MoneyDamon BrownYou Need More Customers, Not Higher-Paying OnesRaising your prices or having higher-paying customers seems secure. Diversifying your customer base is even more powerful. Here are 3 reasons why.
StartupJessica StillmanWhy More Startups Should Aim to Be 'Camels' Than 'Unicorns'Coronavirus has laid bare the downsides of Silicon Valley's obsession with unicorn hunting.
Tech and ToolsElise KeithHow to Make an Impression Using Custom Zoom BackgroundsUse custom backgrounds to set the mood, envision success, and bring that next level of polish to your video calls.
Inc. 5000Lindsay BlakelyWith Little Cash to Spend, Some Businesses Turn to Zero-Cash DealsTrading and bartering is hardly a new way of doing business. But the Covid-19 shutdown has given the strategy a new appeal.
LeadJustin BarisoGoogle's CEO Just Gave the Entire Company a Day Off. Here's WhyA simple gesture that can establish trust and help your people become the best version of themselves.
Cash FlowDiana RansomSmall-Biz Wish List: 5 Ways the PPP Could Change for the BetterLawmakers are expected to vote next week on the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which could be transformative for the Paycheck Protection Program.
SafeguardsKimberly WeisulYour Sales Have Cratered. Rent Is Due. Now What?Business owners may have more leverage than they think.
Private EquityInc. staffApply for Inc.'s 2020 List of Founder-Friendly Private Equity FirmsInc.'s second annual list of 50 Founder-Friendly Private Equity Firms will highlight shops that treat entrepreneurs as partners--not as employees.
Exit StrategiesJim SchleckserUnderstanding the Conflicting Emotions Around Selling Your BusinessEntrepreneurs have conflicting emotions after they sell their business. Others have been through this, so you can know how to prepare.
Cash FlowDiana RansomSBA Clarifies Its PPP Loans in 4 Important Ways With the release of its Paycheck Protection loan forgiveness application, the U.S. Small Business Administration sheds light on several long-standing questions.
Owner's ManualJeff HadenWarren Buffett's Warning for Anyone With a Credit Card BalanceIt applies to anyone thinking about using credit cards to finance a small business's startup costs.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananHow an Unlikely Alliance Saved This Main Street Business During Covid-19Things looked dark for Sweet Spot Skirts until a fast-growth entrepreneur showed up with a proposal.
MoneyDavid Finkel3 Ways to Improve Your Margins and Stretch Your BudgetWhen money is tight, there are a few critical steps you can take.
The Coronavirus CrisisKimberly WeisulThe Result of PPP Confusion: Billions of Dollars Remain UntappedThe second round of stimulus money has lasted longer than anyone suspected it would.
SafeguardsDiana RansomWhy Some Small Businesses Are Rethinking Their PPP LoansAs business owners across the country finally receive Paycheck Protection loans, many are now unsure what they signed up for.
E-commerceRaj JanaWhere New E-Commerce Startups Are Wasting Their MoneyStarting an e-commerce business requires a great deal of funding and investment. Make sure you are spending in the right places by eliminating these three frivolous business purchases.
Exit StrategiesErik SeveringhausHow to Emotionally Prepare for an ExitTips for managing the pressure and stress of exiting your startup one day.
Icons & InnovatorsMinda ZetlinRichard Branson Just Taught Every CEO a Huge Leadership LessonThe company will sell up to 25 million shares and raise about $490 million.
Personal FinanceMinda ZetlinYou Have Until Noon Wednesday to Give the IRS Your Bank InfoIf you're still waiting for a payment, head to the IRS Get My Payment site right now.
MoneyGeoffrey James7 Small Business Scams That Are Rife During the PandemicHere's exactly what to do when fraudsters play on your fears to get access to your data and your money.
SafeguardsKevin J. RyanReal, Simple Answers to Your Most Common Cares Act Tax QuestionsFrequently asked questions--and answers--about the tax relief options available to business owners.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananWith Live Events Canceled, the Maker Community Is Surviving OnlineMakers and crafters are trading in their booths for virtual shows and storefronts.
Cash FlowDiana RansomHow the PPP Is Failing America's Small BusinessesWhen the U.S. government authorized the now $669 billion forgivable loan program at the end of March, it was heralded as a lifeline for besieged small businesses. It is not that.
The Coronavirus CrisisKimberly WeisulCounting on Loan Forgiveness? What You Need to KnowThe government had promised to issue more guidance for Paycheck Protection loans by April 26. Borrowers are still waiting.
SafeguardsDon ReisingerStarbucks Is Dropping Cash to Protect Customers and StaffWhy we can all expect more contactless experiences soon.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananHow One New Hampshire Community Is Rallying to Save Its DowntownLocal merchants in Keene, New Hampshire, are raising tens of thousands of dollars through elaborate campaigns to keep the downtown afloat.
