Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2022-12-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – By Jay Woods, Founder & President, Omega Accounting Solutions

Small business leaders continue to encounter difficulties and shortages that began during the pandemic. They struggle with labor shortages, supply chain issues, inflation, a potential recession, and insufficient financial guidance while working hard to keep their businesses running.

About the ERC

The federal government drafted up economic parachutes to keep businesses afloat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many business leaders are struggling to find the cord. One such program — the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provides qualified businesses a tax refund to recoup some of the money spent on overpayment of payroll taxes during the pandemic. The ERC allows qualified companies and businesses to reclaim a portion of the money they paid to the IRS in payroll taxes.

The Survey

To better support small business decision-makers, Omega Accounting Solutions commissioned a national study of general managers and executive management team members to determine their thoughts on the ERC. The results demonstrate their disappointment with misinformation and a lack of clarity and even integrity with ERC processors, leaving decision-makers both disillusioned and confused.

“Although the popular Payment Protection Program fund offered about $800 billion in aid to small businesses, the ERC Tax Credit is almost three times that size — approximately 2.1 trillion,” said Jay Woods, Founder and President of Omega Accounting Solutions. “A survey of small business owners revealed most are misinformed about the ERC. With the rolling sunset deadline approaching in early 2023, businesses are running out of time to file. ERC funds may help businesses remain operational during ongoing economic hardship.”

Key Findings

Overall, the survey found that decision-makers are frustrated with the ERC, the U.S. business climate, and a perceived lack of support from financial experts.

Other findings include:

• 81% of business leaders and decision-makers indicate business is suffering because they don’t have the accounting or financial direction they need
• 31% of survey respondents say that the tax or financial experts who typically assist with their business’s tax needs did not provide accurate/enough information about the ERC
• 45% believe they are ineligible to claim ERC benefits because they already applied for a Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan
• 89% say that between the pandemic, inflation and labor shortages, they feel it is nearly impossible for small businesses to thrive in today’s economy
• 89% say the surge in operating expenses and/or the cost of goods have made paying employees a competitive wage unaffordable

Omega analysts believe these survey results indicate that small businesses are often underserved when it comes to tax credits. Most executives lack expert guidance in accounting and finance, leaving them to rely on outdated information or form misconceptions that may prevent them from utilizing tax advantages.

Additional Challenges

Adequate ERC guidance is one of the biggest issues for decision-makers but by no means the only obstacle they face. Federal sunset deadlines will begin rolling out in March 2023, shortening the three-year claims window for qualifying businesses in each subsequent quarter. There is also a significant backlog of ERC claimants waiting for their refunds. Current reporting from Experian highlights processing delays resulting in more than 286,000 unprocessed refunds that can take up to a year to reach recipients.

Finding the Right ERC Partner

As many small business leaders have already discovered, successfully claiming the ERC is difficult without the right partner. There is rarely anybody at their side, ready to explain the ins and outs of the process, helping decision-makers to understand the qualification or application process, and ensure their filing is protected in the case of an audit. Fortunately, there are accounting firms that specialize in the ERC, offering support throughout the entire filing process. Small business owners should ask the following five questions before selecting their ERC partner.

1. Is the company established?
2. Does the company have experience processing ERC refunds?
3. Does the company have a thorough qualification process?
4. Does the company have a proven record of success?
5. Does the company charge reasonable upfront fees?

Read the Survey

To learn more and explore the rest of Omega’s findings, download the survey now.

2022-12-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – While it’s the season for festivities and numerous joyous activities, a lot of mishaps can happen during the holidays, from baking snafus and turkey fires to decor disasters and pet problems. Fortunately, some smart preparation and mindful steps will help keep you and loved ones safe and jolly throughout the season.

Prioritize cooking and baking safety

Food is the center of many holiday celebrations, and it’s easy for holiday hosts to become overwhelmed while cooking and baking. In 2021, State Farm reported $142 million in total claim costs for grease fires and cooking-related fires. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association. No matter what you’re whipping up, don’t get distracted. Use clocks and alarms to your advantage and also ask for help so more than one person is watching foods and appliances when in use.

