9 Resolutions to Boost Profitability
Whether you’ve been in business for 10 months or 10 years, you’ve probably turned over the calendar to 2017 with the goal of increasing profits. I know I have. For me, I spent the last week of 2016…
Debt vs. Equity: What’s the Right Type of Financing for You?
As you prepare to grow your business, one of the first things you'll consider is funding. Most entrepreneurs base their decision primarily on the repayment terms: what sort of interest/return does…
Preparing for Investors: Financial Projections
In May’s article we talked about how to prepare for investors from a big picture perspective: learn the language of investors, tell a good story, make sure the numbers add up, be realistic, and be…
The Rules of the Game: Preparing for Investors
When people ask what I do for work, I tell them I’m an articulator. I don’t write business plans or create financial projections; I help entrepreneurs get their business ideas on paper so they can…
Ask Julia: Networking with Slow Money
Dear Julia, I wanted to reach out to you about Slow Money. Do you know whom to contact regarding raising money through them? JD
Looking Back: Past Articles
Here’s an overview of the different articles we’ve written in the past four years. They’re always available in full on our website.
Alternative Funding PSA
This is a PSA for those food entrepreneurs trying to finance their ventures, whether you’re established, starting up, or still dreaming: there’s funding out there, waiting for you to find it.
Micro-Finance: Challenges and Opportunities
A few years ago, I heard a presentation by Acción about their loan packages for food and beverage entrepreneurs. I was shocked to learn that their interest rates were around 16%, marginally lower…
Fundraising for Slow Money
At the Slow Money National Gathering last month, I gave a Fundraising 101 presentation that covered the basics of business planning and financial projections required when seeking investors or loans.…
Creating Financial Statements
Over the last few months, I spoke with micro-lenders – ACCION USA and The Carrot Project. The story is the same: they have capital to lend, but are having trouble finding “qualified” borrowers.If you…