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Monday, 28th March 2022 | Sales,Marketing,Management

10 ways to prepare for expanding your small business

Small businesses start out small but they don't have to stay that way. If you'd like to grow in size and/or scope, here are 10 ideas on how to expand your small business.

Is your small business feeling cramped? Perhaps it's time to consider expanding. Expansion can bring new markets, increased sales, and broader reach—but it’s not a shift to take lightly. If you’re looking to expand your small business, consider these strategies.

Research, research, research

Once you’ve made the decision to expand your business it might be tempting to just jump in with both feet but the first, and arguably most important, step is to do your research. Among the topics you’ll want to explore are:

Your current customers and what works (and doesn’t) for them
Your competitors
Where future opportunities might lie

Perhaps you want to expand your business by conquering new markets, exporting internationally, creating licensing agreements or acquiring other businesses. Any of those strategies require a lot of preliminary research.

Recapture existing customers by strengthening your retention methods

Small business owners know it costs more to attract new customers than to keep existing ones. Research from Bain & Company puts a number on it: “A 5% increase in customer retention produces more than a 25% increase in profit.” If you’re looking to expand your business, now is the time to focus on your existing customers.

Prioritize customer service

Before you make any moves to expand, make sure your customer service is the very best it can be. Customers should look forward to interacting with your company and transactions should be stress-free.

Increase brand equity with a customer loyalty program

Loyalty programs bring customers back and that’s exactly what you want when you’re considering expanding. Strategic loyalty programs can foster goodwill with returning customers and bring in new ones—and they can help get the word out about your products or services.

Build brand presence and engage with customers on social media

Put simply, your brand needs to be on social media. It’s one of the best ways to attract customers, build loyalty, and engage and grow your presence. Even better, social media knows no geographical boundaries so it’s an effective way to get into new markets. Treat your social media like any other part of your marketing strategy by making a plan and using the tools at your disposal to get the results you want. Make sure you post engaging and relevant content regularly. Also, test other new marketing and sales tactics, and make sure you measure what works so you can refine your strategy.

Ask for referrals, reviews, testimonials

Nobody knows how you do business quite like your existing customers, which makes reviews and testimonials a natural (and free!) marketing tool. Make sure you’re harnessing the power of past successful relationships to bring in new leads by asking for Google Reviews of your business. These are particularly effective because they’re unbiased and can boost your brand. They can also help you identify where there’s room for improvement.

Consider a franchise model

Franchising, where you license your business operations, is a way to gain market share with minimal capital output. A franchise is a joint venture between the franchisor (you) and the franchisee where you license your existing products, branding, and operations. The franchisee pays you a fee in exchange. It’s a way to monetize your proven idea and expand your business without taking on 100% of the burdens.

Improve your lead generation

To fill your sales funnel, you need leads—and this goes double when you’re looking to expand. Start by building an email list and launch an email campaign. Then manage your lead nurturing using a customer relations management (CRM) system. These systems not only help you generate leads but also let you store your data, manage customer relationships, and identify sales opportunities all in one secured place.

Participate in networking events, conferences and trade shows

Now is the time to make the most of face-to-face and hybrid networking events including conferences and trade shows. Especially for a business looking to expand, these events are critical to building brand awareness, engaging with others in your industry, nurturing leads and, ultimately, driving sales.

Consider taking out a loan

Business loans are made for expanding businesses. They’re designed to help you take your good business model to the next level, covering expenses like advertising, real estate, maintenance, supplies, and salaries for new employees. Growth comes at a cost, and a small business loan is a far better source for that capital than your existing operating cash.

Marketing, customer relations, lead generation, and capital: Expanding your business relies on the same strengths that starting your business did. Consider these 10 approaches to increase your chances of success.

Is a business loan taxable income?

One of the most common questions business owners ask is whether business loans are taxable or not. Business loans in Canada are not taxable income. You will not be taxed on a business loan delivered to your business account. Instead, you pay taxes on the money you make. While some individuals consider company loans as a source of revenue, you are not earning this money. As a result, you will not be taxed on the money deposited into your company bank account when you get your loan.

However, just because your company loan isn't considered taxable income doesn't mean it's tax-free. There is one exception to the rule that loans are not taxable income, and that is when you negotiate a debt reduction with a bank or lender. When a debt is forgiven, you must pay taxes on the amount discounted.

Many individuals are concerned about the amount of taxes they would have to pay as a business owner, yet starting a business is advantageous in many ways as enterprises are eligible for a tax deduction.

Are business loan payments tax deductible?

