Education: AA Liberal Studies, Limestone University
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader’s Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
One form of relief offered to small businesses is the Employee Retention Tax Credit. First introduced in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this tax credit could be claimed by eligible employers on quarterly tax returns. This program was expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law in December 2020, making the credit accessible to more employers.
The SBA offers a variety of loan programs that vary according to business needs. Its flagship program is the 7(a) loan program, which offers loans for most general business purposes. However, it also offers special programs such as microloans and disaster loans. Find out more about SBA loans, including who qualifies.
QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software. It has the complex accounting capabilities that small business owners need and supports numerous integrations. Quickbooks Online has a lot to offer in terms of features, accounting, and usability.
Franchises are a tried-and-true way to start a business, but they can cost a lot of money up-front. Want to buy a franchise, but can’t afford the startup costs? Learn about your best option for starting a franchise with no money right here.
Not accepting credit cards simplies some aspects of running a business, but can a cash-only business really succeed? And how does it affect your overall business? Take a closer look at what going cash-only really means for you.
Even though financing may be limited, it is possible to get a cannabis loan for your existing dispensary or startup business. Find out what funding options are available in this high-risk industry and how to get funds for your business.
For small business owners that want a flexible form of financing, a line of credit is a popular option. When applying for a line of credit, you’ll encounter two options: revolving lines of credit and non-revolving lines of credit. In this post, we’re going to explore the differences between the two. Which option is best […]
Grants for a veteran-owned small business are difficult to receive, but you can improve your odds by doing your research and taking your time throughout the application process. A grant is a great way to fund your business, and you don’t have to worry about repaying funds.
More business owners are moving away from traditional banks and are turning to credit unions for their business financing needs. Offering many of the same services as traditional banks, credit unions are becoming the go-to resources for smart business owners.
If you’re ready to explore accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks Online, this post is for you. We’ll look at some other popular options among small business owners, delve into their features, and, yes, even take a look at the drawbacks of each to help you make the most informed decision for your business.
Want to run a catering business, but aren’t sure where to start or get the funds? Learn everything you need to know to get started in our step-by-step guide!
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.