10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in....

10 Long Standing Los Angeles Mom and Pop businesses

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Enjoy these 10 Los Angeles mom and pop businesses!

Founded in 1781, Los Angeles derives from Spanish, and it means “The Angels.” So its no surprise that it’s often referred to as the “City of Angels.” And despite the fact that the city is primarily known for being the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Los Angeles’ mom and pop businesses have also been a driving force in keeping the city’s economy humming. The many unique stores, restaurants and other establishments speak to the style of LA, and have for years.

Here are some of the oldest, most notable Los Angeles mom and pop businesses in operation.

1. Canterbury Records

Even in this digital era, Canterbury Records in Pasadena continues to attract a clientele looking for records, CDs and more. Open since 1956, the store is a fixture in LA and carries albums in virtually every music style you can imagine. Leonard Gordon started this small business, and his four children continue to own and operate it to this day.

2. Corrigan’s Steakhouse

>Visitors to Corrigan’s Steakhouse can enjoy beef, seafood, pasta and more while enjoying the restaurant’s collection of memorabilia from Western movies. Much of the memorabilia comes from Ray Corrigan, who starred in many Westerns produced during the twentieth century in Hollywood and who operated Corriganville, a popular tourist destination during the 1950s.

Ray’s son, Tom Corrigan, opened this restaurant in 1982, and he continues to run it. In fact, Tom is frequently seen in the dining room, wearing a black Stetson and moving from table to table chatting with the restaurant’s patrons.

3. Distant Lands

Lovers of all things travel-related will want to check out Distant Lands, which has been in operation since 1989. Originally just a bookstore specializing in travel-related books, Distant Lands has expanded into a full-scale travel service operation.

Today at Distant Lands, in addition to finding books about your favorite destination, you can also get travel gear and even plan a trip through the company’s travel agency. Adrian Kalvinskas opened the store nearly 30 years ago, and today he continues to manage the operation. His wife and his mother also help run the shop and its various services.

4. Dr. Strange Records

Open since 1997, Dr. Strange Records is one of the newest and more unusual mom and pop businesses on our list. This store specializes in punk rock music and related accessories and memorabilia. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of books, videos, DVDs, stickers, posters, shoes, clothing and more! All of which are centered around the punk rock theme.

The store’s founder and current owner—Bill Strange—has even started a record label in order to produce and distribute new punk rock albums.

5. Fugetsu-Do Confectioners

Since 1903, Fugetsu-Do Confectioners has been meeting the demand for Japanese confections in the Los Angeles area. Located in Little Tokyo, this sweets shop specializes in mochi, which are small rice cakes made with a sweet type of rice and can be eaten with a variety of different condiments.

Since 1980, the shop has been run by Brian Kito the grandson of the original founder and owner. The shop sells traditional mochi as well as non-traditional, which includes ingredients such as peanut butter.

6. Iliad Bookshop

Dan Weinstein comes from a family that has owned and operated many independent bookstores, so it was natural for him to open a book shop of his own in 1987.

Since then, the Iliad Bookshop has offered one of the most impressive selections of new and used books in LA. Weinstein continues to own and run the bookstore today, and you can find just about any title you are looking for in the store’s vast inventory.

7. Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Q

Known throughout LA for its Memphis-style BBQ, Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Q has been serving customers since 1984. Originally started by Jim Neely, the restaurant today is owned and operated by Jim’s sister who is continuing the family tradition.

People come to this mom and pop business for the food, not the ambiance, as the restaurant is little more than a few plastic tables and a serving window. But the BBQ is so good that diners keep on returning month after month, year after year.

8. Kip’s Toyland

Kip’s Toyland has been open in the LA Farmer’s Market since 1945. It continues to offer a number of different toys for boys and girls. This family-owned-and-operated store is perhaps the oldest toy store still in operation in Los Angeles.

Irvin Kipper, who opened the store in 1945, continued to serve customers until his death in 2016, and his family continues to operate the shop. Three generations of Kippers, in fact, have worked there, and the store continues on as one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists and residents alike.

9. The Musso & Frank Grill

Opened in Hollywood in 1919, The Musso & Frank Grill has offered the same basic menu for nearly 100 years. Original owners Frank Toulet and Joseph Musso sold the restaurant in 1927 to Joseph Carissimi and John Mosso. Both of them had recently immigrated to the U.S. from Italy.

Mosso’s family continues to run the restaurant to this day. During it’s early history, Musso’s Back Room frequently saw visits from actors such as Jimmy Stewart and Charlie Chaplin as well as authors such as T.S. Elliot, John Steinbeck and Aldous Huxley. Today, the restaurant still gets its share of famous visitors, but it’s also a favorite haunt for those who don’t have starring roles on the silver screen.