Unfortunately, payments on company loans are not tax-deductible. The loan is not taxable income, so you don't have to pay any taxes when you get it. However, you won't be able to deduct principal loan payments while repaying the loan. You are returning the money you borrowed rather than the money you spent. It might be a huge letdown for many individuals, but there's no need to be concerned.

Even though you will not be able to deduct your loan repayments from your taxes, there are many other elements of your business where you will be able to deduct your taxes. Interest paid on your company loan, for example, is usually tax-deductible.

As a result, you will not be eligible for a reduction in the total cost of your loan repayment. You will, however, be allowed to deduct the interest component of this payment. Interest is a business expenditure, and business expenses are tax-deductible.

How small business loans in Canada affect taxes

Getting a small company loan might impact your taxes, even if you don't pay income tax on it. Here's how it works:

Interest repayment

Small business loans are structured such that your loan payments are balanced between paying interest and repaying the principal.

The portion of your payment that goes toward interest is tax-deductible, lowering your taxable income and allowing you to pay less in taxes than you would otherwise. You must have a real debtor-creditor connection with the lenders to take advantage of this tax deduction (money borrowed from friends and relatives does not count, even if you pay the interest).

Typical business expenses you can deduct

In addition to interest on business, money must be spent on assets and expenses required to run your firm. If you use the money for something else, the interest isn't deductible as a company expenditure.

There are other regular expenses essential to running your business that are likely to be deductible. They include the following:

Home office
Commercial rent
Utilities
Employee salaries
Marketing

Typical business expenses you can't deduct

Certain costs are not deductible, even if they seem typical or essential. Here are some examples:

Expensive gifts to clients
Commuting expenses
Entertaining clients
Contributions to political agendas

Why work with iCapital?

The majority of business loans in Canada are not taxed. You can probably deduct any interest you pay from your taxable income if you pay one installment off.

When it comes to taxes, there are always exceptions. If you're unclear about the legality of any business deduction you should consult iCapital, which can provide you with multiple stress-free financing options.

iCapital focuses on what's essential for you! You get the money you need and the excellent customer service and attention you deserve when working with iCapital. Contact us today to take advantage of our 98% application approval rate.

Small business financing Canada ,Management

Best strategies to pay off your small business loan

Best Strategies To Pay Off Your Small Business Loans

Knowing that your company's debt is mounting can be a powerful drive to take action, but it can also feel intimidating and overwhelming. Developing a debt reduction strategy can assist business owners in regaining control of the situation and paying off debt as quickly as possible.
The following company debt management techniques can teach you how to pay off debt quickly.

Pay in Installments

You may utilize extra money to pay off your debt faster than paying your small business loan equated to a monthly installment (EMI) once a month. Of course, the lender will charge you a fee for this, but it will undoubtedly speed up your debt repayment.

Please keep in mind that this is typically only an option for secured loans. If you have an unsecured company loan, talk to your lender about the terms for making partial payments.

At Regular Intervals, Increase Your EMI Percentage

If you think you'll be able to manage your debt by reducing your spending or raising your income, talk to your lender about increasing your EMI payment by a particular percentage. The viability of this option will, once again, be determined by your lender's policies and the sort of company loan you have obtained. By increasing your EMI percentage, you’ll be able to repay the company loan faster.

Create a Positive Working Relationship with the Lender

It is the most underrated aspect of the banking sector: borrowers frequently overlook the importance of developing a positive working relationship with the lender.

To build a positive working relationship with your lender, you must pay all EMIs on time and communicate with them regularly. It increases your trustworthiness and improves your chances of acquiring favorable loan conditions. In addition, the lender can assist you in taking advantage of various discounts that may be available from time to time.

Borrowing with Caution

Don't overborrow since it can affect your repayment schedule. If your loan is not properly handled or you fail on your payments, it can have long-term consequences.

As a result, it's critical to borrow an amount that you can readily return without jeopardizing your company's cash flow. Also, avoid unnecessarily increasing running costs during repayments since this might negatively influence your payback ability. Make the most of your resources and attempt to repay your company loan as soon as possible.

Decrease Company Spending

You can put more money toward your debt repayments by reducing any company expenditures that you can do without. Make a list of your monthly spending to see what costs might be reduced or eliminated.

Reduce inventory to increase cash flow or halt charity giving until the company's debt is paid off. The money you save in unnecessary costs can be put toward debt payments to guarantee that the money owed is paid quickly. It may surprise you how reducing small monthly expenses can add up to significant savings.