Prevent turkey fryer fires

Turkey is a mainstay of holiday celebrations and the centerpiece on many tables across the country as family and friends gather. Frying a turkey has become a popular method for cooking a bird, but no matter your culinary skill level, a lot can go wrong during the process. This year, State Farm has already paid out a total of $4 million for outdoor cooking fires and expects that number to rise as we approach the holiday season. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey in oil, then turn it on. Always place fryers away from garages and trees and off decks. See here for more tips before frying.

Mind the glow of candles

It’s hard to resist the ambiance that candles create during the holiday season. However, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,400 home fires last year that were started by candles. These fires cause $291 million in direct property damage annually. It’s important to burn candles in short increments and in safe places, keeping them away from kids, pets and holiday decorations. What’s more, make sure your home and renters insurance is up to date so if something happens, you have the peace of mind that you’re financially protected.

Protect your pets

While family and friends flood your home for the holidays, the increased noise levels and new faces can cause anxiety for your pets. Discuss with guests how your pet prefers to be touched and separate your pet from crowds if a break is needed. Additionally, get pet medical insurance ahead of your gatherings as pets can become overwhelmed and aggressive, nipping, biting and scratching unexpectedly. Total cost of pet claims in 2021 was $161.7 million and the average cost per claim was $49,612, according to State Farm research. Protect yourself, your assets and your furry family member with Trupanion^® pet insurance.

Understand electrical fire risks

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in nearly half (45%) of home tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Holiday decorations overall cause more than 770 house fires every year! To lower your risk and keep your family and home safe, make sure you don’t leave lights on trees or on other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. They could short and start a fire. Plus, if you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations intended for outdoor use.

Update auto insurance and drive safe

Over the river and through the woods — many people take road trips during the holiday season to visit friends and family. If you’re hitting the road, make sure you check the weather before heading out and take any necessary precautions to stay safe if inclement weather is expected. Pack essentials in the car should you get stuck so you can stay safe. Always mind speed limits and be aware of other people on the road. Plus, make sure your auto insurance is up to date and you have access to the roadside call number for help should you need it.

Be a good neighbor

The holidays should be a joyous time to reconnect with loved ones. If you’re hosting for the holidays, respect noise levels in your community. Be courteous by shoveling the sidewalks for your neighbors. Lean on your trusted friends, neighbors, or a Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home if you’re leaving for the holidays.

Visit the State Farm Newsroom to make sure you’re set up for a joyous, safe holiday season.

2022-11-28T16:15:00

(BPT) – It’s the season of giving, which means you can make an impact no matter your budget.

When money is tight, donating to charities can easily fall to the bottom of your list. But you can reap the benefits of investing in others even when there’s little wiggle room in your own budget.

Here are six ways to help you maximize your giving this season.

Swap it out

According to the 2022 Happy Money Giving Survey, more than 75% of people plan to donate the same or more money this year compared to last, which is very encouraging. If that’s you and you need help finding room in your budget for charities you’d like to support, try reviewing weekly expenses. Is there a recurring splurge or expense that no longer brings you joy and could be cut out once or twice a month? If so, this money could give you a much bigger happiness boost by putting it toward a favorite cause instead.

Grow your gift

The survey also found 62% of people have donated money in the past 12 months toward a charity or cause they care about. One way you can increase the amount you give is by taking the money you would otherwise donate to your favorite charity each month and place it into a high-yield savings account instead. Then the gift that you intended to give monthly can now grow into an even larger annual donation with no impact to your budget.

Another way to increase your donation is to ask friends or family to match (or exceed!) your gift. Using events like your birthday or holidays is a great way to pool money to put toward your favorite causes. Plus, you can share it on your favorite social media platforms too. Some apps even let you use your birthday as a fundraiser! Regardless of how many followers you have, the ripple effect can have a big impact.

