Articles

5 Business Plan Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
By Paul A. Broni

If you are preparing to raise capital from either an investor or a bank, you’re probably writing a business plan. Here are five of the most common mistakes that I have seen as a result of my experience as a commercial banker and corporate-finance consultant. (more)

Credit Lines: How Much is Enough?
How to determine the amount of credit your company really needs.
By Paul A. Broni

[Originally published in the August 1999 issue of Inc. magazine (link).]

Your business is taking off, but cash is getting tight. Is that a sign that something is wrong? Probably not. All businesses need more capital as they grow. The question is, Where do you go for money? (more)

Take My Loan...Please!
Your banker just gave you the old heave-ho? Here's how you can line up a new lender and maybe even get your former bank's help in the process.
By Paul A. Broni

[Originally published in the December 1999 issue of Inc. magazine (link).]

Your bank has just notified you that it will not be renewing your line of credit or loan when it matures. What do you do now? How do you begin finding a new bank without appearing desperate? It's not the easiest process in the world, but if you take the correct steps, the transition should go smoothly enough. (more)

Persuasive Projections
Predicting the future is hard. But when you're making financial projections, that's exactly what you need to do. You can avoid some of the most common mistakes by following this list of dos and don'ts.
By Paul A. Broni

[Originally published in the April 2000 issue of Inc. magazine (link).]

It doesn't matter whether you're applying for your first bank loan or your fifth, or whether you're seeking venture capital or debt financing. Sooner or later, you'll have to prepare a set of financial projections. Lenders will look for a strong likelihood of repayment; investors will calculate what they think is the value of your company. (more)