And when something is successful, it doesn’t take long for copies to pop up all over the place. This was the case with Amazon and Facebook. Both companies have been branching out into different areas: Amazon with Kindle and Facebook with games and corporate pages.

In fact, couponing seems to be a source of profit, since Amazon.com has jumped on the bandwagon. And Amazon rarely misses the mark when it comes to new products and/or services. I recently received an email that looked very similar to those from Groupon (to which I’m subscribed) but was surprised to see it came from “Amazon Local.” I had never heard of that division of Amazon, and the similarity (even in design) to Groupon was pretty obvious.

On the other hand, Facebook Deals seems to be going bigger. According to their official blog, Deals is now available in Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, and the UK. Deals is also combined with another Facebook service called “Places” and shows users local businesses and deals. No word yet on how it has worked for merchants, but the ease with which

So far, Groupon has received the most criticism from merchants. From shoddy customer service to deals that provide very little profit, most business owners prefer to use other sites or none at all. These sites take a portion of the profit made from the special deal, so it could be taken more as clever advertising than actually signing up to make more money from the deal. These coupon sites work as a way to get customers to go to a certain business. Keeping them is up to the merchant.

Image courtesy of Lomo-Cam

These companies encompass vastly different industries, from courier services to IT to biotechnology, and there are more than a few names that you might recognize. In the computer software field, Symantec stands out. If you own a PC, it is likely that you’ve used a Symantec antivirus or malware protection program. This company started out in Mountain view, CA, in 1982, with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and expanded until it became one of the largest software companies in the world, with $6 billion in revenue and 18,000 employees in 40 countries at present.

Another household name (pun intended) found in the SBA list is iRobot. They are the creators of those circular Roomba vacuums that we often see on YouTube videos, doubling as kitty vehicles. But iRobot produces much more than vacuums and floor cleaners; the company has contracts with the government, providing them with reconnaissance, ground, and maritime robots. Not bad for a company that started by 2 MIT graduates with a passion for automation. The founders found in the SBIR the only willing investor in their “risky” venture. Obviously, it paid off.

The SBA has also funded several environmental services enterprises. The “green” movement has been popular for a few years now, with recycling and energy efficiency being top concerns among business owners. The SBA bet on environmental solutions early on, providing a grant to Environmental Dynamics International (EDI) in 1980, way before green thinking became big. The company specializes in treating wastewater, and offers services in 90 countries! The company is based in Columbia, MO, and continues to innovate in the field of water treatment through aeration.

One of the co-founders of Qualcomm Communications, another recipient of SBA loans, said that “whenever you’re being innovative, there are always skeptics.” It may be difficult to get that initial funding to give your enterprise that initial push, but with a good idea, a solid business plan, and perseverance, a small business can become tomorrow’s successful corporation.

These businesses were started years, even decades, ago. To see a list of the best businesses to start now, go to this article on MSNBC.

In addition, small businesses have to contend with slow growth, low sales volumes, and playing catch-up with financial obligations. Business owners who want to keep growing can resort to a simple solution: the merchant cash advance. This makes it a great alternative during hard times, because a cash advance does not impact your credit score. Even if you renew your advance right after you finish paying your first one, your credit score remains intact.

The program is simple: our purchases your future credit card sales at a discounted rate. The amount of money you receive depends on your monthly credit card sales volume.

This is a great option for those who are looking to grow their business but are on a budget. There are no application or setup fees, and we don’t need collateral from our clients. As long as your business takes credit cards as payment, you can receive a merchant cash advance. There are other requirements, which include that you own the business, and that it’s been operating for at least 6 months.

You can let your merchant service work for you, and use the advance the way you see fit. Our advance expert, Rory Mero, recommends calling a reputable lender and inquiring to clear up any doubts you may have. Our trained and knowledgeable staff, including underwriters and sales managers, can help you make the best choice for your business.

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Cash advances are the best alternative to this lengthy and trying process. First and foremost, you must be in business for at least 12 months, accepting credit cards as form of payment (at least $3,500 with 10 batches monthly). I would like to explain the program in simple terms.

We advance money based on your monthly credit card sales and gross monthly receivables. Cash advance providers will offer up to 150% of your monthly credit card sales, and the repayment for this service is pain and worry-free. As long as you’re accepting credit cards, the provider will attach a small percentage (previously agreed upon) of your daily credit card sales.

