Small Business Today Magazine MAR 2016 AMERICAN SERVICES | Page 26

»Continued From Page 18 Your Next Step The 7 Stages of the New Buying Cycle »Continued From Page 12 Funding a Small Business without Credit Card Here are some quick tips for getting your startup off the ground with less debt: • Trim your budget and keep it lean in the early stages. • Although you might be tempted to focus 100% on the new business, you must maintain another source of income, whether from a part-time or full-time job, if you wish to qualify for a business loan. • Look for opportunities to barter with friends, family, or colleagues. Offer your business services to someone who could help you with social media or other marketing items, for example. • If the numbers aren’t working, look at household income, expenses, your credit situation, and cash flow to see if you can find another path to making your startup dream come true. Margot S. Fuentes is a business advisor for LiftFund, a nonprofit financial and business support service organization that helps entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize and increase their incomes, create employment, and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities. Established in 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, LiftFund has the nation’s largest microlender portfolio and is committed to providing capital to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources. Since its inception, LiftFund has made over 17,000 loans totaling more than $200 million. For more information, visit them on the web at www. LiftFund.com or call them at 1-888-215-2373 Here’s the silver lining for you sellers - If you invest the time to educate the buyers with new ideas and perspectives, collaborate honestly with them, and help them discover the superior value your product delivers, not only will you win the deal today but you will have built a long-term, mutually beneficial, prosperous relationship for the future. Jack Warkenthien, CEO, NextStep Solutions, can be contacted by email at [email protected] or call him at 832-344-6998. You can also visit his website at www.nextstep-solutions.com. ADVERTISERS INDEX MARCH 2016 EDITION HOUSTON 1 4 Be the Brand Live Event Houston Kosher Chili Cook Off Houston Minority Supplier Development INSIDE BACK COVER INSIDE FRONT COVER LiftFund 2 Nigeria Content Investment Forum 15 Robert Allen, CPA Small Business Today BACK COVER 15 12 Magazine Radio Show Tyde Mind & Body Virtual Intelligence Providers Business small MAGAZINE