Contrary to popular belief, recessions do not spur entrepreneurship, at least according to a study released by the Kauffman Foundation. In this study, data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Small Business Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, covering 1977 through March 2009 was used.  “About 600,000 new businesses were formed each year during that 30-year period. The data includes formally established new enterprises as well as new franchise locations and other outposts of [...]

To all of our blog readers, existing merchants and potential merchants, Merchant Resources International would like to wish a Happy New Year! As we step into 2010, a new year and a new decade, we would like to reiterate our commitment to providing small business owners with an excellent alternative to the bank loan, while offering numerous benefits and friendly service. Now is the time to revive, renew and refresh your business with a business [...]

The fear of the number 13(triskaidekaphobia) and specifically, the fear of Friday the 13th (paraskevidekatriaphobia) dates back centuries.  According to Dr. Donald Dossey, a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of phobias, who coined the latter term, there may be as many as 21 million people in the United States who fear Friday the 13th.  In fact, superstitions of all kind are not uncommon amongst Americans.  Results from an October 2007 AP/Ipsos poll show that one [...]

SBA Loans Easier to Get? The Obama administration has announced new initiatives to help increase lending to small businesses.  The Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department plan to increase the maximum sizes of 7(a) loans, 504 loans and microloans. **Note:  Small business owners who do not qualify for SBA loans may apply for unsecured business cash advances.  Furthermore, merchants who already have bank loans may use business cash advances as additional funds. America’s Top [...]