Citizens Alliance Bank’s Post

A recent LendingTree study has unveiled the top locations for small businesses across the largest 100 US metros. Raleigh, North Carolina, topped the list, credited to its robust economy, favourable business conditions, and access to a highly educated workforce, making it a beacon for ambitious entrepreneurs. Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida also made the top ten, reinforcing their reputation as hubs for innovation and economic growth. The rankings were determined by analysing economic indicators, workforce demographics, and the business climate. In today's digital era, entrepreneurs can use technology, like the Action News Jax Now app, to stay informed and connected. However, it's essential for small business owners to stay vigilant against fraud and take necessary measures to protect their finances. Running a small business can be challenging, but with careful planning, access to reliable information, and a supportive community, these hurdles can be navigated successfully. Let's continue the discussion below; what are your thoughts on these findings? Original article: https://lnkd.in/e_7-MF7k

📣 Attention, small business owners 📣 The SBA recently announced a number of changes to its loan program aimed at making it easier for small businesses to get loans. These welcome updates will streamline the loan application process, expand lender availability, and cut red tape: https://bit.ly/44eYkI2 I was glad to see the SBA acknowledge in its press release that small businesses in historically underserved communities have always struggled to get the capital they need to start, grow, and thrive. I addressed this issue in a recent statement from Small Business for America's Future (https://bit.ly/3rieJg7), sharing that a recent Reimagine Main Street survey of more than 1,000 diverse entrepreneurs found that 1 in 3 small business owners — including 58% of Black entrepreneurs and nearly 40% of Latino and Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs — worry they can’t handle an unexpected $5,000 expense. These changes will translate to real money that entrepreneurs — including untold numbers of minority entrepreneurs — across the country can use to invest in their small businesses. Small Business for America's Future #SBA #smallbusiness #minorityowned #accesstocapital #goodnews #growyourbusiness

🚀 Lend-In is Ready to Step In - Why? Because We're Passionate About Small Business Finance! 🚀 At Lend-In, we don't just provide financial solutions; we are driven by a profound passion for empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs. Here's why we're all in: 🌟 The Small Business Spirit: Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. We believe in their potential to create, innovate, and drive economic growth. 🔑 Simplifying Finance: We're here to simplify the complex world of finance. Lengthy loan applications? Confusing terms? We're here to change that. 🙌 Supporting Dreams: Every small business owner has a dream. We're committed to helping those dreams become a reality by providing easy access to capital. 🌐 Ready to Make a Difference: We're not just another lending platform. We're a community of passionate individuals committed to making a positive impact. Join us in our mission to empower small businesses through accessible and transparent financial solutions. Together, we'll build a brighter future for entrepreneurship. #LendIn #SmallBizFinance #PassionForSuccess #LetsGrowTogether

Black-owned businesses face significant challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Black entrepreneurs have reported that they face limited access to funds, limited access to professional guidance, community support, mentorship, and are often given smaller loan amounts compared to other groups. As a Community Development Financial Institution that cares for Black Entrepreneurs, we actively work to address these challenges and provide the necessary support entrepreneurs need. We do this by: ☑️ Facilitating access to capital: We help entrepreneurs overcome limited access to financial networks by providing resources, guidance, and support in navigating the financial system. ☑️ Providing Technical Assistance with Loan Application: We empower entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance with loan application process. We assist entrepreneurs in applying for loans and connect them with appropriate funding sources to increase their chances of securing capital. ☑️ Providing Low Interest Loans: We offer a diverse range of low-interest loans and fund programs designed to support black entrepreneurs and businesses in the Newark, New Jersey Area. ☑️ Creating inclusive networks: We coordinate a network of investors, lenders, and mentors who are committed to supporting entrepreneurs. ☑️ Offering tailored financial solutions: We offer tailored support to ensure that entrepreneurs receive the appropriate resources and assistance to overcome their challenges and succeed in their business ventures. To learn more about how we empower entrepreneurs and increase their chances of obtaining business funding, explore our website. Link in Bio! #BlackOwnedBusinesses #BlackEntrepreneurs #SupportBlackBusinesses #BlackBusinesses #SupportBlackOwned #gnec #newark #newarknj #cdfi #communitydevelopment #InclusiveOpportunities #EquitableEntrepreneurship #financialinstitution #Blackhistorymonth #CapitalForAll #BankableBusinesses

