SBA loans can be a valuable tool for companies struggling to get funding

When a small business needs to borrow, it should consider all options of financing. One alternative worth reviewing is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. An SBA loan can be a valuable financing choice in situations where a bank considers the request to carry additional risk, says Northwest Bank’s Gary Miles.

Taking action to create a more positive company culture

Company alignment and employee appreciation go hand in hand. Internal events are held in part to thank employees for their hard work, but there is a selfish reason to make sure the team is happy, says Rock The House Audio Visual’s Matt Radicelli.

How your bank can help protect your financial future

Business owners willing to set aside their own interests for the betterment of the company are lauded for their ability to be selfless and create a sense of true collaboration with employees to work toward a common cause. It’s an example of leadership at its best. But if this altruism extends too far, they can lose sight of the need to prepare for life after business, which puts them in a tough spot when that moment arrives, says Westfield Bank’s Jon Park.

A CEO’s worst fear? Being the last one.

While none of them would likely admit it, fear might be the real driver for those piloting companies that have navigated the myriad obstacles of an ever-changing market landscape that stretches for decades. There you are, CEO of Company X that your great-great-grandfather built in his kitchen or barn, his picture next to those of […]

Students at Dancing Classrooms NEO learn to respect, embrace differences

Jo Jo Carcioppolo loves to dance. As the founding executive director at Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio, she gets to help kids in grades five through eight learn all about ballroom dancing. But dancing is only a small part of what she aims to teach her students. “We always say our program is not about the […]

Companies that welcome the digital transformation see results

The digital transformation — the integration of technology into an organization to increase its competitiveness, core capabilities, profitability and productivity — is well underway. Organizations that have welcomed the wave of changes have found ways to wisely and effectively use it to improve business outcomes, says Skoda Minotti’s David Mustin.