Cimatri Names Ken Monblatt As COO Monblatt brings a selectio…

Cimatri Names Ken Monblatt As COO Monblatt brings a selection of experience to his brand-new duty, from such locations as FORTRUST Data Center Services, Rhythms NetConnections, McLeod Communications, Paging Network, Inc., and also Verizon Wireless.In a current meeting, Monblatt shared,”In my brand-new duty as Cimatri’s Chief Operating Officer, I will certainly be concentrated on’productizing’our worth …

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Monblatt brings a selectio…
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New comment by ohanar in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (September 2020)"

ESI Group | Software development engineer | San Diego, CA | Full-time | Onsite preferred post-Covid

ESI Group is currently seeking a software development engineer to work in our San Diego office. We are a small team with diverse backgrounds focused on developing desktop software applications in the field of vibro-acoustics simulation. Our clients include NASA, Boeing, Airbus, GM, and Ford.

We are looking for a developer with a Bachelors/Masters degree in the Sciences or Engineering. The successful candidate must have excellent C++ skills. We also use Python, Qt, MFC and CMake to develop our applications. We use GitLab as our version-control platform with continuous-integration, unit testing and package management via Conan, to complete our DevOps toolkit. We create UI wireframes and write product specifications to refine our development requirements. Many of our team members are skilled in numerical methods and high performance computing.

Being a small team, you’ll enjoy a high level of autonomy and the ability to influence new products and features on several levels. You’ll learn from our wealth of pooled knowledge and share your expertise in return. The office setting is casual, and we all enjoy the freedom of flex-time schedules.

Please contact Tracy at ext-tracy.sidall@esi-group.com with any questions you may have relating to the position or company. Don’t forget to mention HN in the email.

The post New comment by ohanar in “Ask HN: Who is hiring? (September 2020)” appeared first on ROI Credit Builders.

How to Get a Commercial Line of Credit Right Now

Covid-19 has turned the world topsy turvy.  There is no way around it.  Most businesses need a little extra financial cushion at the very least.  Most need much more than that.  What happens in this post COVID-19 economy is literally unfolding as we watch.  A commercial line of credit could be just the thing to keep your business going during a recession.

Get a Commercial Line of Credit Fast

The thing is, most business owners need money right now.  That means you need the fastest, most cost-effective commercial line of credit that you can get. Why a line of credit rather than a loan?  There are a few reasons, but one main reason. 

Commercial Line of Credit vs. Loan

The most basic definition of a commercial line of credit is that it is a revolving credit, similar to a credit card. You have a limit and continuous access to that limit while making payments only on the portion you use each month. 

For example, if you have a $10,000 line of credit, you can use however much of those funds you need each month for whatever you want, unless your lender issues some sort of restriction. If you use $2,000, then when you get your statement you will have to pay $2,000 plus the interest, rather than a payment plus interest on the entire amount of the loan.

If you were to pay $1,000, then spend another $500, you would pay on the $1,500 balance the next month. Your payments change as your balance changes. Just like with a credit card. 

What is the advantage of a line of credit over a term loan?  Flexibility, hands down.  With a line of credit, you do not have to repay or pay interest on any amount that you do not use.  You have access to the funds as needed, but you do not have to repay the entire amount unless you use the entire amount.

commercial line of credit Credit Suite

Credit Line Hybrid Financing:  Get up to $150,000 in financing so your business can thrive.

Commercial Line of Credit vs. Credit Cards

Now, you’re probably thinking that credit cards are super easy to get, and they work the same way.  It’s revolving credit.  You only use what you need.  You only pay back what you need. 

Why is one better than the other? In some cases, a credit card may be the better option. This is a choice to make based on several different factors. 

The main difference between the two that most borrowers need to know is that a line of credit typically has a lower consistent interest rate.  However, there are no perks like 0% interest or cash back that you sometimes see with credit cards. 

Another benefit with a credit card is that it is typically unsecured credit, meaning you do not have to have collateral.  Many credit lines do require security, or collateral. 

Middle Ground: Credit Line Hybrid

There is middle ground between unsecured and secured credit, and between a commercial credit line and credit cards.  It’s called a credit line hybrid.  A credit line hybrid is revolving, unsecured financing that allows you to fund your business without putting up collateral, and you only pay back what you use.  It’s quickly accessible, lower interest, and high limit. It’s the best of both worlds. 

