Author: Jennifer Brazer

As per Google Analytics, spending less and saving more is one of the tops searched for things on the internet at the dawn of every New Year. People almost always come up with a new year’s resolution to spend less and save more. Still, they lose their money-saving motivation when they experience themselves falling prey to their dreams and desires. This loss of motivation indicates that we rarely keep our resolutions. Perhaps we intend to achieve them the wrong way with the wrong plan. It has nothing to do with good intentions or strong willpower. They come and go with the wind as you may less likely feel enthusiastic about saving money for more significant concerns.

A Dramatic Shift in Spending Habits!

However, a concrete budgeting plan with healthy and measurable goals and financial targets can help you spend less and save more. We live in an era where we are so fortunate to have access to vital information. Information that was extracted and put forth by gems of the industry who have presented their thoughts on saving money or how a person can expect to have a financially secure and stable life by spending less and saving more. Gone are those days when we had limited options or entertainment to spend money on, which means we could save more for our future needs. But now we have e-commerce platforms with straightforward buying and delivery options and social media such as Facebook pages that are draining our pockets like never before.

Is It Hard To Spend Less And Save More?

There is no denying the fact that spending less and saving more is the secret formula for happiness. In today’s economy, money-management or saving money is the top priority for most households and businesses. Savings can mean a brighter future and a stable financial career. You need to cut back on your budget regularly. Otherwise, you will face severe agony and stark anguish at the end of your working years or post-retirement life.

It is not that hard to spend less and save more if you have a concrete plan with you, and you are motivated to stick with it all the time. By tracking and monitoring your spending or expenses, you can expect to succeed with your intentions of saving. Before sticking with a budget plan, you also need to change your spending habits, especially when you are an irrational spender. If you can’t adjust your spending habits right away, you can pick one or two steps that will gradually reduce your expenditure. This change means adjusting to your current lifestyle for more significant concerns that is to spend less and save more.

Know The Worth Of Hard-Earned Money!

The basic formula for happiness is to spend on a plan. You need to know the worth of your hard-earned money when you make a workable saving budget. For cutting back on your spending, you need to cut your variable expenses such as gasoline, grocery bills, entertainment expenses, etc. There are certain apps and software that can help you automate your saving. For achieving intended saving marks or outcomes, the use of software technology produces surprising positive results. It helps you make your set benchmarks and helps you spend less and save more.

What Are The Three Most Crucial Mind Tricks To Help You Spend Less And Save More?

• First thing first, don’t give up no matter how hard you may find saving money to be. Giving up means giving away your intentions to save money.
• You can procrastinate non-essential purchases because you can get them the next month or the future.
• If you fail to create a workable budget of your own, you can hire a professional who would review your bookkeeping records and track your spending habits before creating something that will work for you.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Absolutely yes! Because your employer must know about any misconduct, whether financial or behavioral—happening in your company. Holding a position in the company, it becomes your duty to report any fraudulent activity you witness, whether internal or external.

In a time of white-collar crime, Ponzi schemes, and intensifying transgressions, one can understand why employee fraud is not uncommon in today’s corporate world. According to a report published by the US Chamber of Commerce, employee fraud is costly to businesses making American employers lose more than $60 billion each year. Employee fraud is inevitable, which means there wouldn’t be any business, regardless of the size, that is not at risk. It is ongoing and widespread and reduces a company’s efficiency and working capital and significantly impacts its productivity and profitability.

There is certainly no denying the fact that employee fraud affects your bottom line. When we specifically talk about a retail-store-type-setting, retail stores are more vulnerable to employee theft or fraud since employees know when and how to steal from the store. From shoplifting merchandise from the shelves to taking cash from the cash register to pilfering secret data/trade secrets from the company’s computers, a business, small or large, is always at risk. A stealing employee will probably find the best opportunity at hand for making the most out of a lucrative situation. 

Some Employers Take Stern Actions against an Employee Theft, and Others Don’t!

Whether or not to report a stealing employee usually depends on the seriousness or nature of the crime. Some employers take strict measures for bringing a new hire who found stealing from the retail store to justice for recovering losses. Employers who attempt to terminate or prosecute face obstacles that could create unwanted situations for the defendants looking to recover damages. At the same time, other employers adopt a relatively soft approach in dealing with cases of employee fraud or theft. Most of the time, an employer will forgive their employees and give them a second chance due to the relationship or long-term employment and previous loyalty of the employee. 

According to a study, entrusted employees steal more from the retail store or involve in fraudulent activities in an organizational setting. When it comes to a new hire, it is crucial to filter out the best candidate with a clean background or history. Before giving an employee a position in your company, it is essential to check your potential employee’s criminal record and working behavior in the past.

Before Reporting, Having A Concrete Evidence Is Ideal!