Gift your talent

If money is just not an option, that’s OK! The survey found 80% of people plan to volunteer the same or more time as last year. Your time and talents are priceless to many organizations. Do you have a specialty or niche that could provide a benefit to a local organization? Would you love to mentor a local teen? Or read to a group of wide-eyed toddlers? There are a lot of ways to turn your talents into gifts that many charities would receive with open arms.

See if your donation can be doubled

Explore ways your contribution can be easily doubled. You could see if a friend or family member would like to join you once a month to volunteer or if they’d be willing to match your financial donation. You can also ask your favorite charity or nonprofit if they have a matching campaign happening around the holidays and plan to donate during that time. Some companies also offer charitable donation matches to their employees.

Plan ahead

The Happy Money Survey found 28% of people say they set aside a specific amount of money from their paycheck to donate to causes they care about. Automatically setting aside money can make it easier to plan and budget for giving and make the impact to your own budget less noticeable.

Reputable charities only

Be sure that you’re wisely investing your time and money with a cause that is credible. Reputable charities and nonprofits will be transparent about their practices, their funding and their beliefs. Some resources to help with this are websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, which provide nonprofit reviews and ratings to help consumers understand how they use donations.

Download the 2022 Happy Money Giving Guide for more tips including how to give experiences, questions to think about before choosing a charity to donate to and information to develop your own giving strategy and maximize your impact this season.

2022-11-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – You have a busy, active lifestyle and want a quick meal that fuels you rather than bogs you down. You’re over smoothies and salads, craving something that excites and satisfies your taste buds while still providing you the nutrition you know your body needs to feel its best.

The acai bowl fits the bill, and with Nautical Bowl locations opening nationwide, your fix of delicious superfoods packed with nutrients is as easy as stopping by your local store. No Nautical Bowls store in your location yet? This is your opportunity to be on the forefront of this hot trend and start one yourself.

What exactly is an acai bowl?

Acai — pronounced ah-sah-EE — is a berry loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Called a superfood by many nutritionists, the fruit can be blended to serve as a base for a bowl, which then is layered with other healthy ingredients and toppings.

Nautical Bowls is unique because they focus on making the best bowls to suit anyone’s taste preferences, using some of the most well-known superfoods and wholesome ingredients available. Some of the other bases that can be layered include acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), coconut, mango, cacao and chia pudding. Toppings include fresh ground peanut and almond butters, granola, a variety of seeds and drizzles like honey.

The bowls can be enjoyed for a meal or snack anytime, like a quick breakfast on the way to the office or a post-workout snack. Despite the eye-catching colors from each layered ingredient, these are not a dessert. The vibrant hues come from an array of nutrients in each ingredient, so you’re eating a rainbow the way Mother Nature intended. All bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, contain zero refined sugars and are made with organic, all-natural ingredients.

A unique opportunity

The first time you try an acai bowl, you’ll understand the hype. Not only is the Nautical Bowls product delicious, but stores are cheery and a positive part of the communities they serve. This business concept and the food options themselves are incredibly unique against alternatives. As more people prioritize a healthy lifestyle, it’s no wonder these bowls are garnering growing enthusiasm among people of all ages.

This is what caught the attention of Peter Taunton, a franchisee expert with more than 25 years working in the health and fitness space. Taunton met with founders Rachel and Bryant Amundson to discuss their current business and provide insights as to what they may consider should they decide to expand. After evaluating the business and appreciating the simplicity of the operations and the relevance of the product offering, he suggested that with some changes, this could be a very franchise-able business.

Not having franchise experience, the Amundsons and Taunton formed a partnership and Nautical Bowls Franchising LLC was born.

Taunton said what captured his eye with this opportunity was Nautical Bowls’ commitment to serving the perfect, healthy meal replacement for those looking to make a pivot in their eating choices and lifestyle. Nautical Bowls acai bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, organic and feature all natural ingredients.

