not many have heard of it but many have taken advantage of it&#8217;s services. This company is the result of a successful partnership between investors and the United States government. Even though it is privately owned it has a unique connection with government and helping people find start up capital through government grants or loans. It is popular because believe it or not America Online, Apple Computer, Callaway Golf, Federal Express, Gymboree, Outback Steakhouse, Staples, and Sports Authority all used it as a resource when starting out. You could say these are some of the more successful companies around today. Just goes to show that if you know where to look, government financing of start up businesses can be invaluable.</p>
<p>Another plus to using the Small Business Investment Company to help finance your venture is that the Small Business Administration will match every dollar and this definitely helps even more. The Small Business Investment Company offers many specialized grants and loans based on many different factors. To find out more about them you can find them under member listings for the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies. This truly can be one of your best resources when looking into government grants or loans. Minority owned businesses are open to find even more help from the government. One very valuable resource would be the National Association of Investment Companies. This organization is specifically geared to helping out minority owned businesses.</p>
<p>Veterans of the military, especially disabled ones have a few more sources in finding government help to finance their new businesses. These include the Small Business Self-Employment Service, which is part of the President&#8217;s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and also the Small Business Development Center. Both of these are very helpful in finding grant money for disabled veterans. As you can see, whether you are a starting up a minority owned business, are a disabled veteran or just an average Joe, the government has many resources in granting start up capital for small businesses. Most of these resources are easily accessible and are easier to receive than the traditional route of loans or private financial backers. So what are you waiting for? There is literally billions of dollars out there waiting for you, to help start up that business that you&#8217;ve always dreamed of owning, all you have to do is find it.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up'>Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/clean-up-with-these-winning-tips-to-start-a-janitorial-service-2007-05-20/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Clean Up with these Winning Tips to Start a Janitorial Service'>Clean Up with these Winning Tips to Start a Janitorial Service</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/benefits-of-having-your-own-franchise-business-2007-07-03/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Benefits of Having your Own Franchise Business'>Benefits of Having your Own Franchise Business</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Eight Ways to Raise Cash for your Start-Up Business</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/eight-ways-to-raise-cash-for-your-start-up-business-2007-06-25/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/eight-ways-to-raise-cash-for-your-start-up-business-2007-06-25/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:02:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://business.savvy-cafe.com/eight-ways-to-raise-cash-for-your-start-up-business-2007-06-25/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When starting a small business startup, it demands a lot of energy.  You may be astonished to know what type of work ought to be involving the bulk of your time.  Computer consultants, as they mull over small business startups, are inclined to concentrate on the technical prospects of the business.  The intellectual thing to [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/managing-your-cash-flow-when-self-employed-2007-06-15/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Managing your Cash Flow when Self-Employed'>Managing your Cash Flow when Self-Employed</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/resourceful-ways-for-small-business-owners-to-save-2009-08-06/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Resourceful Ways for Small Business Owners to Save'>Resourceful Ways for Small Business Owners to Save</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/eight-ways-to-help-your-business-grow-2007-06-26/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eight Ways to Help your Business Grow'>Eight Ways to Help your Business Grow</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When starting a small business startup, it demands a lot of energy.  You may be astonished to know what type of work ought to be involving the bulk of your time.  Computer consultants, as they mull over small business startups, are inclined to concentrate on the technical prospects of the business.  The intellectual thing to do is to provide adequate help and must accept an outstanding technical skill in front of anybody wishes to compensate him or her. With all realism the 90/10 Principle assures us that on small business startups, 90% had better be expended on conduct in merchandising actions and exclusively 10% on establishing technical accomplishments.  The four things that ought to be taking 90% of your time admits these:</p>
<p>• Researching</p>
<p>• Principle propagations</p>
<p>• Proceeding away on sale visits</p>
<p>• Developing propositions</p>
<p>What you want to make the most important in your business startup stage is the demand for gaining eminent customers.  What should be done with the non-customer hour that will not be in experience with management or establishment obligations ought to be handed into researching and communications.  Once your business startup stage gets on its way, all this should alleviate some.  Since at present though, your customers’ propagations make up your precedence.</p>
<p>The Tail End of the Origin about Small Business Startup</p>
<p>What is going to be important with the small business startups, is remembering that the 90/10 principle, this could be a difference of building or breaking your business.  Expanding 90% of your energy during leads on commercialization and business growth activeness against 10% on technical acquirements of exploitation is an exchange substantially deserving.  If you possess no customers to exercise your technical education on then there is no reason waist your time.  You want to go out and assemble as many individuals as you can, so put the schooling and credentials on postponement.</p>
