These days, finding the funding you need to run your business can be tough. Whether your credit score is too low, small business grants are harder each time, or you don’t have the time to file all the paperwork, there is always a reason. But if you stop making excuses, you are sure to find the funding options you have been looking for.
This is where small business grants can help you grow your business but beware the application is not a quick one.
So how do you apply for a small business grant?
Step 1: Search for Small Business Grants Online
A short Google search of small business grants will turn up thousands of results. All the grant values will range from $500 to several thousand dollars. If you are in a special circumstance such as being a woman business owner or you are a minority business owner, there are additional grants available to you.
Step 2: Understand the Requirements
Each grant is different. So, if you are applying for multiple grants make sure you are not using the same application. Some grants will want you to apply with an essay. Others will want copies of your financial statements. And don’t worry if your business does not meet the requirements for certain grants because there are plenty more that you do qualify for. After all, some grants are designed for startups. While, others are designed for specific kinds of businesses.
Step 3: Get Organized
Because every grant is different, make sure you outline the different requirements. You will also need to keep track of when all the grant applications are due. And don’t forget to proofread your materials before you hit that submit button.
Step 4: Keep a Backup
With as much time as you are spending on these applications, you want to make sure you have a backup copy. If you are doing everything electronically, make sure you save it to an external hard drive. As small business owners, we have very little time to lose and if we must recreate work the likelihood that it will get done is very low. Trust us, you will be less worried and feel less rushed if you know there is a Plan B available.
Step 5: Submit
Make sure when you are completing a small business grant application that you fill out every question. Ask someone else to look it over for you. Often when we spend so much time looking at one thing we can think we are seeing it completed when really, you skipped a key question. It is okay to ask a trusted friend or employee for help.
When you are ready, it is time to hit the submit button. Don’t wait until the last minute. If you are mailing an application, you don’t want to chance that it can get lost or delayed due to weather. And if you are submitting online, you don’t want their website to be down. You will feel better if you give yourself more time.
Small business grants are a great way to get your business the funding you need but it isn’t the only option. Because small business grants are so time consuming, many business owners just forget about them or write them off. That is why at Knight Capital Funding, we have simplified the funding process because we know as small business owners ourselves we don’t have a lot of extra time.
- Go online to our website and apply through our easy to follow form.
- Unlike a small business grant, our form is easy to understand. You will not be buried in paperwork when it comes to this application.
- Within 24 hours we will review your application and get back to you with how much you have been approved for.
- If you choose to accept our offer, we can get the funding process started immediately.
- It will take about three days to officially have the cash cleared in your bank account but that is only because of the traditional banking process.
- Once you have received the money, you can start spending it the way you need to, to take your business to the next level.
- This is when we will start to take a fixed daily percentage of your credit card sales. This is done instead of you having to remember to make a monthly payment. This will continue until the full amount of the advance has been paid back.
If you don’t have the time to apply for a small business grant, have no fear. A merchant cash advance is a great option that is far less time consuming. We have made it so because we understand the challenges of applying for other funding options. Not only will you get the cash you need in just three days but the approval process is just as simple. We know as business owners; you need the funding when you need it not in a few weeks.
What are you waiting for? Apply with us today and start growing your business tomorrow.
On this day, as we celebrate the great Martin Luther King Jr. we often wonder what he would say about the state of the world. What would he think about our economy? What would he have to say about our political system? Or even, what would he think about the state of the small business community?
Although we can’t ask him directly what he thinks about our world today, we think he would be extremely pleased with the progress made in the small business community. And as small business owners ourselves, we have a lot to be thankful for thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. His passion and dreams allowed anyone to dream big. He believed anyone could make a difference in the world if they gave it everything they had.
Three Ways MLK Changed the Small Business World
He Taught Us to Be a Part of the Community
Small businesses are the bread and butter keeping many communities together. Not only do they provide jobs to residents and pay taxes but they put an emphasis on being a part of the community. Whether it is sponsoring a local sports team or 5K run. Small businesses donate their time and money in small ways that can make a big impact.