StartupMartin Zwilling10 Entrepreneur Character Traits Investors Look ForI was struck by how quickly and how extensively investors focused on the background and character of the entrepreneurs, compared with the time spent evaluating their products. I realized it was consistent with my own view as a former angel investor.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananOld Business, New Idea: The Bookstore Making You Better at ZoomA 195-year-old rare book store in Boston helps videoconference users dress up their backgrounds with curated selections.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananFun, Low-Cost Products Are Helping These Shops ReboundSome Main Street companies have found creative ways to boost neighborhood morale--and make a few dollars in the process.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananLocal Currencies: The Anti-Amazon Gift CardCoronavirus is raising interest in city-specific currencies, which keep money on Main Street.
Small Business CelebrationInc. staffThe Best Time to Celebrate Small Business Is Right NowThe pandemic has put off Small Business Week, but sharpened the focus on its importance.
Small Business CelebrationLeigh BuchananSmall Business Week Has Been Postponed. That's Why Celebrating Now Is More Important Than EverThe pandemic has reinforced the unique value and vulnerability of small businesses. We don't need an official event to call out their hopeful stories.
BorrowingJohn E. DiScalaA Guide to Applying for Business Credit Cards Right NowBusiness credit cards come with perks that can earn your business travel or cash back rewards, but keep a few things in mind when applying at this time.
Cash FlowDiana RansomChanges to Fed Loan Program Give Small Biz a New Shot at FundingThe Federal Reserve on Thursday announced several changes to Main Street Lending Program, giving small to midsize businesses another path for tapping into emergency funding.
Economic OutlookMinda ZetlinHere Are the Economic Recovery Signs You Should Watch for, According to Experts17 financial experts share their predictions for how we'll know when an economic rebound is coming.
The Coronavirus CrisisDiana RansomWhy Your Community Lender Is the Best Place for PPP Loans Between Round 1 and Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program, smaller lenders got organized--and now they're eager to process more loan applications.
Cash FlowBrit MorseAudits Coming for PPP Loans of $2 Million or MoreU.S. Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin says companies that borrow money through government aid programs could face audits, even before the loans are forgiven.
The Coronavirus CrisisKimberly WeisulSmall Ask of Big Biz: Return the Stimulus MoneyMore than 200 public companies have taken money meant for small businesses. It's time for them to step up and do the right thing.
Cash FlowDiana RansomOne Realistic Possibility for What Happens When PPP Runs Out AgainWith 1.7 million small businesses waiting for PPP funding and a Round 2 that's quickly running out, here's what's next.
Cash FlowInc. staffFinancial Assistance Tracker for BusinessesGovernments are making unprecedented moves to help small businesses amid the Covid-19 crisis. Find out about the resources that may be available to you.
Cash FlowDiana RansomBig Companies Landed PPP Loans. And They'll Be Back for MoreBig companies will still be able to access Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program. They just have to be more careful.
StrategyMark Peter DavisHow to Scale Your Business Despite Cost CuttingYou can win despite having the markets slowing down.
Venture CapitalPeter CohanWhy You Shouldn't Take Venture Capital Right NowYou'll never have to worry about being whipsawed when the economy turns down.
Cash FlowBrit MorseCan't Get a PPP Loan? Try a Fintech CompanyIf your current bank is stalling on your loan, you may want to consider applying through one of these fintechs.
Economic OutlookGraham WinfreyFormer World Bank President: How to Reopen the EconomyA physician who's fought the spread of infectious diseases, Jim Yong Kim shares a time-tested method for battling pandemics.
Cash FlowRaj JanaThe 1 Thing Every Successful Business Needs: Recurring RevenueIf you build recurring revenue into your business plan, you will help ensure financial stability for your small business and yourself. Here are three ways recurring revenue provides value.
Cash FlowMark Peter Davis5 Ways to Fund Your Business Amid the PandemicSourcing growth capital just got tougher, but not impossible.
Mark Cuban: Real Talk Business RebootInc. Video StaffWhy You Should Get a Loan Even If You Don't Need ItBuilding a relationship with your banker now could be beneficial for your company in the long run.
Mark Cuban: Real Talk Business RebootInc. Video StaffHow to Adjust Your Pricing During Covid-19Why Mark Cuban says lowering prices during Covid-19 could make sense for your bottom line.
MoneyAmanda Pressner KreuserHow Federal Covid-19 Relief Can Help Freelance and Gig WorkersThings can be particlarly uncertain for freelancers whose work has been impacted by the coronavirus. The federal government economic relief plan has a few benefits that can help self-employed individuals.
Cash FlowDiana RansomWhat to Expect From the Next Round of PPP LoansThe Paycheck Protection Program is expected to get an infusion of $320 billion in funding this week. While more relief is welcome, the problems that came with the initial rollout are not.
Cash FlowCO— How to Use Microlending to Fund Your BusinessGet your idea off the ground or expand your business with some extra cash.
Exit StrategiesHoward TullmanWhen You Have to Close Your BusinessShutting down any company hurts. But you still have obligations-- and a future.
Cash FlowDiana RansomPPP Funding Ran Out in 14 Days. Round 2 Could Go Even FasterWith thousands of applications at the ready, banks say the approval process for Round 2 should be swift.