Who Qualifies for this Type of Commercial Line of Credit?

Who qualifies for a credit line hybrid?  Well, if you have a personal credit score of at least 685, you’re off to a good start.  In addition, you can’t have any liens, judgments, bankruptcies or late payments.  Furthermore, in the past 6 months you should have less than 5 credit inquiries, and you should have less than a 45% balance on all business and personal credit cards.  It’s also preferred that you have established business credit as well as personal credit.

If you do not meet all of the requirements, it’s okay. You can take on a credit partner that meets each of these requirements.  Many business owners work with a friend or relative to fund their business.  If a relative or a friend meets all of these requirements, they can partner with you to allow you to tap into their credit to access funding. 

What are the Benefits of This Type of Commercial Line of Credit? 

There are many benefits to using a credit line hybrid.  First, as already mentioned, it is unsecured.  That means you do not have to have any collateral to put up.  Next, the funding is “no-doc.”  You do not have to provide any bank statements or financials.  

Not only that, but typically approval is up to 5x that of the highest credit limit on the personal credit report. Furthermore, frequently you can get interest rates as low as 0% for the first few months, allowing you to put that savings back into your business. 

The process is pretty fast, especially with a qualified expert to walk you through it.  One other benefit is this.  With the approval for multiple credit cards, competition is created.  That means it’s likely if you handle the credit responsibly, that you can get interest rates lowered and limits raised every few months. 

Private Lenders: Another Way to Get a Commercial Line of Credit Fast

Private lenders generally operate online.  They typically offer lines of credit to those with credit scores that are lower than what is generally required by traditional banks.  In addition, often you can get the funds within a few days of application, rather than a few weeks. Here are a few examples. 

Kabbage

Kabbage offers a credit line of up to $150,000 with no credit score required. The catch is that the interest rate is between 32 and 108%. The business must have been in existence for at least one year and have revenue of at least $50,000. 

Due to the extremely high interest rate, this is really only an option for those businesses that cannot get financing due to a low or nonexistent credit score and need something immediately. 

StreetShares

The credit line that StreetShares offers goes up to $100,000 for those who have a business credit score of at least 600.  You also  have to have been in business for at least one year, and have at least $25,000 in revenue. It requires weekly repayment. 

This is a good option for smaller businesses that are okay in the credit department but have trouble meeting higher revenue criteria. Also, the interest rate minimum is lower than some.  The low end at 9%.

OnDeck

If you have a credit score of at least 600 you can get a credit line of up to $100,000 with OnDeck . The interest rate is a little higher than some that require a higher credit score minimum. It ranges from 13.99 to 39.99 percent. 

Again, due to the higher interest rate, this should only be an option if you cannot meet the higher credit score requirement with a lender that offers a lower interest rate.

commercial line of credit Credit Suite

Credit Line Hybrid Financing:  Get up to $150,000 in financing so your business can thrive.

Lending Club

The credit line  at Lending Club goes up to $300,000. It requires a credit score of 600, at least one year in business, and $50,000 or more in revenue. The repayment term is 25 months. In addition, they require collateral for limits over $100,000. 

This is a good option for those who meet the requirement as there is a higher limit available with collateral, and the interest rate can go as low as 6.25%. Also, the repayment terms are more manageable. 

Credit Card Options

Of course, while not the perfect solution, credit cards are an option.  You have to be careful, and you want to research to ensure you get the best rates and terms possible.  Here are some to start with. 

Brex Card for Startups

The Brex Card has no yearly fee.  Also, you will not need a personal guarantee. However, this card does not work for every industry. 

To determine creditworthiness, Brex checks a company’s cash balance, spending patterns, and investors. Rewards include 7x points on rideshare and 4x on Brex Travel. Also, you can get  triple points on restaurants and get double points on recurring software payments. Get 1x points on everything else.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is another good one to consider. It has no annual fee, but there is also no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 24.49%. However, you can get unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase for your company and there is no minimum to redeem.

While this card is within reach if you have fair credit scores, beware of the APR. If you can pay promptly, and completely, it’s a good deal.

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR. After that expires, the APR is a variable 14.74 to 20.74%. 

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase made for your company and get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening. Rewards rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more using Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You will need superb credit to get approval for this card.

