As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. The last thing you want is for your business to fall victim to fraud. So, how can you safeguard your business? With due diligence, strong policies and procedures and a trusted banking partner, you can better arm your business from fraudsters. Here a few important tips: Always Verbally Verify Wire and ACH Instructions Once a wire transfer or ACH payment is sent, retrieving it can be extremely challenging. A single well-timed spoofed email...

Read More

In the dynamic landscape of small business ownership, securing adequate funding is often the linchpin for success. Fortunately, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers an array of funding programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, providing access to capital when conventional financing may be out of reach. Check out your options in the Small Business Resource Guide, 2024 National Edition. As a Preferred Lender, you can count on Falcon National Bank and our SBA team...

Read More

In the world of entrepreneurship, a well-crafted business plan serves as the cornerstone of success, guiding you through the details of structuring, operating, and expanding your venture. Whether seeking funding, attracting partners, or steering your company toward growth, a carefully formulated business plan is your indispensable tool for navigating the competitive landscape with confidence. Explore example business plans and tap into expert guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration...

Read More

Embarking on the journey of starting a business entails a meticulous blend of vision, strategy, and legal adherence. Outlined within the pages of the Small Business Resource Guide, 2024 National Edition, are ten pivotal steps, each crucial for laying the groundwork and fostering the growth of your venture. From conducting thorough market research to selecting the ideal business structure, every facet is addressed to equip you with the tools needed for success. Find out more about how to start...

Read More

Starting a business requires more than just a groundbreaking idea; it requires an understanding of the logistical, regulatory, and strategic intricacies involved. Everything from market research, to zoning, to taxes and insurance, to employment and intellectual property, dive into the foundational principles in the Small Business Resource Guide, 2024 National Edition, created by the U.S. Small Business Administration. And when you are ready to take that next step, our SBA team is here to help!

Read More

As you drive around town running errands — picking up a few must-haves for dinner at the grocery store, shuttling the kids to soccer practice, or dropping off a prescription at the pharmacy — you likely drive past a community bank or credit union in your neighborhood. In fact, you might pass several without even noticing. Small banks and credit unions have been in your neighborhood for as long as you've lived in your home (and in many cases decades and decades longer), and you...

Read More

For small business owners, any given day can include the smallest details from preparing bid proposals to changing printer ink cartridges. Not enough hours ever seem to be spent doing the work you truly enjoy, like engaging with your favorite customers and building your business into a successful way to support you and your family. You likely discovered pretty early on that running a home and running a business are entirely different creatures. While you may be outstanding at wrangling both on any...

Read More

It takes some diligence, but with the right knowledge, a reliable banking partner, and the use of effective tools, you can empower yourself to safeguard against potential threats like check fraud schemes. What does the fraud look like? Here is a typical example of what business customers are experiencing: A business customer drops a check payment in the mail payable to their vendor. At some point along the way, the check is stolen by criminals. (Criminals target USPS blue collection boxes,...

Read More

As a business owner, you're a master of the financial juggling act. With accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow forecasting, and payroll on your plate, it's a wonder you haven't joined the circus! Fear not, cash management is your financial safety net - it simplifies your financial operations to streamline your bottom line with a much-needed boost. What Is Cash Management? Cash management refers to the process of handling a company's cash flow to achieve the best possible...

Read More

‘Tis the season for fraud. We must be wary of the breaches, identity theft and fraud that tend to ramp up during the holiday season. Debit card fraud, especially, thrives during this time. Debit card fraud occurs when someone gains access to your account information to make unauthorized purchases. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have come and gone, but many people are still shopping online for that special holiday gift for a loved one. All that extra online shopping can increase the...

Read More