SFS: Small. Fast. Smart.

How to Finance your Business

You have a variety of options when it comes to financing your small business. In addition to traditional loans, you may wish to explore other opportunities that range from grants and bonds to investor-based venture capital. Here is an overview of your options so you can decide which one is best for you:

• Grants~Unlike business loans, grants have the advantage of not having to be repaid. However, grant funding is generally restricted to very specific audiences, and the use of grant funding is often subject to specific conditions, with strict reporting responsibilities.
  
  Facts About Government Grants
  SBA does NOT provide grants for starting and expanding a business. Government grants are funded by your tax dollars and, therefore, require very stringent compliance and reporting measures to ensure the money is well spent.
  Research Grants for Small Businesses
  If your small business is engaged in scientific research and development (R&D), you may qualify for federal grants under the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and the STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs as well.
  Find Grants
  Federal, state and local governments offer a wide range of financing programs to help small businesses start and grow their operations. These programs include low-interest loans, venture capital, and scientific and economic grants.
• Bonds~Bonds represent a unique funding opportunity for small business owners. Any bond offering made by your small business should be carefully reviewed by an attorney. The topics in this article will acquaint you with the types of bonds that are generally available.
  
  Surety Bonds
  A surety bond is an instrument that is signed by the Principal (or Contractor) and the Surety Company in order to protect the interests of the Obligee (the buyer, or party issuing the contract) in the event the Principal defaults on the loan.
  Tax-Exempt Bonds
  Tax-exempt, industrial-revenue bond (IRB) programs are attractive financing options for small manufacturers looking to expand operations and upgrade facilities. What is a Tax-Exempt Bond? Tax-exempt bonds are debt securities issued by a state or local government development agency on behalf of a private business.
• Investor-based venture capital~Venture capital is a type of equity financing that addresses the funding needs of entrepreneurial companies that for reasons of size, assets, and stage of development cannot seek capital from more traditional sources, such as public markets and banks. Venture capital investments are generally made as cash in exchange for shares and an active role in the invested company.
  
  The New Markets Venture Capital Companies
  The New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) program seeks to stimulate economic development in Low Income (LI) areas. Through public-private partnerships between the SBA and newly formed NMVC Companies (NMVCCs) and existing Specialized Small Business Investment Companies (SSBICs), the program is designed to serve the unmet equity needs of local entrepreneurs through developmental venture capital investments, provide technical assistance to small businesses, create quality employment opportunities for LI area residents, and build wealth within LI areas.
  All SBIC Licensees by State
  The Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program provides venture capital to small businesses. Although SBICs are licensed and regulated by SBA, they are private, profit-seeking investment companies.

As you can see, there are many options to help you get started. The number of small businesses are growing rapidly, and it's nice to see that a support system is in place to ensure their success.

References: http://www.sba.gov/

6 Tips To Combat Job Burnout

Bob Dickson is the President of Dale Carnegie Training of Western CT in Naugatuck, CT.

The burned out employee is the workforce equivalent of the marathon runner who has gassed out - which is just what happens with burned out employees.  Naturally, this could lead to huge productively problems within your business.
 
Employee Burnout WILL Affect Your Company's Performance.
 
For your burned out employees, symptoms tend to manifest as anxiousness, noticeable tiredness (as if under-slept), an inability to focus and a short temper.  Obviously, none of these are conducive to a positive, strong work environment.  So, to make sure your employees avoid becoming burned out, scope out the six tips we have outlined below.
 
6 Tips To Combat Job Burnout:
 
Tip #1. Take Regular Breaks: Mental health is becoming increasingly important in the work place, and more and more employers are recognizing the need for their employees to take frequent breaks to keep their minds sharp.  By allowing your employees a fifteen-minute break in the morning, a 30- to 60-minute lunch break (that we recommend they take outside of the office) and an additional fifteen-minute break before the end of the day, you will find your employees' batteries are constantly at a full charge.