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express has no  no annual fee and either, and it also has  a 0% introductory APR for the first year. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 to 20.74%.

Get double Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases like office supplies or client dinners.  This applies to the first $50,000 spent each year. You get 1 point per dollar after that.  Your credit has to be really good to qualify.

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

Another one to check out is the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card. It is identical to the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. However its rewards are in cash instead of points. You get 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year. After that, it’s 1%.

There is  no yearly fee, and there is a 0% introductory APR for the first one year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 to 20.74%.  You will need awesome credit to qualify for this card.

commercial line of credit Credit Suite

Credit Line Hybrid Financing:  Get up to $150,000 in financing so your business can thrive.

Capital One ® Spark® Cash for Business 

The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business card is another great option. It has an introductory $0 annual fee for the first year. After that, it costs $95 per year. There is no introductory APR deal. The regular APR is a variable 18.49%.

You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Also, you get unlimited 2% cash back.  YOu can rRedeem any time without any minimums.  You will need fabulous credit scores to qualify.

Discover it® Business Card

Another good one is the  Discover it® Business Card. It has no yearly fee. There is an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for twelve months. Then, the regular APR is a variable 14.49 to 22.49%. 

You get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no category restrictions or bonuses. Also, they double the 1.5% Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year. There is no minimum spend requirement either.

You can download transactions easily to Quicken, QuickBooks, and Excel. This one also requires great credit scores. 

The thing with credit cards is, you have to be so careful.  As with all debt, payments must be made on time.  However, the higher interest rates make this a little harder than it typically is with a commercial line of credit. 

A Commercial Line of Credit Can Help You Right Now

In this post COVID world, most business owners need money fast.  A commercial line of credit is the best way for that to happen, especially if you can get a credit line hybrid.  Truly, with the ability to use a credit partner, virtually everyone can access this type of funding.  It’s low interest, high limit, fast access to the funds you need to make sure your business thrives regardless of the state of the economy.

The post How to Get a Commercial Line of Credit Right Now appeared first on Credit Suite.

Check Out Our Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review and Make Your Best Business Financing Decision Today

Will Our Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review Help Satisfy Your Need for Business Funding? We Put It to the Test

Fundation Group LLC is one of many lending companies online. They provide term loans and lines of credit. Foundation confirmed the information we found about them online. We look at the specifics and drill down into the details. So check out our Fundation Group LLC recession funding review.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Background

Fundation Group LLC is located online here: http://www.fundation.com/. Their physical address is located in Reston, VA. Plus you can call them at: (888) 390-0064. So their contact page is here: https://fundation.com/about/.

Their capital base has come from Goldman Sachs; Garrison Investment Group; and Midcap Financial, LLC.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Term Loans

Funding as soon as one business day. Up to $500,000 is available; terms go up to 4 years. Payments are twice per month. No specific collateral is needed. They want a personal guarantee. Fundation will take out a UCC-1 blanket lien for most borrowers.

They do not seem to have a time in business requirement anymore. Fundation also does not seem to have an annual revenue or personal credit requirement anymore.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Fees

Rates are risk-based; the higher the risk, the higher the rate.

Interest rates are not listed; they will be determined based on several factors. There are no prepayment fees.

Cost of Loans

Several factors are considered when Fundation decides on the cost of a loan. These factors include time in business and seasonality. They also include financial metrics. So these metrics include profit margin and amount of debt.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Lines of Credit

Up to  $150,000 is available. The new balance after each draw is amortized in equal installments over 18 months. Payments are monthly. No specific collateral is needed. They want a personal guarantee. Fundation will take out a UCC-1 blanket lien for most borrowers.

They do not seem to have a time in business requirement anymore. Fundation also does not seem to have an annual revenue or personal credit requirement anymore.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Fees

There are no prepayment fees. Just pay the outstanding balance plus accrued interest if you prepay
your loan or line of credit.

Keep your business protected with our professional business credit monitoring. It’s a worthwhile investment, saving you money even during a recession.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Advantages

Advantages include no apparent time in business requirement. Their maximum loan amount is fairly high.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Disadvantages

Disadvantages are they want personal guarantees for pretty much everything and will take out a UCC blanket lien.

