February 20, 2003
 

Are you creditworthy?
The U.S. Small Business Administration, banks and other lenders look at particular things when evaluating loan applications. [March 13, 2000]

Other people's money
There are all sorts of ways to find money, all with their benefits and drawbacks. Bank loans are the most common form of financing, but other methods abound, such as attracting capital from outside investors, borrowing from family members or even using credit cards. Experts say there isn't a more crucial, fundamental factor in the survival of a new business than cobbling together enough money to make it through those precarious early stages. [March 29, 1999]

Financing alternatives
Having trouble finding financing? Don't give up. Check out these Seattle-area resources. [March 29, 1999]

Expanding your business can have its own risk and rewards
At 40, Wade Weigel is part owner of six barber shops, a restaurant, two Capitol Hill night spots and a hotel in Belltown. Weigel co-founded the hip but laid-back Rudy's Barber Shop chain, with its trademark dark-green storefronts, six years ago. And he's been expanding his little empire at a frenzied pace since then. [March 29, 1999]

Chapter 11 can buy time for struggling businesses, but underlying problems must be solved
Many people dream of owning a small business. But sometimes things don't work out. When they don't, there are alternatives to closing up shop. One option is filing for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, designed to give financially troubled businesses a chance to reorganize and restructure their debts, preserve their employees' jobs and protect their shareholders' investments. [March 29, 1999]