Two cyber-faces in proximity.

How Businesses can Counter the Threat of Deepfakes

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The Internet age united the world with a universal language of twitters and pings. The benefits of our new interconnected society are too plentiful to count, but there is also a decrepit underworld of cybercriminals and cybervandals who use that interconnectedness to spread misinformation. Cyber criminals thrive in anonymity and often take their greatest pride when robbing people of their own. As the Internet becomes more intertwined with our way of life, it is becoming clear that digital attacks on a person’s character can be just as damaging as those done in the real world. Deepfakes are near-perfect digital recreations of faces, often manipulated into compromising positions or saying words the speaker never actually said. This type of mimicking technology has become increasingly convincing since its relatively recent inception. As a result, it is imperative that people and businesses targeted by deepfakes immediately act. Misinformation at the expense of your business can be costly and reputation-shattering if not properly quelled.

Types of Deepfakes and Preventions

The most popular deepfakes often put words in the mouth of celebrities or politicians, but those aren’t nearly as malicious or dangerous as fakes that target businesses. While celebrities have massive platforms to dismantle the slings and arrows of outrageous cyber ruffians, small businesses have to fight much harder to recover.

Social Engineering

Advanced deepfakes can mimic voices well enough that there are several documented cases of employees, or even executives, being fooled into sharing private information with cybercriminals. These types of fakes tend to happen over phone calls and don’t need the sophisticated face-replicating tech.  These attacks are called social engineering which is an umbrella term for any kind of manipulation done to gain personal or sensitive information. Social engineering  deepfakes take advantage of peoples’ inherent willingness to trust caller ID and the voices of people they know.

Preventions: Social engineering deepfake attacks are so successful because most people don’t expect them. Since social engineering attacks target employees or anyone who may hold sensitive information like passwords or routing numbers, the most effective way to snuff out these attacks is training. Teach your employees the telltale signs of social engineering: brief calls asking very specifically for those passwords or routing numbers.

Another tactic is to develop a failsafe or codeword system for private company information. Make a system where at least two employees must approve the sharing of private passwords or sensitive information. Social engineering attacks thrive on off-the-cuff conversation. If the target of a social engineering attack brings another employee into the conversation, it’s likely someone will realize something about the caller is off.

Viral Misinformation

Being that deepfakes are near-perfect imitations, those who may want to do your business harm or have a bit of fun at your expense may use your image or the image of someone close to your business to spread misinformation. This misinformation can come in the form of doctored video or audio clips posted to social media with the intent to harm your business’s reputation.

Preventions: While it is impossible to prevent cyber hooligans from creating deepfakes, it should be every business’s prerogative to create a quick-acting crisis response plan. Every second is precious when countering misinformation; it’s very common for the initial misinformation to overshadow delayed corrections from businesses. The objective of these deepfakes, beyond general chaos, is to sway public opinion. Sway favor back into your court by aggressively and poignantly dismantling the authenticity of the deepfake video or audio.

If the deepfake is a video impersonating one of your employees, make sure that employee is involved with these efforts. Tail the doctored video or audio relentlessly and post in its comments or adjacent pages proof of its falsehood, whether that be your own video debunking their claims or a written response. While deepfakes are near-perfect, the uncanny valley is still present: look for breaks in lighting or odd pixilation on or around the face. These little signs are common on cheaper deepfakes and can be their easy undoing in your business’s response.

Extortion

The most devious cyber hooligans may turn criminal and use their deepfake tools for criminal extortion of your business. Deepfake extortion generally entails cyber criminals creating a doctored video of a public figure, in this case, someone important to your business. Then, the cyber criminal will often send the video to you, the business, asking for ransom. If you don’t give in to their demands, they will post the video, often pornographic or displaying absurd violence, to the Internet.

Preventions and Containment: Giving into the criminal’s demands is not an option. Collapsing before extortion is especially dangerous, as it will likely mark your business as an easy target for future cyber criminals. First, notify the police. Extortion is a crime, and in several states, malicious deepfakes are too. As for protecting your business’s brand and image, be as transparent as possible about the nature of the extortion. Act quickly and develop a public statement about the deepfake extortion before the cyber criminal posts it if possible. Beating the post will do a major hit to its credibility.

