Starting a business is challenging, but marketing that business effectively can be even more daunting. As a new business owner, you're not just selling a product or service—you're telling a story, building a brand, and creating connections that will drive your success. This guide will walk you
Business Development 101: A Roadmap for Small Business Growth
As a small business owner, you've already conquered the most challenging step: starting your venture. But now comes an equally important mission—growing and sustaining your business in a competitive marketplace. Business development isn't just a buzzword; it's the strategic engine that transforms
What is Mark-to-Market Accounting?
Mark-to-market (MTM) accounting is a method that values assets and liabilities at their current fair market value. This approach, while aiming to provide a more accurate financial picture, can be a double-edged sword. How Does Mark-to-Market Work? In simple terms, MTM accounting requires
How to fill out form 1120-S
Form 1120-S is an income tax return for S corporations. S corporations are corporations that have elected to pass their income, losses, deductions, and credits through to their shareholders for federal tax purposes. This means that the shareholders of an S corporation report their share of the
Planning Your Escape: A Guide to Startup Exit Strategies
The startup world can be a thrilling rollercoaster. You pour your heart and soul into building something innovative, and the dream is a spectacular exit – a lucrative acquisition or a splashy IPO. But amidst the hustle, a crucial element often gets sidelined: the exit strategy. An exit strategy
C Corp Structure: Venture-Backed Startups on the IPO Fast Track
For ambitious startup founders with visions of venture capital (VC) funding and an eventual Initial Public Offering (IPO), choosing the right business structure is a critical first step. While LLCs and S corporations offer advantages, the C corporation (C Corp) often emerges as the most strategic
Strategies on how to increase EBIT
Running a small business is exciting, but it can also be financially tricky. You dream of scaling up, but loans often require a strong track record of profitability. That's where EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) comes in. What is EBIT and Why Does it Matter? EBIT is a key metric that
Is Seattle Better or Worse for Business?
A recent article by KPQ paints a bleak picture for aspiring entrepreneurs, ranking Washington as the worst state to launch a business. While the study by Eton Venture Services highlights some challenges, Seattle, and Washington as a whole, boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem with success stories that