Help May Be Available for Businesses Affected By Storms

For many small businesses in the path of Super Storm Sandy, the last quarter of 2012 was a financial challenge. Just as a large collective breath was taken and business owners forged ahead to make the first quarter of 2013 a success, Nemo blasted through the region as a winter storm to some and as a blizzard to others. 

Businesses in the hardest hit areas may face numerous challenges. Streets may have been closed for days resulting in loss of revenue as well as loss of production. Physical damage to office space or inventory may have occurred. In addition, suppliers may be affected and unable to provide needed materials and customers may be facing financial challenges as well resulting in cancelled orders or late payments.

National Business Capital is based in an area hard hit by both Sandy and Nemo and are seeing the effects first hand. We are here to offer any advice and assistance we can to help businesses recover and get back onto the path to success. Please call and speak with one of our business consultants to learn if any of our programs can be beneficial to your business during this trying time.

Can You Afford Office Space?

Putting your dream into reality and starting your own business is an exciting time filled with planning and decision making. One major decision to consider is just exactly where your business will be located. For some, retail or office space is a must, but for others almost any space can work.

Wi-fi, laptops, Google Voice, and cloud storage, among others, make home offices more doable than ever and may be a great place to begin. Meeting space can be a challenge, but most communities do offer solutions. The public library often has meeting rooms wi-fi available. Call in advance to reserve a room to ensure it is available for your appointment time. Community centers are another option. Even hotel lobbies can work. Some lobbies have tables and wi-fi making a small meeting possible.

Another option to consider is shared space. There may be a local business with more space than they need who would be willing to rent the space out or even barter for the use of the space. There are also office suites specifically established for business owners to rent time/space and are equipped with computers, wi-fi, phones, printers, fax, etc.

If these options are not for you or if you have outgrown them, then renting or buying office space may be what you need. Speak with one of the business consultants at National Business Capital to see if one of our financing programs can help fund your space.

Isn't It Bad To Use Credit?

With the economic crisis our country has faced during the past few years, there has been increased urging to stop the use of credit. If you can't pay cash, don't buy it. While this may be good advice on the personal side, it usually is not prudent on the business side.

Nowadays, it is hard to be successful in business without utilizing credit. A business needs cash flow in order to meet payroll, pay taxes, and cover scheduled payables such as mortgage, electric, etc. Therefore a certain amount of liquid reserves should be on hand at all times. But what if the cost to expand operations depletes the reserves? You do not want to turn business away and at the same time you don'twant the worry of not having the cash on hand to meet the scheduled payables.

Unlike personal expenses, paying for business expenses when you do not have the cash on hand can be a smart move because it may expand your business and increase your revenue. A business loan can afford the opportunity to pay for capital expenditures while leaving cash reserves available for scheduled payables and incidentals. Business can expand, loans can be repaid, and expenses can be met.

Traditional bank loans can often be difficult for small business owners due to the fixed monthly repayment plan. Monthly revenue often fluctuates greatly for retail and small businesses. A more prudent and less worrisome option might be open a line of credit or take out a loan based upon the business's receivables. The repayment plan is structured upon a percentage of the monthly receivables so that it fluctuates along with the income.

National Business Capital has expert business consultants on hand to discuss your specific situation. Give us a call to learn what options are available for you.

Is NOW the Time to Expand Your Business?

The beginning of a new year is often an exciting time filled with motivation and big goals. As a business owner, one goal for 2013 may be to expand your business. How do you know if this is the right time?

• So far, so good. You implemented your business idea and have had success. Before expanding, it is important to look at the structure of your business. The expansion should bring increased business. Will your current structure be a successful model to handle the increase? Will you be comfortable delegating work to employees? Can you restructure to streamline operations? What factors need to be considered before the expansion?
• Look closely at the reasons you are considering the expansion. Has there been an increased demand for your product or service? Has this increase in demand been over a meaningful period of time? A short spike in business overall or from one particular customer may not be reason enough for the expansion. Look for clues that the increased demand will continue for the long run.
• Take a look at your competitors. Will your business be able to compete with larger businesses that may be able to offer more competitive pricing? 
• Is bigger really better for YOU? How will you measure success in owning your own business? Is it by the number of customers and employees that you are responsible for? Or is it the personal relationship and traits of a small business that will bring you pride and happiness? Increasing your business may mean that your responsibilities now lie in administrative work when your real passion is actually doing the service your business provides.

