Small Business

A merchant cash advance is not a small-business loan; rather, it’s a cash advance in exchange for a cut of your future business sales. Instead of making monthly installment payments over a set period of time, you make daily or weekly payments, plus fees, until the merchant…

Under the best of circumstances, getting small-business financing is no sure thing. In a 2019 survey, about 17% of small businesses said they were denied financing, according to the 2020 Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey. It can be even harder for underserved…

Azlo is an online business banking option that has no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements and unlimited transactions. Azlo’s integrated invoicing, online payment tools and app integrations set it apart from competitors. In addition to Azlo Starter, the…

With no fees and unlimited transactions, BlueVine’s business checking account includes features that are common with online-only banks. The account stands out, however, because BlueVine allows you to earn interest on your account without having to maintain a monthly or…

Wave is financial management software that enables companies to manage their bookkeeping, accounting and invoicing for free. The software is designed for small-business owners, especially those with service-based business models, and currently serves millions of customers.

Pitching your business to venture capitalists may not be in the cards for first-time entrepreneurs or small shops, but crowdfunding can help you find both accredited investors and everyday consumers willing to back your company. Equity crowdfunding means investors provide…

Choosing your legal structure is one of the first things you’ll do as a new small-business owner. Among the different types of business structures, a limited partnership is an option that gives you a way to raise money from a close group of investors, but is usually a…

QuickBooks Online, the small-business accounting software, offers top-notch functionality at a reasonable price. And with about 4.5 million small businesses using it worldwide, it’s also the industry standard. It’s easy to find accountants who can work with QuickBooks…

You’re a small-business owner in need of capital now, and a merchant cash advance looks like a good deal. Before you act, consider this: That quick cash could really cost you. MCAs have been known to carry annual percentage rates — the total cost of a loan, including all…

Maybe you’re looking to supplement your full-time income with a side business. Or perhaps you’re finished with the 9-to-5 and ready to be your own boss. In either case, coming up with a killer small-business idea is the first step on the path to entrepreneurship. Focus…

If you’re thinking of selling a piece of property that could result in a big profit (and a big tax bill), a 1031 exchange could be a useful strategy. What is a 1031 exchange? A 1031 exchange, named after section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, is a way to postpone…

QuarterSpot stopped originating small-business loans in January 2020. The online lender was a provider of short-term business loans to bad-credit borrowers. Several online lenders offer loan products similar to QuarterSpot. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider…

Banks and other lenders began accepting applications from small businesses for coronavirus relief loans — known as Paycheck Protection Program loans — on April 3, but the rollout hasn’t been smooth. Wells Fargo announced that it had reached its target of $10 billion in…

At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, many or all of the products featured here are from our partners. However, this doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. If you freelance, have a side gig, run a…

If you just announced your engagement, you don’t want anyone mentioning the divorce rate. But if you’re about to start a business, knowing the stats on survival is useful. And some industries, like some couples, have better odds than others. Whi1le a few of the numbers…

What is the recipe for a great remote city? From stylish coworking spaces to speedy Wi-Fi and affordable rent options, cities across the U.S. are embracing remote work culture. As remote work opportunities for workers continues to expand, we can expect to see more workers…

When operating a small business, it’s important to take care of all the legal tasks that come with entrepreneurship. Here’s one legal question that you’ll need to deal with right away—which type of business entity is best for your company? The state of Virginia…

Small business owners typically have three things on their minds when purchasing business insurance—coverage, convenience, and value. A business owners policy (BOP) is designed for each of these factors. By bundling general liability insurance, commercial property…