While Mesa County continues to experience one of the highest property foreclosure rates among metropolitan counties in Colorado, foreclosure activity dropped in May over levels reported last year. Foreclosure filings fell more than 4 percent in May compared to the same month last year. Foreclosure sales dropped nearly 37 percent. In addition, filings and sales […]
The Blue Band Wagon campaign in Mesa County celebrated its first anniversary with public fanfare and support from businesses and local media. Similar to campaigns across the country that encourage people to buy products in the communities in which they live, the effort launched by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to circulate […]
Business owners in Colorado who’ve had at least one claim for unemployment insurance benefits filed against them face an unexpected bill in July. The bill from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) purportedly will help the state make interest payments on funds the state borrowed from the federal government last year to pay […]
When it comes to creating a strong business climate and increasing the output of goods and services, communities envy the 35- to 65-year-old age group. Colorado has an advantage over many states in that it’s attracted young people in the 20- to 40-year-old range over the past few decades, feeding into the group that generally […]
Do you remember what prompted you to go into business for yourself? Have you stayed true to that initial vision? Do you even have a vision for your business? Challenging economic times require a clearly defined company vision and a well thought out strategy to achieve that vision. Successful business owners and executives understand that […]
Nearly three-quarters of the way through the 2011 fiscal year, a total of 20 loans worth a collective $4 million has been approved in Mesa County through two programs backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those who work with SBA programs say lending activity has picked up, especially among larger businesses taking advantage of […]
Small business owners know collecting overdue accounts is especially difficult during a down economy. It’s not the most pleasant part of being an entrepreneur. But not handling collections expeditiously endangers cash flow and long-term viability. Here are six steps to make the collection process less stressful and more effective: Avoid late payments: Establish a standard […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program — one designed to finance the purchase, improvement or construction of a commercial building — has become somewhat of a bread and butter loan program for small business expansion as it’s considered a win-win-win for all three parties involved. The loan structure for a 504 is commonly […]
Starting a business during turbulent economic times poses an extremely challenging task. Experience shows that startup business owners have a better chance of succeeding if they follow a few critical steps. By studying why startup businesses fail, it’s possible to establish creative and innovative ways for entrepreneurs to avoid pitfalls. Research conducted by the U.S. […]
The federal government purchases more than $115 billion worth of goods and services each year from small business prime contractors. By law, the government must buy no less than 23 percent from small businesses. To be successful in federal contracting, you need to keep up with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). For more information, log on […]