<p>Most individuals who stick with this small figure of speech experienced that not much in business endures without it.  What is known best between business individuals is that levels in their entirety is that ‘Cash flow is Master.’</p>
<p>There is so much that has to happen when getting a business startup going, the individual can get lost in all of this.  There is merchandise promoting points to be met, recent productions to keep up with, the governing body, employee problems, enlisting of new individuals, marketing and then to a greater extend of marketing:  You must demand what the cash accumulation is on those marketing tactics.  What is most interesting is that there are quite a few business individuals who blank out the fact of their money current on were it is going and coming from.  Later this can become a huge problem in the carrying out of your business, most do not even considerate coming. These are 8 hints on how to improve the security of gathering your money:</p>
<p>• In order that the client invests their money in the task, and not your company, you want to remind them of the charge on the task, don’t be shy tell them up front that you demand it.</p>
<p>• Bad cash fluctuation is not always seen.  You need to arrange your conditions to enounce ‘defrayment due in entirety’ at closing of the task.  Do not draw out past the 30 to 60 day limit, beyond your finishing of your task.  At all times you never want to commit to 90 days.  This could cost you more interest on the cash you take over while your cash is captured in this held up defrayment agenda.</p>
<p>• What can help your current cash to come in is making sure that you create a term with your sellers for 30 days or so, this way you can accomplish your employment, charge your clients and obtain payments before having to pay your sellers.</p>
<p>• In order to obtain a strong appeal procedure, you want to establish the certainty of its uninterrupted cause (machine-controlled where you can) and zilch is left to recall.  While the clients hold up on compensating you, they are utilizing your immediate payment.  You need to demand the payment but in a reasonable and gracious way.</p>
<p>• If you get in to a pinch, you could always set up a line of credit with the financial institution that you keep your finances with.  More times then not the loaners charges will be less then the previous fees that your seller might bill to you.  Now the credit line will help address any oversights that might have happened in your cash flow, but this will only be for a small window of time.  You must remember though as a business owner there is interest charges affiliated with this, and actually you do not wish to be expanding this financial institution only if it is an emergency.</p>
<p>• Taking your accounts and factoring them allows you to sell your accounts and obtain cash now rather then later.  This stops having to wait the 30 to 60 days to get paid.  Remember though in doing this there is charges involved and they can change from company to company. </p>
<p>• You want to demand certainty that the profit of acquiring money now surmounts to the charge of accepting the help.</p>
<p>• Some of these alternatives might not be utilized at the equivalent time.  You must acquire commendation in order to use these services.  It is important that you research in a more full fashion in order that you don’t get caught up in more then what you may need.</p>
<p>Cash flow cannot be taken lightly; this could cost you your business and lively hood.  So be sure that any expected alterations that might need to be made are written down in order not to have any difficulties in the near future.  This seems to be one of the troubles that have overrun most small company owners. This can be the very teaching tool to use.  You should now know why the cash flow is master.  This may be a bit complicating, as it can be at times.  Don’t fret many have advocated to speaking with your comptroller and researching all things that pertain to cash flow you can – this is important.</p>


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		<title>Five Things to Know Before Venturing Out for Business Capital</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/five-things-to-know-before-venturing-out-for-business-capital-2007-06-22/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/five-things-to-know-before-venturing-out-for-business-capital-2007-06-22/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:06:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Starting a new business can be tough. There are so many things to look at, so many things to consider. First and foremost you need a well researched and thought out business plan. Having this plan will greatly increase your rate of success at finding the other things you need to get your business off [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Starting a new business can be tough. There are so many things to look at, so many things to consider. First and foremost you need a well researched and thought out business plan. Having this plan will greatly increase your rate of success at finding the other things you need to get your business off it&#8217;s feet. Of course the next thing you must have is capital. However, how do you go about this and what should you know before approaching lenders? Following are five things that lenders and/or investors are looking for before they will consider lending or investing in your business.</p>
<p>One thing they are looking for is an exit strategy. This may be something you never expected to hear but it is actually a top thing that they look for. You may not even have thought about it at this point, but it is very important to investors to have some idea where you are headed in the long term. By planning for an exit strategy you are showing your investors that you are confident in the return of the money that they are investing. They are looking for approximately a tenfold return in five years. One of the most common ways of implementing an exit strategy is through acquisition. A bigger company buys out meaning your company sometime in the future. For example Google bought out Web 2.0. Of course there is also the possibilities of going public or liquidating the company too. In the end hard data and facts is what will persuade the investor. So remember to research.</p>
