Starting your business

Entrepreneurship is at an All-Time High

Becoming your own boss is becoming more popular as record numbers of people start businesses and take control of their futures and income.

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Infographic: 10 Steps to Start a Small Business

Opening a small business can be overwhelming. Here are 10 steps to get you started.

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How to Create a Marketing Plan

Before you dive into marketing your business, it's important to plan it properly. Here's a five step process for creating a marketing plan.

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10 Must-Have Marketing Materials For A New Business

Marketing is important for lead generation and customer engagement. These 10 must-have tools help small business owners spread the word.

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10 Steps to Start a Small Business

Do you have a great idea for a business, but you're not quite sure where to start? These 10 steps will get your business started off right.

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Why You Need to Have a Business Plan

When you're busy starting a new business, you may put off writing a business plan. Here's why a business plan is essential for success.

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Business Basics: How Do I Get Health Insurance?

Getting health insurance while self-employed isn't always easy and it can be quite expensive. Here are some options if you need coverage.

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How to Write a Business Plan in Three Simple Steps

A business plan is crucial for starting your business off on the right foot. It doesn't need to be complicated. Here's how to get started.

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7 Ways to Fund Your New Business

Starting a new business? Here are seven potential ways to fund your new venture so you can decide which one might be right for you.

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Business Basics: How Do I Pay Myself As A Business Owner?

When it comes to paying yourself as a small business owner, there are several different ways to do it. Here are five ways to pay yourself.

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How to Succeed in Business Your First Year

Want to build a successful new business? Here are seven things to do during your first year to set yourself up for long-term success.

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Four Ways to Evaluate a New Business Idea

No matter how brilliant your business idea is, you still need to do your research. Here are four ways to vet your idea before you invest a dime.

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How to Establish Business Credit as a New Business

Does your small business lack credit history? Learn how to establish a business credit history and build your business credit score.

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Should I Rent or Buy Space for My Business?

To rent or to buy? It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which option is right for your business space.

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Growing your business

Why and How to Reassess Your Business Plan Every Year

Does your business plan still reflect your goals and values or does it need updating? An annual business check-up can help you decide.

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How to Use SEO to Make Your Business Website More Successful

Want to get more leads and sales? It starts with web traffic. These SEO basics will help you generate more traffic to your website.

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Digital Marketing 101 for Small Businesses

Ready to start marketing your small business? Here are some of the key digital marketing terms and strategies you'll need to know.

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How to Boost Leads and Sales with Social Media Advertising

With social media advertising, you can reach your target audience, increase brand awareness, and generate leads. Here's what you need to know.

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How Do I Hold a Sale at My Business?

Promotional sales can drive traffic to your store, but before you hang the banner, it's important to match your goals to the right tactics.

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Why Digital Advertising Should Be Part of Your Marketing Plan

Discover the pros and cons of traditional vs digital advertising, and why and when you should use them to promote your small business.

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6 Tips to Move Excess Inventory for the Holidays

Shelves full of leftover inventory? These six suggestions will allow you to reimagine it with holiday flair to boost your seasonal sales.

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How to Prepare Your Online Store for Holiday Traffic

People are increasingly completing their holiday shopping online. Here's how you can make sure your ecommerce shop is built to handle it.

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Starting an Online Business

Ecommerce is expected to hit $4 trillion in sales in 2020. Take these six steps to tap into this powerful revenue engine.

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How to Make the Most of a Small Marketing Budget

Every small business needs a strong marketing plan to succeed. Here's how you can make the most of a limited marketing budget.

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How to Increase Website Conversion Rates

Want to make your website generate more leads and sales? This guide will help you create a high-converting business website.

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How to Maintain Your Online Store

Just like your physical store, your ecommerce website needs regular maintenance. These eight steps will keep yours running smoothly.

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How to Increase Sales With a Full Online Inventory

A limited online inventory can cost sales, especially if shoppers can't visit your store. Here's how to maximize your online product list.

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5 Ways to Increase Your Sales Using Social Media

Learn how with social media advertising you can get your products and services in front of the right people.

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National Business Women's Week Is Here — Let's Celebrate!

For National Business Women's Week, we're celebrating today's female entrepreneurs — as well as the many working women who came before them.

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5 Things Successful Small Businesses Do Differently

Successful small businesses have several things in common. Here are five traits that often appear among thriving companies.

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5 Strategies for Generating Quality Referrals

Most satisfied clients are more than happy to pass on a good word. Here are 5 ways to ask for referrals without feeling pushy.

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Is a Coworking Space Right for Your Small Business?

Coworking space allow workers from different businesses to share a typical office setting. Learn about the benefits for your small business.

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How to Find a Mentor For Your Small Business

Finding a mentor to help you problem solve and expand your business network doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some tips.

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Five Ways to Generate Leads for Your Small Business

Lead generation is a big challenge for small businesses. Here are some effective ways to find new customers.

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5 Ways to Get Your Website Ready for the Holidays

E-commerce sales increase with each holiday season, and these five steps will help get your website ready for shoppers.

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How to Choose a Business Card

Before you pick a business credit card, consider where your company spends its money and how it pays its bills.

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6 Ways to Boost Holiday Sales

To make most of the holiday shopping season, retailers need to excite existing customers and bring in new ones. Here's how.