A Fantastic Alternative – Establishing Business Credit

Business credit is credit in a small business’s name. It doesn’t attach to an owner’s individual credit, not even when the owner is a sole proprietor and the solitary employee of the small business.

As such, a business owner’s business and individual credit scores can be very different.

The Advantages

Because business credit is distinct from personal, it helps to protect a small business owner’s personal assets, in case of a lawsuit or business bankruptcy.

Also, with two distinct credit scores, a small business owner can get two different cards from the same merchant. This effectively doubles buying power.

Another benefit is that even startup ventures can do this. Visiting a bank for a business loan can be a formula for disappointment. But building small business credit, when done right, is a plan for success.

Personal credit scores depend upon payments but also other factors like credit utilization percentages.

But for small business credit, the scores actually only depend on whether a business pays its invoices punctually.

The Process

Establishing company credit is a process, and it does not occur without effort. A company has to actively work to establish company credit.

However, it can be done readily and quickly, and it is much quicker than establishing consumer credit scores.

Vendors are a big aspect of this process.

Performing the steps out of sequence will cause repetitive denials. Nobody can start at the top with small business credit. For example, you can’t start with retail or cash credit from your bank. If you do, you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.

Business Fundability

A company must be fundable to credit issuers and vendors.

For that reason, a company will need a professional-looking web site and e-mail address. And it needs to have site hosting from a company like GoDaddy.

And, company phone and fax numbers must have a listing on ListYourself.net.

In addition, the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the equivalent).

A small business will also need a bank account devoted strictly to it, and it needs to have all of the licenses essential for operation.

Licenses

These licenses all must be in the perfect, appropriate name of the company. And they must have the same business address and phone numbers.

So keep in mind, that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.

Keep your business protected with our professional business credit monitoring. It’s a worthwhile investment, saving you money even during a recession.

Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service

Visit the IRS web site and acquire an EIN for the small business. They’re totally free. Select a business entity such as corporation, LLC, etc.

A company can get started as a sole proprietor. But they will most likely wish to switch to a kind of corporation or an LLC.

This is in order to minimize risk. And it will make best use of tax benefits.

A business entity will matter when it pertains to tax obligations and liability in case of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the business owner is it when it comes to liability and taxes. No one else is responsible.

Sole Proprietors Take Note

If you operate a company as a sole proprietor, then at least be sure to file for a DBA. This is ‘doing business as’ status.

If you do not, then your personal name is the same as the small business name. Therefore, you can end up being directly responsible for all small business debts.

Plus, according to the Internal Revenue Service, by having this arrangement there is a 1 in 7 probability of an IRS audit. There is a 1 in 50 probability for corporations! Prevent confusion and noticeably reduce the chances of an IRS audit at the same time.

Setting off the Business Credit Reporting Process

Begin at the D&B web site and obtain a totally free D-U-N-S number. A D-U-N-S number is how D&B gets a business into their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no D-U-N-S number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s websites for the company. You can do this at www.creditsuite.com/reports. If there is a record with them, check it for accuracy and completeness. If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process.

By doing this, Experian and Equifax will have something to report on.

Vendor Credit

First you must build trade lines that report. This is also referred to as vendor credit. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.

And with an established business credit profile and score you can begin to get retail and cash credit.

These sorts of accounts have the tendency to be for the things bought all the time, like marketing materials, shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But first off, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who will give you initial credit when you have none now. Terms are often Net 30, rather than revolving.

So, if you get approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you must pay that money back in a set term, such as within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Keep your business protected with our professional business credit monitoring. It’s a worthwhile investment, saving you money even during a recession.

Retail Credit

Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs, then move onto retail credit. These are companies like Office Depot and Staples.

Just use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use the business’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Are there more accounts reporting? Then move to fleet credit. These are companies like BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy fuel, and to fix and maintain vehicles. Just use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, make sure to apply using the company’s EIN.

Cash Credit

Have you been sensibly handling the credit you’ve up to this point? Then progress to more universal cash credit. These are companies such as Visa and MasterCard. Just use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use your EIN instead.

These are frequently MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are doable.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Credit SuiteMonitor Your Business Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make certain it is being reported and deal with any mistakes ASAP. Get in the practice of taking a look at credit reports. Dig into the particulars, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor business credit at Experian and D&B for 90% less.

Update Your Data

Update the details if there are inaccuracies or the details is incomplete.