If the salacious video ever goes live, address it directly. Ignoring the deepfake, however heinous, will only go to damage your business, as consumers who see the deepfake but don’t hear an adequate rebuttal from your business may believe that either you aren’t aware of it, or even worse: that it’s real.

 

Technology’s Climb and Integrity’s Tumble

The AI technology that manufactures deepfakes is strengthening every day. There is absolutely nothing we, or anyone, can do to slow their development, so it ought to be the prerogative of every business to learn the warning signs and develop a clear plan of response. Safeguards like multiple employee sign offs for money transfers or password releases is a good measure to implement already, but it can be equally critical to your company’s deepfake defense.

Beyond these steps, there is unfortunately little businesses can do to meaningfully prevent deepfake attacks. As time moves on, however, and deepfakes become even more common, we may see a silver lining. People will hopefully learn to ask themselves when watching something wildly out of character or too good to be true “is this a deepfake?” And at that point, businesses may be fighting less of an uphill battle when responding to defamatory deepfakes.

How to Survive Negative Cash Flow

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No matter how successful your small business is, you’re going to have periods in which sales may be down, customers may be slow to pay or orders aren’t getting fulfilled due to inventory problems, resulting in your monthly expenses being greater than your monthly revenue. These are just some of the scenarios that may lead to a negative cash flow.

If you are experiencing negative cash flow, how long can your business survive? Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, because a negative cash flow may be the result of several factors. 

Why are you in the Red?

The first question you need to answer is why exactly your business is in the red. Once you’ve identified the reason, you can consider different solutions to help you get back to being cash flow positive. 

Some of the reasons your small business may be in the red include:

  • You’re waiting for invoices to be paid – You may have a strong accounts receivable portfolio, but that won’t do you much good until customers settle the bills that they owe you. 
  • You have too much inventory – You may have over-anticipated demand for certain products and as a result, bought more inventory than you can afford.
  • Sales are slow – Your gross revenue may not be where you want it to be, perhaps due to supply shortages and the continued rippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • You’re waiting to launch a new product – You may have invested heavily in the research and marketing for a new product or service that you haven’t begun to sell yet.
  • Your overhead/operating expenses are too high – Your overhead/operating expenses include payroll, rent and utility payments, internet access bills, etc. There may be areas in your overhead for which you are paying too much and need to reexamine. 
  • You’re carrying too much debt – Financing is crucial to the growth of many small businesses and there are many lending options out there, but those regular installment payments of that debt may have gotten the best of you

Figure Out a Timeline

When your business is in the red, it’s going to be a stressful and time-sensitive situation. First, how long can you afford to stay there? 

You can figure this out by using a very simple equation – take the amount you have in cash reserves and credit, and divide that by how much money you are losing every month. For example, if you owe $6,000 every month and you have a total of $60,000 in reserves, credit and borrowings from friends or family, then you can afford to operate for 10 more months. 

If you have a bright spot on the horizon, such as a due date for a big invoice or the launch of a new product, then you may have multiple solutions available to you. Additionally, if you’re in the red because sales are slow, then you would have 10 months to figure out how to make your business profitable again by adjusting your prices or figuring out ways to cut overhead. 

Re-examine Your Products/Prices

If you’re struggling with a negative cash flow because of weak sales, then you may have to take a hard look at the prices of your products or services It could be that your sales margin – the price of your product minus the cost of producing your product – may be too low, thus indicating a need to adjust the price of your product.

Perhaps you need to come up with a plan to reinvent your business. Think about the way you’re promoting your product or service and whether you are reaching the right market. For example, an expensive, gourmet restaurant probably won’t succeed in a middle- or low-income neighborhood no matter how good the food is. Does your product or service represent the same mismatch with the market you’re trying to sell to?

Perhaps you’re not sufficiently engaging your market with tools such as digital advertising or email marketing. It also could be that you aren’t advertising your products or services as well as you should be, be it on social media, through your website or otherwise on the internet. Are you targeting the correct market with the right product? If not, you may consider changing your products or services or marketing approach. 

Reduce Overhead

Just like you need to be careful not to live above your means when it comes to your personal finances, you need to make sure your business expenses are not more than you can afford. Closely examine what you are spending money on every month and eliminate non-vital expenses. 

