Pre-Money vs. Post-Money Valuation: The Two Numbers That Decide What Your Startup Is Worth
Post-money equals pre-money plus the investment — and which number a term sheet quotes decides whether a $1M check buys 20% or 25% of your startup.
#financing
Financing
Business financing options and funding strategies
Equipment Financing Agreements (EFAs): Ownership From Day One, Fixed Payments, and Section 179 Deductions
An EFA is an installment sale — you own the equipment from day one, repay fixed payments with no stated interest rate, and deduct it under IRS Section 179.
SBA Microloans, Explained: How to Borrow Up to $50,000 When Banks Say Your Loan Is Too Small
SBA Microloans lend up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries at 8–13% — the average loan is about $13,000, and free business coaching comes with it.
SBA Export Loans Explained: Export Express, Export Working Capital, and International Trade Loans
Export Express lends to $500,000, EWCP and International Trade Loans to $5 million — all with a 90% SBA guaranty. Match the program to your order.
Temporary Mortgage Rate Buydowns, Explained: How 2-1 and 1-0 Buydowns Cut Your Early Payments
A 2-1 buydown cuts your mortgage rate 2 points in year one and 1 point in year two via a seller-funded escrow — then the full payment returns.
Business Line of Credit vs. Business Credit Card: When Revolving Debt Helps Your Cash Flow and When It Quietly Hurts
A line of credit beats a business card for balances held past 30 days — lower rates, higher limits, no grace-period trap.
SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot: How Asset-Based and Transaction-Based Lines of Credit Change Your Borrowing-Base Records and Cash-Flow Planning
SBA's Working Capital Pilot offers 7(a) lines up to $5M — asset- or transaction-based — with borrowing-base certificates setting availability.
USDA Business and Industry Loans: How Rural Businesses Borrow Up to $25 Million Through Local Lenders
USDA's B&I program guarantees up to 80% of rural business loans to $25 million with 30-year terms. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.
Buying an Existing Franchise Instead of Building One: Transfer Fees, Approvals, and the Lease Clause That Can Kill the Deal
A franchise resale needs franchisor approval, a transfer fee, and a lease assignment to close — verify all three plus the seller's numbers before you sign.
Selling on Credit? The FTC Holder Rule Means Your Customer's Complaints Follow the Loan
Omitting the FTC Holder Rule notice (16 CFR 433) from consumer credit contracts is the seller's violation — and buyers can assert your disputes against lenders.
Business Line of Credit vs. Term Loan: How to Choose the Right Financing in 2026
A line of credit charges interest only on what you draw; a term loan charges it on the full sum from day one. Use lines for cash gaps, loans for assets.
Business Loan Prepayment Penalties: Why Paying Off Early Can Still Cost You Thousands
SBA 7(a) loans charge 5/3/1% only on 15-year-plus terms prepaid within 3 years, while 504 penalties run 10 years — run the breakeven before paying off early.