However, I always ask my prospective clients what the money is going to be used for. If these funds will not increase your bottom line 40 or 50 percent, shy away. The payback amount could be too much and ultimately be a detriment for your business.  My personal suggestion is that a cash advance should be used to facilitate the growth of your business.  “Growth” can mean a lot of things, so here are a few examples: advertising, remodeling, or purchasing inventory.

If you are looking to pay down financial obligations, all you can accomplish by taking out a cash advance is to dig yourself a deeper hole. However, the beautiful part of this program is that there is no impact on your personal credit. A cash advance is not reported to the credit bureau as a debt, only an inquiry. In addition, there is no fixed monthly payment; we only get paid when you accept a credit card, and there are no penalties for slow pay. Our merchant cash advance system is designed to go with the flow of your business, so that you don’t feel the burden of a loan.

-Rory Mero
West Coast Regional Manager
Merchant Resources International

People didn’t have to be in the direct path of the tornadoes or rising waters to be affected. Jan Hoadley, owner of Slow Money Farm, lost a litter of rabbits and young chickens because there was no heat to foster the right growing environment. This meant a month’s worth of work and income lost. In fact, agricultural businesses in this region are still reeling from the death of cattle, chickens, and horses. According to the USDA, Alabama has around 48,500 farms, most of which are primarily operated by their owners.

Camping gear manufacturer Exxel Outdoors has a large factory and distribution center in Haleyville, AL. Fortunately, their facilities escaped damage while whole towns a few miles away were wiped away by the tornadoes. Exxel was still affected by the power outage and had to stop production. However, they did manage to donate sleeping bags, tents, apparel, and blankets to those in need. PR agent for Exxel Dahlia Greer says that the company’s employees used a generator to create the basic conditions needed for them to distribute their products to the local community.

Other small businesses are also taking proactive steps to help the devastated community. Restaurants like Huddle House, Captain D’s, Lenny’s and Wing Zone provided free food to families in their area until they get back on their feet, according to Jordy Patano, account executive in a Georgia Media Consulting company. These companies are working hard to rebuild their locations and resume service as soon as possible. But this is likely to be a long process, one that includes collecting funds, replacing lost equipment, and reaching out to customers who are likely also recovering from the difficult weather conditions.

On the other hand, there are a handful of companies that actually benefitted from the recent tornadoes and flooding. CullmanLife.com is a web and mobile guide for local events and places in Cullman, AL. They saw a significant increase in visitors and app users due to the fact that locals had no power or TV, and had to rely solely on their mobile phones to keep informed. The CullmanLife page on Facebook gained around 2,300 fans and great exposure, says Mike Ragsdale, son of the CullmanLife owners.

But for most, the recent raging weather brought about more cons than pros. Christian Brown, owner of Tech-Sterminators computer repair in Starkville, MS, feared for his customers’ computers safety. When a storm hits and the power goes out, there’s a possibility of power surges, which can fry your computer and cause permanent loss of data. Brown not only had to contend with that possibility, but also with the fact that he could not process any card payments and was forced to deal only with cash. And he wasn’t even on the direct path of the floods. If he had, he says, his business would have been doomed to close its doors because he has no insurance.

Insurance is vital for those who conduct business in disaster-prone areas. Different regions of the U.S. have their own natural hazards, whether they are hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires. Getting insurance for your location’s hazards is one of the best investments you can make, especially nowadays, when it seems that no area is able to escape the wrath of nature.

*Photos courtesy of Jamiesrabbits, Slow Money Farm & southerntabitha

The Small Business Administration (SBA) says, “every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America.” Did you know that over half of Americans work in a small business? Indeed, as major providers of employment and economic growth, small businesses are recognized every year with special events and deals from different organizations.

• Office Depot is the official sponsor for National Business Week to “show their commitment to small businesses and entrepreneurs.” Office Depot  has a resource center for small businesses, as well as a credit card with special rewards and financing program to purchase office supplies and equipment.
• Chase Bank is offering $1,000 in incentives for small business owners, $100 back when you open a Business Checking account, plus a Google webinar for Chase customers.
• Not to be outdone, Bank of America offers new payment options and 3 new business charge cards “designed to give small businesses more choice and control over their payment and expense management needs” (via BusinessWire). The bank has also renewed its commitment to spend more with small and medium-sized businesses.