10. Styles Ville Barber Shop

Stop by the Pacoima neighborhood in LA and you can visit one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in Los Angeles. Opened in June 1958 by Freddie Carter, Styles Ville Barber Shop is today run by Carter’s grandson Greg. Although the surrounding neighborhood has changed a lot since Styles Ville first opened. Men continue to flock to this mom and pop business to receive an outstanding haircut.

Check out even more mom and pop small businesses in New York, Chicago and Dallas![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

10 Mom and Pop Businesses with Long Standing in Dallas

10 Long Standing Dallas Mom and Pop Businesses

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Enjoy these 10 Dallas mom and pop businesses!

Dallas is the Lone Star State’s third-largest metroplex. It is home of the first 7-Eleven, the Dallas Cowboys and of course Tex-Mex. Dallas is well known as the “Big D.”  But, most importantly, Dallas mom and pop small businesses make this a truly unique city.

Since November 2016, Dallas has added the largest number of jobs, roughly 100,400. Making it the top dog in terms of job growth out of the 12 largest metropolitan areas. If you’re a small business owner in Dallas the odds are you’ve helped add to that growth.

Which is fantastic, because when you want to go where everybody knows your name, the internet just doesn’t cut it. No big-box store can compete with the personal touch of a mom and pop business. So, without further ado, here are 10 diverse Dallas businesses that have demonstrated real staying power:

1. The Egyptian Restaurant

Despite the cool-but-misleading retro sign, there is nothing remotely Egyptian about this mom and pop business. Carlo and Antonia Campisi immigrated from Sicily in 1904 and opened a small restaurant in 1946. At the time, pizza was brand-new to Dallas.

When they relocated to Mockingbird Lane in 1950, they couldn’t afford to replace the whole sign on the existing business, a bar called the Egyptian Lounge. Instead, they opted to change one word and go by the Egyptian Restaurant.

Eleven additional locations, now appropriately named Campisi’s, are also family-owned. Fourth-generation David Campisi can’t verify the rumor that Jack Ruby was in the Egyptian Restaurant when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, but Ruby was a regular customer.

2. The Maddox Shop

Peggy Maddox felt as called to make underwear as Billy Graham felt called to preach. Her special talents benefited victims of the polio epidemic, and The Maddox Shop now caters mostly to women with breast cancer.

Maddox started sewing lingerie in her home in 1934. Her shop eventually moved to Casa Linda Plaza where it has stood for more than 50 years. Maddox’s daughter-in-law took over when she retired.

3. Jay R. Rury Violins

Jay R. Rury hasn’t been around for quite as long as J.R. Ewing, but he’s a lot more likable than the unscrupulous oilman on the “Dallas” TV show. He has played violin and cello since childhood, but he decided at some point that he’d rather fiddle with them.

You can’t get violins repaired online. Furthermore, each instrument is unique. Restoring the identical sound quality after a mishap takes an expertly trained ear and rare skill.

Rury set up shop in 1985. Notable repair jobs have included a 1560 Gasparo da Salo violin and one of the finest instruments in the world, a Cessole Stradivari made in 1760.

4. Wild Bill’s Western Store

Owner Bill Dewbre still uses the leather-crafting tools and methods that his father designed in the 1940s. His boots and belts aren’t just iconic western wear; they’re works of art. Dewbre has been refining his craft for 50 years at his one location in the West End district downtown.

5. Deno’s Shoe Repair

Demetrios Georgios “Jimmy” Velis, then a 22-year-old from a small village in Greece, landed at Love Field in 1968. In broken English, he repeatedly asked his fellow passengers to verify that he was in Dallas.

With his wife at his side, he’s now been repairing shoes and handbags here for five decades. He also makes custom leather belts and wallets using old-school methods and the finest materials.

6. Highland Park Cafeteria

Sallie “Mother” Goodman and her son Dewey started dishing up soul food in 1925. While inhaling your Angus brisket hash, turnip greens and squash casserole, brush up on history.

The Wall of U.S. Presidents has a set of portraits with information about each leader and his first lady. If you can spot the only typo, you’ll get dessert on the house. Strongly consider the decadent German chocolate cake at this mom ad pop.

7. Bill’s Records

Bill Wisener started selling vinyl records at a flea market in 1973, but you can now find him on Lamar Street. The 73-year-old is famous for his encyclopedic knowledge and massive inventory of rare records, eight-track tapes, cassettes and memorabilia.

Don’t bother looking for a price tag on anything. Wisener likes to haggle the old-fashioned way and ring a metal chime when the sale is final.