For example, you may want to switch to another office if your rent is too high, or you may have to perform the unpleasant task of furloughing or letting go of employees to reduce costs. Hiring freelancers instead of full-time employees and cutting down on the amount of office supplies will also reduce operating costs.

Work With Creditors

If your business is carrying too much debt and the monthly payments are causing your business to experience a negative cash flow, then you should work with your creditors to reduce monthly payments. 

If you are using outside vendors for services such as marketing, public relations or accounting services, you may want to put your relationships with them on hold for the time being.

Borrowing may be an Option

If your cash flow is negative because you need to pay your vendors or if customers are slow to pay their invoices, certain forms of business financing such as purchase order financing or invoice factoring may help you get to the end of that timeline. Both forms of financing may put the funds in your hands, not add to your liabilities and keep you from going under.

If your company has a history of strong revenue streams but is currently experiencing a negative cash flow because you’ve poured money into the research, development and marketing of a new product and you are waiting for the product to be launched, then revenue-based financing may be an option you want to consider.

Don’t Declare Bankruptcy Just Yet

Bankruptcy is a painful and legally complex solution that you should generally try to  avoid. If you find yourself with a negative cash flow, don’t panic just yet, because it probably isn’t going to last forever. Closely examine the reasons your business is in the red and come up with solutions on how to fix them. 

Be cost-efficient with your overhead expenses, rethink your products and prices and determine if there are financing solutions for you. Doing so can give your business a consistently strong cash flow moving forward and put it in a position to be more successful in the future. 

Can I Get Approved for the 7a Loan Program

Can I Get Approved for the SBA 7(a) Loan Program

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Any small business owner who spends time searching for small business loans–both through banks and online–has likely come across the SBA 7(a) loan program. It’s one of the more popular small business lending options out there. With that, many small business owners look to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help with financing.

One way the SBA helps small business owners is through their Loan Guarantee Program. Here, you’ll learn what you need to know about the SBA 7(a) loan program and the requirements for approval.

What is the SBA loan program?

SBA loans don’t actually go through the government. Instead, the SBA offers guarantees to participating lenders, including traditional banks, credit unions, online lenders and private lenders.

The goal is to make small business loans less risky for these lenders. This means that more business owners can secure funding to help grow their businesses.

Guarantees typically cover anywhere from 50 to 85 percent of the total loan amount, depending on the loan. The SBA has a variety of loan options, including the 7(a) program, the 504 program, microloans and disaster loans.

However, the SBA 7(a) program is the focus here.

What is a 7a loan?

SBA 7(a) loans are some of the most popular options available for small business owners. In the 2019 fiscal year, over $23 billion in loans saw approval. An average loan was for just under $450,000.

The flexibility of the 7(a) loan program makes it popular among small business owners. 7(a) loans are guaranteed up to $5 million. For loans up to $150,000, the SBA guarantees 85 percent. The SBA guarantees 75 percent for loans over $150,000, up to $3.75 million on the $5 million maximum loan amount.

If you default, the SBA will pay out the guaranteed amount. It’s one way the administration removes some of the default risks from lenders. This allows them to offer more attractive repayment terms.

Many small business owners would likely struggle to secure financing from traditional financial institutions without the SBA Loan Guarantee Program.

What are the SBA 7a loan terms and interest rates?

SBA loan terms are set with the long-term goals of small business owners in mind. Repayment terms are often based on your particular financial situation. However, most of these are paid back via monthly installments.

The set terms are as follows:

  • Real estate: up to 25 years
  • Equipment: up to 10 years
  • Working capital and inventory: up to 10 years

Another benefit of an SBA loan is that it sets a maximum with lenders on interest rates. Base rates are tied to Prime Rates, benchmark interest rates and additional spread rates.

The spread rate varies depending on the loan amount and the term. Typically, higher loan amounts with shorter terms have slightly lower spread rates.

The SBA has specific spread rates they use. But, the rates can change as the market rates do over time.

Are there fees involved with the SBA 7(a) loan program?

While you typically won’t find origination, application and processing fees with SBA loans, there still are fees to consider.