<p>Another area that investors are looking at, are entry barriers. Meaning they want to know what safeguards are in place in order to prevent competitors from coming in and making off with your idea? How have you set up for this possibility? Are you prepared for this possibility? Some examples of entry barriers include patents, legislation, and the uniqueness of the product. Having strong entry barriers, barriers that keep competitors from entering the marketplace with a reasonable replacement of your product, will help you have a greater hold on the market in which you are competing. Having a greater hold of the market means more profits and more of a return in the investor’s eyes.</p>
<p>While being able to keep competitors away from your ideas is great, you also want to be able to show the investors similar products or services. At the very least, let the investors see how well something similar has done on the market. This gives them some confidence in how well your idea may or may not work in the long run. Being to different can be a hindrance, though you can still get funding, investors want to see some proof and comparing to similar ideas can help show them this.</p>
<p>Some investors, especially venture capitalists, will want to know if you have any existing revenue to start with. This will help protect you in the long run, especially if you are working with venture capitalists that will end up owning most of the business in the end. Having some revenue at the start will help protect your hold in the company. Of course the biggest thing that investors and lenders alike are looking for is how much and for what reason(s) do you need the money? This requires some real hard research on your part. To know exactly how much you will need requires a lot of in depth research into how much everything will cost, down to the most minuscule detail. Being accurate will save everyone a lot of trouble in the long run. You will also want to know exactly what each cent of the costs is going to. The investor or lender looks for someone who has this well planned out. Having a full financial plan written out is a great idea before approaching a lender. Some things you don&#8217;t want to forget to list are operating expenses, marketing and any legal fees that may be appropriate.</p>
<p>Now that you are armed with the basics needed before approaching a lender, you will find yourself with a lot greater rate of success. The most important things to remember is that a lot of hard work and research can pay off in the end. Research all the details needed to start your business. Make sure you write a thorough and complete business plan that the investors can see and follow these guidelines and you should have that capital you need in no time.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/importance-of-creating-a-business-plan-2007-07-09/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Importance of Creating a Business Plan'>Importance of Creating a Business Plan</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/a-brief-synopsis-of-writing-a-business-plan-2007-07-09/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: A Brief Synopsis of Writing a Business Plan'>A Brief Synopsis of Writing a Business Plan</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/convertible-debt-as-an-option-for-raising-business-capital-2007-07-01/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Convertible Debt as an Option for Raising Business Capital'>Convertible Debt as an Option for Raising Business Capital</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Guidelines on How to Successfully Borrow Money from Friends and Family Without the Heartache</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/guidelines-on-how-to-successfully-borrow-money-from-friends-and-family-without-the-heartache-2007-06-20/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/guidelines-on-how-to-successfully-borrow-money-from-friends-and-family-without-the-heartache-2007-06-20/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:38:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://business.savvy-cafe.com/guidelines-on-how-to-successfully-borrow-money-from-friends-and-family-without-the-heartache-2007-06-20/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The advice a flight attendant gives regarding breathing your own oxygen before helping someone else can easily apply to lending and borrowing money from friends and family. When asking to borrow money from someone close to you, it puts the lender in the position of putting your finances above his or her own. Between friends [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The advice a flight attendant gives regarding breathing your own oxygen before helping someone else can easily apply to lending and borrowing money from friends and family. When asking to borrow money from someone close to you, it puts the lender in the position of putting your finances above his or her own. Between friends and especially between families this can cause a whole brood of problems. If not handled carefully and in just the right way a lot of heartache can result. It&#8217;s not just the consequences that could arise if the loan is not repaid because of irresponsibility on the borrower&#8217;s behalf. It can ruin someone&#8217;s credit and cause all kinds of financial upset. There are also a whole set of emotional consequences, especially between two people who are close such as friends and family.</p>
<p>A lot of people, even those that are related or close friends will rightly refuse to lend money to someone who banks and such have turned away for loans. They smartly realize there has to be a reasonable and obvious reason. A reason so obvious that they would be fools to do what a respected financial institution refuses to do let that person borrow money from them. If you want to have any small chance to get an affirmative response to your request to borrow money be honest up front as to what the money is for. Clearly state what you plan to spend the money on. Being deceitful as to the reason or reasons you want to borrow money can only hurt you in the long run. Especially if the person you are borrowing from is someone close like a good friend or a relative. They are more likely to catch you in the lie, because they know you fairly well.</p>
<p>Another reasonable and smart thing to do when asking to borrow money from someone close to you is to write down the terms and the agreement. Yes this seems like an unnecessary thing to do, especially when it involves family, but you would be surprised how many families end up in court suing each other. Sometimes the closer you are the worse it is. Make sure you clearly define the agreement and make sure all terms and conditions are within legal limits. Include a fair interest rate and even a repayment schedule. That way if something comes up both parties are protected and this will give the person your asking to borrow money from more comfortable and bring them a little peace of mind. There are even some online companies that can help you write up these documents for a fee.</p>