8. McShan Florist

Bruce McShan’s parents opened their shop on Garland Road in 1948, and Bruce was born just three weeks later. It is now one of the busiest florists in the U.S. McShan looks more like a rugged cattleman than a florist. It’s hard to imagine him artfully arranging delicate species, but he’s been at it for decades.

He’s also known in the industry as a technological whiz who revolutionized processing and delivery. McShan Florist has sent an arrangement to every U.S. president who has visited Dallas since 1948.

9. Parkit Market

The market, deli, liquor store and keg supply opened in 1962. Its original founders, Ann and Frank Todora, are still in charge. The deli menu is surprisingly extensive. In addition to hot dishes like Frito pie and chicken-fried steak, the homemade sandwiches draw crowds at lunch.

Keg rentals, however, are Parkit’s bread and butter. The Todora’s keep 365 kegs in stock, and the market has won numerous local awards, including Best Mom and Pop Business from the Dallas Observer.

10. Lovers Lane Barber Shop

This neighborhood fixture opened in 1938. It was purchased in the early ’60s by Norbert “Red” Mikulec and his wife, Flo. Their daughter Karen Kay “K.K.” Atkinson runs the place now, and you might say it has a split personality. On Saturday mornings, the front room fills with hapless-looking dads and little kids in pajamas.

TV Land cartoons alleviate anxiety, and first-timers receive an official certificate of bravery. The back room is a little more intriguing. K.K. and her talkative staff can be counted on to share the latest Park Cities gossip over a pedicure.

No small business owner is likely to give themselves a day off to celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Day; but know that we in the Big D lift our Stetsons to you.

Check out even more mom and pop small businesses in New York and Chicago!

3 Female Powerhouses in the Marketing World

3 Female Powerhouses in the Marketing World

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Who are three women that are female marketing leaders?

The marketing world moves at a dizzying pace. It’s a sponge that absorbs the latest technology, social trends and consumer habits. Then marketers touch this sponge with that magic wand of imagination to bolster a brand’s image and bring in new customers.

Unless you’re directly in the advertising industry, you probably don’t think too much about the creative minds and intrepid leaders behind the billboards, the commercials, the banner ads or the subtle brand mentions and references in any number of outlets.

Today we’re going to take a look at three women who are leaders in the marketing world and who exemplify how marketing brings together both the analytical and creative sides of the brain.

 

1. Andrea Van Dam, CEO of Women’s Marketing

For almost two decades, Van Dam has worked her way up through the ranks at Women’s Marketing Inc., an agency that specializes in high-growth industries that matter to women. Since she was named CEO in 2014, she has brought a transformative vision to the agency. Where once the agency was more focused on fashion and beauty, Van Dam has expanded their expertise to other categories that affect the lives of women. Under her leadership, her agency has proven that it excels at taking great ideas and exciting ventures and growing them into international brands.

Below Andrea discusses how busy today’s Millennial moms are, and how they can manage balancing work, family, and personal satisfaction.

2. Barbara Jones, Founder and CEO of Blissful Media Group

Ten years ago Jones saw an emerging opportunity and decided to take advantage of it: the rise of so-called influencers. For those who don’t know, an influencer is someone with a significant social media or blog presence who talks about anything from motherhood to adventure travel. Jones saw an opportunity to connect brands with influencers and create a new marketing space, and that’s what she did with Blissful Media Group.

And just to make you feel a little more in awe of her accomplishments, she also owns and runs Blissfully Domestic, a women’s digital magazine that focuses on home, food and life. She is also the founder and CEO of One2One Network, a networking service that connects influencers and brands with content, strategy and digital services to reach female consumers.

 

3. Karen Kaplan, Chairman and CEO of Hill Holiday

Everyone loves a story of humble beginnings, and Kaplan’s story of how she started as a receptionist looking to earn enough money for law school and ended up running the show is one such story. For over 10 years, Kaplan has been president of Hill Holiday, where she has been recognized as a dynamic leader responsible for the agency’s significant growth, and is regarded as one of the most influential women in advertising.

Check out some of the work they’ve done by simply clicking the image below.

While the advertising world is still very much a man’s world, there are hundreds of powerful, influential women making inroads, bringing fresh, intriguing vision to this constantly changing space.

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10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in Chicago

10 Long Standing Chicago Mom and Pop Businesses

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Enjoy these 10 Chicago mom and pop small businesses!

The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago, boasts such an impressive skyline that it’s hard to believe that the metropolis was once a humble farming town. Before the major corporations and the skyscrapers that house many of them were built, mom and pop businesses dotted Chicagoland, from the suburbs to downtown and the Loop.

