Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Stimulus and SBA Program

Section 502 of the Recovery Act (stimulus package) authorizes the SBA to guarantee up to 90% of a 7(a) loan, with the exception of the SBA Express Program that remains a 50% guarantee. Moreover, as part of the stimulus package all SBA loan application fees have been waived. These changes are projected to apply to $8.7 billion of 7(a) loans and $3.6 billion of Section 504 loans (SBA).

We strongly recommend all clients consider SBA as an option as small to mid-sized banks across the country are slow but surely increasing participation in the program. We structure our business plans to suit the SBA and private investors. Plus, with minor tweaking, they can be utilized for grant applications and other purposes. Custom plans (versus templates and software) allow the flexibility for clients’ success with the SBA, private investors and more.

Ask for a free consult at tim@thebusinessplanconsultants.com.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Stimulus Monies Available!

Within the last few weeks, various components of the stimulus package have seen funding released from the federal government to states and cities throughout the nation. Solar business owners and other renewable energy businesses are happy to see the tax credits, grants and other programs available in the stimulus package. Much of the $5B in weatherization programs is now or soon will be available as are non-related grant monies and loan guarantees.

We have only begun to see the ripple affect of the availability of these monies for all businesses. While the credit crunch remains with major financial institutions, many small to mid-sized regional banks are back in business lending to small business owners through SBA and other initiatives. Several of our clients have utilized our business plans to obtain SBA funding recently, an option we encourage all business owners to consider.

Contact tim@thebusinessplanconsultants.com for a free consultation on your business plan and how private investment capital or SBA loans may be available for expansion or startup.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

SBA Loans and Private Equity Are Available

While some banks are lessoning participation, SBA loans have remained available during the economic downturn throughout the USA. SBA Express Loans are available for businesses seeking up to $350,000 in capital and, depending on factors such as credit rating and initial capital outlay of the principals, is a viable option for startups, let alone existing businesses.

Private equity, whether institutional, VC, a Private Placement Memorandum or angel investors, remains an option for startups and expanding businesses alike. It is a competitive environment and investors view many plans. Therefore, it is critically important that your business plan not fall into one of the many traps seen in the majority of plans we receive from clients and so called pros http://www.thebusinessplanconsultants.net/toptenbusinessplantraps.html, such as using flawed templates/software (being found at or near the top of Google search not an indicator of success expect for SEO knowledge!) or not having a great Executive Summary to get you in the door.

We can help with finding sources from the SBA http://thebusinessplanconsultants.net/sbafunding.html or equity capital http://www.thebusinessplanconsultants.net/equitycapital.html.

Free consultation is available for the asking at tim@thebusinessplanconsultants.com.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Green Business Planning Fits All Businesses

Our company completes business plans and provides services to companies that focus on green endeavors from renewable energy to products or services. The momentum in sustainable interest of consumers has not been dimmed by the recession, as green products and services sales remain strong or are increasing even when sales of other products in certain other market segments stall. You can't watch TV without seeing a comment about a Fortune 500 company doing its part to help the environment or going green, an effort being made by businesses on all levels to meet consumer demands for sustainability.

All businesses can become a green(er) company, not only benefiting society and the planet but also helping the company grow and accomplish other goals as consumers and business owners alike embrace these important philosophies and actions. Feel free to E-mail to ask how we can help your company in this regard at tim@thebusinessplanconsultants.net