Fix Your Business Credit

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to contest any mistakes in your records. Mistakes in your credit report(s) can be corrected. But the CRAs normally want you to dispute in a particular way.

Disputes

Disputing credit report errors typically means you send a paper letter with duplicates of any proofs of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never send the originals. Always send copies and retain the original copies.

Fixing credit report inaccuracies also means you precisely itemize any charges you contest. Make your dispute letter as understandable as possible. Be specific about the issues with your report. Use certified mail so that you will have proof that you sent in your dispute.

A Word about Building Business Credit

Always use credit responsibly! Don’t borrow beyond what you can pay off. Track balances and deadlines for repayments. Paying punctually and fully will do more to boost business credit scores than pretty much anything else.

Building business credit pays. Great business credit scores help a business get loans. Your credit issuer knows the business can pay its financial obligations. They know the company is bona fide.

The business’s EIN attaches to high scores and loan providers won’t feel the need to demand a personal guarantee.

Business credit is an asset which can help your business for years to come. Learn more here and get started toward growing company credit.

Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review: Upshot

A company needing higher amounts will likely do better with Fundation. But there are negatives.

Entrepreneurs will find they have to give up a personal guarantee and, on top of that, have a UCC blanket lien held by Fundation. A company that fails and ends up going out of business could be particularly harsh for an entrepreneur – so companies which are unsure of the chances of their success would do well to seek out other types of funding, where they either hand over a personal guarantee or a UCC blanket lien but not both.

And finally, as with every other lending program, whether online or offline, always remember to read the fine print and do the math. Go over the details with a fine-toothed comb, and decide whether this option will be good for you and your company. In addition, consider alternative financing options that go beyond lending, including building business credit, in order to best decide how to get the money you need to help your business grow.

The post Check Out Our Fundation Group LLC Recession Funding Review and Make Your Best Business Financing Decision Today appeared first on Credit Suite.

Best Small Business Loans

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Unless you’re independently wealthy, most small business owners need a loan at one point or another. From paying for startup costs to expansion projects, equipment, or unexpected incidents, quick access to funding will make it easier for your company to grow. 

Whether you’re launching a brand new venture or own an established business, there are so many different small business lending options out there to consider. 

Which small business loan is best for you? This guide contains everything you need to know on the subject.

The Top 6 Options For Small Business Loans

  1. Fundbox
  2. Funding Circle
  3. Accion
  4. Lendio
  5. OnDeck
  6. Kiva

How to Choose the Best Small Business Loans For You

Small business loans come in all different shapes and sizes. So as you’re evaluating different options, there are specific considerations that must be examined. I’ll explain each one in greater detail below. 

Lender

When most people think about getting a loan, they automatically assume that a bank is their only option. But in addition to small local banks and national bank chains, there are lots of other lenders that can provide your small business with capital.

You can explore credit unions, crowdfunding sites, P2P lenders, loan marketplaces, nonprofit lenders, and even alternative lending solutions. 

The qualification requirements and loan terms will vary from lender to lender. 

Loan Type

Most lenders offer multiple types of loans for small business owners. Some common small business loan types include SBA loans, lines of credit, installment loans, short term loans, equipment loans, commercial real estate loans, and merchant cash advances. 

In some cases, you’ll need to provide the lender with more information about what you’ll be doing with the funds. For example, an equipment loan couldn’t be used to purchase inventory, and a commercial real estate loan couldn’t be used to buy a new vehicle. 

Lines of credit are great options to have since they can be used for lots of different purposes. We’ll talk more about these different loan types in greater detail shortly. 

Capital Required

The loan amount you’re seeking also needs to be taken into consideration. There’s a big difference between $5,000, $50,000, and $5 million. 

Certain lenders are better for microloans and small amounts, while others are known for lending large sums of cash. 

Take a look at the minimum and maximum amounts available before you apply for a loan. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t apply for more than you need (unless it’s a line of credit). Otherwise, you’ll have higher interest payments. 

Minimum Qualifications

In most cases, you won’t qualify for every type of loan. So pay close attention to these terms before you apply, or you’ll just be wasting your time (and potentially hurt your credit).

Some lenders will only loan money to companies that have been in business for a certain number of years. There are also some cash flow requirements, annual revenue requirements, and business owner credit score requirements for certain loans.