The business and the product fits exactly what Taunton looks for in an opportunity. Not only is the product delicious, but the concept and business plan is ideal for franchising. Plus, we’re in a unique time that presents a growing opportunity: As more people prioritize their health and want snack and food options that fit their busy lifestyle, they are looking for places like Nautical Bowls. It’s something they can feel good about eating and serving to friends and family,” said Taunton.

Due to Taunton’s vast expertise in the category, his stamp of approval is notable. Just like any other franchise he’s exploring, he says these are the key components of success:

1. Product relevance

People are eagerly seeking healthy meal-replacement alternatives beyond the typical salad. This is evident because the healthy fast-casual space is a fast-growing category in the food service industry. The product is tasty and can be customized for each taste preference, plus it travels well and can even be stored in the freezer for future use.

2. Minimal cash investment

Starting a franchise can be expensive, putting it out of reach for many people. However, Nautical Bowls offers a reasonable option, in most cases only requiring a $100,000 cash investment from owners with third-party financing available for the rest.

3. Simple business concept

Owners don’t need restaurant experience to own this franchise. This is a simple business to own and operate. There are no cooktops or exhaust hoods, and no complicated culinary skills are required. Furthermore, there is only one manager and typically 15 part-time employees.

4. Flexibility

Most of the Nautical Bowls franchisees are semi-absent owners. They hire a manager and staff to run daily operations. This makes it a great option if you work full time or are retired and looking for an income stream without it overtaking your days.

“I often talk with people who want to make a pivot in their lives. I ask them to think what interests them most and the majority of people want something that fills their cup by helping others in some manner,” said Taunton. “This falls right in line with the culture we try to instill in our stores: we don’t sell bowls, we serve them. It’s that servant mentality that becomes the cornerstone of the culture we create within our stores and hopefully how we are perceived in the communities we serve.”

For more information, including franchise opportunities, go to nauticalbowls.com.

2022-11-22T08:07:00

(BPT) – From finding a new career in a new city to reevaluating your financial plan, and everything in between, choosing where to live after leaving the military isn’t an easy decision.

That’s why Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s Best Places compiled a list of the Best Cities After Service to understand where veterans are and what preferences they have when they leave the service. They also expanded the list to include best cities for military families, for veterans to retire, and to buy a house.

“The expanded version of this year’s report emphasizes the diversity of cities across the U.S. that can meet the needs of transitioning servicemembers,” said Clay Stackhouse, a retired Marine Corps colonel and regional outreach manager at Navy Federal. “This population of individuals is unique, and with today’s economic challenges, it’s more important than ever that we support servicemembers and their families as they approach this pivotal, often challenging, moment.”

Top 10 overall cities best after military service:

1. Charleston, SC.
2. Norristown, PA.
3. Cambridge, MA.
4. San Diego, CA.
5. Naples, FL.
6. Anchorage, AK.
7. Derry, NH.
8. Virginia Beach, VA.
9. Hempstead, NY.
10. Waukegan, IL.

Top 5 overall cities best for military families:

1. Fort Worth, TX.
2. Derry, NH.
3. Norristown, PA.
4. Charleston, SC.
5. Columbus, OH.

Top 5 overall cities best for retired veterans:

1. Tampa, FL.
2. Honolulu, HI.
3. Jacksonville, FL.
4. Norristown, PA.
5. Virginia Beach, VA.

Top 5 overall cities best for veterans to buy a house:

1. Altoona, PA.
2. Florence, AL.
3. Abilene, TX.
4. Elizabethtown, KY.
5. Muncie, IN.

Regardless of where you move after service, planning for the transition to civilian life also means having a financial plan to match. Check out Navy Federal’s military life resources for even more guidance on transitioning to civilian life.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2022-11-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Small actions can have a big impact, which is why many people are choosing to support small businesses for their holiday needs this year. Many of these businesses are taking steps to make a difference and help their community, making shopping small beneficial for everyone.

