The small and medium sector, our privateers, remain becalmed by the lack of bank finance and unable to join the battle. I am confident that it is safe to unleash them yet again, put some wind in their sails and reap the benefits.

Rental apartments are back in demand, financing for hotels and motels is loosening up a bit and investors are stepping off the sidelines with wads of cash to do deals.

Every bank has its own sweet spot for small-business loans and will look at your application somewhat differently. Find the right one and form a business relationship before applying.

Cash flow is the blood that lubricates the components of your company. Check out the 10 most powerful techniques I've used to maximize my business' cash flow.

Yesterday, American Express OPEN released the results of its latest Small Business Monitor, a biannual survey of small business owners. While the repo...

Passion and a great idea are not enough to start a business. In my last two columns, I wrote that you must demonstrate enough predictable cash flow an...

Both SBA and conventional lenders want to lien your home. In addition to securing your equity, lenders believe that you will work harder to make the business successful when your home is at risk.

Capacity, capital, collateral, credit, and character are the "Five Cs" that loan offers learn in Lending 101. But to most small-business loan applicants in need of money, it is an esoteric and arduous exercise.

While my company generates great total annual revenues, we often find ourselves in month-to-month cash flow crunches. What tools and strategies can I employ to bridge cash flow gaps and create a more steady cash flow?

Starting and running a small business is hard, risky work. According to the SBA, approximately 550,000 new businesses were started in the United State...

Now is the time to think about dusting off your old business plan as the economy improves. A business plan is required to obtain a loan or venture capital. It is uniquely designed as a sales tool to get financing.

President Barack Obama and his risk-aversive legislators are sending the wrong message to America's entrepreneurs. They equate risk taking with wanton greed and evildoing.

Falsely promoted business plans and "plug-in-the-number-templates," will not help you get financing. There are no shortcuts to circumvent the lengthily process of doing it the right way.

CIT has been a stalwart lender for small businesses. But there are alternatives if you look for them.

The lesser-known 504 program from the U.S. Small Business Administration can be ideal for small-business owners to buy, build or rehabilitate commercial buildings.