Have you heard of CRAFund Advisors?

I came across an extremely interesting press release today. Its basically touting a new "Small BusinessInitiative" that will supposedly raise $50 million then offer the funds to small busines soperators in minority communities all over the United State (its also designed to aid areas hit byHurricane Katrina and other natural disasters).

This effort is being headed by CRAFund Advisors and will be operated as the CRA Qualified Investment Fund (a mutual fund).

This is all very radical because Mutual Funds are typically considered to be "safe" investments that are backed by very stable companies.

If you have a steady small business in one of the designated areas this initiative could be a good way to raise funds.

For more info visit:
Click Here to Read More...

A great piece on small business finance

If you're a small business owner trying to secure financing for your company I've got a great little article for you to read through.

It basically talks about how the knowledge needed to secure funds is not necessarily found in textbooks, and it also offers advice on how to navigate through the countless pieces of business finance junk mail that comes to your door.

Just keep in mind that if you're a new business trying to secure small business financing you'll need to provide solid financials for the company as well as present a solid personal credit history.

Anyhow, here's the article. Enjoy!
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/2663.php

Making your company more valuable

Susan Schreter wrote an excellent piece on improving the value of a small business, whether it be for the purposes of selling the business or simply raising investment capital.

The key aspect that she talks about is making sure that as a company grows, it's success or failure (in terms of making money) is no longer dependent on the founder. If that is the case, the founder will have a tough time buying a buyer or investor unless he or she is willing to stay on and work for the company (nobody want's that do they?)

Anhow, here's a link to the article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/259030_schreter10.html

Its definitely worth reading.

Interesting little small business finance search engine...

According to a press release I saw the other day, a website called iBank.com has launched a search engine for small business owners looking to connect with funding sources. I thought that was a pretty damn cool idea! (why didn't I think of it?)

Anyhow, the search engine apparently includes various types of lenders and is useful for finding business loans, equipment leasing, and commercial and home equity mortgage loans.

iBank has been around since 1999, which is like an eternity on the internet, so I'm guessing that they are fairly trustworthy. Anyhow, if you're in the market for some small business financing (and I know you are, because that's what the blog is for) go ahead and check them out:
www.ibank.com

Check back often for more small business finance resources.