With just weeks to go, small business owners are feeling the tax crunch. BusinessNewsDaily checked in with tax experts about the outstanding chores that need to be done by the end of February to satisfy Uncle Sam

Most investors are not forgiving when meeting with entrepreneurs. They often consider terminology blunders as a warning sign that entrepreneurs are financially “unsophisticated” or don’t have the financial “bandwidth” to manage money wisely or report financial results in an accurate way.  Here are a few terms to become familiar with before approaching potential investors.

Despite some improvements, the economic climate still makes it hard for many small businesses to qualify for loans from bank and financial institutions. But there are some alternative lending providers that are willing to lend businesses money—even those with less than perfect credit.  

Tax season is often overwhelming and time consuming for small business owners. Here are some last-minute tricks and tips to streamline your filing this year.

President Obama urged Congress Tuesday to pass legislation that will give mom and pops tax breaks for hiring and eliminate some capital gains taxes on business investments. But how much real impact will his plan have on small business owners in the year to come?

Bargain-hungry consumers continue to gobble up daily deal offerings, but the cost of getting new clients in the door at a heavily discounted price may not be the right financial choice for every small business.

While it may seem more difficult for big idea entrepreneurs to obtain checks from wealthy investors, ultimately soliciting non-accredited investors can be the more time-consuming and expensive path to funding success.

Here are some tips from the Young Entrepreneur Council on how you can take steps to make your small business greener, without spending a ton of money.

Learning how to pitch investors is an invaluable skill. Avoid these blunders, which are sure to make a bad impression--and could kill the deal.

Savvy entrepreneurs are always looking for faster, easier ways to raise equity capital from investors. It’s no wonder that entrepreneurs today want to leverage their online networks to solicit funds from their online “friends,” “followers” and “fans.” This may get a thumbs up for creativity; state and federal regulators would give your fundraising plan a big thumbs down on execution.

To ensure sales success in your business, whether you're a startup or an established entrepreneur, here are a dozen of my best commandments for sealing the deal.

Bank of America Corp. is cutting off lines of credit to some small businesses, and demanding they pay their balances in full, at a time when many small businesses are borrowing regularly in order to stay afloat.

In a typical joint  venture company, two or more partners agree to form a new corporation to pursue a specific business opportunity. Sometimes partners in such ventures contribute equal amounts of cash to the new venture, or one partner may contribute cash while another partner contributes technology, know-how or the personnel resources to operate. Here's some tips to organize your "JV" approach. 

The lending market for small businesses cratered during the recession and has been on a jagged path of recovery. To help fill the void, entrepreneurs are finding alternative financing sources.

We spoke with angel investors from across the country to find out what will be piquing their interest in 2012, and what entrepreneurs should know before they start trying to raise capital.  

Discounting can be your ticket to disaster. Add value instead, and watch your business thrive.

The Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, which provide federal technology research funds to small businesses, were up for expiration Friday and will now be funded for an additional six years.

For family-owned business, year-end planning is more complex because oftentimes it involves an intersection between personal planning, estate planning  and business planning. Here's what family-owned businesses should do to prepare for 2012.

Startup entrepreneurs and well-established business owners should have a sophisticated appreciation of how investors and ultimately business buyers will size up their company’s potential. Sometimes these factors which can influence company valuations are referred to as “business fundamentals” or “investment fundamentals.” 

Convincing others to take a chance on your business can be a painstaking task that requires skill, planning, determination and patience. Here are five tips that will teach you where and how to find the right investors for your business.

It is often said that people develop lasting impressions within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone new. The same can be said for individuals who read executive summaries. Harsh but true— if the first page of the document fails to stimulate interest; the potential investor will just click elsewhere or move on to another entrepreneur’s executive summary. 

In a shaky economy and pessimistic hiring and retail environment, some entrepreneurs are finding they can afford to become their own landlords.

Venture capitalists may appear to be part of an elite group that is impossible to penetrate. While there is a certain level of exclusivity within this community, their doors and checkbooks open to charismatic entrepreneurs who can persuade VCs of their big money making potential. 

Companies that experience rapid sales growth can also quickly eat through their cash supply. Here are some tips to ensure your businesses' success doesn't lead to an empty bank account.

When it comes to seeking angel investing many women business owners are hesitant to ask. While the reasons for vary for why this might be, one thing is for sure, the trend needs to change.

A recent study shows women are just as likely as men to receive financing for the small business if they ask for it--but they don't. Here are several tips for female entrepreneurs on how to go about seeking – and receiving – angel funding.

Many had high hopes for the Obama Administration's Small Business Lending Fund, which had $30 billion in its coffers. But when the program ended several weeks ago, with only $4 billion lent out to small banks, and even less making it into the hands of small business owners, the program was deemed a failure. So, what went wrong?

When meeting with potential investors, it's important to make a good impression and speak their language. Here's a shortlist of venture capital terms, and how to use them to your advantage.

Today, microlending is a multi-billion dollar industry with active lending operations in Asia, South and Central America, Africa and North America. In the United States, microloan organizations provide loans as small as $500 and as great as $35,000 at favorable interest rates.  

Here is some advice from members of the Young Entrepreneur Council on what costs entrepreneurs often forget to budget for.

One of the toughest tasks any small business owner will face is getting a loan. And nearly three years after the recession struck and the credit markets froze, the current economic situation remains quite challenging. 

Before deciding to incorporate as a Sub S, check all aspects to determine if the structure will suit your needs and psychological temperament.

Follow these tips to get your dream business off the ground without seeking outside investors.

To avoid costly blunders, business owners should consider these guidelines when mailing their products to customers.

A look at some of the more hopeful signals from the world of commercial lending, community banks, credit unions and venture backers

Some owners have found innovative ways to manage change amid health-care reform.

Borrowing by small U.S. businesses surged in April, data released by PayNet Inc on Wednesday showed, providing some evidence the economy is not headed for a prolonged soft patch.

Banks want to lend money to your business, not just because they received some extra support from government stimulus programs, but because business loans generally carry fewer risks for lenders than consumer loans. So which one is right for your businesses?

If you are self employed, no matter how small your business, your tax return is now a complex creature and is more likely to be audited. Here are steps you can take to keep the taxman off your back.

Small business owners say they are finally getting some good news in a slow-burning economic recovery. Across the U.S., lenders are increasing their commitment to America's entrepreneurs.