You must report any fraudulent activity in your company to your employer. Before reporting or giving a heads up to your employer about a stealing employee, it is ideal to have concrete evidence to back your claim. It may raise suspicions of your jealousy with the new hire threatening your sales commission.

Any theft or fraud would ultimately impact the company’s productivity and profitability, which will hamper the company’s operations, which may put your job at risk. So, it is essential to report a stealing employee to your employer for proving yourself to be an honest individual and playing your role as an employee committed to the company’s growth, prosperity, and success.  

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The era of ‘bad guys’ equipped with baseball bats and chains to loot people on the streets has come to an end. Today, geeky waifs have found an exciting alternative to steal from people virtually. They can work individually or be associated with organized crime making an exceptional amount of money every day. They know the art of stealing through different means, which gives them a reputation as scammers, hackers, and magicians. These con artists and organized crime organizations are causing companies to lose trillions of dollars’ worth of sensitive data that includes trade secrets, financial data, vendor and stakeholders’ details, etc.

Small Scale Businesses Are More Vulnerable To Cyber Fraud!

The reality is small businesses are easy targets for hackers and spies as they have less control over their systems and networks. Often, small business owners feel reluctant to spend money on improving their online security due to costs and other factors. Cybercriminals used to attack big, primarily multinational companies or IT houses. Still, most of them target small-scale companies as their system and networks are weak and offer less resistance. It becomes necessary for all businesses to protect their data from cybercriminals as it can cause them to lose a top position in the competitive race.  

Stats Reveal An Exciting Story—Why Cyber Criminals Have Their Game-On!

The dilemma is, 98% of small to medium-sized businesses aren’t prioritizing their online security for future business growth. One survey found that 85% of people consider online security improvements useless as they believe they don’t have anything worth stealing. Also, 45% of small business owners believe hiring top IT professionals and implementing cybersecurity programs will be too expensive to bear. The avoidance of the expense is why cybercriminals have their game-on when it comes to breaking into a company’s accounts and computers to steal sensitive information and data. They act after discovering that the ship has already sunk and felt the need to salvage the situation. It’s better to keep anti-viruses and encrypted systems and networks in place to prevent data leakages and theft. 

Implementing online security procedures for the first time can be an overwhelming process, and this is why hiring an IT professional seems like an intelligent choice. Gone are the days when businesses had limited options to hire IT individuals or agencies. You can hire them as per your business requirements and specifications, and they aren’t that expensive too. Cybercriminals will go to any extreme to steal something valuable from the company, so you must prevent them from stealing no matter what, by ensuring a baseline level of security.

So, here’s what you can do:

Install Anti-Virus Software

Unarguably, anti-virus serves as one of the most critical prevention tools that restrict malware infections and viruses entering your computers, phones, and tablets carrying essential business data. So, you need to install anti-viruses on your devices, not just on your computers, to fight against potential threats and dangers. 

Use Secure Passwords

Setting common passwords such as your phone number, your son, or daughter’s date of birth must be avoided no matter because they are predictable, and cybercriminals find it easy to break into such accounts with easy-go passwords. You must have one tricky password for one account only as having the same passwords for multiple accounts can be incredibly risky. Keeping the same password for all accounts means that breaking into one account will possibly lead cybercriminals to break into all the accounts.

Protect Your Hardware

Make sure all your physical devices and hardware have a security system. It would prevent potential threats and dangers and keep in-house intruders (employees) away from accessing your computer in your absence.

Keep Your Software Up-To-Date

According to a study, most cyber-attacks occur when companies don’t update their cybersecurity software. To avoid disrupting your daily workflow, what you can do is schedule updates at the end of your working shift ideally after every week. Scheduled updates will provide you greater control over your cybersecurity network and prevent cybercriminals from entering your company.

Back-Up Your Data

Backing up your data means you can expect to recover essential business data such as bookkeeping and accounting records and finances. So, backing up your company’s data once after a couple of days, get you more in control of your business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

If you’re a small business owner, you’ll be acquainted with handling numerous tasks at once. Alongside handling basic operations, you need to generate income, keep your customers happy, and manage financial information. Bookkeeping and accounting can be quite a task, and one of the biggest questions to answer is finding the right person to do the job.

Any company irrespective of the kind of business is absurd without accounting. It will help you stay clear of the IRS and form the foundation of business stability and decision-making. Therefore, bookkeeping and accounting are a vital task that needs handling with the utmost care. In very general terms, accounting is a documentation of all economic operations through records management. However, in a broader sense, it deals with all the financial matters, including tax planning. 

A smart business owner understands that without proper accounting, he is like a car owner without a GPS. You can see the road but are not able to reach the destination. The primary functions of bookkeeping include

• Validates the outcomes of the company activity to date
• Helps in the timely submission of all the business documentation
• Tracks all available resources like inventory, labor, materials

• Decision making and future planning

Below is an ultimate guide that, if followed, can be your recipe for success.