Considered the railway hub of the U.S. and one of the country’s greatest cultural melting pots, Chicago has worn many hats since its incorporation in 1837. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of Chicago’s city center and small businesses. A total of 18,000 buildings, but the city was rebuilt to become more vibrant and culturally significant than ever.

Today, the Windy City is a long-standing mecca for deep-dish pizza, blues music, and baseball. It also remains the home of a wide variety of family owned small businesses, many of which are now famous Chicago landmarks.

1. Shinnick’s Pub

The building that this well known pub sits in were both resurrected at the same time in the late 1880’s. This mom and pop went through several owners who tried their luck owning the pub until, in 1938, George & Mary Shinnick took it over after prohibition. Ever since that day i t has moved through generations of Shinnicks, and is now owned by the third generation of siblings. Nine of them to be exact.

 

2. Belmont Barbershop

For an old-fashioned shave or haircut in a decidedly unpretentious environment, Belmont Barbershop is your best bet. Independently owned since 2005, the Roscoe Village neighborhood mom and pop shop is one of Chicago’s best. So, if you’re ever in the area and find yourself in need of a cut, look no further!

 

3. Cone

One of the youngest businesses on this list, Cone is a family owned gourmet ice cream parlor that serves up sweet treats with a distinctly Irish flair. Born in Ireland, owner and founder, Sean McGuire, opened his West Loop shop in 2013. The family-friendly treat shop’s menu features European-style soft serve and hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches for the kids, and liquor-infused delicacies for adults. When you dine in at the 1047 West Madison Street eatery, you can have a pint of Guinness to complement your soft serve waffle cone. Or you can even choose a dash of Irish cream or whiskey as a sundae topping. Slainte!

 

4. George’s Hot Dogs

The Chicago-style hot dog is nearly as famous as the city’s deep dish pizza. The Chicago dog is a virtual meal in itself – a classic beef hot dog in a bun, topped with relish, white onions, yellow mustard, sliced tomatoes, and a pickle spear. Over the years, hot dog stands have become ubiquitous across Chicago, but few have enjoyed the longevity of George’s. The Damen Avenue restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1948. George’s Hot Dogs offers daily specials and has garnered a variety of awards from far-flung publications and websites. That includes the likes of GrubHub and The Chicago Tribune.

 

5. Medina Lawncare

Established in 1967 by Carlos Medina and his two brothers, Medina Lawncare is a true to form family owned business. Medina Jr., now second generation owner of the landscaping company, had been working for his father since the age of 12. It was 20 years ago that he decided to take it over to keep the business in the family, and he hasn’t looked back since. If you’re in the market for some beautiful landscaping with deep rooted history, look them up!

 

6. Windy City Hardware

Truly a mom and pop business, Windy City Hardware has become a sort of community center in Bridgeport since its opening in 2008. Husband and wife, Jerry and Windy Masterson, serve as the hardware store’s small business owner team.

Even though the shop is small, they expanded Windy City Hardware to encompass bike gear and repair services after noting a high neighborhood demand. Their shop, at 3364 S. Halsted remains to be one of Bridgeport’s go-to bike repair shop.

 

7. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Pub

Locally owned and operated since 1932, Twin Anchors is world-famous, yet decidedly unpretentious. Housed in a classic brick 1880s building at 1655 N. Sedgwick Street, the restaurant was reportedly a favorite of Frank Sinatra. The Twin Anchors menu features sandwiches, burgers, baby-back ribs, and salads.

 

8. Home Team Pizza

Chicagoans take their pizza seriously, so it’s no surprise that several pizza shops are counted among the city’s longest standing mom and pop businesses. The owners of Home Team Pizza have made Chicago their home for several generations, opening the West Ohio Street eatery in 1975. You’ll find wood oven-baked pizza, salads, sandwiches, decadent desserts, and more at Home Team Pizza. They  also offer a convenient delivery option seven days a week.

 

9. Hagen’s Fish Market

Since 1946, Hagen’s Fish Market has been the go-to place for Chicagoans who love fresh seafood. Located at 5635 W. Montrose Avenue, Hagen’s is steeped in tradition, offering natural hardwood smoked seafood prepared using family recipes. Those recipes remain closely guarded by the Hagen family. At Hagen’s, you can pick up fresh fish to prepare at home or try out the restaurant’s famous battered shrimp, cod, and perch.

 

10. Daley’s Restaurant

Although it carries the name of two of Chi-Town’s most notable mayors, Richard J. Daley and his son Richard M., Daley’s Restaurant was actually named after its founder, John Daley, a former iron worker originally from Ireland. John Daley established his namesake restaurant in 1892; and today, Daley’s is considered the oldest restaurant in Chicago. The Daley’s building at 809 E. 63rd Street is actually the second incarnation of the renowned diner. In 1918, a pair of Greek immigrants took it over, and have kept it in the family ever since. And keeping the name that has carried it through the years.

