Author: Marlla Velazquez

Investing is more intuitive than it might seem.  While most schools don’t teach it, it’s relatively easy to learn. And contrary to public opinion, you don’t need to be an expert to get started. All you need is a little curiosity, a bit of available cash, and about an hour...

Sometimes, entrepreneurs need encouragement.  Why? Because growing a small business can be incredibly challenging. Indeed, entrepreneurship is the definition of going “against the grain,” of embracing chaos in a world that craves certainty. That’s why only disciplined dreamers and mavericks choose to launch a small business.  Today, we have the encouragement...

“No” can be a painful word, especially in the form of a small business loan denial.  There’s no sense in sugarcoating it. You spent hours organizing information and perfecting your application. Then, you spent days (if not weeks) patiently waiting for approval, imagining all the exciting ways you’d invest your cash infusion. ...

Debt isn’t always a bad thing.  In fact, it can be quite good. Especially if you’re a small business (SMB) owner leveraging debt to gain funding, promote cash flow, and build credit.  However, do you know what is risky (and stressful)? Juggling multiple debt obligations at once.It’s not only time-consuming, but it’s expensive...

All businesses, regardless of size, need a robust business plan.  Whether you’re a start-up, a mid-size company, or a mega-corporation, a business plan is essential to streamline operations and acquire capital.  Of course, small business plans can be overwhelming to write, which is why many entrepreneurs either cut corners along the way...

Entrepreneurs are always looking for a competitive edge. To thrive in a crowded marketplace, small businesses (SMBs) simply need to be the best. While superior products and pricing lay a great foundation, entrepreneurs often need more to stand out. That’s where business certifications can help—especially for immigrant entrepreneurs. By unlocking new relationships, financing...

Though ingenuity and passion are essential, funding is what fuels immigrant small businesses (SMBs). And while financing can be hard to acquire, immigrant entrepreneurs have many options to pursue. Over the last few months, uLink Business has shined a spotlight on small business funding in the United States. We’ve explored funding options...

As a small business (SMB) owner, you combine imagination and organization to deliver truly amazing products. While imagination is important to launch your business, organization is fundamental to maintain it. This is especially true for immigrants entering an economy beset by high inflation and even higher interest rates. Thankfully, a bit of strategic paperwork...

A strategic change can boost your bottom line when times are tough. Business pivots are bold, but so are you.

As a small business owner, you have a lot of responsibility. For starters, you need to ensure that your products or services are compelling. You also have to promote the operational efficiency of your firm.  More than anything, however, you have to consistently secure sufficient funding—whether through recurring revenue or...