Intellectual property (IP) is a creative work, such as a design, invention or manuscript, whose rights are owned by your company. Those rights are established through a legal mechanism, such as a trademark, copyright or patent. IP is valuable – sometimes the most valuable asset a company can hold. Here are the three major ways […]
Protecting Your Intellectual Property Read More
The demand for business lending in Canada is red hot, according to official statistics from the Canadian government. The Biannual Survey of Suppliers of Business Financing, last updated for the second half of 2014, shows business lenders disbursed 9.6 percent more money compared to the first half of 2014. That reflects the highest growth rate
IOU Financial is Expanding Its Fast, Easy Loans to Canada Read More
When you hear the words Olympics and Team USA, the pure dominance at the Rio games from athletes such as Michael Phelps, the women’s gymnastic team, and the women’s beach volleyball team come to mind. But when you hear the words Olympics and business owner, you may not see a connection. Competing in the Olympics
How Small Business Owners Can Learn From US Olympians Read More
When you are running a small business money is often tight. Companies need to make sure they allocate their cash strategically, because too much spending in one area can cause shortfalls in others. One costly mistake can be overstocking inventory and materials. In a merchandising company, inventory represents the goods that will be sold. For
6 Ways Overstocking Costs Your Small Business Read More
Hair salons have peak and slow seasons, just like most other small businesses. Typically, a decline occurs in the summer, when warmer weather keeps clientele outdoors, according to Salon Today. With children out of school, most families travel or spend more time at home and don’t have the time to stop by the hair salon.
Slow Season Business Tips for Hair Salon Owners Read More
Summer is here, which means soaring gas prices and as a result, the slow season for many auto repair businesses. Although your shop may be empty, it is important to use this time wisely. There are many things to be done during the slow months to help you take advantage of your busier times of
Slow Season Business Plan for Auto Repair and Body Shop Owners Read More
Freight-Base was ready to develop an online system that would give them an edge over their competitors, but they needed capital quickly to launch it. When the owner was turned away by a local bank, IOU Financial’s fast and simple process became his go-to lending resource, both for his business and his charitable foundation. Freight-Base,
Modernize your Equipment and Systems to Bring in New Customers Read More
Being a dentist involves more than medical expertise – you also need to have business savvy when you’re faced with key decisions, such as when to invest in new equipment and remodel your office. A dental office remodel can be expensive and disruptive in the short term, but it can give your practice the technology
Tips to Make Your Dental Office Remodel a Success Read More
Trinity Event Staffing was ready to take advantage of an expansion opportunity in another major market, but the slow summer season meant hiring staff would be a challenge. IOU Financial helped them add a sales and recruitment team member without stretching their financial resources too thin. Justin Atkinson had 20 years of experience in the
Slow Season Gives Time for Expansion Read More
For small business owners, it can be easy to invest time and attention on day-to-day management activities, get stuck doing competitive analyses, and fail to stay focused on big-picture priorities that affect the bottom line. Most business owners know the benefits of market research, yet it tends to fall further down the priority list. However,
Investing in Market Research Can Pay Off for Small Businesses Read More