For many employers, managing a 401(k) plan has become another administrative task. Yet, as businesses seek to attract and retain top talent, the 401(k) plan holds untapped potential as a strategic tool for long-term workforce engagement and financial well-being. Unfortunately, employers are conducting fewer benchmarking audits of their retirement plans. Companies need these … [More]
How Business Owners Can Optimize Their Estate Tax Plan
And ensure business continuity
Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build their companies, many with the intent to transfer their business to the next generation. But without proper estate tax planning, business owners at certain levels of wealth run the risk of missing out on significant savings opportunities. Using tools like tax exemptions, trusts, valuation discounts and leveraging business structures for … [More]
ESOPs Are on the Rise. Are They Right for Your Business?
Benefits accrue to the owner, the company and the local economy
It’s likely that most Phoenix business owners have encountered a company that offers an employee stock ownership program (ESOP) in the past few years. In Phoenix, some of the most successful companies are exploring whether an ESOP is right for their business, and word of mouth is a powerful tool in the business community. When something works, others want to try it. Because of … [More]
Securing Your Funding Round: A Strategic Guide
Perseverance, a compelling pitch and a deep understanding of investor expectations are key
Securing funding for a startup is a complex endeavor requiring meticulous planning, persuasive communication and a deep understanding of investor expectations. On average, it takes 18 months to close a deal, according to PitchBook. While fewer than 10% of startups successfully secure VC funding, those that do often receive substantial investments. While there is no … [More]
How Businesses Can Prepare for an Uncertain Real Estate Market
Manage risk while navigating the ever-changing state of the real estate industry
If there’s one common theme that resonates across the real estate market, from property owners and investors to developers and asset managers, it’s uncertainty. Constant changes in the market, such as interest rates, inflation and rising operational costs, to name just a few, have the potential to negatively affect real estate businesses. With no crystal ball to illuminate a … [More]
Financial Transactions: New Threats, New Solutions
How businesses can protect themselves from fraud
Conducting business electronically has become the norm in today’s world. And, while updates in technology have made doing business quicker and more convenient, it has made fraud more convenient, too. Thinking that spotting fraud is as easy as seeing a misspelling in a subject line or simply not making payments for oddball requests is an outdated approach. It’s time for a … [More]
Tax Incentives for Small Businesses: Engine for Economic Growth
Spurring high-impact research and development
As an accounting professional and small business consultant working with locally owned businesses for more than 20 years, I always hear stories from small business owners about their achievements, frustrations and how they enjoy doing the work they love. I see how self-employment is a strong option for all individuals nowadays, and I truly believe that small businesses are … [More]
VC Fundraising in Today’s Environment
Founders need to be aware the world of outside capital has changed
The role of a company founder is vision, culture and fundraising. Founders should have their finger on the pulse of the VC market, and one of the ways to do that is through strategic advisors (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) These strategic advisors will help founders understand the overall fundraising landscape as well as what the market commands. Know the Value This idea of what the … [More]
Forecasting: Four Things We’re Watching for Phoenix Businesses in 2024
Right now, Phoenix businesses are navigating a unique landscape that is growing with a swelling population and booming industries while facing economic challenges such as housing and cost of living. While some things are out of business owners’ hands, the market is offering signs of what 2024 may hold. The ability to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape using the right … [More]
How Third-Party Escrow Could Help Close Business Deals
And streamline transactions
From closing a transaction to merging or selling, a well-rounded financial and legal team can help navigate pivotal moments for a business. By taking advantage of third-party escrow services, funds can be disbursed quickly, securely and in accordance with the terms of an agreement. A good escrow agent asks the right questions to make sure the transaction is effectively … [More]
From Founders to Sellers: Start Early to Plan the Why and When for Exiting a Business
It is common for business owners to consider selling their company, whether now or at some point in the distant future. For most business owners and founders, this process is a black box, without even a clear starting point. As a private equity firm that’s been investing in founder-owned businesses for nearly 20 years, we’re shedding some light on how business owners can … [More]
Food as Medicine: Venture Capital’s Appetite for a Healthier Future
Startups in the nutritional food space are gaining increased traction
For decades, venture capital chased the next tech innovation or disruptive platform. Today, a new wellness sector is garnering attention: the intersection of food and medicine. This “food-as-medicine” movement is reimagining what it means to be “healthy,” and venture investors’ palates are lathering at the prospect of savory returns. However, deploying venture capital to … [More]
The Secret Weapon in Preventing Buyer’s Remorse
Quantitative and qualitative procedures of financial due diligence
Purchasing a business involves considerable personal, professional and financial investment. For those considering a business transaction, it is important to know that academics and researchers highlight a discouraging trend for failed mergers and acquisitions. It’s sad, but true –— not all M&As are winners. However, the risks and surprises associated with the purchase of a … [More]
Curb Fraud Vulnerabilities – Take Control of Payments Processes
Incidents of payments fraud continue to increase as fraudsters take advantage of the digitization of work, shopping and general operations and communications. Despite growing attacks and attempts on digital payments — ACH debits and credits, wires, virtual cards, mobile wallets and cryptocurrency — the payments most vulnerable to fraud continue to be a more traditional method … [More]
The Compelling Case for Impact Investing and Its Potential to Reshape the Future
The double bottom line is not just greenwashing
The case for impact investing is increasingly compelling, not just as an adjunct to traditional investing but as an evolution of how we influence the flow of capital in and across society. After decades of viewing investment purely through a financial lens, where the primary goal was to maximize returns to shareholders, we’re beginning to understand that a broader perspective … [More]
Unlocking Opportunities with Hard Money
When does hard money lending make sense for businesses and investors?
In today’s dynamic business and real estate investment landscape, the availability of fast and flexible financing is frequently the key to success. That’s where hard money loans come into play. Hard money lending is a type of financing that allows borrowers to secure loans based on the value of real estate assets rather than their creditworthiness. While traditional … [More]
The Hidden Costs of Friendly Fraud in e-Commerce
Protecting consumer rights with chargebacks
In the 1980s, there were approximately 2,500 shopping malls in the U.S. There are only about 700 malls left, and experts predict that number will drop to 150 in the next ten years. Their brightly colored storefronts, ornamental fountains and gleaming escalators have been gradually replaced by the incredible ease of online shopping from anywhere at any time, away from crowded … [More]
Cash Management Strategies to Help Navigate Economic Uncertainty
Apply best practices and creative solutions
With the market in an ongoing state of financial flux, business owners may need to take new approaches when it comes to managing money. Just as budgeting can support business goals under typical circumstances, establishing plans for challenging periods can help ensure successful outcomes. Financial decisions require thorough consideration before acting, but applying best … [More]