In 2021, 51 million shoppers participated in Small Business Saturday, according to the National Retail Federation. This annual holiday in the U.S. celebrates small businesses and local entrepreneurs by encouraging shoppers to buy from them. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 26, 2022.

This comes at a time when shopping habits and values are shifting. Today, consumers want brands to act with purpose and create positive change because “doing good” positively shapes perceptions of the consumer and the business.

Purposeful work not only resonates with consumers, it speaks to small-business employees, supports retention, growth, collective team passion, community support and engagement. Purpose also empowers teams to buy-in to the company mission and strive to make a positive impact on society, the planet and individuals.

Here are some of the top reasons purpose-driven work is key for small to medium-sized business (SMB) success and why many consumers are choosing to shop small.

Increased Trust and Customer Loyalty

Purpose-driven consumers are now the largest segment of consumers, outranking those driven by value, brand or product, according to the 2022 IBM and National Retail Federation Report, “Consumers want it all.” These consumers are highly valuable in the long term, as they are more likely to evangelize brands/products to their peers, spend more when shopping and engage with the brand overall. Furthermore, more than half, (52%) have recently introduced friends and family to a new brand or retailer so they are likely to serve the brands that align with their values as an informal brand ambassador for others.

According to the Benevity 2022 data and insights from more than 850 companies with 20 million employees, 84% of consumers and 85% of employees agree the more a business engages its consumers in charitable giving decisions, the more trust they have in that business. Consumers will also go out of their way to buy from brands they trust are sustainable — even if it comes at a higher price. According to Deloitte’s 2022 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 64% of global Gen Zs would pay more to purchase an environmentally sustainable product, versus 36% who would choose a cheaper product that is not as sustainable. In another recent study, “Meet the 2020 consumers driving change,” 70% of global consumers said they would pay more for brands that are environmentally responsible.

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Similar to consumers, prospective employees want to join companies that align with their values and have a strong purpose. According to Lenovo’s recent research, “Human-centered insights to fuel IT’s vision,” 75% of small-business employees seek more purpose-driven work that provides opportunities to positively impact society. On the flip side, lack of purpose can detract employees, especially younger generations, with nearly two in five (37% of Gen Zs and 36% of millennials) saying they have rejected a job and/or assignment based on their personal ethics, according to Deloitte.

Gen Zs and millennials who are satisfied with their employers’ societal and environmental impact as well as their company’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive culture, are more likely to stay with their employer for more than five years, according to Deloitte. More than 70% of IT decision-makers at businesses of all sizes report that their employees are increasingly concerned with working on projects that have a positive impact on society, according to Lenovo’s recent research. Fortunately, most businesses of all sizes (70% on average) believe their company has already conducted a greater number of projects that contribute to the good of the world

Leveraging Technology for Good

In the next chapter of workforce transformation, technology will be a driver of human-centered experiences. Purpose-driven teams can engage and inspire each other and consumers by being equipped with the right technology and tools to collaborate and innovate with purpose. Ultimately, smarter technology supports meaningful work and allows purpose-driven SMBs to be successful.

According to Lenovo research, 52% of all businesses are currently adopting more sustainable technologies and 46% are planning to, indicating there’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel for consumers, employees and brands. What’s more, 32% of businesses on average would like to focus on researching more sustainable technologies to use in the office; 32% would like to increase the office’s energy efficiency; and an average of 35% would like to create new IT asset recycling and disposal programs.

Overall, it’s clear many consumers agree it’s important to spend in a thoughtful way that gives back and makes the world a better place. Consumers — especially the younger generations — expect more from brands and have for years. As we head into the holidays and the new year, it’s important to make conscious choices and support your local community. With ESG and purpose being table stakes, the focus for SMB owners must shift from pure profit to values-based and purpose-driven products, devices and initiatives.

2022-11-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time full of good cheer, but not necessarily so jolly for your bank account. ‘Tis the season to stress out your budget, not to mention the anxiety many people have about the increasing cost of living and the ongoing economic uncertainty.

