A Business Plan Helps Even Seasonal Small Businesses to Survive

When you own a seasonal small business, survival can be a challenge during your "off-season." But, did you know that a solid business plan can help you avoid those lean times?

It's true... when you have a sound business plan that includes a detailed financial plan – with a 12-month cash flow forecast and a cash reserve that will carry you all the way through your off-season – you should be able to minimize the impact of lost seasonal business and income.

One strategy that can help is to apply for a seasonal loan from the Small Business Association or other lenders. You will likely be evaluated for eligibility based on size, your type of business and structure and how you plan to use the loan. Seasonal loans can help you maintain inventory when business is slow and may be revolving or not.

To learn more about how to write a sound business plan, see our Writing a Business Plan article.

To your success,
B

How to Succeed at Small Business

The challenge is not to start a small business. Anyone can register a name and hang up a sign. The challenge is to keep it going. Profitably. While remaining sane and balanced. In fact, that is probably one of the most important steps to starting a small business!

Small business success stories have several things in common. And it's these success factors you'll want to apply to your business idea, and to yourself. Once you've come up with a business idea that seems do-able, your real work will begin with the steps to starting a small business... read more

The Small Biz Blog Launches

Just wanted to announce that I've launched this small business blog for small & home business owners. It's a natural outgrowth of my 2 small business websites:

• BusinessBuffet.com, which sells a popular, reasonably priced, easy to watch & learn video learning series specially aimed at small business owners.
  
• Small-Business-Owners-Tools.com, which offers tons of free tips & advice on how to start and maintain a successful small/home business.

In the pages of this blog, you can expect to find lots more free advice, case studies, resources, and more over the coming months (and years). Please check back often for updates or subscribe to my RSS feed, won't you?

Until next time,
B