MLK taught everyone to come together and march as one. Small businesses continue that movement today as they continue to battle the big-name stores. We think that MLK would be very proud of the fact that we have a Small Business Day in November and the many #BuyLocal campaigns on social media.
Believe in the Dream but Be Aware of Reality
Never underestimate what you can achieve but know the steps to get there. There will always be people around to help small business owners who are willing to ask for it. Whether you need financial guidance or are struggling with expanding your business. You are not alone in the small business world and there are many business owners who have already gone through exactly what you are going through now. Let their expertise and past mistakes help you avoid making the same ones. And even if you do make a mistake, know that it is not the end of the world. In fact, you will probably learn more from that one mistake than if you had done it right.
Never Ask Someone Else to Do What You are Not Willing to Do Yourself
MLK never expected anyone to march into a situation that he was unwilling to go himself. He never asked anyone to give up their livelihood like he did. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause he believed in and in the end he did. MLK believed in people and the goodness they had inside of them. He believed in the future and so should you.
As a small business owner, you cannot expect your staff to do a job that you are unwilling to do. Instead of always sitting in your office, make sure you go out and show your staff you care. Work alongside them, just like he did.
Three Things MLK would Say to the Small Business Owner in Need of Bad Credit Business Loans
Believe in Yourself
Martin Luther King Jr. believed that anyone could make a difference. It didn’t matter your background, your race, or your religion. You were the master of your destiny.
Remember, you are the one who started your own business, you did it all on your own. Use that same drive and passion to find another option to get the funding you need. If you need bad credit business loans, look for providers who offer these options like Knight Capital Funding. We believe in your business model and understand mistakes happen. Just like MLK, we believe what you do after your mistakes is the greatest opportunity for growth.
Find a Mentor
A mentor is someone who can help guide you through the application process. But they can also help you learn how to improve your credit score. Never forget your credit score is a constantly changing figure. It does not define who you are as a person or a business owner. You control your own destiny and a mentor can help you realize that.
Understand “Why” and “How”
Applying for bad credit business loans is nothing to be embarrassed about. But if you are, ask yourself how your credit score got to where it is. Was it a business deal gone bad? Did you have a business partner that took advantage of you? You should also understand how these products are designed to help you. Why not start exploring the advantages products like a cash advance can bring to your company? Remember, these are products that were designed for people with a dream.
Never forget the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr. He inspired a nation in a time when someone of color had very little hope. He believed in the kindness of people and knew that people had good within them. When it comes to the small business world, MLK changed the rules for those who could run a business. He never believed businesses had to be segregated to be successful. He knew that strong business owners, regardless of their race, gender or religious beliefs could prosperous and change the world.
Today is your day to start believing in yourself. One day you had a dream to be running your own business and now you are doing it. But it is okay to need a little help. Why not let us be the ones to help you?
Do you consider yourself a skeptic? Then heads up because we have a day for you to mark on your calendars. And this year it falls on Friday the 13th, are you sensing the irony like we are?
If you are a business owner and are always reaching for the stars, Skeptic’s Day is designed for you to think a little differently. After all, we can’t all be dreamers. For every dreamer in a business partnership, you need a skeptic. They are the people who help keep us grounded. We are talking about those who are focused on the details, analytics, research, and facts. They may frustrate the dreamers because they won’t let you dive head first into anything but they also help make us successful.
Skeptic’s Day is a day to be wary of everything. Give yourself a day to tread softly. Put yourself in the shoes of your partner. Be cautious of things especially when it comes to what you read online. And make sure you research things before you share them on your brand’s social media page. You don’t want to have to pull it back.
Who knows, this year’s Skeptic’s Day may be the year for your business’ big break. Or it is the time for you to make an announcement that could change your business forever.
Historic Business Events on January 13th (Skeptic’s Day)
Wham-O Company Produced the 1st Frisbee
The toy that nearly every child grew up throwing around in their backyard was launched on January 13th in 1957. Think about how much that toy changed childhood play for millions of children throughout the last 60 years.
The launch also put the Wham-O Company on the map forever. The company went on to make classic childhood play toys such as the hula-hoop, the slip n’ slide, and Silly String. Talk about having enough working capital to continue product development for over 50 years.