Selecting the appropriate accounting method

Businesses follow two methods for recording financial transactions. Either a company will support a cash method or an accrual method—the difference between the two lies in how the economic event gets recorded in the books. Well-established businesses practice the accrual method of accounting. It involves recording a transaction even if the customer has not paid yet. The cash method is a slightly simpler version as the transaction gets recorded when money exchanges hands. Small businesses usually focus on the cash method for bookkeeping and accounting, as it is convenient and straightforward. However, depending on your business needs and preference, you can choose the most desired.

What records to keep

Business licenses, permits, tax documents, DBA certificates, and other vital documents that have legal implications for the business should be regularly updated and stored safely. You need to know the location of all your business-related documents, whether it’s online or offline. These documents can come in handy at any time, and if you have kept the correct records in the right place, you can access them anytime. 

Along with legal documents, there are many other sources and supporting business documents. Accounting for small businesses requires you to maintain the source documents accurately as they are of high importance while keeping copies of your contracts, invoices, receipts, and payroll records along with many other materials depending on the scale of the business. All successful companies keep authentic records and use them as sources of information to make better future decisions. 

What and how to record

The whole shebang that has a connection to money and involves transactions has to get recorded properly. Keeping day to day records of both inbound and outbound payments is imperative because it will offer you a wholesome picture of the movement of funds across your business. Bookkeeping and accounting for small companies should record liabilities, taxes, operating and overhead expenses, and employee paychecks as those have to get referred to regularly.

The cash that comes from the sales has to be managed and recorded appropriately daily. If you leave that to the last, the probability of making errors get high. If you leave this to the year-end closing time, you are surely in for big trouble. Therefore, what and how to record is a question you must answer right at the start of the bookkeeping process. 

Separate business and personal finances

Some small business owners make the mistake of keeping business and personal finances alongside. It is never a good idea to do that because it can be confusing and legal because it can get you into trouble with the IRS. If your business lands into some trouble, you can be personally held liable for the discrepancy. Whether you are managing the accounting yourself or have hired someone for the job, a business should always be kept separate from personal matters.

Separating personal and business finances will also benefit you at the time of taxes. It will be easier for you to file the returns as well as you’d make the IRS job easier.

Use bookkeeping and accounting software

Most businesses these days start with opting for accounting software that keeps track of all the financial information. All you need is to enter the data. You can get complete balance sheets, income statements, and all the other vital documents vital for better decision making.

Small businesses have a lot to worry about at the start. Ensuring the correct implementation of the underlying financial structure will keep them away from harm for the most part. Following the guidelines mentioned above for bookkeeping and accounting can save you significant time and effort.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

The rise of digital technology has reduced human errors, but it has also increased the cybercrime rate. The majority of cybercrime cases are based on the illegal or inappropriate use of personal data that is retrieved from the cloud networks. More specifically, the emergence of personal cloud users has resulted in an increased rate of cybercrimes, and the prediction is that the number of cloud users will increase more with time. As a result, cloud security platforms have raised concerns about the bookkeeping, privacy, and confidentiality of the users’ data. Despite these concerns being acknowledged, still, no surefire technique exists that can restrict cybercrimes completely. This is why we all have to be conscious of our data that is stored on cloud platforms.

Here are Top 5 tips for cloud computing security that you can follow to secure your data.

Carefully Read the User Agreement

Often individuals don’t read the user agreement and terms and conditions before approving or signing them. It might be because of its length, small fonts, or hard to understand verbiage. When it comes to security, we must change this thinking because we could agree to something that makes vulnerable to data theft. The terms and conditions of all the cloud networks are not the same. Some networks offer sufficient security and require minimum access to your data, and some networks offer certain user rights to claim data security in case of any data theft. By reading the user agreement, you can decide what cloud computing you should use as well as know your rights in case of any security trouble.

Create Smart Passwords

Passwords are the keys that lock, saves, and protect your accounts and data from various threats and hacks regarding cloud computing security. So, you need to create an intelligent password that must be untraceable. Almost 90% of passwords can be easily cracked within a few moments only because the majority of the users prefer to create easy to remember passwords. Still, they don’t know that easy to remember passwords are easier to crack, and only an intelligent password can save you from password cracking. Here are some tips for creating a smart password that you can follow while creating or changing your password.

• Choose a lengthy word of more than nine characters
• Include more than four digits in the password
• Do not use the same password for every account. Cloud computing and networks are trapping and intelligent, and they can cross-match your passwords on different accounts. So, try to change your password for every account smartly that it must be difficult to crack but easy to remember. For example, if you want to select a single password e.g., “password1234”, then make it different for each account such as “password1234gmail” for Gmail account, “password1234skype” for skype account. In this way, you can secure your smart password and data.

