Category: Starting a Business

Taxes may not be due until April, but for many small business owners, getting them done early delivers some real perks. In most circumstances – baring a government shutdown, that is – submitting your taxes early can get you a faster return, but that's not all. Starting your taxes now can give you more time to pay, if you owe. Similarly, it can also give you some much-needed buffer time in the case that you find you're missing paperwork, receipts,… Read More

No matter what time of year it is, setting business goals for your small business is always a good idea. Whether it’s short- or long-term goals, outlining your business objectives is the best way to set yourself up for success. Your mission statement may stay the same from year to year, but updating your business plan with smart goals can keep your business fresh.  here are all types of business goals that are worth setting, like adding new products, increasing… Read More

What’s the one thing that unites a company that grows crickets for food, one that solves an embarrassing health problem, and one that sells beverages that are helping to save the planet one bottle at a time? They’ve been helped by a small business mentor. While their stories are inspiring and instructive, the best part is that you can steal their secret to success, and it won’t cost you a dime. Cowboy Cricket Farms When Kathleen Rolin told her husband… Read More

If you’ve ever applied for a personal loan or credit card, you understand that you’ll have to come prepared with an idea of the questions you’ll be asked. For non-business lines of credit, these can be fairly simple, including basic estimations of your income, debt, and a few pieces of verification info to ensure you’re really who you say you are. Because personal credit is based on personal credit history, it’s easy for the bank or lending institution to run… Read More

Tax season is coming—it’s inevitable. Getting your books tax-ready ensures you’re compliant with the IRS recordkeeping requirements, meaning no late fees, no surprises, and a successful tax return that won’t cost you extra time later on (we know you’re busy). Services like Bench can help you catch up on your bookkeeping, but for you do-it-yourselfers, this step-by-step guide will help get you through your bookkeeping backlog in no time. Step 1: Collect Receipts & Invoices Start by collecting all receipts… Read More

Have you recently started consulting, opened an online or physical store, picked up freelance work, or started a side gig? Congratulations, you’re now a business owner! Even if you haven’t formed a business entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or S corporation, you’re running a sole proprietorship. One of the best parts of being a sole proprietor is that you don’t have to file a separate business tax return. Instead, you’ll report your business income and expenses on… Read More