Commercial property insurance covers the building that houses a business along with office equipment, inventory, signs, and machinery in owned or leased locations. Small business owners may consider commercial building insurance as a standalone lessors risk policy exclusively for the building or combine other coverage with typical annual costs starting around $750. Top Commercial Property…
All Ultimate Guide Articles - Page 21
Extending Credit to Your Customers: A Primer for Small Business Sellers
Extending credit to customers allows them to purchase goods and services on credit and pay for them later on. Offering credit is often a win-win for both merchants and buyers. Customers have more purchasing power, and tend to buy more if they are not limited to cash they have at the time of the sale….
Ocean Marine Insurance: Coverage, Cost & Providers
Ocean marine insurance is a group of policies business owners need when their operations involve maritime activities like shipping items via foreign or domestic waters. Policies can cover the cargo, the ship, or the shipowner’s liability when operating the vessel. Ocean marine insurance for cargo typically costs 0.1% to 2% of the cargo’s value. offers…
Trade Show Insurance: Cost, Coverage & Providers
Trade show insurance is a specialized liability policy for exhibitors during a trade show or expo. Trade show producers expect to be named insureds on policies that typically have a minimum of $1 million in liability protection. Single event costs start at $150, but businesses that participate in many shows every year may save with…
Patriot Express Loans: What They Were & Alternatives
Patriot Express Loans were offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2007 to 2013, when the pilot program ended. Patriot Express Loans offered veteran-owned businesses loans at reduced interest rates and fees, with an expedited approval process. When the program concluded, many of the advantages offered became available through the SBA Express Loan program….
SBA Community Advantage Loan Program – What You Need to Know
The SBA Community Advantage Loan is designed for small businesses needing working capital, equipment financing, and real estate. Offered through participating lenders, this Small Business Administration (SBA) loan is targeted at businesses that don’t qualify for traditional financing and need up to $250,000 at rates of 10% – 12% for up to 25 years. What…
SBA Express Loans: Types, Costs, Terms & Where to Find
A Small Business Administration (SBA) Express loan provides small businesses with long-term working capital up to $350,000. These loans feature interest rates of 4.5% to 6.5% above the prime rate and typically have a 10-year term. SBA Express loans carry fewer documentation requirements than 7(a) loans but still take 30 to 90 days to fund….
Independent Contractor Taxes: How Much to Pay & When to File
Independent contractor taxes include federal income tax, self-employment tax, state and municipal taxes. Independent contractors who are sole proprietors report taxes on Form 1040 and Schedule C. Taxes are due on April 15 or October 15, if filed on extension. Independent contractors are required to make estimated tax payments or with the tax return. This…
California Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Top Providers & Rules
California law requires every business with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. California workers’ compensation insurance covers employee expenses due to work-related illness or injury and pays their lost wages. Employees who need workers’ comp can expect to pay $1.70 per $100 of payroll expense. California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Providers Small business…
Unsecured Business Line of Credit: What It Is & How To Get It
An unsecured business line of credit is a financing product that allows you to draw and repay the funds over and over again without having to reapply or pledge collateral to secure the loan. Not all businesses have collateral that they can use to secure their financing, making an unsecured business line of credit ideal….
Security Guard Insurance: Definition, Cost, Features, & Providers
Security guard insurance covers security companies and sole proprietors for general liability, professional liability, business property, and workers’ compensation. While a security guard company can get all policies at one carrier, there are multiple policies that make up security guard insurance. The total minimum premium for all required policies starts around $6,000 annually. Security Guard…
Credit Utilization Ratio & How It Affects Your Credit Score
Your level of credit utilization is measured by comparing your credit card balances to your total credit card limits. This calculation is known as the credit utilization ratio, and lenders use it to evaluate how well you manage your finances. A credit utilization of less than 30% and greater than 0% is generally considered good….