After careful consideration, do you feel benefits outweigh the risks? If so, call National Business Capital and speak with one of our expert business consultants to learn about our financing options.

Inexpensive Employee Appreciation Ideas

One easy way to help keep employees motivated is to provide extra perks. This time of year many employers shell out big bucks in holiday bonuses and/or holiday parties. Revenue may be lower due to a decrease in time spent on tasks. Why? A high number of vacation days used, extra "water cooler" time spent discussing the holidays, holiday planning at their desks, etc. It becomes a financial challenge for many employers to provide these perks that have become expected.

As a business owner, you want your employees to feel appreciated and to be happy in their work environment. Is there a way to achieve this without spending a fortune? The answer is yes and here are some ideas!

• Talk with your vendors. You provide them with business throughout the year and help keep their business profitable. See if they would be willing to offer discounts directly to your employees.

• Talk with local merchants. Perhaps you can make arrangements to offer discounts to each others employees.

• Professional associations may have agreements for discounts to their members. If so, see if you can extend these discounts to your employees.

• The gift of time is always a cherished perk. Depending upon your business structure, there are different ways to make this manageable. One way is to change the working hours to four ten-hour days thereby providing your employees a three day weekend every week! Another way is to have a rotating schedule for employees to add extra time to their lunch hour or leave early for the day. An hour here and there may not affect your bottom line too much or may even improve it by keeping your employees motivated and happy!

Of course, not all perks are free, but the benefits of providing them can be great. If you would like to offer perks to your employees, but cash flow is a challenge, speak with one of the business consultants at National Business Capital. We can discuss the options available to provide you with the cash flow you need.

Every Business Needs a Line of Credit

We are fast approaching the fiscal cliff and there is great concern about the impact it will have on our economy. Business owners worry about loss in cash flow and the ability to purchase needed supplies. Establishing a line of credit with vendors is one way to ensure the business will have the supplies it needs.

Unfortunately, vendors are feeling the stress of the economy as well and small business owners may find it more difficult to be approved for credit. This is especially true for newer businesses that have not had the opportunity to develop a good credit rating. If you are looking to establish credit with vendors, here are some tips:

• Start Small: It takes time to build trusting relationships. Do not ask for too much too soon. Prove your credit worthy by creating a pattern of timely payments.
• Share Documentation: Vendors will want to see objective proof that you are credit worthy. Have documents available for the vendor to review. Ask other business owners that you have relationships with for a letter of recommendation.
• Get Personal: Before looking for credit to be extended, take time to review your personal credit reports and ensure their accuracy. Have corrections made if needed.

In place of, or in addition to, credit directly with vendors, National Business Capital may be able to help you open a business line of credit. Our approval process is faster and easier than at traditional banks. Speak with one of our business consultants to learn more!

Financial Stress During the Holidays? National Business Capital May Be Able to Help!

The holiday season is a time of great profits for some industries, but can slow business down in other industries. Many business owners worry throughout the season either hoping to make enough profit to tide them over during slow months or hoping to make it through the holiday slow down. Along with wishes for happy holidays, National Business Capital may be able to offer solutions to ease your financial worry.

Small business owners find it difficult to obtain financing from traditional banks. The process is slow moving, confusing, and often the lender searches for reasons to reject loans. National  Business Capital differs by actively searching for ways to approve loans with the best interest rates and repayment structures. The process is quick and easy providing the business owner quick access to the money.

Holidays should be a time for enjoying the fruits of your labor along with your friends and family. However, the economy of the past few years has taken quite a toll on so many businesses. Add the disruption and devastation from natural weather events that many areas of country have faced and the stress is magnified. Call National Business Capital and speak with one of our business consultants to learn if we can provide the funding to make this holiday season one of joy rather than stress!

Business Financing for Victims of Hurricane Sandy

It has been a tiring and emotional week for the residents of the the East Coast as Hurricane Sandy tore a destructive path across many states. National Business Capital is a Long Island based company and we had a front row view of the devastation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by the storm.