Loan Terms

The loan terms are crucial when you’re evaluating different options. How soon will you need to pay the money back? What interest rates will you be paying?

Make sure you look beyond the dollar amount and take a deeper look at the terms.

Businesses with bad credit won’t have access to the lowest interest rates and loan terms. So you’ll definitely want to shop around until you’re comfortable with the options presented to you. 

The Different Types of Small Business Loans

There are tons of different small business loans out there. But I want to quickly highlight the most popular options to give you a better understanding of how they work.

SBA Loan

SBA loans are backed by the Small Business Administration. This federal agency helps businesses gain access to better funding resources. 

These loan amounts typically range from $50,000 to $5 million with terms from 10-25 years. 

SBA loans usually have great rates (since the SBA reduces the lender’s risk), but they can be tough to qualify for. The process to apply and get approved for an SBA loan can be slow. 

Business Line of Credit

Lines of credit are great for those of you who need flexibility. Instead of receiving a lump sum of cash, you can borrow up to your credit amount as needed. 

Business lines of credit can range anywhere from $1,000 up to $500,000. 

It’s usually easy to qualify for a line of credit if you’ve been in business for more than a year and have $50,000+ in annual revenue. Interest rates vary based on the lender, your credit score, and other qualification terms. But you’ll only pay interest on the amount you borrow on the revolving line. 

Term Loan

Term loans are funded quickly. In some instances, you can receive cash within 24 hours of getting approved. It’s common for term loans to be used for working capital, equipment, operations, and more. 

Some of these loans are short term and must be paid back as early as 12-24 weeks. Others have repayment terms in the 1-5 year range.

Term loans typically have fixed interest rates or flat fees, so your payments won’t increase throughout the lifetime of the loan. 

Merchant Cash Advance

With a merchant cash advance program, small businesses can borrow against future earrings to secure capital. These loans are repaid with a daily percentage of your credit card sales, as previously agreed upon with the lender. 

Most merchant cash advances can be used for a wide range of needs. Similar to a term loan, you can usually get access to funds quickly as well.

It’s easy to get approved for a merchant cash advance, but the interest rates are usually high. 

Equipment Financing

The name is pretty self-explanatory here—the money from equipment financing must be used to purchase equipment. But it’s worth noting that the term “equipment” is pretty broad.

In addition to things like conveyor belts, forklifts, and machinery, other types of equipment like accounting software, or payment processing systems would also fall into this category. 

Equipment financing is usually secured by the equipment you’re purchasing. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can seize the equipment.

Business Credit Card

Credit cards and loans are obviously not the same. But a business credit card can potentially be a great option to finance certain purchases. 

Some cards offer businesses introductory promotions like 0% APR financing within the first year of opening an account. So you can potentially buy something at 0% interest by putting it on your new credit card (assuming it’s less than your credit amount). But beyond the introductory offer, credit cards will have significantly higher interest rates than other types of loans. 

You can read my reviews of the best business credit cards here. 

Secured Loans

A secured loan requires some type of collateral in order for you to qualify. This is common for high-risk businesses. If the business defaults on the loan, the lender will seize the collateral. 

Since secured loans don’t pose as much of a risk to lenders, the interest rates are usually low. 

Unsecured Loans

An unsecured loan is the exact opposite of a secured loan. Businesses can borrow money without having to put up any collateral. 

In order to qualify for an unsecured loan, your business usually needs to have a long track record of profitability and success without any liens or outstanding debts. If the lender thinks you’re a high risk to default on the loan, they might require you to secure the loan with collateral. 

Crowdfunding Loans and P2P Loans

These types of loans are sourced from a pool of investors. You can get these loans from crowdfunding websites with small amounts collected from the general public or get them from alternative lending platforms where individuals offer P2P loans as a source of income. 

If you can’t qualify for a traditional loan, you might consider a crowdfunding or P2P borrowing option. 

#1 – Fundbox Review — Best For Short-Term Loans

Fundbox is used by 100,000+ businesses across a wide range of industries. 

Technically, they offer business lines of credit. But the repayment period on the amount you borrow gets paid back over a 12 or 24-week plan, which falls into the short-term loan category. 

Using Fundbox is simple, and you’ll get fast access to cash whenever you need it. To apply, you just need to connect your bank account and accounting software, so Fundbox can view your financials. 