These fees can include:

  • SBA loan guarantee fees (which vary depending on the size of the loan; but they only apply to the guaranteed amount)
  • Credit authorization fees
  • Packaging fees and closing costs
  • Appraisal fees for real estate related loans
  • Late payment penalties
  • Prepayment penalties which apply to loans longer than 15 years that are prepaid within the first three years

The guarantee fee is the highest of all associated SBA loan fees. Keep these fees in mind as you figure your total payment amount.

The basics of qualifying for SBA 7(a) loans

The SBA has several eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for any of their loans, including the 7(a). Since these are popular loans, you should understand the different requirements before you apply.

First, your business must be for-profit and based within the United States or its territories. Also, the SBA has size standards they use to ensure that the definition of small business gets met–since it varies across industries. This standard is generally a combination of employee size and annual average receipts.

Second, the SBA wants you, as the small business owner, to have a stake too. So, they require that you invest your own time and money into your small business. Also, eligibility rules state that you need to have been in business for a sufficient amount of time, typically a few years.

Finally, your business must be eligible for a loan. Some are not including real estate investment firms, rare coin dealers, companies involved in speculative activities, and companies where gambling is the primary activity, among others.

What are the SBA 7(a) loan program requirements?

Your job isn’t over yet, even once your business is eligible for a loan application. You need to meet the loan requirements, too. The SBA requires you to submit information on your “personal background and character”. This includes criminal history (if any), your citizenship status, work history in the form of a resume, past addresses, and other items as well.

You also need to provide a business plan. A solidified business plan goes a long way towards showcasing the strength of your business and your plans for the future. Don’t forget to include detailed information on how you’ll use your loan.

Other documents required are your business financial statements. You need to show your revenue and profitability. The SBA typically approves businesses with at least $100,000 in revenue each year. You should also provide a listing of any debts and your debt schedule, which can help highlight your expected cash flow.

Your personal credit score is important. The SBA and lenders will typically look for a FICO credit score above 650.

Finally, there is some personal risk involved with 7(a) loans too. The SBA requires anyone who owns over 20 percent of the business signs a personal guarantee on the loan.

While each lender is different and requirements vary depending on your situation, keep these requirements in mind as you move through the process.

Types of loans in the 7(a) program

Within the 7(a) loan program, there are different loan options beyond the 7(a) standard loan you can explore.

The 7(a) Small Loan program has all the requirements of the standard 7(a) loan with one significant difference: it offers a maximum loan amount of $350,000.

SBA Express loans are designed with quick turnarounds in mind. They have a maximum loan limit of $350,000. Note that the SBA guarantees 50 percent of the loan amount.

SBA Export Express loans are directed at exporters for lines of credit up to $500,000. The SBA guarantees 90 percent for loans up to $350,000 and 75 percent for amounts beyond that. It’s yet another option with quick turnaround times.

An Export Working Capital loan is for a revolving line of credit up to $5 million with a 90 percent SBA guarantee. This loan often has short terms of up to 12 months.

International Trade loans are set to meet the long-term financing needs of export businesses. The maximum amount is for $5 million, with the SBA guaranteeing 90 percent of the loan.

How can you use a 7(a) loan?

The SBA sets guidelines for both the general loan terms and how funds get used.

These include:

  • Expansion and or renovation needs
  • New construction
  • Purchasing land or buildings
  • Purchasing equipment, fixtures, or lease-hold improvements
  • Working capital
  • Refinancing debt (the SBA cites it must be for “compelling reasons”)
  • Seasonal lines of credit
  • Inventory costs
  • Business startup costs

Understandably so, it’s essential to know this information before you apply. Otherwise, you could lose your funding if you’re using it for unapproved reasons.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to see why SBA 7(a) loans are so popular with small business owners. They provide funding with flexibility and attractive terms. If you meet the qualifications and requirements for an SBA loan, it just could be what you and your small business need to achieve your long-term goals. To learn more about SBA loans, click here.

The Benefits of Business Lines of Credit 

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For small business owners that have ongoing business expenses and uneven cash flows, a business line of credit may be the most convenient and useful financing method in your toolbox. 

Too often, however, small business owners confuse a business line of credit and a business credit card and end up paying a higher interest rate on revolving debt as a result.

What is a Business Line of Credit?