Find Ways To Increase Revenue And Income

Maximizing cash flow is a significant aspect of paying down corporate debt. Finding new ways to create money and reduce your debt will help you get out of debt faster. It’s a good idea to identify the accounts with the most significant debt. You'll require cash inflow to pay them down.

Consider the various ways you and your firm could improve cash flow. For example, can you diversify your company's services or goods to capitalize on a market gap? Raising or reducing pricing, holding a flash sale, upselling to customers, focusing on your store's most popular goods, or renewing your marketing approach are all actions that could potentially increase company sales.

‍Get Small Business Loans with iCapital!

iCapital is one of Canada’s leading loan providers to small businesses in various industries. We offer flexible payment options and hassle-free procedures to ensure you get your money as soon as possible. Get more information about iCapital's small business loans. Contact us today and apply for a small business loan for your company with a 98% approval rate and 24/7 access to your accounts.

Small business financing Canada ,Accounting

Do short-term loans affect your credit rating?

What is a Credit Rating?

A credit rating determines how creditworthy individuals, groups, enterprises, non-profit organizations, governments, and even nations are. Special credit rating agencies assess borrowers' financial risk to decide whether or not they will be able to repay short-term loans on time.

A strong credit rating boosts trustworthiness and demonstrates a record of repaying debts on time. In addition, it assists banks and investors in determining whether or not to approve loan applications at a given interest rate.

Why does a Credit Score matter?

Before discussing business financing, let’s talk about credit ratings and why they matter. Most lenders are partial to issuing a company loan based on your credit score. Why? Your credit score and personal financial history will provide information and an accurate picture of your financial responsibility.

Lenders will use your credit score to determine how trustworthy you will be as a borrower.
This is especially true if you are a young entrepreneur. If you have no company credit, a lender can look at your previous ability to pay off past loans to determine your creditworthiness.

How does a credit check affect a Credit Score?

While you may have been aware that personal credit ratings influence your ability to obtain company funding, did you realize that qualifying for a business loan might negatively impact your credit score? This "blow" will affect your ability to obtain the best rates.

The type of credit score performed by the lender determines the influence on your credit score:

Some credit inquiries from lenders consider variables other than your credit score with a no credit check. This implies that your credit score will not suffer.
During the pre-approval procedure, a soft credit inquiry will be performed, which will not affect your credit score.
A hard credit inquiry is the ultimate sort of credit inquiry and occurs just before a company loan is approved. Each inquiry will lower your credit score by 1 to 5 points.

Situations when business loans affect Credit

There are various types of business loans, each with its own impact on personal credit. For example, most business loans will harm your credit if you guarantee a company account.
It is a frequent circumstance for solo owners and couples. The lender has the authority to recover payments from you if the firm defaults. In addition, the lender will record defaulted business debts on your credit reports.

Another situation where business loans may impact your credit score is when you utilize personal borrowing to support your company. For example, if you utilize personal loans to finance your business, such as home equity loans, the payments will appear on your credit reports.

A company line of credit is no different. If you guarantee the line of credit, it may impact your credit. Your credit ratings may be affected in either a good or bad way. If your company has difficulty repaying debt, it will have a negative impact on your credit score.

How Can You Improve Credit Score?

Being authorized for a fair business loan with little to no credit is certainly not impossible. However, if you want a loan with a longer payback period, and cheaper fees and interest rates, raising your credit score can help you get approved.

Find out what's causing your credit score to suffer
Create a credit history
Raise your credit score

How Does iCapital Work?

iCapital offers hassle-free loans to small businesses in as quickly as 24 hours. With minimal paperwork and hold-ups, you can have the money transferred to your account within 48 hours.
iCapital is a one-of-a-kind firm in Canada. Are you prepared to begin the process of obtaining short-term loans in Canada? To get started, give the iCapital team a call today at 1 877-251-7171!

Small business financing Canada

April is World Autism Month

April is World Autism Month. It is an annual opportunity to bring awareness to and dedicated conversation about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way people interact and communicate. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means the degree to which each person on the spectrum experiences certain challenges will be different from one another. In Canada, approximately 1 in 66 children and youth ages 5-17 have been diagnosed with autism.

At iCapital, we believe strongly in being a good corporate citizen and giving back to Canadians. We have a long history of charitable giving including sponsoring sports teams and children’s organizations. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, we ran an annual fundraising event in support of autism that raised over $100,000 for Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND).

ISAND is a registered non-profit organization that serves children and young adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. ISAND’s integrated team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, clinicians, and therapists work together with families to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. iCapital is a proud, long-time supporter of this amazing organization. This year, we donated $10,000 to support ISAND’s various programs.

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