<p>Which brings us to another good point when trying to borrow money from someone close to you such as a friend or family member, having a third party involved can be invaluable. This third party can witness and if chosen correctly can be an objective and independent observer to the whole deal. This once again can only help both parties feel more comfortable. Sometimes another approach that can work, especially when borrowing from those close to you is to present something as collateral. Include any mention of this any document that you may draw up between the two of you. Something to offer the other party as repayment if you are unable to pay up after a certain amount of time is a huge good faith offering to the other person. Since the person knows you so well they will know exactly what is of most value to you and what is a reasonable thing to put up for collateral in return for the amount of money you are asking for.</p>
<p>One other option in borrowing money from someone close to you such as a family member is offering to repay the money through doing household chores for that person or some service they otherwise would have to pay for. If you have a skill that a family member or friend can use it can be a huge bargaining chip when asking for money. This makes it less of something for nothing; instead you are offering something in return. In the end it can be hard to avoid some emotional heartache in borrowing money from a family member or friend if you are not careful and frugal in trying to pay them back. However, following these steps, especially documenting everything can help immensely. Remember where they are coming from, they are putting your finances above their own when they are asked for a loan and this can really put some people off. Knowing how to make people feel more comfortable in lending you money can only help both parties in the long run.</p>


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		<title>Innovative Ideas for Raising Capital for your Start-up</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Jun 2007 21:43:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://business.savvy-cafe.com/innovative-ideas-for-raising-capital-for-your-start-up-2007-06-17/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Starting a business on a low budget can be very challenging. This is especially true if you have less than perfect credit. You can find many creative ways to raise capital for your business start-up costs, and the best part is that you will be able to afford this ways of acquiring startup dollars. Non-profit [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Starting a business on a low budget can be very challenging. This is especially true if you have less than perfect credit. You can find many creative ways to raise capital for your business start-up costs, and the best part is that you will be able to afford this ways of acquiring startup dollars. Non-profit groups provide much of the funding needed for business start-up costs.</p>
<p>Business capital is the money and resource that you would need to start and run a successful business. Some of this money is for purchasing merchandise stock, manufacturing equipment, office supplies, and employees’ salaries. You may also need it for unplanned expenses, and property insurance.</p>
<p>If you are not qualified for a low interest business loan, you may find other ways to finance your business. Some of those ways include government grants and loans, some of which you don’t have to pay back. Just like bank loans, however, you will still be required to endure a waiting period, just like you would for a traditional loan.</p>
<p>You will also be required to write up a business plan. Needless to say though, the grants-or zero interest loans-often given by non-profit groups is a healthy alternative for those who do not qualify for traditional bank loans.</p>
<p>Whether you are applying for a grant or a loan, you will need to have a business plan written out. This is true whether the funding source is public, such as through the U.S. government-or the government of whatever country you are from, or whether the funding source is private, such as through non-profit small business organizations.</p>
<p>Depending upon where you live in the world, you can find grants and loans that are given out to select groups of people who qualify. For example, some local and national governmental agencies offer grants to minority ethnic groups such as to those of African descent, or to those who are women. Other times no interest loans are given out to those who start a business in an economically challenged neighborhood.</p>
<p>If you are interested in business grants, you can search for them by way of the Internet, and you can find them on your own. You can also find grants in books, which you purchase for a small fee. The no interest loans that you can receive are usually found in a similar manner.</p>
<p>If you are not sure what type of grant or loan is best for you, you may decide to hire a professional grant counselor. This counselor you can often find for a one-time fee and that person will guide you through every step of the grant and no interest loan search process. Also, they will lead you to a database of grants that you can have access to, as well as interest free funding.</p>
<p>When you apply for free money, and for zero interest loan programs you will usually not only have to write up a business plan, but you will have to write up what is called a grant proposal. You can either find books on the Internet to help you write these proposals, or you can hire someone to write them for you. It depends upon the purpose of the grant, which is determined by the purpose of your business.</p>
<p>The process for receiving a grant or no interest loan for a business varies from organization to organization. Furthermore, the availability of grant money given to those who aspire to run their own businesses varies from year to year. It takes quite a bit of time in order to find grants and loans that you would qualify for. However, the wait can be worth it.</p>
<p>If you need to learn how to create a business plan you will want to consult one of the non-profit organizations offering funds. You can also obtain sample business plans at various websites, which offer free advice to small business owners. A business plan usually consists of current and projected income and losses for up to the first five years of the business.</p>
