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.
If you have questions about completing your loan application, you can always ask your SBA-approved lender. If you haven’t yet found a lender to work with, SCORE is a great resource. This nonprofit organization provides resources and services including free business mentors that can help you through every step of the process.
The Small Business Administration provides invaluable resources to small business owners, from educational materials to low-interest loan programs. One of those programs is CAPLines, which provides qualified business owners with a flexible line of credit up to $5 million.
The SBA launched the SBA Community Advantage loan program to help businesses in underserved areas receive low-interest financing with reasonable terms. Business owners that can’t receive financing through traditional loan programs can take advantage of competitive rates and terms through this SBA pilot program.
The process of obtaining an SBA loan is daunting for any business. As a startup or new business, the process can be even more complicated. However, with a solid business plan in place and a good credit score, it’s possible to obtain the funding you need with SBA loans for startups to put your new business on the path to success.
Getting an SBA 504 loan can be a lengthy and difficult process. Borrowers must find a CDC and private lender willing to fund their loans, as well as meet the requirements of the SBA and lenders. This includes having enough revenue to repay the loan, a solid credit score, and an eligible project to be funded.
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.
As a small business owner, you know the importance of financing to expand your business or start your next project. While there are many options available to provide you with the capital you need to start a new business or grow an existing business, one of the best options is a loan through the Small Business Administration.
Square Invoices is a free invoicing solution built-into the Square platform so that you can quickly bill clients, track down invoice payments, and manage your sales all in one place.
There are general requirements set by the SBA that all applicants must meet in order to receive a loan. There are also specific underwriting requirements by loan type that must be met.
Businesses that need $500,000 or less should consider applying for the SBA Express loan. Loan approval is guaranteed within 36 hours, while approval for an SBA 7(a) loan may take several weeks. However, businesses that are willing to wait and need a larger loan should look into the 7(a) program.
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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.