However, it is just a tip, and you can apply more innovative ideas to create a smart password.

Encrypt Your Cloud Files

Encryption is the best method for cloud computing security that protects the data that you want to store on cloud networks as it restricts everyone from accessing your data without knowing the file password. The easiest way to encrypt a file is to convert it into a zip archive and protect it with a password and then upload that file to the cloud server. But always remember your password as you can never open your file if you forget the password.

The most convenient encryption software for the beginners is B1 Archiver, TrueCrypt, and WinZip that is free for all, and you can encrypt your file within few minutes. Note that if you want to decrypt the password-protected file, then it can only be done through the same software from where you have encrypted.

Opt for an Encrypted Cloud Service

Recently some cloud computing services have offered local encryption and decryption of the files. At the same time, you upload or backup a file on a cloud network, and the service provider assures data safety. The companies claim that with the encrypted upload, not even the service provider can access the files without the user consent. However, the charges of these service providers are comparatively higher than conventional services, but if you want to keep your data safe, then you have to compromise the cost.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Evolving Business Dynamics and the Dire Need for Advanced Cybersecurity

Often small to mid-sized businesses don’t believe they will be affected by cybercriminals. Most give it thought after they have been attacked, and the measures taken are too little too late.  When businesses sit idle and do nothing about data theft or leakages, more significant problems tend to arise. Most small business owners think that cybercriminals primarily target corporations and big IT companies. But the truth is that small businesses are more vulnerable to cybercrimes as they have weaker systems and networks and have little or no IT support securing their businesses from cybercriminals. With this in mind, small business owners need to change their perception and need to focus on cybersecurity.

From individual-level scammers to organized crime syndicates, the cyber world is full of crimes, and small businesses have every reason to feel threatened. They are the prime target for every hacker and scammer since they have weak systems, networks, and processes. According to a study, three out of every four data breaches cost companies billions of dollars each year. Also, a majority of cybercrimes go undetected until it costs millions in reparation.

How to Prevent Data Leakages and Cater to Cybersecurity Threats?

Small businesses can fall prey to cybercriminals because they do little to protect themselves from potential or highly synchronized threats. A staggering 9% percent increase in cybercrime activity last year bears witness to the fact that cybercrime is a menace that will continue to pose threats to small businesses year over year. Although every New Year promises faster internet and increased technology, those advances mean an increase in cybersecurity threats. As technology evolves to combat the threats, businesses must upgrade their systems and networks. They also need to improve their IT infrastructure to detect potential threats better and prevent data theft or leakages.

Digital Chaos Is Leading Companies into Trouble!

Technology and advanced tools and techniques have engulfed the world around us. It should come as no surprise that technology has changed the dynamic of the online world. Most small businesses devote fewer resources to cybersecurity, making them open to attacks. A lack of an IT department, weak systems and networks, unsecured internet connections, and outdated software also contribute to small businesses’ vulnerability to cybercrime.

What’s More?

Often small companies mismanage their business and share vital pieces of information on their company’s website or the cloud. This information includes vendor details, banking credentials, bookkeeping, and accounting records. Generally, cybercriminals steal critical business data for ransom, but sometimes they sell that information to competitors causing you to lose your competitive advantage. This makes it clear that cybersecurity is essential to defend against these types of attacks.

What to Do When You Fail to Match the Pace of The Growing Cybersecurity Needs of The Economy?

A small business does not have to be vulnerable to cybercriminals. The threats have to be considered from the beginning and cybersecurity measures in place. Hiring an IT professional along with upgrading systems, networks, and software are the best ways to safeguard against cybercrime. A business owner should not wait until an attack has occurred to implement safety measures that will ensure your company will succeed.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

Unlock Essential Small Business Capital Sources for Success

Small business capital sources are the diverse funding options available to entrepreneurs for starting, operating, and growing their businesses, including equity capital (investor funding), debt capital (loans and credit), and retained earnings (reinvested profits). Modern financing extends beyond these traditional pillars to include alternative solutions like crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and revenue-based financing—each offering unique advantages for different business stages and needs.

As founder of Complete Controller, I’ve guided thousands of businesses through critical funding decisions over two decades. Today’s capital landscape offers unprecedented options, yet 72% of small businesses cite rising costs as their biggest financial hurdle. This guide cuts through the noise, delivering actionable insights on traditional, alternative, and emerging funding sources that can transform your business trajectory. You’ll discover how to evaluate options strategically, leverage new fintech solutions, and build a resilient capital strategy that aligns with your growth goals.

What are small business capital sources, and why do they matter?