A business line of credit is typically an unsecured line of credit that can be granted to a small business by either a bank or an alternative lender. The line of credit has a predetermined limit set by the lender (and it’s typically higher than a business credit card) based on the risk you present as a borrower, and like a business credit card, can be used to address any expense that arises for your business. 

Unlike other types of typical small business loans, with a business line of credit, there is no lump-sum disbursement of funds that requires a subsequent monthly payment, and you don’t have to specify to the lender exactly what you intend to use the funds for. 

Also, similar to a credit card, your debt will be revolving, and interest will be accrued only on the amount that you have borrowed. The line of credit typically is subject to a periodic review and renewal, often annually..

Business Line of Credit vs. Business Credit Card 

While both a business line of credit and a business credit card are forms of revolving debt that are typically used for short-term funding needs, the main differences between them are the interest rate and what they generally are used for. 

A business credit card can charge more than 20% APR for purchases, and an even higher rate for cash advances. The rate for a business line of credit usually ranges between 10% to 15%, and the rate will still be the same when you use the line of credit for cash. 

What are Each Used for?

A business line of credit and a credit card may also be used for different reasons. Lines of credit are sometimes used by seasonal small businesses that need funds to cover operating expenses during slow periods of the year, such as payroll; or when it has an unexpected expense. Small businesses can also use their lines of credit to gain access to funds without having the hassle or expense of applying for a loan, and the repayment terms are often more flexible than with business credit cards. 

On the other hand, a small business credit card will come in handy for smaller purchases that you typically wouldn’t use your line of credit for, such as when you have to pick up the tab for a business meal or need to buy a new inkjet printer for the office and don’t wish to make a trip to the bank to withdraw the funds. A credit card also often offers perks such as cash back offers or travel miles that a line of credit would not.

Once again, be warned that business credit cards typically offer a lower credit limit than a business line of credit and are more expensive.

What is a Secured vs. Unsecured Line of Credit?

An unsecured line of credit is not guaranteed by collateral. Typically, it will carry a higher interest rate than a secured line of credit because the lender is taking on greater risk than with a secured line of credit. It is usually granted to businesses that have been in operation for several years and have consistently strong annual revenues. 

With a secured line of credit, you will usually be granted a large business line of credit with a higher spending limit because it is guaranteed by physical assets, which lenders prefer. Some banks, however, may ask that your personal assets be used to secure your line of credit, while alternative lenders typically just ask for your business assets. A lender may also require that you secure your line of credit if you require a limit of more than $100,000.

How Do You Qualify for a Line of Credit?

Business lines of credit are generally more difficult to obtain than business credit cards. Typically, small business owners that have a FICO score of at least 650 and have been in business for at least two years with annual revenue of at least $180,000 will qualify for a business line of credit, but those terms will vary depending on which lender you are doing business with. Alternative lenders often will have less stringent requirements.

Small businesses that don’t qualify for a business line of credit because they don’t have a long history in business or a profit margin that’s too low may find a business credit card to be useful, and there are plenty of them out there that offer perks and cashback rewards. 

In general, however, a business line of credit can be a great reward for small business owners that have worked hard to establish their businesses over time.

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How to Transfer Ownership in an Existing Business

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While small business owners are well known for their attention to detail when crafting their initial business plans, almost no business is built with plans for transferring ownership. While the steps to building a strong business are often intuitive to an owner, transferring that ownership to new custodians isn’t nearly as cut-and-dry. No matter if for retirement or new horizons, transferring your business must be handled as deftly as when it was first acquired or created. There are several nuances to business ownership transfer that may not be immediately apparent even to the savviest business owner; but if missed, this could spell catastrophe later. The most effective transfers are seamless and well-managed. Follow this guide to learn the types of business transfers and the steps between first meetings and passing on the keys.

Types of Business Transfers

 

Outright Sale

An outright sale is as simple as business transfers can be. An outright sale means that an interested party and a business owner make an agreement to fully transfer ownership of the business after a signed agreement and often an exchange of capital or stock. Importantly, outright sales traditionally mean that the former business owner then has absolutely no influence on the future of the business; for this reason, outright sales are often a great choice for retirees or underperforming businesses of which the owners would like to wash their hands.

