Financing
On Capitol Hill, Battle Over Small-Business Loans Grows Fierce
BY Catherine Clifford
Credit unions and the banking industry spar over the right to make loans to small businesses. When Seeking Funding, Credit Unions Can Be Worth Checking Out
BY Gwen Moran
More credit unions are offering business loans, and their interest rates and fees are often lower than at commercial banks. What's more, their loan officers typically have more flexibility and decision-making ability than those at larger institutions. Top 'Treps Urge Senate to Pass IPO On-Ramp Bill
BY Catherine Clifford
The National Venture Capital Association and 700 high-profile entrepreneurs sent a letter to Congressional leaders supporting legislation to help startups go public. Rare Partnership: Government, Citi and a Clean-Tech VC
BY Catherine Clifford
The Small Business Administration announced that it has selected a clean-technology venture capital firm for a Startup America initiative. $2 Billion Cut from Fed Loan Program Affecting Small Business
BY Catherine Clifford
The CDFI Bond Guarantee program, signed into law in 2010, had the potential to extend $4 billion in credit to small-business owners, among others. A lengthy Congressional approval process has reduced the funds available by half. Six Small Business Proposals from Washington You Need to Watch
BY Catherine Clifford
The package of bills aims to increase access to funding for entrepreneurs. Where to Look to Raise Cash For Your Business
BY Erika Napoletano
When local options fail, it's time to cast a wider net. Here are ways to expand your funding search. Taking on Debt to Grow Your Business
BY Susan Schreter
In today's economy, debt is a four-letter word -- but it can also be essential for growing a business. Here are some options that could help boost your working capital. Would You Sell Your Startup Right Now If I Gave You $600,000?
BY Carol Tice
Few business owners expect to get a fat buyout offer while their startup is still on the launch pad. Here's what one business owner did when confronted with an offer. 10 Ways to Get Investors to Listen to Your Business Pitch
BY Carol Tice
Wooing investors is a challenge even for entrepreneurs who're enthusiastic about their business. Here are ten tips on how to craft your investor pitch. What the State of the Union Address May Hold for Small Businesses
BY Catherine Clifford
Here is a rundown of what small business owners and advocates hope to hear from President Obama as he addresses the nation tonight. Starbucks Is Into Them. But What Exactly Are CDFIs?
BY Catherine Clifford
A quick guide to Community Development Financial Institutions: How they work and whether they can help you get money to start your business. Live Chat with Shark Tank's Daymond John
BY Teri Evans
One of the sharks from ABC's hit entrepreneur reality show answers your questions about pitching, investing and what it's like in the shark tank. Six Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Seeking Venture Capital
BY Catherine Clifford
Learning how to pitch investors is an invaluable skill. Avoid these blunders, which are sure to make a bad impression--and could kill the deal. How to Raise Money for Your Startup -- Now
BY Jason Fell
Entrepreneur and finance expert Asheesh Advani shares his best tips for finding capital in a difficult economy. The Home-Equity Credit Crunch (Opinion)
BY Scott Shane
How home price declines have contributed to tight credit for small businesses. Top Sources of Small-Business Financing in 2012
BY Catherine Clifford
The lending market for small businesses cratered during the recession and has been on a jagged path of recovery. To help fill the void, entrepreneurs are finding alternative financing sources. Entrepreneurs: Is Your Idea Ready for Prime Time?
BY Carol Tice
When you've got a business idea, it's easy to get excited and start talking it up to possible investors. But if it's too soon, that can mean missed opportunities. Why Crowdfunding is Bad for Business (Opinion)
BY Carol Tice
Should federal law be changed to allow crowdfunding to become more widespread? Here's why that may be a bad idea. The State of Venture Capital in 2012
BY Peter S. Cohan
For young companies looking for venture investments in the New Year, finding capital may be daunting but not impossible. Tips for Finding a Franchise Loan
BY Michelle Goodman
SBA franchise loans are on the rise, but you still need seed money and a carefully honed business plan. The SBA's Steve Smits provides advice. Lawmakers OK Small-Business Research Programs
BY Diana Ransom
Lawmakers moved to extend and expand two key small business research programs facing expiration this week. See what changes may come down the pike. Why Venture Capitalists Heart NY
BY Peter S. Cohan
New York recently beat out rival Boston for the number two spot for venture capital accumulation. Here's what makes the Big Apple more appealing. Now, Private Equity for the Little Guys
BY Carol Tice
Private equity funding isn't a fit for every business. But even for those where it makes sense, PE firms have been hard to find and research -- until now. 
