Avoid bankruptcy: Tips to grow your small business economically

By John Reiter

There are many more small businesses in the United States than large businesses, so it’s easy to understand why they are vital to the U.S. economy. Considering that even multi-million dollar corporations have had to file for bankruptcy protection or close their doors completely in recent years, many people mistakenly assume that small businesses are struggling in today’s economy.

Small businesses can be successful

Small businesses run the gamut from local law firms with 100 attorneys to Mom and Pop corner stores with 50 employees and even one-man operations that are run out of the owner’s home office. Although it’s inevitable that not every small business will ultimately be a success, many are flourishing. A recent study by Chicago-based SurePayroll surveyed 300 small businesses, and an impressive 30% of respondents had actually seen a sales increase over the past year.

However, if you are a small business owner who is experiencing tough times rather than watching your sales forecasts soar through the roof, it may be tempting to throw in the towel. A few of the top reasons that many small businesses fail include:

• Lack of experience
• Insufficient capital (lack of funds)
• Poor location
• Poor inventory management
• Poor credit arrangement management

Bankruptcy can be avoided

Whether your business has significant debt because it is just getting off the ground or you are keeping creditors at bay by juggling debt from one credit card or line of credit to another, therefore treading water while trying to stay afloat, it is possible to grow your small business and avoid bankruptcy.

Planning and preparing for the future, which will predictably include some bumps along the way, is one of the best ways to help your business grow economically. The Small Business Administration recommends the following:

1. Forecast for growth in the future even as you focus on the present. Strategic thinking and planning can help you achieve your ideal outcome.

2. Use technology to stay competitive. It’s vital for small business owners to understand current technologies and take advantage of them! Accounting software, planning software such as an online calendar, time tracking software to help determine which tasks are profitable, email management programs to keep things streamlined between multiple email accounts and mobile devices that can make life easier when you’re on the go are just a few suggestions.

3. Develop a marketing plan that will help you make a profit. A solid marketing plan should include everything from understanding your target audience and how you plan to reach it to how you will separate yourself from the competition and make more sales.

4. Consider franchising your business if you are interested in expanding without spending most of the money yourself.  Realistically speaking, few small businesses can be franchised, but it is possible if you offer superior products or services that are in high demand and your business model is easy to duplicate. Setting up the legal end of things will involve significant costs, but you could expand your business and earn franchise fees.

These are just a few suggestions to help your small business grow and avoid significant debt. If you honestly feel that bankruptcy may be your best option, it would be wise to meet with a legal professional for feedback and advice.

Jon Reiter is a marketing agent for http://www.jonbclarke.com/, experienced Denver bankruptcy lawyers.

Best states to consider doing business in

The State a business is opened in can have sizable effects on start up costs, taxation, legal regulation, and revenue generation potential. The reason this is so is different states vary on their approach to business in terms of the aforementioned aspects. 

Since many start up businesses face considerable obstacles such as under-capitalizations, weak or inconsistent market share, entry barriers etc. every advantage that can be harnessed can help spin the favor in the direction of the start up business. Certain states can provide a more favorable business and economic environment to new businesses.

States with favorable business, legal and regulatory environments

A favorable business legal environment can protect businesses from excess litigation and legal costs in addition to more reliable legal processes can be advantageous for a business. Legal and regulatory factors may have an influence on where a company incorporates because of certain legal and regulatory factors. 

If a State favors businesses, there are legal steps and environments that can be fostered to attract businesses. A few factors that may affect a company's decision to incorporate in a given state include the following:

• Legal protection from litigation
• Corporate Registration fees
• Asset protection regardless of LLC status
• Privacy of officer information
• Formulation methods for business policy i.e. written vs meeting
• Minimum amounts requirements for Business bank accounts

One state that is highly favored by corporations is Delaware. Delaware is favored by many corporations due to an exceptional legal system in addition to accessibility to that legal system, low registration fees, anonymity of officer information, and asset protection. These are legal and regulatory variables that allow businesses to operate with less fear of law suit, cost of operation and red tape in terms of reporting information and achieving legal objectives.

States with lowest taxation

The tax rates between states varies considerably and depend on the type of business. Sole proprietorships are taxed at individual rates which are also different from state to state whereas C Corporations are taxed at corporate rates which are subject to different taxation. Additionally, both sole proprietorships and C corporations are subject to sliding scale rates except for states that have a corporate flat tax.