For even more small businesses with a deep-rooted history in their city here are 10 more mom & pops in New York!

10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in New York

10 Long Standing New York City Mom and Pop Businesses

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Enjoy these 10 New York City mom and pop businesses!

Keeping a company afloat for the long term is the dream of every mom and pop small business owner. The ability of a small business to endure through recessions, as well as a changing modern landscape and fluctuating market demand, takes perseverance, business savvy, and a loyal customer base. This is especially the case for New York City mom and pop businesses.

New York City’s small businesses have been hit hard in recent years, trying to endure in the face of rising rents and national chain stores. However, despite the closures of many mom and pop businesses across the Five Boroughs, small companies remain the heart of NYC’s economy. And in mid 2017, New York City topped Biz2Credit’s list of Top Small Business Cities in America, beating out the tech hub of San Jose, as well as top dogs Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. In celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day on March 29, we’ve put together a list of 10 long standing New York City mom and pop businesses that have stood the test of time. When you’re in the Big Apple, hit up one of the following small businesses and keep your money in the local community.

1. Harris Levy Fine Linens 

The business, which opened in 1894, has depended on sacrifice, luck and -most importantly – on family members. The shop was established on the Lower East Side. It has weathered more than 100 years of economic ups and downs as well as dramatic shifts in the neighborhood. Harris Levy specializes in fine and luxurious linens and is one of the very few shops that remain in the neighborhood. It’s currently owned by Bob, the fourth-generation of the Levy family, and can found on 98 Forsyth Street.

2. S’Mac NYC

S’Mac (short for Sarita’s Macaroni & Cheese) has been a major player in the NYC culinary circuit since opening its doors in 2006. Customers can build their own macaroni & cheese at this quaint East Village eatery, which also ships nationwide. S’Mac is the brainchild of husband-and-wife and small business owner team Caesar and Sarita Ekya, and the restaurant operates seven days a week.

 

3. Di Palo’s Fine Foods

The corner deli is a NYC tradition, and many of these small shops still exists throughout the city. Di Palo’s Fine Foods at 200 Grand Street remains one of the most popular. A Little Italy institution, Di Palo’s is known as the best place to find artisanal cheeses and fresh deli meat. The mom and pop shop opened more than 100 years ago, and the lines still stretch out the door during the busiest parts of the day.

 

4. Morscher’s Pork Store

Morscher’s Pork Store is another perfect example of the neighborhood deli. Located in Ridgewood, Queens, since 1957, Morscher’s still utilizes Old World smoking techniques developed in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Morscher’s was founded by Joseph Morscher, and his family still runs the mom and pop deli.

 

5. Economy Candy

You can’t find many places like Economy Candy anymore. When you step inside the Lower East Side shop, you’ll be transported back in time to when candy was a special treat, sold by the pound. Economy Candy has been around since 1937, and it’s been family owned for three generations. The shop also stocks a variety of snacks and specialty items, including dried nuts and fruits, gum, and novelty toys.

 

6. Schaller & Weber

Since the opening of its doors in 1937, Ferdinand Schaller and Tony Weber have been master craftsman of cured meats and sausages. This long-standing establishment keeps the charm of an old German-style shop. It even manages to win awards at European fairs for their homemade meats. So, if you feel that inner German meat connoisseur starting to rise up, head over to 1654 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side. I’m sure they’ll have something for you, Prost!

 

7. Dizzy’s Diner

When hungry in Brooklyn, head to Dizzy’s Diner, established in 1997. The eatery serves up tasty comfort food for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. It even boasts a delivery menu if you can’t make it to 9th Street. Breakfast is served all day at Dizzy’s, with lunch items available beginning at 11:30 p.m. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options can be found on Dizzy’s menu, including their version of huevos rancheros and delicious homemade granola.

 

8. Animal Fare

A top-rated pet supply store in the heart of Brooklyn, Animal Fare is just minutes from Prospect Park, where it has stood for nearly 25 years. The shop is co-owned by Barbara Librowski and her sister-in-law Helen. They are both animal lovers who still work each day at the counter. At Animal Fare, you’ll find a large selection of pet food, treats, and toys. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, Barbara and Helen are happy to order it for you. Located at 153 Prospect Park SW, Animal Fare is closed on Tuesdays.

 

9. VideoGamesNewYork

Once known as Saint Marks Games, VideoGamesNewYork opened on East 6th Street in 2006 under its new moniker. The independently owned video game shop remains one of the longest-standing stores of its kind. They offer free in-store diagnostics as well as new and used mainstream and indie games for all systems, apparel, and more. VideoGamesNewYork employs knowledgeable team members who are passionate about video games and personalized service. They give New Yorkers and visitors a shopping experience that’s light years from that offered at sterile chain stores. The shop opens at 10:00 a.m., 365 days a year.

