So You Want to Start a Business or Buy an Existing One?

start business

We have a number of people who come to the CBI for help in buying a business or to start their own business. Sometimes it’s a short conversation when they come looking for the grant money they believe we have. We don’t have grant funds or grant applications to buy a business or start a business. We don’t have access to a pool of investors who loan money without a sound business plan, or know of any that will loan 100% of the cost of a business even with a great plan. Continue reading

What’s Your Fair Share?

This October’s issue of INC. magazine has an interesting article about splitting founder’s equity.

15 years ago Atlanta-based Ockham Technologies had three founders. One founder had part of the original idea and was putting in sweat equity and cash. A second founder was putting in sweat equity and cash but wasn’t part of the original idea. A third founder was part of the idea and put in cash but no sweat equity. What type of split of the equity would have been “fair?” Continue reading

Is Your Business Worth What You’re Thinking?

SoldSign

If you sold your business today what would it be worth?“.

Chances are the number you have in your head and the number a buyer is willing to pay for your business are not the same. The means to bringing those two numbers closer together isn’t magic…it’s in long-term planning. Continue reading

Running Your Business One Week At a Time

people

No, I’m not suggesting you ignore a quarterly marketing plan, annual financials or your annual business plan, but realize that it’s important to run your business one week at a time as well.  Here are a few keys to success that need to be done weekly: Continue reading

Your Exit Strategy – Are You Working On One?

exit

I’ve had a number of conversations with clients recently about exit strategies.  Knowing what you want out of your business every day is always good, and knowing what you want out of it at the very end is something to spend time and thought on. Continue reading