The Small Business Administration will host information sessions with guest speakers at their headquarters in Washington, D.C.  Speakers include:

• Karen Mills: Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Marie Johns: Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Gail McGovern: President and CEO, American Red Cross.
• Bill Rancic: Original “Apprentice” winner and author of “Beyond the Lemonade Stand.”
• Seth Goldman: Founder and CEO of HonesTea.
• Cathy Hughes: Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc.
• Steve Case: Chairman of The Case Foundation, businessman and philanthropist.

These events, taking place from May 16 to May 20, are co-sponsored by companies like Sam’s Club, Microsoft, Google, CareerBuilder, Visa, and AT&T, among others.

Banks who are participating are working to make financing more accessible to small business owners, but their loans still come with interests and extensive applications and waiting periods. Our merchant cash advances are perfect for small entrepreneurs looking to keep a positive cash flow, stock up on inventory, purchase office equipment, or expand their businesses.

Our website has received a makeover this week! It has been tweaked to download faster, be compatible with all web browsers, and be more user-friendly. And since we know that form follows function, our website boasts a new and improved look. It is now more streamlined and stylish, serving as a frame for concise and informative content.

As you can see, applying for a cash advance with us is easier than ever. We’ve put a no-obligation quote calculator, along with a short application for merchants who are wondering how much they can receive. Users can now navigate our website quickly while getting all the information they need. Check it out and see for yourself!

• Rent & utilities
• Size & distribution of building
• Type of business
• Number of employees

Choose a bustling location in a metropolis and pay hefty rental fees for a small space; or rent a space in a suburban or rural area, and score a larger space but low customer density. The Small Business Administration understands this, and that is why they offer a special program for those whose businesses are located in “historically underutilized business zones” (or HUB zones).

This program’s main goal is to give contracting priority to those who are in locations where demand is lower, thus encouraging employment growth and business development in otherwise overlooked areas. Wonder if your business is in a HUB? You can browse the official HUB map or enter your address. Other restrictions for being considered a HUB business include:

• At least 35% of the business must reside in the HUB zone.
• The business must be owned and controlled by U.S. Citizens, community Development Corporation, Indian tribe, or agricultural cooperative.
• Principal office must be located within a HUB zone.
• The business is “small” by SBA standards (you can check size regulations here.)

The program basically consists in giving contracting preference to businesses that are located in a HUB zone, providing a 10% price evaluation preference in contract competitions. Small businesses that qualify receive sole source federal contracting and subcontracting.

This program is one of the many offered by the Small Business Administration in order to stimulate employment and business growth. However, the application process can be lengthy and fraught with difficulties. Since there are many qualifications to be met, determining which businesses can receive loans or grants can result in long waiting periods and the need to submit stacks and stacks of documents.

A cash advance is a great choice for small businesses that are located in underutilized zones, and it provides much needed financial help without any of the hurdles that come with federal loans. Cash advances can get you money in as little as a week, and are based on your credit card transactions.

*Photo courtesy of rutlo

Small businesses that have loans with the Small Business Administration are facing a looming shutdown. If it were to happen, all but the vital services would be suspended, halting loan applications, payments, and processing. The only programs that would be continued include:

• Disaster Loans
• CDC 504 Loans (previously approved only)
• Inspector General
• Secondary Market Loans
• Preferred Surety Bond (PBS) programs

Inflation is another key issue right now, with prices for raw materials, gas, and power on the rise. According to CNN Money, many small businesses are raising their prices in order to battle inflation. Among the most affected businesses are restaurants, product manufacturers, farms, and retail stores. If you depend on your vehicle for deliveries, expect to tighten your belt even more: gas prices have reached $4 per gallon (even more in some states).

So how can you face mounting operating costs and raw material prices? A cash advance will help you keep your business running without all the hassles that come with conventional loans. With a cash advance, you receive your money in as little as a week, and you pay back through a small percentage of your credit card transactions. If your business uses credit cards as a major payment form, you could have as much as $500,000 and renew your advance when it’s 60% repaid. You don’t have to fear a looming government shutdown by getting funds fast. Apply online and get a free no-obligation quote at www.cashprior.com.

*Photo courtesy of Leoboudv