According to the Q4 2022 Country Financial Security Index Report, 1 in 4 Americans are looking for help with navigating today’s economic volatility. So how can you set yourself up for financial success now and into the future, especially considering so many unknowns?

Fortunately, there are some important steps everyone can take to help them have a jolly holiday season and a financially healthy 2023. You can end the year financially stronger with these helpful tips from Scott Jensen at COUNTRY Financial:

Check your financial pulse

The close of the calendar year is a worthwhile time to pause and reassess where you’re at in your financial journey. There are lots of reasons to stop, take your financial pulse and figure out if there’s a course correction needed before the year comes to a close. Some time-sensitive questions to ask yourself include:

• What is an appropriate budget to set for the holidays?
• Is there money in your flexible spending account that needs to be used?
• Do you have medical needs that must take place before a new deductible period starts?

Look for gaps

It’s important to make sure you’re protected from the curveballs life can throw, like a large unexpected expense. Now is a good time to check on your insurance coverages to see if there are any gaps.

First, review your insurance products such as home, auto and life. If you had significant life changes such as a marriage, new baby, divorce, made improvements to your home or are planning a major purchase such as a vehicle or property, schedule a meeting with your insurance agent to make sure you’re covered now and to help you plan for future insurance needs.

Don’t forget to look for gaps in your financial goals, too. A financial professional can learn about your goals and help you make adjustments so you’re on the right track.

Enlist the help of a Financial Professional

If you don’t already have one, consider how a financial professional can help you keep a clear vision with a solid plan for the new year. According to the COUNTRY Financial Security Index:

• Only 23% of Americans have a financial advisor, yet those who do feel better about their finances, including higher levels of financial security (80% compared to 53% among those who do not have a planner).
• People with a financial planner have more confidence in their ability to pay their debts (96% compared to 76% among those who do not have a planner).
• Those who have a financial planner are more likely to set aside money for savings or investments (71% compared to 51% of those who do not have a planner).

Don’t wait to change the course of your financial future. Now is the ideal time to assess where you are, change where you’ve strayed and make corrections for a bright 2023 and beyond.

COUNTRY Financial^® is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY), which include COUNTRY Life Insurance Company^®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company^®, and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, Illinois.

2022-11-14T18:01:00

(BPT) – Traditions, tidings and tinsel — the holidays are a time for celebration. While you are planning parties and checking off gift lists, you also know that the holiday season is much more than that. It’s also the time to give thanks and give back to the communities. In fact, December is the most popular time of year for charitable giving, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, and Americans get more generous every year. In 2021, Americans gave around $485 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year.

Whether it’s donating to a community fundraiser, making a donation at checkout, donating unused credit card rewards points, or supporting a cause you care about, it’s a great time to get into the holiday spirit and give back. Here are some ideas for fitting charitable giving in to your budget this year.

1. Take your purchases further with micro-donations

Make every purchase count this holiday season. With PayPal’s Give at Checkout, you can easily give $1 to support your favorite charity when you check out using PayPal. Every donation makes a difference, especially during the busiest shopping time of the year.

How it works:

Visit your PayPal app or PayPal.com and search for the charity you wish to support. Click into the charity profile then the heart icon. Once you choose your favorite charity, simply click the donation checkbox each time you check out with PayPal at eligible businesses.

2. Donate to support your favorite charities

PayPal Giving Fund helps you support your favorite charities online. With over a million vetted organizations that focus on the environment, animals, disaster relief, mental health, gender equality, hunger and more, you can support local and global charities that are close to your heart with an easy online donation.

How it works:

Charities enroll with PayPal Giving Fund and you can donate on PayPal. PayPal Giving Fund receives the donations and provides you with a receipt. PayPal covers your donation fees when you give in the app or on the PayPal website, so your donation can go further. PayPal Giving Fund grants the donated funds to the charity in accordance with their policies.