• Small business capital sources are financial resources—equity, debt, grants, or alternatives—that fuel business operations, innovation, and growth
• The three main categories are equity capital (selling ownership stakes), debt capital (borrowed funds), and retained earnings (reinvested profits)
• Alternative options include crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, revenue-based financing, and merchant cash advances
• Proper capital access determines survival—inadequate funding causes 29% of startups to fail within two years
• Strategic funding diversity creates resilience against market shifts and unexpected challenges

Traditional Debt Financing: Building on Proven Foundations

Traditional financing remains the backbone of small business funding. 77% of entrepreneurs start with personal savings before transitioning to institutional lending. Banks and credit unions offer structured solutions that balance predictability with competitive rates.

Bank and credit union business loans

Commercial banks and credit unions provide term loans ranging from $25,000 to $5 million, with repayment periods spanning 1-25 years. Interest rates typically fall between 6-12% for qualified borrowers. Credit unions particularly shine for small businesses—their community focus translates to 15% higher approval rates than large banks. The application process requires comprehensive documentation, including business plans, financial statements, and cash flow projections.

Speed has improved dramatically in traditional lending. According to recent industry data, 39% of banks now approve small, straightforward loans within one business day, while 76% complete approvals within five days. This efficiency rivals many alternative lenders while maintaining lower interest rates.

SBA loans: Government-backed advantages

Small Business Administration loans combine government backing with private lending, creating favorable terms for qualified businesses. The SBA 7(a) program offers up to $5 million with interest rates capped at prime plus 6%. These loans accept credit scores as low as 640—significantly lower than conventional requirements—and feature extended repayment terms of up to 25 years.

The trade-off is processing time and paperwork. SBA loans typically require 30-90 days for approval and extensive documentation, including personal financial statements, business tax returns, and detailed use-of-funds plans. Partnering with SBA-preferred lenders can accelerate this timeline by 20-40%.

Equity Financing: Strategic Partnerships for Growth

Equity financing trades ownership stakes for capital infusion, eliminating debt obligations while bringing expertise and networks. This path suits high-growth ventures willing to share control for accelerated expansion.

Angel investors and early-stage funding

Angel investors—typically successful entrepreneurs or executives—invest personal funds ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 in exchange for 10-25% equity. Beyond capital, angels provide mentorship, industry connections, and operational guidance. The angel investment process emphasizes relationship building over rigid metrics, making it accessible for pre-revenue startups with compelling visions.

Finding angel investors requires strategic networking through platforms like AngelList, local investment groups, and startup accelerators. Successful pitches demonstrate market opportunity, founder expertise, and clear paths to profitability within 3-5 years.

Venture capital: Fueling exponential growth

Venture capital firms manage pooled funds from institutional investors, deploying $500,000 to $50 million per investment. VCs target businesses with potential for 10x returns, focusing on scalable technology, biotech, and innovative service models. The intensive due diligence process examines the market size, competitive advantages, and management team capabilities.

VC partnerships bring operational expertise, strategic guidance, and follow-on funding capacity. However, founders typically sacrifice 20-40% ownership and accept board oversight. Exit expectations—through acquisition or IPO—drive aggressive growth targets that may conflict with lifestyle business goals.

Alternative Financing: Modern Solutions for Diverse Needs

Alternative financing has exploded in popularity, with fintech innovations creating options that traditional lenders can’t match. These solutions prioritize speed, flexibility, and accessibility over conventional metrics.

Revenue-based financing: Aligned incentives

Revenue-based financing provides capital in exchange for a percentage of future revenues until reaching a predetermined return multiple (typically 1.3-1.7x). This model aligns funder and founder interests—payments scale with business performance, protecting cash flow during slow periods.

Wing, a virtual assistant marketplace, exemplifies this model’s potential. After securing $500,000 from Efficient Capital Labs, they invested in targeted marketing and achieved 210% annualized growth without diluting ownership. The flexible repayment structure allowed aggressive reinvestment during high-growth periods.

Peer-to-peer business lending

P2P platforms connect businesses directly with individual investors, bypassing traditional banking infrastructure. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $500,000, with interest rates between 6% and 30% based on risk profiles. Approval decisions rely on cash flow analysis and business performance rather than personal credit scores.

The streamlined process delivers funding within 2-7 days, making P2P ideal for time-sensitive opportunities. However, default consequences mirror traditional lending, including aggressive collection practices and credit damage.

Government and Grant Funding: Non-Dilutive Capital

Government grants provide non-repayable funding for businesses meeting specific criteria. Federal agencies awarded $4.2 billion in small business grants during 2024, with 68% supporting STEM and sustainability initiatives.

Federal grant programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program offers up to $2 million for technology development across 11 federal agencies. Rural businesses access USDA grants supporting agricultural innovation and community development. Competition remains fierce—only 15-20% of applications receive funding—requiring compelling proposals demonstrating clear social or economic benefits.