 

10. Turntable Lab

Founded in 1999 by a trio of best friends and music lovers, Turntable Lab has endured through a changing music industry landscape, and remains a “DJ shop” at its core. The storefront on East 10th Street features DJ equipment along with clothing and vinyl records from all genres. The Turntable Lab team consists mainly of current and former DJs and producers. Including artists DJ Dopeshoes, DJ Jedi, All City Sound, and P-Love.

This is just 10 of many small businesses that have and continue to make New York City amazing to both locals and visitors! Here are 10 more mom and pops that are holding their own in Chicago!

4 Common Challenges to be Aware of

4 Common Challenges to be Aware of After 1 Year in Business

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No matter how you look at it, owning a business for one year is a huge accomplishment. You’ve gone through the legal paperwork, filed taxes, signed a lease and a million other things, not to mention you’ve paid your bills! But many common challenges will start to pop up after those 12 months.

This is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time when new challenges will arrive. To prepare you, here are four of the most common difficulties small business owners face at the one-year mark.

Staying true to your vision

Running a small business is like going through an obstacle course. You may have a path picked out, but navigating the various hurdles, monkey bars, slides and ball pits will ultimately determine the path you take. Many opportunities, as well as problems, may arise during your first year, but stay focused on your original goal and on the thing your business can do better than any other.

Maintaining the momentum

A new business generates buzz and gets people talking. This is a gift for the owner. However, that initial buzz fades out quickly. A challenge many small businesses face is in keeping that momentum alive. To do this, they might have to get creative with marketing efforts, network with the right people, participate in the community and have a robust social media presence. These things might not be directly connected to your day-to-day operations, but are essential parts of a successful marketing effort.

Here are some of the small business marketing trends to be aware of in 2018.

Managing cash flow

One of the most common growing pains small businesses experience is in properly managing their cash flow. This can come in various forms. Whether it’s keeping proper accounting records, paying invoices on time (or getting paid on time), or juggling purchases and inventory, many small business owners are not prepared for some of these more knotty difficulties.

Learning to let others handle it

Your business is your child, and it’s hard let it grow up and out of your sight. Almost every business owner struggles with the problem of when to delegate a task or let someone else handle an important aspect of the business. After a year in business you’ll probably be on track to expand and grow. Success means there will be more work to do, and if you don’t learn how to delegate, you will be stretched beyond capacity.

For many, the first year in business is one of the most exciting — and challenging — years of their life. But it’s only the beginning. With new challenges come new opportunities for growth, job creation and the formation of a company culture.

How SBA Loans Work

How It Works: Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

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Next up in the “How It Works” series let’s take a look at how  SBA loans work

Every business is unique.

What works for one may not work for another. With a range of choices, each with its own unique requirements and mechanisms, how do you identify which type of financing is best for your business and your needs at this time? You should start with the basics with a full understanding of your situation.  You need to be clear about what you want/need versus what your business can take on. Whether you want capital immediately, or sometime later in a lump sum, or phased over time, take stock of your situation and needs first and then consider your financing options.

Let’s take a look at one of the most frequently used business financing options available to small businesses:

How SBA Loans Work – Small Business Loans through SBA

Government-backed Small Business Administration (SBA) extends aid to all small businesses via loans that help them to not just start up a business but to also sustain and grow that business. While the agency itself does not provide financing, it makes affordable loans available through SBA approved lenders like banks. These loans are designed to meet very specific business purposes, so it is important to understand each of these options before applying for an SBA loan. Though cheaper, you may find it difficult to qualify for these loans. Many individuals are disqualified due to  insufficient collateral, low credit scores or falling within an unqualified category.

SBA loan programs are designed to meet major financial requirements of varied small businesses. These include microloans, real estate loans, equipment loans, and basic loans under the 7(a) program. You can use the loans provided through the 7(a) program for a variety of purposes – setting up a new business, acquiring a business, purchasing equipment and machinery, or as an influx in working capital, among others

How SBA Loans Work – Eligibility

The general small business loans from the 7(a) program are the most popular among all SBA loans. Since these loans are guaranteed by federal agencies, lenders can offer businesses very lucrative and flexible terms for these loans. It is no secret that the 7(a) loans through the SBA are by far the best way for any small business to get financing if they are able to qualify.