3. Start your own fundraiser

PayPal Fundraisers help you create your own fundraiser to lend a hand or find more support for friends, family, groups, charities and local businesses you care about. You can also search for and support existing fundraisers on the PayPal app based on your location, interest and what’s popular.

How it works:

Start by downloading the PayPal app. Then, go to Pay > Giving > Start a fundraiser. Name your fundraiser and set your goal amount and end date. Add details for your fundraiser and upload an image. Finally, publish the fundraiser and share it via text or on social media to help spread the word. You can also discover or create a PayPal Fundraiser on PayPal.com.

PayPal is one of the largest digital donation platforms in the world, with over a million charities on its platform. You can easily PayPal it forward this holiday and support the causes you care about or discover a new one to give to this holiday season. Learn more about the ways you can give back at PayPal.com.

2022-11-14T11:31:00

(BPT) – For owners of small- and medium-size businesses, there are so many elements to be handled that finances often do not get the attention required to drive a sustainable and growing business. It is widely reported that 82% of small businesses shut down due to poor cash flow management, and CB Insights reports 39% ran out of cash or failed to raise new capital. This is especially tricky for businesses with company vehicles.

Business owners can tap financial tools and make strategic decisions to make running and growing their vehicle fleets more efficient. As demand for their goods and services increases, business owners can be better prepared to improve their fleets’ capabilities, productivity and efficiency while paving the way for growth.

These tips to evaluate use, budget and finance can help business owners manage their fleets efficiently and determine the right time and right additions for their company’s success and growth.

Think MAST

A good first step is to understand how a company’s vehicles are utilized. Just think MAST.

• Miles – How many miles are anticipated per year?
• Application – Does the company have the right vehicle for the job? In other words, are fleets hauling feathers or cement?
• Specifications – What vehicle equipment is needed: towing and hauling, custom storage, onboard power?
• Term – A good replacement cycle plan will save fleet costs in the long run.

Understand the company’s fleet finances

One important job for business owners is identifying realistic budgets. Here are steps to help steer a company in the right direction.

1. Plan and set goals – Take stock of the current vehicles and expected replacement cycle. Don’t wait until a vehicle is needed. Business goals should include plans for future changes.
2. Review past expenses – Past expenses can provide a reference point for what to include in a fleet budget and highlight areas that need attention.
3. Forecast – There are various techniques, including simply increasing a previous year’s budget by a flat percentage or starting from scratch, to forecast potential costs for your fleet.
4. Track results – It’s essential to make this a routine part of your business processes.

Determine the best financing options

Next, business owners with fleets need to examine the best financing for their budgets — and for the long haul. Here are a few things to consider.

• Lease or own – There are advantages to both options, so comparing them is key. Leasing benefits may include more affordable payments, allowing funds to be invested in other areas. However, owning fleets allows for less frequent vehicle turnover and flexibility on mileage.
• Fleet financing – One option is a commercial fleet financing partner. In addition to expertise in fleet financing, Ford Pro FinSimple offers a Commercial Line of Credit (CLOC) that helps fleet owners save time. A CLOC provides businesses with easy and transparent financing with flexible terms that is ready to be used any time throughout the year.

Andrew Comrie-Picard, the founder of ZipTire, a Los Angeles–based mobile tire business, is a customer of Ford Pro FinSimple, which provides easy fleet financing for small- and medium-size businesses. He says, “I financed my first truck through Ford Pro FinSimple financing. And now as we’re growing, I’m really excited to work with Ford Pro FinSimple in order to build out our fleet, get more vehicles and to be able to upfit them.”

Find a commercial-centric partner

When shopping for a new fleet, it is important to find a dealership that will partner with you throughout both the purchasing process and the life of your vehicle.

• Establish a relationship – Look for a dealership that has experience in commercial vehicles. This will ensure you receive help for your business-specific needs and that when you’re ready to finance, they’re ready to deliver.
• Service is key – Good vehicle service can help business owners avoid downtime with streamlined maintenance, repairs and parts to keep their fleets in good working order. Some dealerships even provide 24/7 mobile service.