NASA Selected its 1st American Women Astronauts
Just six years after Title IX was enacted, the law which dictated that girls must have equal opportunities in sports or be allowed to try out for the boys’ team in high school, NASA hired their first female astronauts. Sally Ride, would officially become the first female American astronaut in space in 1983 after five years of training. Imagine how the world changed forever when they saw that women could do anything a man could do, including go into space?
Women entrepreneurs have continued to change the way we live and work. Women in the workplace are smashing the glass ceiling and NASA helped to continue the movement back in 1978. This is the 39th Anniversary of that announcement. And for all the skeptics out there, women are continuing to break barriers.
Michael Jordan Announces His Retirement Part 1
Back in 1999, Michael Jordan made it public that he would be retiring; however, as the story goes, he returned to basketball again in 2001. Generating more working capital for his sponsors including Nike and the “Jordan” brand.
Microsoft’s Founder Bill Gates Promotes Steve Ballmer to CEO
Everyone knows the company that revolutionized how we work. Whether you are using Word, Excel, or any of the other Microsoft Office Suite products, Bill Gates has had an impact on your life. Remember Clippy, the Microsoft Office “Assistant”?
In 1999, Bill Gates made the decision to promote Steve Ballmer to the CEO position and remain a Technology Advisor of the company he founded in 1975. He knew this was the right decision to continue driving that innovation.
Record Powerball Lottery is Officially Won
After several rounds without a winner, the largest Powerball Lottery was won by three individuals on January 13th, 2016. The drawing happened late in the evening with millions watching to see if they would get their share of $1.6 billion.
With so many events that have happened throughout history on January 13th, what are we to expect on Friday the 13th and Skeptic’s Day this year? Who knows, your business might even catch its big break. And if you are waiting for your big break to fall into your lap, it might be the best day to take a leap of faith. After all, you could be like Michael Jordan and just return to the game years later if all does not go according to plan.
And if the only thing that is holding you back from launching the next big thing like the Wham-O Company did with the Frisbee, is your working capital, we can help with that too. At Knight Capital Funding, we specialize in getting you the funding you need so that you can be the first to do something. Even though you can’t be the first female American astronaut anymore, you still can be the first at a lot of things. It is all about what you choose to have a passion for.
So whatever your passion is, let us help you get the cash or working capital you need. You won’t be disappointed. Give us a call today and make this the best Skeptic’s Day yet?
The New Year is a time to start fresh for both your personal life and your business. Who knows, 2017 may be your best year yet. As we start to think about what we want to do differently this year, it may seem overwhelming. There are a lot of options. But just remember, not everything needs to change.
Sometimes it is the little things that can make the biggest impact on your business. Maybe you are thinking about organizing your finances differently. Money is a big focus in many people’s lives and managing it can be tough. Running your business, making sure the books are in order, and making sure you are putting enough back into your business are all important things to focus on in the new year. Maybe you have been putting off buying that new truck for your home and garden business? Or maybe you have been thinking about opening a second location for your restaurant but need the immediate funding to make it happen. A small business line of credit could be your answer. But it is not the only option for you. In fact, there are a lot of options available to you including a merchant cash advance. Why not make a commitment in 2017 to research opportunities for your company?
5 of the Most Common New Year’s Resolutions
We have already talked about financial resolutions which are extremely popular. But there are many other commitments people choose to make during the month of January. Whether you are looking to start something new or break a bad habit, setting a goal and sticking to it can often be more important than achieving the goal itself. Remember, the journey is the reward.
Stay Fit and Healthy
It is no secret, the number of new gym memberships that are opened during the month of January is drastically higher than the rest of the year. This is in part thanks to the New Year’s Resolution craze; as well as, most people gaining a few pounds thanks to mom’s fudge or Grandma’s cookies over the holidays. So, if you run a gym or two, how do you plan to grab a good portion of those people looking for a deal on a new membership. If the deal is too good to pass up, you may even grab new members from your competition.
This may be the number one resolution but studies show that most people do not stick to it past February.
