An entertainment business eyes worldwide expansion
Should this owner seek out international investors to grow his business?
Jean Luc Gaudry, Los Angeles
I have a unique music Web site on which one can find listings of shows, bands on tour, clubs and venues. I have two questions. I am looking for some investors - what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they decide to add an investor to their company? Also, I want to set up a company in Europe and eventually have my Web site branch out all over the world. Is it better to have different investors on each continent? Read more…
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DiggSteady income during the off-season
Paul, Toronto, Canada
I am presently starting a pressure wash business in Toronto. Business is good, but how can I find steady work during the winter? Read more…
Business loans from Uncle Sam
The government can help you get cash with the SBA’s 7(a) program, but banks still hold the purse strings.
Chris Holm, LUK Industries, Chandler, Ariz.
I run an Internet retail store that has been in business for just over a year. The business is running in the black, so I want to move some of our start-up costs to a fixed-rate loan. Is an SBA 7(a) loan the right choice for us? Read more…
My company needs funding
Craig Hampton, Verdugo City, Calif.
I developed an award-winning product that has buyers lined up. Due to a lack of funding, I have to put our company and patent up for sale. It took 12 years and all my savings to bring this to market. I do not want to sell. Do you have any advice? Read more…
Finding grants - and avoiding scams
Anonymous, Goldsboro, N.C.
I have been trying to get a government grant and everywhere I look is mostly a scam. Do you have any info on government grants? Read more…
The high cost of doing business with Wal-Mart
A small apparel manufacturer struggles to comply with the giant retailer’s requirements.
Carolyn Deason, San Antonio, Texas
I got lucky and showed my shirts to Wal-Mart locally. They love them, and one store has already ordered $2,700 worth of shirts and plans to order more this month. Other stores wish to order as well. I am a home-based business, very small, in business less than a year. Wal-Mart pays their invoices net 30 and requires me to tag the shirts with bar codes. Once I am in their vendor system, I can sell nationally. It’s a great opportunity, but how do I afford the initial expenses to do business with Wal-Mart? It will run close to $6,000 to pay for manufacturing, printing, bar codes and tags.
Securing small business loans in a melting economy
The scoop on financing a chain of Dairy Queens
Sid, Atlanta
My partner and I have owned more than 10 Dairy Queens over the past 20 years. We’ve never lost any locations. Each is incorporated separately. We’ve been trying to capture another location in Alabama. They’re asking $625,000 and we’re ready to put 20 to 25 percent down. It seems hard to get a loan these days. Is it because the market is falling? Do you think we might face a problem securing the loan? Read more…
How much equity do my investors deserve?
Have you recently added partners to your business? Share your advice with Victor.
Should I buy a house or a business first?
Will purchasing a home affect your chances of getting a loan for a business startup? Give our reader, Paolo, advice on what to do.
Finding startup money
Mary asked FSB where she could find a startup loan. Do you have any advice for Mary?
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