Entrepreneurs develop ideas for new business models, products, and services, but often have problems finding financing for their ventures. Innovations fail to create value when they cannot attract the resources required to develop them. Venture Capital Investment serves as an important element behind innovation and wealth creation. Venture capitalists screen entrepreneurial projects, structure financing deals, and monitor their investors...more
With the world in recovery mode, many people are still questioning how the markets got so out of control. They are also questioning something a little closer to home; their own finances.Some people will be looking for more tax efficient investments. Others will want to diversify their existing portfolios as well as look at new investment opportunities.I dont think that there are many of us who wouldnt benefit from putting more thought and effort...more
As the world slowly recovers from the credit crunch and we look back at what went right and what went wrong, people are increasingly looking to take control of their finances.Trying to be more tax efficient with your savings and investments is always a good starting point. Of course, looking at existing stocks and shares portfolios is another area to review.I am sure we all appreciate that we could benefit from planning more. But not everyone is sitting on their hands. Many people actively pursue new investments. Others regularly review their banking and mortgage arrangements.A more common form of trading that people are turning to is spread trading. There are downsides to all forms of investing and with spread trading you need to be careful because you can lose more than your initial investment.If there is potential for incurring losses, why should you consider trading? Put simply, spread trading can be useful when it comes to easy access to the markets, investments with little or no tax* and the variety of risk management tools.There are many potential benefits exist. Importantly, profits from spread betting are tax free*.Also, the London Stock Exchange may close at 4.30 local...more
As the major economies start to stabilise and the risk of a depression fades into the distance many are reflecting on a few important points. Firstly, how did it all happen? Secondly, how can they better protect themselves in the future?If we were to be honest with ourselves, then we should probably accept that we can improve on at least a couple...more
At certain times in your business cycle, whether you are a start-up business or a well-established veteran, cash flow is critical. Whether times or tough, or business is booming, cash flow challenges can cause unwanted stress and limit your growth potential.Everyone knows the magic equation for a financial success: spend less, make more. Or, limit...more
In the current economic climate, banks are hesitant to offer loans. Relief may be on the way from government bailouts and efforts to stimulate lending, or business may want to consider accounts receivable factoring as a solution to meet their cash flow needs.Consumers arent the only ones feeling the pain of the credit crisis - many businesses are finding it difficult to get a loan. In the current economic client, a business may be seeking a loan for two reasons. Tough times may force the need for more cash flow. Or, a business is hoping to take advantage of the potential opportunity to invest now, hoping for a greater reward in the future. The credit crisis has forced banks into a defensive position. Banks right now are hoarding their cash, and if they are lending money at all, are doing so with great reluctance. It is an unfortunate position that may continue for quite sometime. According to Business Week, in a recent survey by data firm Reuters LPC, 40% of lenders and loan investors said they didn't expect the credit climate to improve significantly until 2010, after the worst of the recession has passed. There may be some relief on the way from the federal government....more
Whether you are simply going through a rough period, or are attempting to expand your business, invoice factoring is a unique and effective way for a company to increase their cash flow. This unique financing method has been around for thousands of...more
Lets face it; you didnt start your business for the thrill of placing collections calls or faxing multiple invoices. A non-paying customer is one of the most common nightmares for business owners that can waste time and man power. Businesses can...more
A sale is not a sale until you collect the money. The time between issuing an invoice and collecting on it can be a sparse financial time for any company. During this time, the business has fit the bill for the supplies, time, and resources used to...more
In todays rough economic environment, nothing is more important than getting paid for the services you provide. The same applies for cash intensive companies like trucking and freight businesses. In these lines of businesses, it can often take nearly...more
Since the credit crisis hit global financial markets, many companies have seen their lending sources dry up, causing major strain on them to complete everyday tasks. The troubling news is, despite government effort, a new report suggests things arent...more
So, you are about to embark upon the fun task of switching banks, opening an account for the first time or perhaps just looking around to see what is out there. Think about what you need and then look into your choices. Consider how fast you can get...more