There are several types of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. First Federal primarily uses the 504 and 7(a) programs. The SBA 7(a) loan is the most common loan type guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The Motley Fool outlines some details about this type of loan:
Is an SBA 7(a) Loan Right for Your Small Business?
Topics: Small Business
How to Protect Your Small Business
Cybersecurity is an issue facing all size businesses today, from small and medium to Fortune 500. The greatest threat to small businesses is malicious software, or malware. There are a number of different types, but the good news is, the same strategies will work to protect you against them all. Newsweek offers these four tips for safeguarding...
Topics: Small Business
How to Write or Improve Your Emloyee Handbook
A clear, thorough, and up-to-date employee handbook is a must for nearly every business. It’s a vital resource for employees, helping them understand the company’s key policies, expectations, and procedures. It’s also a crucial tool for you, the employer, protecting you legally and helping you convey important information. Whether you’re creating...
Topics: Small Business
How to Become a Certified Woman-Owned Business
When your company is a Certified Woman-Owned Business, you’ll have access to contracts and resources that can help your enterprise thrive. Here’s a guide to understanding the steps you need to take to help your business gain this valued certification:Certification criteriaTo be considered a Certified Woman-Owned Business, your company needs to...
Topics: Small Business
Tips for Keeping Your Tax Documents Organized
Preparing your taxes is easier when you have everything you need at your fingertips or accessible on your computer. Searching for receipts, records, or required documents will quickly erode your resolve and temperament when you’re trying to work through your taxes. Here are a few tips to help you organize your tax documents so you can make the...
Topics: Small Business, Financial Education
Do's and Don'ts of Managing Your Business' Social Media Accounts
For better or for worse, your company’s social media posts can draw a lot of attention. However, a few smart practices can keep your brand looking good in the public eye. Here’s a look at what you should — and shouldn’t — do to maintain a healthy social media presence for your business:Do include a call-to-actionWhether you’re prompting readers...
Topics: Small Business
Weasel Words to Avoid in Marketing Materials
If you’re advertising your business, you need to make every word count. That’s why it’s important to understand what weasel words are, how they can dilute your messaging, and ways you can avoid them in favor of more direct and impactful language.What is a weasel word?HubSpot Sales Blog editor Leslie Ye explains weasel words are used in an effort...
Topics: Small Business
Setting Expectations For Attendance and Punctuality
Your arrangement with your employees is built on trust. They spend their days involved in company operations and performing tasks; in return, you pay them for their time. So when your employees aren’t beginning their shift on time or are leaving early, they’re completing less work than what their wages entail. That’s why setting and enforcing...
Topics: Small Business
Should You Use Your Personal Savings to Cover Business Expenses?
Whether you’re a newly minted solo entrepreneur or a long-time business owner who’s going through tough times, you might find your company needs a little extra money. Before you dip into your personal savings to make ends meet, consider the benefits and drawbacks:Pay less in interestIf your business is strapped for cash, your personal savings...
Topics: Business Banking, Small Business
Advice for Safely Sharing Business Credit Cards With Employees
If you’ve got a growing enterprise, you may want to give your staff members the power to make purchases. Whether they’re wining and dining clients or buying paint brushes and flooring to fix up an investment property, a business credit card can give your employees a convenient way to make transactions on behalf of your company. However, there are...
Topics: Business Banking, Small Business