As thrilling as it is to start a business, it can also be very stressful wondering if you have estimated your startup costs accurately. This uncharted terrain can be even more overwhelming for first-time entrepreneurs.

Your business is stable and growing at a sustainable pace. Then, a sudden opportunity comes your way that could take your business to the next level. For example, a new customer approaches you with a large order or multiple orders.
Your first reaction is to jump at the opportunity.

Neighboring cities Midland and Odessa, Texas are no strangers to oil and gas booms. Drilling booms have come and gone in this area for nearly a century.

Have you noticed that some of your competitors are pulling ahead? The reason for their rapid growth and success might have something to do with their choice in business funding.

Just before Christmas, CNBC released an economic survey revealing that a majority of the U.S. population was optimistic about the economy – the first time in over a decade. The growth the economy experienced over the last year is expected to continue.

Between 1978 and 2012, the number of businesses less than a year old declined as a share of all companies by a startling 44 percent. Some business leaders referred to the situation as the slow death of American entrepreneurship.

When you receive your business’ monthly financial statements, your focus more than likely goes straight to the bottom line of the income statement. After assessing your business’ profits, your gaze then shifts to the cash account on the balance sheet.

The cyclical nature of running a business sometimes requires borrowing money to meet a business’ short-term needs or goals. Whether you need funds to launch your startup or to expand your established small business, every business owner will experience their share of financial ups and downs.

Of the many challenges involved in running a small business, money management is one of the toughest, most time consuming aspects. Getting your customers to pay their invoices on time has proven to be one of the most difficult challenges. Slow payments can seriously hurt your business’ cash-flow.

It all starts with an amazing business idea. This entrepreneurial dream quickly grows into plans of starting a small business of your own. After assessing the risks, you are confident in your vision and ready to proceed.