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I’d like to add that you can search microloan and small business services programs as well. ~Killer.

Small businesses get credit boost from new fund.

(ARA) – Despite signs of economic recovery, many small business owners continue to struggle to borrow money to sustain or grow their companies. This can have a big impact on local communities, which rely on small businesses to create much-needed jobs and provide critical services. With many traditional credit sources continuing to keep a tight rein on lending, many small business owners simply do not have access to conventional means of credit.  The good news is that small business owners are increasingly able to access alternative and innovative sources  of financing, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

CDFIs, which were created more than 30 years ago, provide affordable loans and banking services in communities that are underserved by traditional banks. These institutions have developed valuable community and business expertise, designed specialized loan products and they have a remarkable track record of success. CDFIs loaned and invested more than $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2008. Since their inception, CDFIs have provided more than $22 billion in financing, supported more than 51,000 small businesses and helped create thousands of new jobs.  CDFI loans to small business typically range from $15,000 to $300,000.

In addition, CDFIs often offer non-financial services, such as entrepreneurial education, savings programs and financial literacy training, which can help small business owners develop and grow their operations and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs for success.

“CDFIs are a critical economic lifeline to small business owners, especially during periods of prolonged economic weakness,” says Bob Annibale, global director of Citi Microfinance and Community Development. “In many cases, they can make the difference between whether or not a small business struggles to survive or expands and creates new jobs, supporting  local economic growth and the community.”

While small business owners who work with CDFIs hail from a wide range of industries and geographies, they all share one thing in common: a need for quick financing that is not fully being  met by traditional banks.  For example, entrepreneurs in the heart of Big Sky country in Montana received two CDFI loans totaling more than $100,000 that enabled them to get their new lumber operation up and running, while the owner of a preschool in New Orleans borrowed money from a local CDFI to fund vital repairs to her building in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

In coastal Maine, the owner of a specialty seafood company was able to access significant venture capital to expand the company’s distribution nationwide, while continuing to create jobs. In Austin, Texas, the owner of a small construction company received a $40,000 loan to pay for materials and other up-front costs associated with the industry.  In all these instances, the need for affordable loans was met with speed and flexibility and was often accompanied by invaluable entrepreneurial education and low-cost training as well as technical assistance in branding and marketing.

Citi recently launched the Communities at Work Fund, a new $200 million fund that will provide financing to CDFIs in urban and rural areas in all 50 states.  The fund was created in partnership with the Calvert Foundation and the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), two organizations expert in CDFIs. To learn more about the Communities at Work fund or to find out if your small business can benefit from the program and how to apply, visit www.communitiesatworkfund.com.

To find out a local CDFI and enquire about a loan, visit www.communityinvestingcenterdb.org.

The current economic climate may be challenging to entrepreneurs, but alternative financing sources like CDFIs can help small businesses keep their doors open – and keep thousands of Americans on the job.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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While the article that follows relates to product-based businesses, the principles are still the same. The down economy may be offering opportunities for starting your own business. Don’t miss them! The core message you should take away, “Don’t rely on big corporations for employment. Create your own opportunities.”

Expert advice for starting a small business – even in this economy

(ARA) – Is it easier to climb Mount Everest than to start a small business in America today? More than 65 percent of Americans think so, according to a recent survey. Yet 70 percent also believe small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, reveals the survey by Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of e-commerce platform Alibaba.com.

“Historically, recessions have proven very fruitful times to start a small business,” says David Wei, chief executive officer of Alibaba.com. “As the data show, Americans strongly believe in the power of small businesses to positively impact the economy. However, misconceptions and lack of understanding about the global marketplace may be holding some would-be entrepreneurs back from starting their own small businesses.”

Experts say that anyone, including recent college graduates, can still start a small business in the U.S. All it takes is some knowledge and support. Wei offers some advice for starting a small business or helping an existing small business achieve success in global trade:

* While more than 60 percent of survey respondents said they would advise their recent college graduate children to take a job they dislike and wait for the economy to improve, Wei says creating your own opportunities will be more rewarding. “Yes, the economy appears to be improving, but unemployment is still high,” he says. “Don’t rely on big corporations for employment. Create your own opportunities.” A recession is actually a good time to start a business, history shows; corporate giants like Microsoft, Disney and Proctor &amp Gamble all started in poor economic times, and more than half of all Dow Jones 30 companies launched during a recession.

* Identify a consumer need. While people generally spend less during an economic downturn, businesses that offer necessary products and services can do well. Before starting your own business, identify must-have markets and products.

* Take advantage of technology to research, develop and market your ideas. You can engage in product development, social networking, targeted search advertising and compete in the global marketplace with just a few clicks of a mouse.

* Get smart about production costs and broadening your opportunities. You can enter the global marketplace online with sites like Alibaba.com, which allows you to engage in global trade and market your product or service internationally, or buy supplies or services securely and cost-effectively from overseas vendors.

* Take advantage of free resources such as non-profits and government agencies that offer free business counseling services. Look up your local SCORE office, Small Business Association or Small Business Development Center.

* Never stop learning and taking advantage of opportunities like Alibaba.com’s Entrepreneur Abroad Program. This year the program sponsors 50 Kairos Society students who will travel to China in September. There they will engage in a full day of coursework on international trade taught by experts from around the world, participate in a global summit that will allow them to rub elbows with business leaders in international trade and take part in a discussion of major issues confronting small businesses globally.

