Small Business Financing

July 25, 2008

Why You Should Avoid Finders

It may be tempting to retain a broker for your next round of venture capital financing, but doing so might damage your chances.

July 21, 2008

Equalizing Equity Access for Women CEOs

Springboard's current venture capital forum targets equity financing for media companies run by female entrepreneurs. We track its process.

July 14, 2008

How to Find the Right VC for Your Company

It's critical for entrepreneurs, when targeting venture capital firms, to narrow their search based on key criteria.

July 11, 2008

Collecting Money in a Bad Economy

Yes, it's harder now, particularly for small companies with limited resources. We offer a practical guide to collections.

July 09, 2008

IPOs: Are They DOA?

Venture-backed initial public offerings have been declining, and as VCs make more demands, entrepreneurs have been looking at alternatives.

July 02, 2008

The Lowdown on Strategic Investments

This kind of cash infusion can be a boon to your small business, but beware: There can be complications.

June 26, 2008

Bush Names Small Business Administration Chief

But Sandy Baruah, a Commerce Dept. official, has only limited small-biz experience, and, if confirmed, will have only a few months to serve.

May 14, 2008

SBA Loans Plummet

The total of the agency's flagship 7(a) loans is down 18%. The agency blames the economy; others cite the flight of banks from the program.

May 06, 2008

Bankruptcies on the Rise

Tighter credit, rising commodity prices, and slipping sales aren't slamming just Wall Street; now small businesses are getting hit.

May 05, 2008

Let Your Customers Do the Financing

The co-owner of a popular Boston food market discusses his unusual strategy—and has advice for businesses hit by the credit crunch.

March 12, 2008

Five Mistakes to Avoid During a Downturn

Our finance columnist offers a what-not-to-do list for small business owners facing tough times.

February 27, 2008

Busting the 'Free Money' Myth

Searching for a government grant or no-interest loan to start a business? Don't waste your time.

February 27, 2008

The IPO Adventure, Part III

In the final column of our series on the initial public offering process, our columnist explains what to do when you register with the SEC.

February 11, 2008

The IPO Adventure, Part II

In the second of our ongoing series on the initial public offering process, our columnist explains the steps you need to take to prepare for an IPO.

January 28, 2008

The IPO Adventure, Part I

Preparing for an initial public offering is a massive undertaking. This overview, the first of a series, will help you understand the process.

January 14, 2008

Allocating Stocks: Five Common Mistakes

Being aware of these possible pitfalls will help you hang on to the money you'll need as your business expands.

December 21, 2007

Will a Stranger Lend You $25,000?

How for-profit social lending marketplaces work, and why they might be worth considering to land a business loan.

December 17, 2007

The Fine Art of Pricing Your Product

Entrepreneurs face two major dilemmas when deciding what they should ask their customers to pay: How to price and whether to lowball.

November 28, 2007

Networking Know How Spells Financing

Here are six of my favorite ways to build relationships, including the "drive-by schmooze" where you give yourself 30 minutes to mingle.

November 26, 2007

Risky Financing for Cash-Strapped Startups

The founder of fast-growing Bakery Barn explains three "don't try this at home" strategies that worked for him.

November 05, 2007

Preparing for Financial Due Diligence

Follow this checklist to get ready for and get through the final and most tedious step in a successful financing deal.

October 24, 2007

Steering Clear of Financing-Pitfalls

Completing financing deals is a delicate balancing act. The reasons for failure come down to one of three factors.

October 17, 2007

Why Google Won't Help Your VC Pitch

A conversation with a top venture capitalist yields three cautionary pieces of advice for Web startups seeking seed funding.

September 24, 2007

To Get Financed and Stay Financed, Innovate

Revisit the Ansoff Matrix to map out ways you can constantly be innovating within your business. Funding will follow.

August 27, 2007

How to Boost the Value of Your Business

A company is worth what a buyer perceives. Time-tested ways to increase the value of yours include adding new sales channels and locking in strategic alliances.