We are pleased to be in the position to help business owners as the recovery from the storm continues. Our business consultants are on hand to discuss funding opportunities and eligibility. Insurance companies are overwhelmed with processing claims due to losses from Sandy. We can provide fast funding to eligible applicants for use while waiting on insurance. We also may be able to provide funding with no payments for 30 days!

Call National Business Capital today to learn how we can help your business move forward during this difficult time!

National Business Capital Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here on Long Island that means the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk held at Jones Beach. Two employees of National Business Capital proudly participated in the walk and showed their support for this great cause.

Jack Hasso and Dirk Nova walked in honor of Maria Nova, cancer survivor. Mr.Hasso said, "It was a great experience taking part in the walk.  The weather was perfect, the crowd was very energetic and everyone really enjoyed the day.  We do it every year.  There’s no better feeling than supporting such an amazing cause and charity and it’s special when the person you’re walking with is a survivor."

National Business Capital would like to thank everyone who made this event possible, from the organizers and walkers to the people who offered love and encouragement. 

How Much Is It Costing Your Business By Not Taking A Loan?

Right now business owners are taking advantage of great opportunities by using our working capital. Usually when taking advantage of an opportunity, you need capital. If the profit outweighs the cost of capital, the opportunity makes sense. How much is it costing your business by not taking a loan? 

Do You Have the Funding to Prepare for the Vital Holiday Season?

Whew! The fast pace of summer business has slowed down giving business owners a chance to re-group and prepare for the rush of the holiday season. October can be a slow business month, especially for retailers and restaurants, making it the perfect time to plan ahead!

A profitable holiday season is crucial to the success of retail stores and restaurants. In order to maximize your profits, consider the following:

• Inventory should be well stocked and ready for the earliest holiday shoppers! The good news is that many vendors offer discounts during the month of October. Take advantage and stock up! Check with your suppliers to see if discounts are offered or ask for a discount if you buy in bulk.
• Increase your marketing efforts during the busy holiday season! Consumers are bombarded with print ads, online ads, radio and t.v. ads all calling for their business. Be sure you are heard above the rest! Speak with your marketing company to see if they will provide a discount for early payment on your holiday ads.
• Do you have enough staff? There is nothing more frustrating than filling your business with customers, but losing the sales because you do not have adequate staff to service them. Hire seasonal staff early enough to train them well. Having enough salespeople or servers means nothing if they can not do the job properly.

Don't let limited cash flow hinder your holiday sales! Speak with a business consultant at National Business Capital to learn about our financing programs!

Business Credit Lines Open To Almost ALL Industries!

Having access to a business line of credit can be crucial to the health of a company. For many business owners, if not most, a line of credit has not been a possibility for years. The struggling economy resulted in banks tightening the reins and all but eliminating lines of credit.

National Business Capital has been working hard to bring business lines of credit back! A few months ago, we were able to offer line of credit to a limited number of industries, but we are happy to announce that we can now offer lines of credit to almost all industries! National Business Capital has not been able to offer business lines of credit with such flexible guidelines in 5 years! While most banks continue to cut or close credit lines, National Business Capital can often approve them in as little as 48 hours and we do not require collateral! 

What makes our credit lines so attractive?

• Receive an Actual Checkbook!
• Only Pay for What You Use!
• Take Additional Funds When Needed!
• Interest is Tax Deductible!
• No Real Estate Collateral!
• Based on Annual Sales!

Call and speak with one of our business consultants to learn what YOUR business qualifies for!

Are You Taking Advantage of Social Media to Promote Your Business?

Social media has become a large piece of the marketing puzzle for businesses, but many business owners fail to understand the true value.  While social media strategies will differ from business to business, each should implement and use social media.

Some business owners feel their business is not the "right fit" for social media because they see it as a tool for "social" businesses such as restaurants or clothing stores.  This is not true as National Business Capital itself can show you. We have a social media marketing plan which focuses on educating and engaging our customers rather than posting silly pictures for caption contests or coupons for nachos. Understanding the various social networks and their individual value propositions is important for every industry.

It's not all fun and games. Social media has become a key piece in search engine optimization.  The businesses who find themselves at the top of search results pages typically have active social media channels. It is also important to note that using the channels is not enough.  Take the time to learn how to use social media for business as it is a whole different beast than using it for fun.  

