Best Of
Re: PPP Loan and a 401K retirement contribution for payroll forgiveness
@elizlizard I don't have clear guidance for you on this, unfortunately. If I were you, I would make similar contributions to payroll as I did in 2019. If you try to do more (and pay less actual salaries, for instance, or pay in advance), that could possibly raise red flags during the forgiveness process. Without clear guidance from SBA on that forgiveness process, though, it is hard to say.
Brian_SBM
Re: PPP for self-employed application - 4/10/2019
@bradrjohnson2307 We are awaiting more guidance from SBA rules for self-employed PPP loans, (ie how you calculate the max amount and forgiveness) but our understanding is that they will be forgivable loans. Details on the PPP is here: https://venturize.org/resources/payroll-protection-program
Any amount that is not forgiven converts to a 1%, 2 year loan with 6 month deferrment
Brian_SBM
Re: Have you checked out Venturize.org? We want to hear from you.
Since I'm just getting on this site, I can't say I've heard of anything that's being offered out here. I'll have to see what venturize.org is about then. I could use some help on credit score improvement and preparing loan packages.
LA_Calkins
Take Advantage of Overlooked Business Deductions – Read These 10 Suggestions
For the inaugural Community Digest and Discussion, we have chosen an article that highlights 10 suggestions that small business owners should be aware of when filing their taxes. Please take a look at the article and let us know your thoughts. Do you have any other useful tax tips for your fellow small business owners? Let us know!
Take Advantage of Overlooked Business Deductions – Read These 10 Suggestions
Small Business Trends
March 29, 2019
Business owners know that most of their expenses are deductible. But it might surprise you to learn how many leave money on the table by not claiming all allowable write-offs.
Zachary_SBM
Re: Rewards based campaigns
We also published a success story from one of our members on how she successfully used crowdfunding - you can check it here: https://venturize.org/blog/finding-crowdfunding-success-support-community
Julia_SBM
Re: Rewards based campaigns
I don't have direct experience with rewards based campaigns and crowdfunding, but I have done some research on the subject. First, here are some great articles from nerdwallet for folks who might be interested in learning more about crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding.
From what I've gathered, the pitch and associated marketing materials (Cool video, great photos, testimonials, etc.) can be more important than the actual reward or even product being offered in some cases. In this realm of funding, you really have to _Illustrate _ why folks to buy or support your product. Check out this great article on tips for a crowdfunding video, it actually has a lot of great info.
Zachary_SBM
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
In the SBDC website, you can also find a very detailed template, but I like to start my clients with business model canvas first and then it is sooo much easier to write the plan... www.smallbizla.org
SBDCClaudia
Re: Boost your business through media
Aleanos,
Without knowing any specifics about your business or what you are currently doing for your marketing, here are a couple of thought starters:
- Even if some seniors don't have access to internet at home, they are more than likely to have smart phones. Try mobile advertising targeted to your location and your target age group.
- Try Facebook ads targeting specifically seniors in your area. You will be surprised how many seniors are on FB now. Facebook is the only social platform that is growing among 55+ years old.
- Make sure your coffee shop is well-represented on Yelp and you are managing all the reviews.
- Overall, try to ask your current customers about how they found out about your coffee shop, how they are discovering new places, where they are getting there local news from, etc. That will give you an idea on where to place your ads or how to attract new customers.
Hope that helps.
Thank you!
AgencyLite
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
Our main library here in Phoenix had books on different types of industries with business plan examples. It was at or main library which is very large. You may want to check yours out as well. It helped me a lot.
cindy
Re: How did you learn how to write a business plan in order to get capital to start your business?
Check out this article about how to get started when writing a business plan: https://venturize.org/blog/write-business-plan
Local SBDCs and WBDCs are also great resources as @jhudgins1963 mentioned!
Cassie_SBM