Hey there, ladies! Just stumbled across something pretty cool: Based on surveys, turns out, that we women aced at paying back loans – even more so than the gents. Who knew, right? Now, here's the kicker: Despite our amazing track record, we often face more obstacles when trying to access capital. It's like running a race with extra hurdles. But guess what? We're more than capable of leaping over them. That’s where Femme Capital Partners swoops in. Think of me as your financial cheerleader, here to rally behind you as you chase those big dreams. Dreaming of a home, expanding your side hustle, or maybe launching the next big thing? I'm all ears and here to help make it a reality. 🏡✨ And if you're ready to take that next bold step, if it's for a home loan, a commercial project, or to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life, Femme Capital Partners is here to guide you, support you, and celebrate with you every step of the way. Together, we can redefine the future of finance. Are you with me? 💪🔥 #FemmeCapitalPartners #PayingBackLoans #WomenInFinance #loansbyfemme #loansbylolo

Last year, I met a young entrepreneur who was struggling to get his dream business off the ground. Despite having a solid business plan and incredible determination, he faced constant rejections from banks due to his credit score. He was worried about the cost of fixing his credit, thinking it was just another expense. But after much deliberation, he decided to invest in professional credit repair services. The results were nothing short of life-changing. Within a few months, his credit score improved significantly. This not only opened doors to the funding he needed but also lowered his interest rates on existing loans. The initial investment in credit repair turned out to be a small price to pay for the financial freedom and peace of mind it brought him. Today, his business is thriving, employing dozens of people, and making a positive impact in the community. The lesson here is clear: Investing in your credit is investing in your future. The cost might seem high initially, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense. Don't let a poor credit score hold you back from achieving your dreams. Take the step to repair it today, and unlock a brighter financial future.

How Bank-Fintech Partnerships Can Fill the Funding Gaps in Underserved Communities: Bank-fintech partnerships can leverage each other's strengths to help provide capital to small business owners in underserved communities.

Kevin Hollinrake, minister for small business, enterprise and markets, writes in today's Times about why the British Business Bank has issued £1 billion in start up loans to 100,000 budding business owners. "From my own experience starting a company, that first step is the hardest part. You need to have faith in your business idea, and a bit of patience, before getting that initial injection of cash to kick things off," he writes. [And for those wondering about the default rate on those loans... it's around 26% - with an independent analysis finding the economic benefits of the scheme are 5.7 times the cost.] #entrepreneurs #startups Department for Business and Trade

In the spirit of the holidays and giving back to borrowers looking for funding, we thought it would be helpful for you to know what to expect and learn more about the steps that take place before getting the money you are seeking. For the 12 Days of Christmas, we're sharing the 12 Steps in the Funding Process.   Now that we’ve selected a lender or lenders, we submit the anonymized executive summary and supporting financial documents to give them as much information as possible to decide whether or not your funding request is a good fit.   Click the link below and we can get started finding you the funding you need! https://lnkd.in/edRMwbwE #CommercialLoans #DebtFunding #BusinessFinancing #BusinessLoans #CreditLines #CapitalInvestment #BusinessCredit #RealEstateFinance #WorkingCapital #LoanApproval #BusinessGrowth #LoanOptions #FinanceSolutions #Entrepreneurship #CommercialRealEstate #cannabisbusiness #cannabis #cannabisbanking #cannabisindustry #cannabiscultivation #cannabiscommunity #womenincannabis #womeninfinance #cannabisinvesting #alternativefinancing #alternativelending #alternativefunding #alternativemedicine #blackbusiness #blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #blackbusinessowner #blackbusinesesowners #dispensary #socialequitycannabis #cannabisevents