In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Amber Banks to explore the critical role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in business financing. They delve into understanding CDFIs, tackling credit score issues, and the challenges of borrowing. Amber discusses how CDFIs advocate for small businesses and assist with urgent cash flow needs. The conversation […]
For Better or Worse: The Vows Every Business Owner Eventually Learns
We rarely describe small business ownership as a love story. We dress it up as ambition, independence, or strategy. We talk about growth plans, revenue targets, and market positioning. But if you’ve owned a business long enough, you know the truth most owners eventually discover, often the hard way. Business ownership is one of the […]
How to Prioritize Sales in Your Small Business
Sales are the lifeblood of any small business. Without consistent revenue, even the best business ideas, products, or services cannot sustain themselves. Yet, many small business owners overlook the importance of having a structured and scalable sales process, often focusing more on operations, branding, or product development. While those aspects are important, sales are what […]
Celebrate National Small Business Week 2024
Join me and the Small Business Administration for National Small Business Week from April 28 – May 4, 2024. This is our nation’s celebration of the 33.5 million small businesses across the country. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this is our week to shine as entrepreneurs, employers, and innovative startups. The last […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Handle Inflation in Your Small Business
Today, I’m offering my thoughts and advice on inflation and your small business. I share my take on how you can handle inflation and thrive in the current landscape by doing things such as raising prices, managing productivity, and using strategic financing. I talk about the importance of knowing exactly where your cash flow is […]
How to Better Manage Your Small Business Finances
Chances are you started your business because you have a passion for a particular product or service…not because you love managing the financial aspect of a business. Yet every business owner must learn how to manage their small business finances if they want to grow and thrive. Today I’m sharing three tips that will help […]
How to Take Control of Your Money in 2021
This content is sponsored by Plastiq If you are trying to figure out how to help your small business increase revenue in 2021, it’s time to take a hard look at how money works in your business. After the ups and downs of 2020, one of the most important resolutions any business can make this […]
January 2021 #Smallbizchat: How to Sell a Business & New Cash Flow Options for 2021
#Smallbizchat LIVE is a monthly video chat where small business owners can get answers to their questions. The focus of #Smallbizchat LIVE is to end small business failure by helping participants succeed as your own boss. Please join us live every third Wednesday of the month from 8-9 pm ET Live on my SmallBizLady Facebook Page, […]
3 Signs Your Cash Flow is in Trouble
As a small business owner, you’ll hear a thousand times over that “cash flow is the lifeblood of your business.” Even if you’re sick of hearing it, it’s important for you recognize why the saying is so popular. Cash flow management will literally make or break your small business. According to Dun and Bradstreet, 90% of […]
21 Tips for Managing Your Small Business Finances
Every small business owner must stay on top of one thing: managing the money. Cash flow is all about how money moves in and out of your business. And your goal should always be to keep cash in your business operating account as long as possible. Managing your small business finances requires a specific skill […]