State and local programs supplement federal options with region-specific initiatives. Manufacturing grants, export assistance, and workforce development funds target local economic priorities. Small Business Development Centers provide free guidance on identifying and applying for relevant programs.

Strategic grant writing

Successful grant applications require meticulous attention to guidelines, measurable outcomes, and alignment with funder priorities. Professional grant writers achieve 3x higher success rates through expertise in crafting compelling narratives and managing complex requirements. Budget 40-80 hours for comprehensive federal applications, including research, writing, and required attachments.

2025 Trends: Technology Reshaping Capital Access

The financing landscape continues evolving rapidly, with technology democratizing access while creating new evaluation metrics. Understanding these trends positions businesses to leverage emerging opportunities.

AI-powered lending decisions

Artificial intelligence transforms underwriting by analyzing thousands of data points—from bank transactions to social media presence—within minutes. This comprehensive analysis enables approvals for businesses lacking traditional credit histories. Fintech lenders using AI report 90% faster decisions and 25% higher approval rates for minority-owned businesses.

Preparing for AI evaluation requires maintaining clean digital records, consistent online presence, and transparent financial management. Cloud-based accounting systems that integrate with lending platforms provide competitive advantages in automated underwriting.

Embedded finance integration

Payment processors and e-commerce platforms increasingly offer integrated financing based on real-time business data. Shopify Capital, Square Loans, and PayPal Working Capital analyze transaction histories to pre-approve funding within existing workflows. This seamless integration delivers capital in under 24 hours without separate applications.

Historical comparison shows dramatic shifts in small business financing preferences. Bank loan applications dropped from 43% in 2019 to 34% in 2021, reflecting both tighter lending standards and growing comfort with alternative options. This trend accelerated post-pandemic as businesses prioritized speed and flexibility over traditional relationships.

Building Your Capital Strategy

Successful funding strategies match capital sources to business lifecycle stages, growth trajectories, and risk tolerance. Pre-revenue ventures typically combine personal savings, grants, and angel investment. Growth-stage businesses leverage SBA loans and revenue-based financing. Scaling enterprises may pursue venture capital or strategic corporate partnerships.

I’ve observed that businesses using multiple funding sources report 37% higher satisfaction and achieve 2.1x more total capital than single-source dependents. This diversification creates negotiating leverage, ensures continuous access, and optimizes the cost of capital across different uses.

Your next steps should include documenting financial performance, clarifying funding needs, and researching options aligned with your industry and stage. Professional financial guidance accelerates this process—visit Complete Controller for expert support in building your customized capital strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Capital Sources

What are the three main types of small business capital sources?

The three primary categories are equity capital (selling ownership stakes to investors), debt capital (loans and credit facilities), and retained earnings (profits reinvested in the business). Each serves different purposes and carries unique advantages depending on business stage and goals.

How quickly can I get emergency business funding?

Merchant cash advances provide funds within 24 hours but carry steep costs (APRs up to 150%). Invoice financing offers a better balance, releasing 85% of unpaid invoice value within 1-2 days at 1-5% fees. For true emergencies, business credit cards provide immediate access.

Can startups qualify for SBA loans without revenue history?

Yes, SBA microloans specifically serve early-stage businesses, requiring only 6+ months of operation and 600+ credit scores. These loans provide up to $50,000 at competitive rates, though strong business plans and financial projections remain essential.

What percentage of equity should founders expect to give up?

Angel investors typically take 10-25% for investments under $500,000. Venture capital rounds often claim 20-40% ownership, depending on valuation and growth stage. Maintaining majority control (51%+) through Series A preserves founder decision-making authority.

Which industries receive the most small business grants?

STEM fields, clean energy, and agricultural innovation capture 68% of federal small business grants. Healthcare, education technology, and businesses owned by veterans or minorities also receive prioritized funding through specialized programs.