Still not convinced you can start a successful small business in this economic environment? Jonathan Shriftman, a 2010 graduate from the University of Southern California, did exactly that. Shriftman found biking around campus an affordable way to get around. He also recognized a potentially profitable niche producing bicycles for the student market. Working from his dorm room, he researched his idea online, contacted manufacturers through Alibaba.com’s small business portal, and had his enterprise – Sole Bicycles – up and running in no time. The bikes are built overseas and shipped to Shriftman, who is able to sell them for a quarter of the price of his competitors’ products.

“With 66 percent of our survey respondents saying the federal government’s efforts to create jobs have not been effective, now is definitely the time for would-be entrepreneurs to take the plunge,” Wei says. “Every new business begun in the recession means new jobs will be created – and that’s something that benefits us all.”

To learn more about starting your own business and participating in global trade, visit success.alibaba.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Is your resume working for you? There’s never been a better time to take a close look and make sure it is. With today’s high rate of unemployment, many Americans are competing in a tight job market. Will your resume grab the attention of a prospective employer? Does it accurately reflect your qualifications?

A resume is an essential selling tool in any job search. The document presents a clear, concise outline of your qualifications, skills and accomplishments. “The function of a resume isn’t to get you a job, but to get you the interview,” says Tammy Smith, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – Hopkinsville. “It’s up to you to land the job.”

15 Seconds

Smith’s responsibilities at Brown Mackie College – Hopkinsville include guiding students through the process of creating high-performance resumes. “Employers spend an average of 15 seconds reading a submitted resume, and 85 to 95 percent of all resumes end up in the trash, according to First Place Resumes. In order to keep a prospective employer’s attention, your resume must create immediate interest and provoke action. It’s important to be concise because every second counts,” continues Smith. How do you do this? Smith outlines several important considerations to note when creating or updating a resume.

Create visual appeal.

Your resume should be visually appealing. “This includes suitable font,” says Smith. “Job-seekers should use the Times New Roman, Courier or Arial fonts, no smaller in size than 10 and no larger than 12.” Smith also counsels students to use professional quality paper in beige, white or gray. Definitely stay away from pink paper, and don’t even consider clouds in the background or flowers on the border.

Customize content for each individual position.

It helps to clearly emphasize your specific skills that relate to the open position of interest. Smith advises students customize the resume for each job opportunity. “List duties from prior positions in order of preference relative to the job you want the most, not the job you had. Don’t include responsibilities that you don’t want to do again,” she says. Eliminate job information that is more than 10 years old. Old information is no longer relevant. She also reminds students to be prepared to discuss the content of the resume at the interview.

Use active language and keywords.

When writing your resume, avoid using passive language. Place achievements and results within each job description on the resume. This demonstrates capabilities and responsibility. “When describing job duties, you must use strong action verbs,” Smith says. Action verbs, such as implemented, improved, operated and earned, strengthen a resume, making it more powerful and appealing.

“Next, it is crucial to use keywords,” says Smith. Keywords can be a single word or a phrase that summarizes your core competencies. These are words or phrases others would use to search online for applicants that could fill a position of interest to you. “This is especially important when posting your resume online with search engines such as careerbuilder.com or monster.com,” Smith continues.

Be prepared for unexpected opportunities.

Always ensure your resume is up to date. “You never know when the perfect career opportunity will knock,” says Smith. Remember, your resume is the first impression you make to an employer. It is a selling tool that highlights the skills and experience you can contribute to the employer’s workplace. It structures the interview, providing a framework of topics to discuss. A resume also reminds employers of you when you’re not there, and can help an employer justify bringing you on board.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off

(ARA) – In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return.

In fact, figuring out “what works” is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners, according to a recent survey by Deluxe Corporation.

“Most small business owners are talented at their trade, but not at promoting their businesses,” says Stephanie Chandler, entrepreneur, speaker and author of “LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business.” “They’re willing to work long hours and invest whatever is necessary to grow their businesses, but demystifying the marketing process and having the confidence to try new approaches can be daunting, especially if they have tried something in the past and were burned.”

The survey also showed that more than 60 percent of small business owners would be more confident investing in marketing if there was a way to guarantee return on investment.

Chandler says that there are five things all small business owners can do to rev up their marketing and see better results:

* Plan the work, then work the plan: Decide specifically what you want your marketing to do – raise awareness, generate leads, retain customers – then choose the marketing elements that will accomplish your goals. Stick to the plan and give your efforts time to work. If you are not sure where to begin, SCORE, counselors to America’s small businesses, offers free advice.

* Let leads lead you: Look at the leads you are already generating, or the ones that most often convert to actual customers. Ask them how they found you so you can efficiently invest in those areas to increase your likelihood of success.

* Ask an expert: If you have a specific marketing need, like designing a logo or writing Web copy, ask an expert for help. Look for resources among your peers or in online forums such as PartnerUp.

* Polish your social skills: Social media is here to stay. Look at sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. See where your customers are engaged and join the conversation. Start with one tool. If it is working, it is easy and free to keep building your social media connections.

* Know what success looks like: Decide what indicates success for your business – new customers, leads, website visits, coupon redemption – and track your progress over time. Look for times when your marketing efforts overlap with increased performance.

To help small business owners learn to market well, Deluxe has partnered with SCORE, a national non-profit group that counsels entrepreneurs, and Chandler to launch Project Rev – a yearlong, marketing lab to help small businesses find marketing solutions that work. For more details on these and other small business marketing topics, visit www.projectrev.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent