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fraud is as easy as seeing a misspelling in a subject line or simply not making payments for oddball requests is an outdated approach.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]
Thinking of Selling Your Business?
Key steps for Arizona business owners to take
Baby boomers own approximately 40% of privately-owned small businesses and franchises in the U.S., according to MBAStack. Gen X-ers own the highest percentage of small businesses at 46%, and their relative share is increasing. With boomers already in or reaching retirement age, and Gen X only 12 to 15 years behind that, many business owners are considering selling their … [More]
Position Your Business for Acquisition
It takes time to develop and execute a strategic plan
Many entrepreneurs launch their companies with an eye toward eventually selling them. But preparing a business for an acquisition is not as simple as making the decision to sell. The process can be complex and take several years, depending on objectives and the state of the business, which can leave the founders or owners unsure of where to begin. Regardless of company or … [More]
Determining Strategic Asset Allocation
Establishing goals and risk tolerance within a given time frame
A strategic investment strategy backed by a comprehensive financial plan can help provide comfort in a volatile market. Below, we explore how asset allocation should be customized to an individual’s goals and risk appetite. Establishing Goals One of the most important steps to building asset allocation is to establish goals, along with a timeline, with one’s financial team. … [More]
Two Phoenix Public Financing Organizations Impact Local Communities
Investments benefit under-resourced communities
The Phoenix IDA, as outlined in the IDA Act, the state law that created it more than four decades ago, promotes community and economic development. Through innovative financing, the Phoenix IDA helps attract private capital that boosts economic development in the Greater Phoenix area. Additionally, as administrators of the Phoenix Community Development & Investment … [More]
While Economic Clouds Gather, It’s Still Sunny in Phoenix
Growing population and manufacturing are among the differences for Phoenix
Despite predictions of a mild recession, 2023 may be the first year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when the economy feels almost stable. Inflation is coming down, the labor market remains vibrant, and huge shifts in spending across sectors are looking like a thing of the past. Best of all, the coming trends play directly into the Phoenix area’s greatest … [More]