Financing is the lifeblood of companies turning intellectual property into a product or service, but turbulent economic conditions
have made it increasingly difficult to raise cash from investors who are content to wait
out the storm by concentrating on their existing portfolios.
Henri and Shelley Najem, who own The Bella Vita restaurant in Geist, represent the scores of Indiana restaurant operators
feeling financial pressure, given the severe economic slump.
Some local women business owners are encouraged by the election of President Barack Obama and his appointment of a new chief at the Small Business Administration who is thought to be especially interested in the needs of women-owned businesses.
These businesses have received loans from financial institutions with
a guarantee
from the SBA. Not all funds are disbursed immediately. Furthermore, some approved loans are subsequently canceled.
These businesses have been approved from loans from financial institutions with a guarantee
from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The newly organized MLK Business Revitalization Association aims to bring new life to the neighborhood west of downtown by
uniting area business owners behind a common goal — cleaning up the community to attract other entrepreneurs.
Great leaders are not born out of good times â?? they are born out of severe challenge.
What is the current state of franchising, given the tough economic environment?
After a 25-year real estate career, Claudia Lynch opened a modeling/acting school after she couldn’t find a quality school
where her own grandchildren could have fun, learn poise and gain confidence.
In the Indianapolis area, small-business owners told IBJ that they give in whatever
way they can, and would like to continue as long as their finances allow. But a Chronicle
of Philanthropy survey indicates that giving is already on the decline.
Make your business look as attractive as possible to your banker because you are competing for financing with other small
businesses.
Small businesses should plan for the worst while being attuned to what is happening in their industries, and to their customers.
For small businesses to survive, they must be prepared to withstand economic difficulties for some time…
Healthy banks have adopted stronger risk prevention measures for good reasons, but it’s important to know that well-performing
banks are still writing loans for small business and servicing their needs every day.
The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is developing a new weapon for local startups-Slingshot, a business-networking
forum that will give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to swing sales meetings directly with high-ranking corporate executives.