Social media is a viable tool for each and every business.  Take the time to do research and speak with professionals to help guide you in developing a successful plan. How about starting by looking at National Business Capital's social media?  Follow the link to our website and click on the icons!

What Does My Credit Score Mean?

Do you want to secure a business loan, but are afraid your credit score will make you ineligible? 


Are you worried that recent financial hardships have decimated your credit?


Have you found mistakes in your credit report that have not been corrected?

Any of the above scenarios can induce anxiety when applying for a business loan. Remove the fear of the unknown and you will be well on your way to removing the anxiety. National Business Capital can help!

Take the first step and call us.  One of our business consultants can provide you with a FREE CREDIT CONSULTATION and help you devise a strategy to secure the best financing terms possible.  Poor credit does not automatically mean no loan approval!


The business consultant will ensure that you know how to read a credit report.  Should there be any mistakes on your report, the consultant will advise how to correct them.  It is important to note that there are many companies that claim to fix your credit.  Be wary as many are unethical; may charge up-front fees and provide no solutions.  If your report is correct, but your score is still less than stellar, the consultant can advise how to improve the score. 


The business consultant can help guide you through your options.  The answer may be to apply for a small loan now, take time to repair your credit, then apply for a larger loan. Or, even with poor credit, you may qualify for PREMIUM approval by National Business Capital right now! 


The most important fact is to know your scores and understand how they affect financing terms.  A bit of knowledge may save you thousands of dollars!

Did You Know National Business Capital Finances Equipment For Up To Five Years?

Attention!  Valuable information to help increase profits! 

DOCTORS, RESTAURANT OWNERS, MANUFACTURERS, WHOLESALERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES!

You've heard the saying, "You have to spend money to make money." Purchasing equipment in order to offer additional services and/or be more efficient is a great way to better serve your customers and increase your profits. 

National Business Capital offers excellent financing options so you can increase your profits and still maintain the cash flow you need!

Why finance your equipment purchase with National Business Capital?

• Terms up to 5 years frees up your cash flow

• Purchase new or used equipment

• Not limited to a particular vendor; shop anywhere you choose

• Tax deductible

• Payments once per month

MANUFACTURERS, WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS, you may also be qualified to refinance your existing equipment loans purchase equipment with terms up to ten years!

Do you have a high interest rate loan/lease with a balance over $200,000? You may be eligible to refinance to a lower interest rate! 

Please call us and speak with one of our business consultants to discuss your options and receive a no obligation quote!

Maximize Your Summer Earnings!

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer.  Is your business ready? National Business Capital can help prepare your business to maximize your summer earnings. NOW is the time to finance all of your seasonal needs!

Our financing programs can help repair, replace, update, your equipment or create services to increase your revenue. Don't wait for equipment to fail and you find yourself in a bind.  Be proactive so that you can research and purchase the best equipment at the best price.

Restaurants Owners! Would an outside bar or patio increase revenue? Does your patio furniture need an update? Does the outside of your building look clean and inviting? Act now and enjoy summer months filled with new customers.

Doctors!  Be creative!  Are there additional services you can provide to increase your revenue and provide greater patient care?  Do you need special equipment to offer this service? Don't let finances hinder you.

Landscapers, Pool Services, Contractors!  Do you own a company that relies on summer income for the bulk of your earnings?  If so, ensure your equipment is top quality and prepared to work hard.  Would new equipment allow you to offer additional services or work faster?  Do you have the funds to maximize your advertising during these critical months?  Do you have enough employees to handle the amount of business you could be doing?




Call now and learn how National Business Capital can help make this summer a successful one!

Business Credit Lines are Back!

Having access to a line of credit is essential for a business.  Since cash flow can be unsteady and unpredictable, quick access to funds can help a business make payroll, pay taxes, pay bills, buy equipment, etc.  

 

With the economy causing greater fluctuations in cash flow, business owners need lines of credit more than ever. Unfortunately, most banks have cut or closed their business line of credit programs.  Not us.  National Business Capital never stopped lending and our guidelines have remained flexible.

Some of the benefits of a business line of credit are:

• Having peace of mind knowing that you have access to available credit.

• Receive an actual check book!

• Only pay for the funds that you use.

• Having the ability to take separate drafts when needed.

National Business Capital's business line of credit is available to limited industries. Call and speak with one of our business experts to learn if your business qualifies.