Learn Something New
Now if you are in business and this is your goal, now is the time to learn how to apply for a small business line of credit. Knight Capital Funding can help and you will have accomplished your goal. Just kidding. We know that most goals to learn something new are not necessarily business related. But if you own a business why aren’t you setting your goals up for personal and business success? This year, if this is your New Year’s Resolution, we challenge you to learn something new for you personally and for you professionally. Your family and employees will thank you.
Fall in Love
Now, we may not be able to help you fall in love but we do know that most people can’t fall in love if they don’t first love themselves. Try doing some things just for you early in the year. This will help you realize how important and valued you are. That way, when you do find that perfect person, you are ready to share everything about yourself. Why not take the time to fall in love with your work as well? As business owners, we can often lose sight of why we started our business in the first place. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Focus on the passion you once had and try bringing that joy back into your work.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest
As business owners, we can often get consumed by our work. There are days we don’t think about anything but our business and this can be tough on our personal lives; as well as, our professional lives. How can you expect investors to invest with you if you aren’t passionate about your work anymore? This year, why not make time for yourself. There is no better time than the present to start enjoying life to the fullest.
For many New Years is a chance to start fresh. To rediscover why you are passionate about something or to fall in love. It is a magical time of year that few take advantage of outside of saying they are going to do something.
As we celebrate new beginnings this year, why not make a commitment to yourself? Set a goal to learn something new and no it does not have to be how to get a small business line of credit (if you don’t want it to be). Whether you are learning something new, getting healthier, or falling love, make 2017 your best year yet.
Raise your hand if you remember the day the first iPhone was announced? When Steve Jobs stood on the stage and announced a product that would change the world like no one could have ever imagined, the world seemed to stop for a minute. This month marks the iPhone’s 10th Anniversary. That is a decade of new iPhones, new features, and iOS updates.
It is easy to think about all the shiny new devices that Apple has released in the last ten years. It is also easy to think about the company’s success including a very public stock split. But remember, Apple wasn’t always successful. And even in the last 10 years they have faced fierce competition and continued to persevere and innovate. Your small business can have the same success as Apple but you must believe.
4 Things You Can Learn about Small Business Loans from Apple
It is no secret; Apple may be the most successful business ever and as small business owners, there is a lot we can learn from them.
Focus on the Benefit You Are Providing to Your Customers
Apple’s design is always focused on what benefits it can bring to the life of their customer. They are known for thinking about things to make a customer’s life easier before the customer even thinks about it. That’s what we call innovation.
Within your company, you can also think about the benefits of your product. Even if you are working in an industry that you feel has limited room for innovation, there is still room. Who would have ever thought the process to apply for small business loans would change, but Knight Capital Funding is living proof it has. Focus on the benefits you are offering to your customer and let them enjoy them.
Think About Your Customers, First
Apple has continued to modernize their designs as the customer has demanded it. The first iPhone was, in today’s standards, a brick. It was heavy and clunky. But as technology has advanced, Apple has too. Even the headphone jack has gone through a massive change. No longer are you plugging headphones into their own jack. Now, the headphones plug is the charging jack.
Although many customers have complained, not everyone is since this has reduced the number of holes for things to get stuck in. No more pocket lint stuck in the jack for iPhone users.
Although you may not be innovating with hardware, you can continue to adapt your model. Whether you are running a restaurant and changing your menu with the season or you are running a construction business which requires you to continue to learn new techniques. Maybe you own a franchise and are looking to expand into new markets. All things are possible but don’t let yourself hold your business back. Especially if it is purely for financial reasons.
Empower Through Options
Whether you are thinking about your customers or your employees, there is a lot of power in options. People want to feel like you are giving them a choice. Even if you run a simple coffee shop, let your employees assign themselves to their positions for the day. Maybe one day they will be the cashier and then making the coffees the next.
Just like your employees need options, your customers do too. There are not many people in the world that want the same thing day in and day out. Give them the option to choose. Make them want to come back to try something new because you have given them too many things to try in one visit.