To learn more about how Ford Pro FinSimple can serve as a resource for commercial financing needs, please visit https://fordpro.com/en-us/financing/?bannerid=MAT_release_fin_CLOC.

2022-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Farmers have always been dedicated stewards of the land and invested in the sustainability of their operations. However, they haven’t always successfully shared these stories with the public. With the advancement of technology — and the demand for transparency — this narrative is changing. More tools have become available for farmers at the tips of their fingers to discover and share their sustainability story.

In an increasingly digital world, consumers expect increased company access and transparency. It’s no different when it comes to the food they purchase. People are more eager than ever to understand the ingredients in their food, how those ingredients were cultivated, and the environmental impact of it all. These questions can be answered by those at the forefront of food production.

The consumer’s quest for knowledge seeps through the agriculture supply chain, trickling down to growers whose crops are processed into grocery store offerings. How can the agriculture industry understand and share its sustainability story? Data, both quantitative and qualitative, plays an important role.

All about the data

Agricultural sustainability encompasses environmental, financial and social sustainability. No matter which facets you examine, understanding sustainability at the farm level begins with gathering data points to set a baseline.

“Data tracking on a farm is similar to maintaining a household budget,” said Jeff Lail, senior data analyst at Syngenta. “It’s easier to save money when you’re keeping track of what you’re spending. Similarly, having a good understanding of where your farm resources go will help you manage those resources better.”

Daniel Olson, a sugarbeet, pinto bean and wheat farmer from North Dakota, agrees.

“You have to take inventory of where you’re at to establish if you’re headed in a positive or negative direction,” Olson says. “This baseline will also help you determine down the road if the practices you think are helping you actually are.”

While setting a baseline is a crucial first step in calculating sustainability, farmers will benefit from the change that comes from that measurement. To help growers achieve both measurement and change, Syngenta created the Cropwise™ Sustainability app.

One size doesn’t fit all

The Cropwise Sustainability app begins with a quick self-assessment called the Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard. It gathers qualitative and quantitative information in six key areas: crop production, water impact, soil health, biodiversity and habitat, human and animal well-being and community leadership.

After completing the assessment, a digital dashboard populates with sustainability scores in each area, recommendations for improvement and the opportunity to see how scores compare to other app users in a specified geography.

It can be challenging for growers to measure and track sustainability, let alone figure out what to do with the data. The app’s ultimate goal is to make it easier for a grower to identify where they can improve and offer suggestions that won’t require a farm operations overhaul.

Olson completed the SOA standard and appreciated that the assessment considered various sustainability practices and offered geographical insights.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to sustainability,” said Olsen. “How I manage sustainability in North Dakota will be very different from someone in another geography.”

As helpful as this app is at the farm level, its impact extends deep into the agriculture supply chain.

Building bridges between growers and consumers

Beyond learning how they can measure and improve sustainability on their farms, the data collected by the app will allow growers to tell a unique sustainability story to their customers.

Take United Sugars, for example. Syngenta partnered with the sugar supplier to help bridge the gap between growers and consumer packaged goods companies. Olson and a group of sugarbeet farmers in Minnesota’s Red River Valley took the self-assessment and were given sustainability insights and actionable recommendations. In return, United Sugars provided the anonymized data to their customers to help complete the sustainability picture for the foods they produce.

In the end, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement that allowed Syngenta to collect meaningful data from growers and, in turn, provide them with valuable sustainability insights.

“We are a grower-centric company that is also committed to regenerative agriculture,” said Trent Wimmer, key account sustainable solutions lead at Syngenta. “Helping growers understand and share their sustainability story is a way that we add value to growers beyond just yield.”

Donna Isakson, sales and marketing manager at United Sugars, values the partnership with Syngenta.

“The goal of our partnership is to be more transparent with our customers and show them what we are doing from a sustainability perspective,” Isakson said. “I value what they’ve provided in calculating sustainability efforts.”