You’ll only pay for funds that you draw from your line of credit, so you can use Fundbox multiple times for various short-term loans. There’s no penalty for early repayments.

Before you withdraw funds, Fundbox gives you a transparent calculation of the principal, interest amount, and weekly payments due. So you can plan accordingly and know exactly how much you owe each week for the duration of the loan. 

Fundbox is perfect for short-term situations when you need a little extra cash. It’s commonly used for late invoices payments, unplanned expenses, and to float small businesses during periods of slow sales. 

Apply online, and get a decision within minutes. Funds can be transferred to your account as soon as the next business day. 

#2 – Funding Circle Review — Most Versatile Loan Options 

Funding Circle is an industry leader in the small business lending category. It’s a popular choice for businesses that want fast and affordable loan options. 

With a single application, Funding Circle will provide you with multiple loan types and options to choose from.

Loan types and funding solutions provided by this lender include:

  • SBA loans
  • Business term loans
  • Merchant cash advances
  • Business lines of credit
  • Invoice factoring
  • Working capital loans

You can get a decision in less than 24 hours and gain access to funds within three days of getting approved. Funding Circle has term loans from $25,000 to $500,000 and SBA loans from $20,000 to $5 million. 

I also like Funding Circle because the platform makes it easy for you to manage your loan online. Apply on their website by filling out an application—it takes just six minutes to complete. 

#3 – Accion Review — Best For Startups

Accion is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs fund their startups. 

In fact, Accion is the largest nonprofit lending network in the US. 

Accion offers term loans of up to $250,000 at an affordable rate. You can apply online or over the phone to get a tailored solution that fits your unique needs. 

Here are some of the business types that Accion commonly lends money to:

  • Women owned businesses
  • Minority owned businesses
  • Food and beverage businesses
  • Small businesses
  • Startups
  • Veteran owned businesses
  • Business owners with disabilities
  • Green businesses

Accion also has a wide range of small business resources available to help you achieve success in your industry. With 25+ years of experience in the small business lending space, I strongly recommend Accion to startups and other businesses in the categories listed above. 

#4 – Lendio Review — Best Small Business Loan Marketplace

Lendio isn’t a small business lender. But it’s one of the most popular online marketplaces for business loans. 

If you want to compare loan options from 75+ lenders with a single platform, look no further than Lendio.

This marketplace has facilitated $10+ billion in funding to 216,000+ small businesses. There is a wide range of loan types available through Lendio’s network of lenders, including:

  • Startup loans
  • Term loans
  • Commercial mortgages
  • Short term loans
  • SBA loans
  • Merchant cash advances
  • Business lines of credit
  • Business credit cards
  • Equipment financing
  • Accounts receivable financing
  • Business acquisition loans

I also like Lendio because they provide additional resources for small business owners, like financing calculators and bookkeeping guidance. 

Just fill out some quick information about your business online to get loan offers from lenders in the Lendio network. 

#5 – OnDeck Review — The Best For Revolving Credit

OnDeck has delivered $13+ billion to businesses across the globe. They offer term loans of up to $250,000 and business lines of credit up to $100,000.

I like OnDeck because it’s so simple. After you complete an application online or over the phone, a dedicated loan advisor will go over your options with you. OnDeck offers funding as early as the same business day.

Your line of credit from OnDeck is a great option for working capital. Only withdraw what you need, when you need it, and just pay interest for the amount borrowed.

Repay your line of credit over a 12-month term agreement with automatic weekly payments and no prepayment penalties.

To qualify, you must be in business for at least a year with a minimum personal FICO score of 600 and an annual revenue of $100,000+.

OnDeck periodically reviews your credit profile. So you can automatically qualify for higher credit line limits without having to apply for an increase. You’ll also benefit from a consolidated weekly payment on all withdrawals, so you won’t have to worry about making multiple payments. 

#6 – Kiva Review — Best 0% Interest Small Business Loans

If you need a microloan and you’re not in a rush to get it, Kiva will let you borrow up to $15,000 at 0% interest—no strings attached.

As a global nonprofit, Kiva has helped 2.5+ million entrepreneurs raise $1+ billion.

The only downside of Kiva is that it takes quite a bit of time to actually get the loan. So it’s not ideal for businesses that need cash fast.