Never forget, empowering people to make decisions can help you run a successful business. Remember, Apple gave people the power to choose their storage size. The started out with the 8 GB, 16 GB, and the 32 GB options. Over the years, with the number of apps, photos, numbers, and downloads available, the company realized the phones required more storage. So Apple adjusted. The 8 GB and the 32 GB models no longer exist due to customer demand. Now you can find the 32 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. Talk about listening to your market.
The Right Team Matters
Having the right supporting cast to run your business is key to success. When you imagine the team behind the first iPhone what do you think about? Is it a room full of tech guys? Or do you think about the people who bought the first iPhone? Apple is all about the people including their customers.
Remember, how your customers feel when they walk into your store matters. You must think about the whole experience you are offering not just the product or service. Make sure you are creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your customers will appreciate it.
As this year marks the 10th Anniversary since the iPhone made its debut, we celebrate a decade of innovation around the world. When you think about how connected our world is and how far ahead of its time the iPhone truly was, it is incredible. So, what will your signature product be?
Small businesses have the power to change the world but you must believe just like Steve Jobs did. He believed in making the people of the world’s lives easier and did just that. At eBusiness, we believe in making your lives easier when it comes to applying for small business loans. With our simple application for our merchant cash advance, you won’t even believe that you are applying for funding.
The New Year is a great time to commit to being a better boss for your employees. It is the perfect time to figure out what motivates them and how you can keep them engaged in their work. Engaged employees are more likely to perform better and stay with the business. In a world where the millennials will make up the largest generation in the workforce by 2020, we must find ways to keep our staff engaged. This is a generation that was raised with a new model of phones coming out each year so how can we expect them to keep a job for longer than they keep their phone? The millennials are stereotyped to be mobile and ever changing and unlikely to stay with a company past their two-year anniversary. But that can be changed if they are kept engaged and continue to advance their responsibilities within the business.
6 Ways to Be a Better Boss in 2017
Communicate
The best bosses are willing to listen more than they talk. And remember that communication is not always just about what you are saying. It is also what your body language is saying. And typically, our bodies are saying a lot, often without us knowing. Nonverbal communication is actually more telling than words. Remember that people are not always good listeners but most people are observers. Make sure your employees know that they can come to you with problems or concerns. Be open and willing to listen and when needed, offer advice.
Understand the Demographics
As the world is changing, it is more important than ever to have a diverse workforce. That means many generations working together under one roof. Not only is it generational but it is also racial, religious, and many other demographics. Diversity covers a wide range of things and it is more important than ever to include it in your workforce.
When you look around at your team, you may just discover what drives and motivates them.
Value Differences
Never think that because one of your employees thinks differently from you that it is a problem. The best bosses understand and appreciate the differences their employees bring to the table. You never want to hire a team that is just like you because you will continue to get the same outcome. The best bosses hire the people who challenge them because they know it will deliver the best results.
Focus on the Basics
Before you write off someone on your team for not mastering a high-level skill. Make sure that you have worked with them on the basics first. Strong foundations that are built up over time can lead to long-term success at a company. Don’t ask someone to apply for an advance commercial loan with multiple terms and conditions if they don’t even know where to start to get a small business loan. Remember, you can’t build the house without a strong foundation and you can’t get a complex loan without understanding the small business loan process.
Take a Step Back
Sometimes the thing that your employees need the most is for you to give them a chance to try. How can anyone learn if the boss is always hovering around? After all, people often learn the most from their failures. That is not saying you ever want anyone on your team to fail or make costly mistakes but when you can afford to, it is wise to let them try alone. Let them come to you asking for help.
Give Everyone a Role
The best teams are the ones where everyone knows where they fit. How can you expect anyone to buy into your business model if they don’t know what their role is? Make sure your employees know how they fit into the future of your business.
If you are considering opening a new store, why not hire a manager for that location from your current employee base. This not only keeps you from having to hire a new manager and build that trusting relationship but it shows your current employee how much you value their knowledge about your business.
Remember, the small business community was built on relationships and people. As the boss, it is important to remain self-aware and constantly looking for ways to improve. In the long run, being a better boss can help your business in more ways than you can ever imagine.
