By: Bridget Krueger, Business Banker

As a lender, I see everything from startup companies to established companies.  When it comes to applying for a business loan, there are five things that every owner should do to secure the best loan.  It’s important to show banks that lending to you is safe and advantageous for you and the bank.

By: George Ohlendorf, V.P. Commercial Banker

In the last two years I have not spoken with a business owner or human resources manager, regardless of the industry, that is not having difficulty finding employees. 

Many of us know that great companies like Honda Motorcycle failed and Levis Jeans is not nearly the dominating force in the jeans market it once was. What many of us don’t know is that both of these companies faced the same problem; not enough people of the right age to buy their products. This same shortage of consumers contributed to the great recession because there simply were not enough people to buy the inventory of homes.

By: Tara Grays, Business Banker

There are several things to ask before starting a business; however, I have highlighted five questions that should have been thought through before moving forward.

1) Do I have a solid Business Plan?

First, you want to make sure you not only know the industry you are starting your business in, but how you are going to make a place for you and your business in that market.  To do so, you need to specifically lay out what your business is and the need or want your business is satisfying for the consumer (or business if B2B).  Then how will you reach your target audience, and who are you differentiating yourself from?  Other highlights should include: how your company is organized, market research and analysis, marketing and sales plan, financial projections, and assumptions.  Remember, as your company evolves and grows, your business plan should too.

By: Benjamin Swanson, Business Banker

You are ready for the next big steps for your business. Congratulations! Whether you have mastered a new product or service and are ready to start selling, need to purchase your first piece of major equipment, have an opportunity to purchase a season’s worth of supplies at a discount, are finally able to purchase your own real estate or the ink has been dry for an hour on that shiny new business plan, it is clear your company is ready for the next level. The other thing that has become clear is that you are going to need some help, and it is time to pursue financing.

By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer

Many of your best clients do business with your competitors. You’d love to gain some of that business, so today we present an excellent strategy that will help.  It’s called “pull strategy.”

Pull strategy is based on a simple idea: in order to stand out and gain more business from existing customers, you need to be more proactive with them.

By: Tara Grays, Business Banker

Being a Business Banker, I get to hear about many different businesses and their plan for success.  I enjoy listening to their strategies and hearing about their passions, and figure out how I can help move them forward.  Sometimes that means walking them through the process of applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) or traditional financing. Sometimes that means getting them connected with one of the many organizations in Dane County that help with the initial stages (and beyond) of starting a business so they are ready to apply for a loan – and figure out which one is the right fit for them. However I can help play a role in their steps toward running a successful business and what that means to them, I do. 

By: Kevin Mahaney, Vice President – Business Relationship Manager

In April, SBA Administrator Linda McMahon announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a 504 Loan and the Debenture that funds it with a 25-year maturity. A 25-year Debenture is a new threshold for the SBA. The new 504 Loan term complements the 10- and 20-year 504 Loan and Debenture that have been available since 1986. This new 25-year Debenture will be made available for 504 Projects that are approved on or after April 4, 2018.

At an unemployment rate of 4.1%, levels not seen since December of 2000, it’s not surprising that hiring and retaining quality employees is listed as a major challenge of today’s small business owner.  A recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Poll lists hiring above other concerns such as government regulations, financial stability, cash flow and competition.

By: Bridget Krueger, Business Banker

Starting a business is hard.  Many entrepreneurs have the ideas, products, services and drive to succeed in their area of expertise. However, running a company may be more than they bargained for.  It requires many varied duties that may be beyond their expertise, in which case, they need to seek out a trusted partner.

By:Alyssa J. Chance, J.D., Vice President & Personal Trust Officer

When it comes to succession planning, company leadership often considers and plans for the impact of a change in management style and corporate vision. Many companies, however, fail to consider the financial impact of such a major transition, even if all other aspects of a change in leadership are a resounding success.

Your succession plan should include a budget.