Sources

• American Express. “Common Sources of Capital.” American Express, 2023.
• altLINE. “5 Types of Equity Financing.” altLINE, 2023.
• altLINE. “Small Business Loan Statistics (2025).” altLINE, 2025. https://altline.sobanco.com/small-business-loan-industry-statistics/
• Efficient Capital Labs. “The Startup Founder’s Guide to Revenue-based Financing [2025].” ECAP Labs, 2024. https://www.ecaplabs.com/blogs/revenue-based-financing
• Federal Reserve Banks. “Just Released: Findings from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey.” Kansas City Fed, 2025. https://www.kansascityfed.org/community/community-connections/just-released-findings-from-the-2024-small-business-credit-survey/
• Federal Reserve Banks. “Key Insights from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey.” FedCommunities, 2025. https://fedcommunities.org/2024-small-business-credit-survey-key-insights/
• Fundera. “Raising Capital for Startups: 8 Statistics That Will Surprise You.” Fundera, 2020. https://www.fundera.com/resources/startup-funding-statistics
• Grants.gov. “Government Grants for Small Businesses.” Grants.gov, 2024. https://www.grants.gov
• Investopedia. “Equity Financing.” Investopedia, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/equityfinancing.asp
• LendingTree. “Pros and Cons of SBA Loans.” LendingTree, 25 June 2024.
• Lightspeed. “9 Small Business Financing Sources.” Lightspeed, 28 June 2024.
• NerdWallet. “Small-Business Financing Options.” NerdWallet, 11 Apr. 2024.
• REIL Capital. “Small Business Financing Trends 2025.” REIL Capital, 2024.
• Small Business Administration. “Small Business Loans.” SBA.gov, 2024. https://www.sba.gov
• SoFi. “Peer-to-Peer Lending Overview.” SoFi, 2024.
• SoFi. “Your 2025 Guide to Funding.” SoFi, 16 Dec. 2024.
• Stripe. “Small Business Startup Capital.” Stripe, 2023.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Booming E-commerce is making the in-store business increasingly difficult. More customers order consumer electronics, clothing, accessories, and much more on the Internet and can conveniently have goods delivered or sometimes pick them up at the store. Shopping has become a popular pastime in our society, enabling online commerce around the clock. Despite the well-stocked department and retail stores, more and more goods are purchased online.

These favorable conditions alone are not enough for the success of online trading. Those online businesses who rely on self-service and staff reduction risk dissatisfaction among their customers. The strongest customer loyalty driver this year is the quality of the request processing via telephone or e-mail. The Internet buyer expects a straightforward return process and a quick and easy refund or settlement of the sale amount. Approximately 58% of customers feel that the shipping costs are too high, and, in this regard, brick-and-mortar retail can again score more points. To keep up with the high standard of service offered by online retailers, storefront retailers should always be courteous with complaints and returns. A misstep could cause the customer to migrate to e-commerce.

 

The sales force is often mentioned as an effective means of re-launching the success of brick-and-mortar retailing. This cannot be refuted since an online shop does not offer face-to-face contact and offer advice proactively. For the seller, the transaction is in the foreground, for the customer, often the advice. The buyer is thus, forced into a situation that makes it almost impossible to escape the sales situation without having made a purchase. With online shopping, there is no pressure, and this can attract customers who want a hassle-free buying experience.

 

For brick-and-mortar retail, it is becoming increasingly difficult to counter e-commerce – despite the potential for improvement that exists here as well. Stationary trade should, therefore, no longer consider itself separately from online trading but accept the challenge. This is not to perceive online trading as a separate sales channel, but to understand it as an opportunity for a further sales channel to tap into the maximum customer potential. Retailers should, therefore, not rely exclusively on their local customer service representatives but jump on the train of “Omni-channeling” and offer their goods on different distribution channels or at least be present there. This is of great importance in the wake of customers’ increasing cross-channel behavior, as many consumers first seek information on the Internet before they visit the office.

 

The trend towards “multi-channeling’ makes clear that customers want their dealers to have close interaction between both distribution channels. The future of brick-and-mortar retailing is not to hide the opportunities of e-commerce but to include them. E-commerce and stationary trade is a relationship with the future that handles delivering a consistent and coherent brand experience across distribution channels. It also delivers consistent customer experience. All activities across the channels should also be networked to end competitive advantage. Stationary retailing should continue to create sales experiences with the atmosphere in the stores. In the online trade, the clarity of the shop, as well as the availability of employees across all industries, are among the strongest customer loyalty drivers. From the customer’s point of view, and in addition, high-quality content should always be used when processing customer concerns, especially when exchanging.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Small businesses are more vulnerable to accounting fraud or employee theft. According to a study, more than 40% of accounting fraud occurs in small to medium-sized businesses due to a lack of internal control caused by the company’s weak controls, a permissive culture, and human error. You may be surprised to know that the loss of capital due to accounting fraud, on average, amounts to around $200,000 per incident for a small business. Another study found that trusted employees steal more from the company than those who are new to the business. Most small businesses have trust in staff who handle bookkeeping or accounting activities and believe that fraud can’t happen to them. Still, the reality is they have every reason to worry because fraud is almost inevitable.

Often the blind trust owners put in staff can lead to being open to fraud. This can be more commonly seen in accounting staff or those who have access to financial data.  Trust is not a control, so an owner must review financial records and keep a close eye on the company’s financial status to maintain in-house control.

What compels entrusted partners to engage in fraudulent activities?