To be eligible for 7(a) loans a business must be for-profit; operate within the United States; show a business need for the funds, and – most importantly – show proof that you’ve exhausted all other avenues and financial resources before applying. This means, you will need to have used your own personal assets, reached out to family and friends, and be able to show that you applied for and had been declined by a traditional lender. It’s no wonder, then, that most small businesses find these loans out of their reach. In fact, a 2016 Forbes report points out that, “The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration has cited industry estimates that 80 percent of small business loan applications are rejected.”

How SBA Loans Work – What you should know 

  • Lowest cost option for small businesses looking for financing to start up or grow a business.
  • Offered by traditional and alternative lenders and backed by government guarantee.
  • Multiple types of loans and grants depending on business type and need.
  • Businesses applying for a loan must first use other resources including personal assets.
  • Personal guarantee required by business owners or top management of the company.
  • Long application and funding process compared to alternate financing options.

SBA loans may be a good option when:

  • Working capital is needed to expand the business over the next few years.
  • Consolidating loans from multiple lenders.
  • Hiring new employees or opening a new location.
  • Recovering from declared disasters.
  • Your business is impacted by NAFTA.

SBA loans may not be an option when:

  • Working capital is needed immediately for a very short term.
  • Consolidating loans will require the company to take a loss.
  • Business owner cannot provide a personal guarantee.

Besides the general 7(a) loans, the SBA provides 7(a) loans to cover special situations like companies conducting business in underserved communities and companies looking to expand export activities. There are also microloans up to $50,000, and special programs to help businesses recover from declared disasters. To learn more about SBA loans visit their website right here. Many traditional and alternative lenders also help businesses navigate through the process of applying for these loans.

Want to learn more about your options? Here are the pros and cons of the revenue-based financing.

4 Appreciation Tips for National Certified Nurses Day

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For the thousands of patients that visit a hospital or clinic every day, the nurse is usually the first and last person they see.

While doctors might get the prestige, nurses serve as caregivers, emotional support and teachers, and are many times the greatest advocate a patient can have. They are right there at the front lines of patient care, providing that human interaction and warmth that is part of any successful treatment.

For these reasons and many more, small businesses in the healthcare sector should mark Wednesday, March 19, on their calendar, because that is National Certified Nurses Day. That day (or the entire week for that matter!), is a fantastic opportunity to show how much you appreciate the nurses you work with day in and day out.

Here are four suggestions on how to do just that.

Employee recognition awards

From March 17th through the 21st, consider issuing an employee recognition award each day. This will directly show your employees how much you appreciate and can serve as a way for the entire staff to celebrate. Gift cards to local stores or restaurants make convenient and affordable awards.

You can also get their patients involved to really drive home how much nurses are appreciated. For example, the Boston Globe asked patients from a range of care facilities to send in letters nominating nurses they appreciate! You can read a number of these beautiful letters here.

Lunch, treats and snacks

It’s amazing how a box of donuts or a few dozen bagels can brighten up an otherwise ordinary day. Providing break-room snacks or buying your staff lunch in appreciation of National Certified Nurses Day is a simple and hugely appreciated gesture any clinic can make. And you don’t need to limit yourself to just the 19th; treats, snacks and meals throughout the entire week can really boost morale.

If you’re looking for some great ideas on how to create the ultimate snack station. That would be Snack Nations specialty. Check are their office snacking best practices to make the most of the day!

Plan a fun team-building outing

Is there a better way to say thank you than by cutting the workday short and taking everyone out to happy hour or to go bowling? We call this a team-building exercise, which might make some people groan, but the emphasis should be on fun.

And here are some great activity ideas specifically geared towards nursing teams!

It might be too late to plan a half-day outing during the week of National Certified Nurses Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t issue a rain check!

Be loud and clear about your appreciation

Your gratitude for your staff is not something to be subtle about! Let the world know how much you appreciate your nurses with posters, commemorative gifts and even stickers. You can find these and other items at the store for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or you can download some through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Of course, we think nurses deserve to be recognized for their work each day of the year. But, National Certified Nurses Day is an opportunity to let them know how much you value their work and the contributions they make. So don’t wait! And show them how much you care but using any one of these tips.

Need some other ideas around how to show your appreciation? Here are 5 more ways!

Big Ideas From Small Businesses

Free Small Business Advertising Ideas

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All big businesses were once small businesses.

Apple started in a garage, Facebook was conceived in a dorm room and the first Walmart was a five-and-dime store in a small town in Arkansas.

But, what made them into international giants was the fact that they had big ideas. These big ideas don’t always entail disrupting the industry they’re in or reinventing the wheel; sometimes these innovative ideas have to do with how a business is run.

Here are some of the biggest, most inspiring ideas small businesses are putting into practice today.