Furthermore, business income from capital gains and dividends may be subject to different tax rates than ordinary income making the distribution of income and state taxation of that income a key component in the tax advantages of doing business in certain states. The lowest and highest of each set of tax rates are illustrated below:

Sole-proprietorships:

Income between: $7,550-$30,650: 15%
$30,650-$74,200 25%
$74,200-$154,800 28%
$154,800-$336,550 33%
$336,551 + 35%

Capital Gains Tax varies from 0%-28% depending on the type of item sold i.e. collectible, real estate, stock etc. Qualified Dividend income is also generally taxed at a lower rate than normal income i.e. 5% for a normal income tax bracket below 25% or 15% for a normal income tax bracket at or above 25% or higher.

C-Corporations:

Lowest Flat Tax Rate: Kansas 4%
Highest Flat Tax Rate: Minnesota 9.8%

Lowest Sliding Scale Rate: Arkansas 1%-6.5%
Highest Sliding Scale Rate: Vermont 6%-8.5%

It should also be noted that state corporate tax rates may or may not include other taxes such as surtax. Massachusetts which has a flat rate tax of 9.5% includes a 14% surtax which when added on to other state tax rates may or may not end up costing less.

States with no income tax may or may not have special exemptions for business revenue, however sole proprietorships not using employer identification numbers may qualify for tax exemption. Checking with each states tax authorities is a good way to assure if one's business transactions will be taxable. The following is a list of states that do not currently have individual income tax.

• Alaska
• Texas
• Florida
• Nevada
• Washington
• Wyoming

States with economic potential and market demographics

Depending on which State a business operates in the market demographics are likely to differ. Finding the right market for a business is somewhat dependent on the products and/or services provided by a business however some sates have key economic factors that can be beneficial to a profitable business climate. A few such variables are the following:

• Income growth
• Employment rates
• Population growth
• Consumer spending
• Location to major industrial or business districts

Cities and regions within States may also provide favorable or unfavorable micro climates. These economic micro climates, two examples of which are the Dulles Corridor in Virginia and Silicon Valley in California provide a more expedient flow of information, professional interaction, and potentially cheaper logistics costs and may offset or enhance some of the influences associated with States as a whole.

Start-up business tips

Before setting up a business in a state can be prudent to prepare. Preparation involves several key techniques and methods used by many business owners.  Not understanding the risks of independent business financing, or of jumping into a business or business idea without actually knowing what will happen can be a one way ticket to business failure. 

• Plan

A sound, and effective business plan can be a very good idea before starting a business in any state. Simulating business scenarios, visualizing the business, preparing for shortcomings, logistical, inventory, capitalization, distribution and other important aspects of business operations may mean the difference between success and failure.

• Research the market

Different states have different markets, regional market saturation levels, competition etc. Knowing the market within a state is important to future revenue generation. Market analysis involves techniques such as cluster analysis, market segmentation and business market saturation.

• Know the product and/or service

Different products and services may have lower costs in different States. For example, there may be a surplus of technicians in State A but a shortage in State B. According to supply and demand the state with a surplus will have lower costs in the short run.

• Understand taxation and annual fees:

Tax issues are more than just surface tax rates and can involve business specific taxes, tax strategy and state tax rates. Review varying business models against their taxability, taxable structure and rates associated with those types of businesses.

Summary

The decision to incorporate a business based on State attributes tends to be an involved one as so many variables can come into play. The business owners may have to relocate for one thing and setting up shop in another state can require heavy start up costs, time and energy. For these reasons, locating a business in a specific state would have to favor a business considerably to be worth while both in the short and long runs.

The information in this article may serve as primer to some of the key factors worth considering in terms of starting a new business within the United States. It might be a good idea to also consider the fact business type also plays a role. Certain businesses might have more potential in certain states. For example, an orange farm without a doubt will have the best chances of success in California or Florida. Choosing another State and growing oranges in greenhouses may not be cost effective and the advantages and disadvantages between California and Florida might also be considered.

Different States have different regulatory, taxation, and market environments. These factors along with regional and urban considerations can all have an impact on the potential revenue generation and performance of a start up business. Taking the time to understand and become familiar with as many of these factors as possible before opening a business can mean the difference between sub-par and optimal business performance within one or more states of operation.

Sources:

1. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf
2. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040.pdf
3. http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/corp_inc.html
4. http://www.forbes.com/2006/08/15/best-states-business_cz_kb_0815beststates.html
5. http://www.articles-hub.com/Article/104260.html