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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Most of us have heard how important it is for young people to gain a measure of financial literacy as they approach their adult lives. Many online and classroom resources are dedicated to making this type of education available. But what about financial literacy for prospective small business owners? What should entrepreneurs be aware of […]
When President Barack Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act last year, several changes were made to U.S. Small Business Administration export loan programs. A temporary alternative size standard will allow several thousand additional small firms to qualify for SBA programs. Now, instead of only using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and the […]
The 2nd annual “Pink Ribbon Rally Golf Tournament” will take place on June 28th at Bookcliff Country Club. The tournament, whose proceeds go to support breast disease prevention, begins with a 12:00 shotgun start. The format is a 4-lady best ball, with one player playing a pink ball that must always count as one score. […]
Business owners in Colorado who’ve paid at least one unemployment claim face an unexpected bill in July. The bill, from the State of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, is purportedly to help the state make the first interest payment on the $346 million the state borrowed from the federal government last year. A letter […]
The Mesa County labor market appears to have stabilized with a slight increase in the unemployment rate, but also a slight increase in hiring. “It’s just been pretty steady, which is good to see,” said Gilbert Lujan, supervisor of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. After dropping for three straight months, the seasonally […]
Real Estate West has added six real estate agents and a mortgage company to the business’s Grand Junction location. Managing broker Tina Harbin announced the company has welcomed agents Jonilyn Berry, Rob Burnett, Lori Dearth, Heidi Jo Elder, Esther Piper and Terry Ruckman. The company has also added Universal Mortgage to the location at 1001 […]