We promise the feeling you get as you develop employees is more rewarding than all the profits in the world. The first time you can teach an employee how to get a small business loan because you have inspired them to go out on their own will be the best day since opening your own shop. Remember, growing the small business community is about working together and helping others achieve their hopes and dreams and the first step is learning how to get funding like a small business loan. Who knows, you may go from being a boss to a mentor.
If you’ve tried applying for a business capital loan and were rejected, you know what the sting of being turned down can feel like. Don’t be discouraged; the future of business funding can be found in a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA). Find out how this new breed of business funding offers entrepreneurs alternatives to traditional lending options.
It’s Not a Loan
One of the most common misconceptions of MCAs is that they’re a type of business loan. Unlike a loan, which works as promise to repay a borrowed amount of money, an MCA is the sale of a portion of the revenues that your business has yet to make. These future revenues become the leverage you can use to fund your business now. Knights Capital sees the value in your business’s future, unlike traditional banks who are only worried about your past performance.
If You Qualify
Another misconception that business owners face, is that it is difficult to find funding for their particular industry. Seasonal businesses for example, generally have difficulties when it comes to getting a bank loan. That’s because banks like to see steady predictable monthly revenue and tax returns for at least 2 years. Seasonal businesses have an exceptionally hard time meeting these types of requirements. Knight Capital Funding provides Merchant Cash Advances to seasonal businesses every day. Click here to see if your business qualifies.
A Breed of Its Own
Never before have business owners had so many options to choose from when funding their company. We are all part of this new era of entrepreneurialism and access to working capital is available like it never has been before. Want more info on how Knight Capital Funding can empower your business with a MCA? Contact us now!
In 1999, only a handful of providers offering merchant cash advances (MCAs) existed. In 2009, that number had increased to more than 50. For business owners frustrated at being turned down for loans by traditional lenders, MCAs offer an alternative source for acquiring business capital. But how are MCAs changing the business funding landscape?
Changing the Face of Business Funding
In the past, businesses seeking access to quick capital had very few alternatives if banks and lenders declined their loan applications. MCA providers are transforming the business funding landscape by creating diversity and competition.
Diversity Among Providers
With this increase in providers, business owners need to be aware that not all funding sources are the same. Business owners should consider the following characteristics when comparing MCA providers:
- Speed – How long does it take to process and approve an application for a cash advance?
- Payment Terms – MCAs work by purchasing a portion of a business’s future receivables. How much is the total purchase price? What is the percentage of daily receivables purchased?
- Information and Documents Required – Many MCA providers ask for a credit card history and gross revenue reports for evaluation.
- Help and Support – Communication is key. You need a provider that will quickly address your questions and concerns.
Forging a Funding Future
MCAs are stepping up efforts to increase public awareness of their services, and collectively, they are forging a funding future for many business owners. Knight Capital Funding is an industry leader of Merchant Cash Advances. Contact us today for more information on how an MCA can help your business grow and thrive.
Imagine that you are close to celebrating your business’s first anniversary. You’d like to expand your business space, but you’re not sure how to acquire the capital you need. What if you had a way to finance your business’s ambitions using funds accessible to you in as little as 72 hours? You can access this funding with a merchant cash advance (MCA). But how does an MCA compare with a traditional business loan? Below we break down the differences between loans and MCAs, proving that all funding isn’t created equal.
Basics of Business Loans
Business loans require you to borrow against both your business and personal assets, as collateral for the loan. In addition, lenders offering business loans generally consider the owner’s credit history when making a decision whether to approve the loan. A less-than-stellar credit history can greatly reduce a small business owner’s eligibility. When you can’t acquire a loan for your business, you don’t have much leverage for future business development.
MCAs Defined
Merchant cash advances (MCAs) give business owners access to quick capital with payment terms that match the success of your business. Cash advances are ideal for businesses who use the funds to amplify their business’s revenues. Requirements are typically minimal, such as the minimum requirements for an MCA from Knight Capital Funding:
- Businesses must be in operation for at least six months.
- Businesses must generate at least $10,000 in revenue per month.
- Businesses must prove a strong commitment to future business growth.
Typically, MCAs work by applying a predetermined percentage of a business’s credit card transactions and future receivables towards payment of the cash advanced. Click Here for more info on how it works.