<p>A business plan usually includes any plans for expansion as well as any plans to hire new employees. Not only that, but it will outline the various business needs, such as more office furniture, that is needed by an operation.</p>
<p>If you have a good plan you can take advantage of all the funding opportunities open to those who have a financial need for their business. It may take some time to find the right funding source for you, but you will be glad you did, and so will all your future customers.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/don%e2%80%99t-forget-about-governmental-programs-for-start-up-financing-2007-06-29/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing'>Don’t Forget about Government Programs for Start-up Financing</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/convertible-debt-as-an-option-for-raising-business-capital-2007-07-01/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Convertible Debt as an Option for Raising Business Capital'>Convertible Debt as an Option for Raising Business Capital</a></li><li><a href='http://business.savvy-cafe.com/eight-low-cost-ideas-to-start-up-your-own-business-2007-06-27/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eight Low-Cost Ideas to Start up your Own Business'>Eight Low-Cost Ideas to Start up your Own Business</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>When Using Credit Cards Can Be Useful for a Start-up Business</title>
		<link>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/when-using-credit-cards-can-be-useful-for-a-start-up-business-2007-06-05/</link>
		<comments>http://business.savvy-cafe.com/when-using-credit-cards-can-be-useful-for-a-start-up-business-2007-06-05/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:34:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Raising Business Capital]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Though using credit cards to start a business is one of the most popular ways to do so, it can also be risky, yet there are still many rewards available. Besides the obvious reward of a temporary means of capital until profits can cover costs, there are several other pluses to using a credit card [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though using credit cards to start a business is one of the most popular ways to do so, it can also be risky, yet there are still many rewards available. Besides the obvious reward of a temporary means of capital until profits can cover costs, there are several other pluses to using a credit card for this purpose.</p>
<p>A very important aspect of using a credit card for a start-up business is that it can be used to buy immediate items that are needed to get the business on it&#8217;s feet. For example, fax machines, printers, paper and pens. Just ask Sergey Brin and Larry Page the founders of Google, who frugally bought only second hand computers. Which, by the way, is another useful tip to maximize the benefits of using a credit card. Look for deals wherever you can in purchasing items for your small business. In this way you will keep your balance as low as possible and hopefully easier to pay off.</p>
<p>Those who benefit the best from using credit cards to start up their businesses are those who keep their day jobs. By doing this they have at their disposal a steady income to keep up with credit card payments.</p>
<p>Another advantage of using a credit card to start a business is the fact that it will save you time as opposed to applying for a loan and the whole process of getting approved. In the long run it is usually a lot easier and less time consuming to apply and be accepted for a credit card.</p>
<p>A lot of people find a huge benefit in keeping their personal and business finances separate through the use of credit cards. This gives those who would otherwise have to take out a second mortgage on their houses a better option that doesn&#8217;t affect their personal assets quite as directly.</p>
<p>In order to keep the usefulness of the credit card, you must always remember to keep on top of payments. Minimum payments of course should be easily attainable, with a goal of paying even more. The best option with regards to repayment is to go above and beyond the minimum payments.</p>
<p>Another way to maximize usefulness is to shop around for the best offers. Key details that you should research in finding a business credit card are interest rates or their annual APR. Remember to check to see if the APR is only an introductory rate and if so how soon and how much does it go up? You will also want to find about any annual fees that may be required of you. How much are they? What kind of credit limit do they offer? Is their a grace period, and if so how long and what kind of penalties are applied? Are you able to take out cash withdrawals on the credit line? Can you transfer balances? Some also like to know if there are any rewards are offered, and if so what are they? By using these questions in finding an appropriate credit card for your business you can greatly increase the usefulness of this approach.</p>
<p>There are also lots of companies that will offer extra benefits if you sign up with their credit card. You may or may not find that this makes it more useful for you to use a credit card to start your small business versus a conventional loan. Some of these benefits include unorthodox payment plans that sometimes can extend your payments on the card for up to three months. Of course there are also those nifty email alerts available with almost all plans.</p>
<p>Aside from all the bells and whistles it is important you minimize the risks involved in using credit cards to finance your small business. Researching the benefits is also a good way to do just that. Besides that you need to read the user&#8217;s terms involved in the agreement, yes that means the fine print, too many have skipped over this to find themselves in a situation that could have otherwise been avoided. Protect your personal assets as well as possible, have any business partners who sign on accept part of the responsibility of the businesses debt.</p>
<p>In the end, credit cards to start up a new business may be the only option for some. Remember to research each credit offer and follow the above steps in order to minimize your risks and maximize your benefits, therefore making the overall usefulness of a credit card to finance a business increase.</p>


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