Fraud can be explained as taking away something from the business without asking the owners. This includes cash, merchandise, and also stealing sensitive information or data from the company. What compels entrusted partners to steal from you is a question that should be addressed before any discrepancy, ambiguousness, or otherwise complicated situations arise. Accounting fraud is preventable. How? By establishing policy and code of conduct for maintaining proper in-house control. According to industry veterans, separation of duties and adequate internal control will eliminate the chances of fraud in your business.

Big Problems often start small!

Three factors encourage your accountant to steal from you that includes motivation, opportunity, and rationalization. As per 10-10-80 rule, 10% of people will never steal from you, 10% will always steal from you whenever they get an opportunity, and 80% of people make an analysis of the opportunity at hand first and then decide whether to steal or not. Well, this is the point where you can prevent your employees from stealing from you. Moreover, small businesses lack money and resources that will help them to buy and incorporate advanced bookkeeping and accounting tools and software in a business. By incorporating an accounting system, you can track and monitor your financial books and records that will help prevent accounting fraud.

Creating the Right Corporate Culture

Accountants are generally aware of business processes and are used to the business’s accounting system, which could encourage them to steal from you if they are corrupt. Creating a permissive culture or environment is unhealthy for the business and a threat to the company’s long-term growth and success. By creating a permissive culture, you can expect to witness your business marching towards its gradual failure. When your accountants know they can get away with something without detection, it opens up the possibility that entrusted accountants will engage themselves in fraudulent activities. This indicates that permissiveness creates opportunity, which can be bad for your business.

What to Do to Prevent an Accounting Fraud?

To prevent accounting fraud, you must never trust your entrusted partners blindly no matter what. Also, what you can do is create a zero-tolerance policy to any form of fraud or theft, if you haven’t yet introduced in your company’s manual.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Changes in climate are inescapable; lovely summer days transform into frosty winters in a snap. Restaurants can have difficulty with the changes of the seasons. Some months are ideal for the restaurant owner, and other months can be difficult. Those restaurants who figure out how to be ready for the slow months will remain profitable and survive to the busier months. Here are the things eateries can do to draw clients in the off-season:

Collaborate with other nearby organizations:

According to Forbes.com, private companies in 2011 represented $989.6 billion in U.S. income, as there are almost 28 million private companies. By banding together with other nearby restaurants and companies, one can make a system that produces income all-year-around and also increase capital and adaptability for your eatery.

Support your eatery for group gatherings:

Regardless of where your restaurant is located, you should endeavor to fuse your eatery into a group or corporate gatherings. With a specific end goal to better support your restaurant amid the ease back season endeavor to cook, no less than, maybe for a group or corporate gatherings every month. This will attract customers automatically, and it may even receive even more recognition.

Adjust promoting techniques:

Market your eatery all year by keeping in contact with clients using email or mail by furnishing rebates with an ease back season. You can provide discounts and new offers like buy one get one free deal that was not provided in the other seasons.

Highlight Soups, Entrees, and Soups on the menu:

While making your winter menu, consider the greater part of the heavenly warming sustenance’s that individuals love to eat when the temperature drops. Custom made soups, stews, and great solace sustenance will make sure that customers will have a good time and have suitable food for the season available.

Take Account of any takeout Clients:

With shorter days, long workweeks, and the difficulties that icy climate brings, numerous eager customers pick the solace and accommodation of takeout. Take them into account by offering curbside takeout administration or home conveyance. You may likewise consider offering clients the capacity to put in their requests and pay for the bill ideal from your site or social media page.

Make the most out of Occasion Surge times:

Give your clients motivation to feast at your eatery amid the Christmas season. For example, offer occasion lunch specials that interest to occupied occasion customers in a hurry, and make sure to make the most out of your feast space for extensive gatherings or organization parties.

Put A Merry Turn on the Bar Menu of your restaurant:

There is absolutely nothing like a whiskey, Irish espresso or glass of red wine to warm you up inside. Try not to miss significant chances to add to your clients’ tabs with liquor. Get inventive with winter mixed drinks and keep an affordable menu with daily specials.

Confer warmth AND Comfort Through Your Stylistic theme:

Give your visitors a break from the frosty with included touches, for example, wrenching up the chimney, serving hot cocoa and eggnog, and sprucing up your inside with occasion lights and designs.

Improve the BAR and introduce Live Excitement AND Extraordinary Occasions:

Offer live amusement and extraordinary occasions to increase the occasion soul. A couple of thoughts… have an occasional get-together for your VIP visitors, acquire Santa Claus amid Sunday early lunch, or host live question and answer contests.

Be Benevolent towards your Clients’ Wallets:

The Christmas season is a costly time for most purchasers, so they will probably be giving careful consideration to the amount they spend on eating out, particularly after the greater part of the occasion flourish has passed. Consider approaches to enable your clients to spare a couple of bucks without it contrarily affecting your eatery’s benefits.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.