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Choosing the Best Social Media for Your Business

Not sure how to use social media for your small business? These tips will help you choose the right platforms and then make the most of them

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Managing your money

How to Get Approved for a Small BusinessLoan

Interested in borrowing money for your small business? Learn what's required and see which business financing option is best for you.

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What is a Business Credit Score and Why is it Important?

Understanding and improving your business credit score can help you get the financing you need to grow. Here's what you need to know.

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Actions That Hurt Business Credit Scores

You could be hurting your business credit score without even knowing it. These are common credit risk mistakes you should avoid.

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How to Adapt Your Business for Touchless Payments

If you want to offer contactless payments, you may need to reconfigure your software or upgrade your hardware. Here's how.

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How To Accept Mobile Payments

The use of mobile payments is skyrocketing with benefits for small businesses and customers alike. It's easy to get started. Here's how.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Small Business Afloat When Cash Runs Low

Most businesses face cash shortages from time to time. These three options can help keep your business afloat when cash runs low.

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How a Certificate Of Deposit Can Help You Save for Your Business Goals

Saving for business goals can be easy with a safe and secure certificate of deposit. Here's what you need to know.

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Starting a Business Emergency Fund

The amount needed for your business emergency fund depends on how much you spend each month and how long you need to cover those costs.

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How to Improve Your Business Credit Score

Healthy business credit can help your company save money, access capital, and get new clients. Here are tips for improving yours.

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How to Save Your Business Money by Going Green

You may think making your business more eco-friendly is prohibitively expensive. But greening your business can help reduce costs over time.

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Why Your Small Business Needs an Emergency Fund

Every business needs an emergency fund to protect the business and its owners. Here are some reasons you should start saving.

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How to Accept Credit Card Payments at Your Small Business

New retail businesses need to set up a system for accepting credit card payments from customers. Here's how to do it.

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Five Tips for Managing Cash Flow

Cash flow issues can plague small businesses. Here are 5 ways to avoid them.

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How The SECURE Act Affects Small Business Owners

The SECURE Act makes it easier and more affordable for employers to offer retirement plans. Here's what small business owners need to know.

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Your End-of-Year Small Business Checklist

This year-end business checklist will help you get this year's financials in order and jump start planning for the year ahead

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Business Taxes: Annual v. Quarterly Filing for Small Businesses

Small businesses file annual tax returns and pay estimated taxes quarterly. These tips can ensure you know what to pay and when.

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Small Businesses and Paper Checks

With clear policies and technical tools like remote deposit, you can find a simple way to handle paper checks for your small business.

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4 Ways a Business Credit Card Can Help You Save Money

Business credit cards come with great features for tracking and controlling your company's spending. Here's how to put them to work for you.

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Exiting Your Small Business

Thinking about retiring or moving on from your business? Be prepared for a smooth transition with these four exit strategies.

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Can I Get a Credit Card for my Small Business?

All types of small businesses, including sole proprietorships and those with no business credit history, can obtain credit cards. Here's how.

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Protecting your business

How to Prevent Check Fraud

Many businesses are still writing checks. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of check fraud. But there are ways to protect your business.

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Beware of Holiday Scams

The holidays are a particularly busy time for businesses and, unfortunately, fraudsters. Be aware of 2022 holiday scams you might see again in 2023.

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How to Stop Holiday Scammers

Holiday scammers won’t be nice during the holidays. And you shouldn’t be nice to them. Here’s how to protect your business.

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Infographic: How To Recognize Business Email Scams

Business Email Compromise is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. Learn more about how to recognize and prevent this type of fraud.

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The True Cost of Fraud

Any business can be a target for fraud. Here are some common types of fraud businesses might face — and steps you can take to prevent them.

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Why a Business Continuity Plan Needs to be Part of Your Estate Plan

To ensure your business will survive after you're gone, make business continuity planning part of your estate plan. Here's how.

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How to Monitor and Manage Your Online Reputation

Online reviews are more important than ever. Find out how to build and monitor your online reputation and use reviews to your advantage.

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What is Business Interruption Insurance?

Recovering from an accident or disaster can take a while. Business interruption insurance helps keep your business afloat during that time.

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How to Develop a Small Business Disaster Recovery Plan

Every business needs an effective disaster recovery plan. Here's how to develop yours.

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How to Recognize Business Email Compromise Scams (BEC)

Business Email Compromise is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. Learn more about how to recognize and prevent this type of fraud.

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Six Steps to Get Back to Business After a Natural Disaster

Recovering from a disaster quickly is essential to keeping your business viable. Here are six steps you can take to bounce back.

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Why You Need a Small Business Emergency Fund

Every business needs an emergency fund to protect the business and its owners. Here are some reasons you should start saving.

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How to Adapt Your Business in Times of Crisis

When a disaster strikes, small business owners will have to adapt their businesses to survive. These tips will help you form an action plan.

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How to Prioritize Customer Service During a Crisis

When your small business faces a crisis, it's vital to prioritize customer service. Here are five tips to help keep the information flowing.

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How to Build and Maintain a Secure Website

A secure website is critical to the success of any business. Here's how to build and maintain one, even if you have no tech experience.

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How to Protect Customer Data from Cyberattacks

Companies that collect consumer personal information must carefully protect it from hackers. Here's how.

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Types of Insurance Small Businesses Need

Small businesses must protect themselves from risk, including insurance coverage for physical and data assets. Here’s what you should know.

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Important Disclosure Information

This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information. Diversification does not ensure against loss.

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