Gradual Sale

A gradual sale is a financing agreement between a business owner and an interested party where daily operations of the business in question are transferred over to the new party while the owner receives some income from their former business for a predetermined amount of time. Gradual sales agreements often have far less capital or stock exchange on the actual day of sale but tend to pay out more to the former owner than lump sums from outright sales. Gradual sales are great options for would-be buyers who don’t have the liquid for an outright sale but see promise in the business they are acquiring.

Lease Agreement

In business lease agreements, the former business owner still owns their business while the signing party runs day to day operations and makes regular payments to that owner. Lease agreements are great for business owners that cannot run daily operations but aren’t certain if they want to sell their business outright. Unlike a gradual sale which ends with the original owner no longer owning the business, that isn’t necessarily the case with lease agreements. Depending on the terms of a lease agreement, former owners may petition to reinstate their ownership if they are unhappy with the new custodians.

Transfer by Bequest or Gift

Business owners can name someone to receive their business in their will or before they die as a gift. For businesses transferred by bequest, all business assets beyond $5 million are subject to tax. There are tax implications with transfers and bequests – and the Biden administration is aiming for significant changes to exemption limits and tax rates so be sure to fully research and understand the tax consequences of passing along your business as a gift.   

Transfer Checklist

 

Consult an Attorney

Before talking numbers with any potential buyers, or moving forward with gifting your business, it is highly recommended that business owners talk to an attorney regarding their succession plan. A company transfer is as much a legal process as a business process. Attorneys are acutely aware of regulatory requirements for business transfers (which can vary wildly between states) and can be a lifesaver when drafting your agreements.

Seek a Business Valuation

Seek out a 3rd party valuation firm before talking to any buyers. Even if you do not go through with a sale, having a relevant valuation of your business can be supremely helpful for future financing or structure changes.

Beyond the valuation itself, be sure to consider the full extent of your business’s “Goodwill” which includes the value of your assets, your current customer base, as well as your existing reputation. These figures ought to all be included when determining an asking price for your business.

Prepare Your Purchase Agreement

Your Purchase Agreement is a legally binding contract that includes all elements of your impending sale. It is essential that if you have not already spoken to an attorney that you do at this point. Be certain that your Purchase Agreement touches on these concepts:

Description of Your Business: It may sound superfluous, but superfluous-ness is unavoidable in legal documents. You must state in certain terms what your business wholly is. Your business includes its location, products or services rendered, management structure, target customers, distribution strategies, financial history, as well as certification that you have the legal authority to sell your business, i.e., notarized deed or articles of incorporation.

Details of the Sale: This section will specify if the business transfer is via outright sale, gradual sale, lease, or potentially gift or bequest. Beyond the basic terms of the sale, this section should also list in concrete terms exactly what assets, like machinery, real estate, and staff, will be transferred in addition to the business itself.

Covenants: Depending on the type of agreement you strike with potential buyers, you, the business owner, may be responsible for certain financial obligations like existing loans, outstanding tax requirements, or any employee-related financial duties like benefits or salaries. Covenants also include any non-compete clauses, non-disclosure agreements, or indemnification agreements made alongside your transfer.

Inform Vendors, Customers, Employees, and the IRS

It is a well-respected professional courtesy to notify all of your contacting businesses and even customers about your impending change of ownership. While it is simply a kind gesture of thanks to your former customers and welcoming the new ownership, contacting vendors and suppliers is likely more important, as existing contracts will need to be amended to reflect your business’s new ownership.

It is essential, however, that you fully brief your employees and the IRS about your business transfer. Any existing contracts with vendors or suppliers will very likely need to be amended because of your business’s new ownership, so be certain to send electronic or postal notices to those relevant businesses before you finalize the transfer. As for the IRS, be certain your EIN (Employee Identification Number) is properly terminated at the time of your business transfer. Even if the new owners plan to keep the name of your business the same, they must apply for a new one or use their existing EIN to operate.

Saying Goodbye to Your Business

Regardless of the reason for your exit, transferring ownership of your business is a monumental step, often signifying a new life chapter. Like the owners who run them, every business transfer is unique. While this general guide tunes into the key, universal steps in the transfer process, almost every industry has their own caveats. When wading your way through regulatory legalese, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes overlooking your transfer. Keep trusted employees and close mentors in the loop of your transfer and you are much more likely to walk away with a satisfactory contract and deal.

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