Employ guerrilla marketing

No matter how big or niche your target market is, you need to advertise. You have to get the word out that you are in business and offer a great product, but that doesn’t come cheaply. While you can likely forget about producing the most popular commercial for the big game, for the savvy small business owner, there are myriad other opportunities.

Guerrilla marketing refers to a marketing strategy that maximizes creativity at minimal cost. These tactics often take advantage of social media platforms where companies can carry their message or engage in conversations at no cost. Local contests and fun events that engage customers and the community are just a couple of the categories that are not only inexpensive, but are highly personable in a way those big expensive ad campaigns are not.

An example of a great guerrilla marketing campaign is when, in 1999, San Francisco-based Casa Sanchez offered free lunches for life to anyone who got a tattoo of their logo. They capped the number at 50, but a decade later, in the wake of the great recession, they revived the offer, calling it a “stimulus special.”

Break out of silos

Everyone has defined roles, but many small businesses know that to stay competitive in their industry, these roles need to be flexible and collaboration needs to be prioritized. According to research, almost three out of four people surveyed say that teamwork and collaboration is “very important.”

Small businesses have a great opportunity to get workers out of their “defined roles” (or silos) and into collaborative spaces. This kind of flexibility leads to greater communication among people at all levels. It’s a simple idea with big consequences, as we’ll see in the next point.

Foster a culture of innovation.

Richard Branson once said, “Small businesses are nimble and bold and can often teach much larger companies a thing or two about innovations that can change entire industries.”

Small businesses have the advantage of being just that: small. Employees can communicate easily with leadership or with those who work on different projects or in different departments. Small businesses take advantage of their structure by allowing people to have a voice when it comes to innovating their product, their service or their operational structure. Because employees tend to work closer with leadership, they also tend to be more invested in the company. This makes the incentives for innovative thinking — and the rewards — that much higher.

Less baggage, more flexibility, greater innovation and a whole lot less red tape. These are just some of the advantages of being a small business instead of a large corporation. With creativity, small business owners can put these ideas into effect and reap big rewards.

For even more techniques you can employ in your business here are “4 Reasons Why You Need to Street Market!”

Big Ideas From Small Businesses

Big Ideas From Small Businesses

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All big businesses were once small businesses.

Apple started in a garage, Facebook was conceived in a dorm room and the first Walmart was a five-and-dime store in a small town in Arkansas.

But, what made them into international giants was the fact that they had big ideas. These big ideas don’t always entail disrupting the industry they’re in or reinventing the wheel; sometimes these innovative ideas have to do with how a business is run.

Here are some of the biggest, most inspiring ideas small businesses are putting into practice today.

Employ guerrilla marketing

No matter how big or niche your target market is, you need to advertise. You have to get the word out that you are in business and offer a great product, but that doesn’t come cheaply. While you can likely forget about producing the most popular commercial for the big game, for the savvy small business owner, there are myriad other opportunities.

Guerrilla marketing refers to a marketing strategy that maximizes creativity at minimal cost. These tactics often take advantage of social media platforms where companies can carry their message or engage in conversations at no cost. Local contests and fun events that engage customers and the community are just a couple of the categories that are not only inexpensive, but are highly personable in a way those big expensive ad campaigns are not.Set featured image

An example of a great guerrilla marketing campaign is when, in 1999, San Francisco-based Casa Sanchez offered free lunches for life to anyone who got a tattoo of their logo. They capped the number at 50, but a decade later, in the wake of the great recession, they revived the offer, calling it a “stimulus special.”

Break out of silos

Everyone has defined roles, but many small businesses know that to stay competitive in their industry, these roles need to be flexible and collaboration needs to be prioritized. According to research, almost three out of four people surveyed say that teamwork and collaboration is “very important.”

Small businesses have a great opportunity to get workers out of their “defined roles” (or silos) and into collaborative spaces. This kind of flexibility leads to greater communication among people at all levels. It’s a simple idea with big consequences, as we’ll see in the next point.

Foster a culture of innovation.

Richard Branson once said, “Small businesses are nimble and bold and can often teach much larger companies a thing or two about innovations that can change entire industries.”

Small businesses have the advantage of being just that: small. Employees can communicate easily with leadership or with those who work on different projects or in different departments. Small businesses take advantage of their structure by allowing people to have a voice when it comes to innovating their product, their service or their operational structure. Because employees tend to work closer with leadership, they also tend to be more invested in the company. This makes the incentives for innovative thinking — and the rewards — that much higher.

Less baggage, more flexibility, greater innovation and a whole lot less red tape. These are just some of the advantages of being a small business instead of a large corporation. With creativity, small business owners can put these ideas into effect and reap big rewards.

For even more techniques you can employ in your business here are “4 Reasons Why You Need to Street Market!” 

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