First, you need to fill out an online application that can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Then you need to prove your creditworthiness by convincing your friends and family to loan you money, which is about a 15-day process. Finally, you can go public on Kiva and make your loan visible to 1.6+ million lenders across the world (an additional 30 days). 

On the positive side, you’ll have up to 36 months to repay your loan at 0% interest. It’s tough to beat that deal. 

But if you’re looking for large sums of cash as fast as possible, this won’t be the best choice for your business. 

Summary

If your small business needs money, there are lots of different small business loan options for you to consider. 

Which one is the best? 

The answer depends on a wide range of factors, like the amount you need, the loan type, lender, and more. Regardless of your situation, you can find the best loan options for your business based on my recommendations in this guide. 

The post Best Small Business Loans appeared first on Neil Patel.

Stacker (YC S20) Is Hiring Product Engineers – Remote (Europe Only)

Article URL: https://static.stacker.app/hiring?ref=HN

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24589020

Points: 1

# Comments: 0

How To Use Google Autocomplete for SEO

When you type in a keyword into the search box, you know how you get a list of keyword predictions?

This is called Google Autocomplete. Its purpose is to save users time. In fact, according to Google, it lowers typing time by 25%.

There’s no doubt that this feature makes our lives easier, especially when using Google Search on mobile devices.

Google Autocomplete is often overlooked by digital marketers, so taking the time to understand it can give you an edge over your competition.

What Is Google Autocomplete?

Google Autocomplete is a Google Search feature that provides search term predictions.

For example, if you type “what is the capital of” into the search bar, you will see something like this:

Google Autocomplete predictions 1

As you continue typing, predictions will adjust accordingly, until you see the search term you want to use.

You can then simply click on that option instead of typing it all out.

Google Autocomplete’s purpose is to help you save time by completing the search query that you had in mind.

Where Do Google Autocomplete Keywords Come From?

Here’s how Danny Sullivan, public liaison for Google search, explains it in his blog post on Google Autocomplete:

“How do we determine these predictions? We look at the real searches that happen on Google and show common and trending ones relevant to the characters that are entered and also related to your location and previous searches.”

Are Google Autocomplete Predictions Different in Various Countries?

Google Autocomplete predictions depend on which country you’re in.

For example, if you’re in Vilnius, Lithuania, and you type “best pizza in” into the search bar, you will see something like this:

Google Autocomplete predictions 2

All these locations (except for Milan) are either in Lithuania or near Poland, Latvia, and Estonia.

If you change locations, Google will “follow” you, and your autocomplete options will adjust accordingly.

Are Google Autocomplete Predictions Different for Various Languages?

Google Autocomplete predictions differ based on the language(s) you’re using to enter queries into Google.

For example, if you set your default language to English, you will be shown English predictions.

However, if you add other languages that you understand, say, German and French, you’ll also be shown predictions in those languages.

Does Your Search History Affect Google Autocomplete Predictions?

When you’re logged into your Google account, Google Autocomplete considers your search history when showing predictions.

When you see a prediction that has a “Remove” option next to it (it shows up as an “X” on the far right), know that this is a prediction based on your search history—it remembers that you searched for this, but recognizes it may have been a one-time search.

What Are the Google Autocomplete Guidelines?

Not all search queries are deemed appropriate to display as predictions.

These types of predictions go against Google Autocomplete policy:

  • Violence and gore
  • Sexually explicit, vulgar, or profane language, though medical and scientific terms are allowed
  • Anything related to hate speech or approval of hateful acts
  • Sensitive information or terms about named individuals
  • Dangerous predictions, meaning searches for things that could allow serious harm to people or animals to happen

Google admits that while they do their best to remove inappropriate predictions, they don’t always get it right, so they provide a way to report a prediction.

How Can You Use Google Autocomplete for SEO?

Before you start analyzing Google Autocomplete predictions for SEO, it’s essential to do these three things:

  • Log out of Google or use incognito mode to make sure your search history doesn’t influence the predictions you get.
  • Use a VPN if you are based in a different location than your target audience. For example, if you’re currently in Thailand, but you’re focusing on people in the United States, use a VPN to make it seem like you’re in the United States. You want to see predictions for the location where your target audience is.
  • Adjust your language settings to be similar to the language settings the people in your target audience use.

These parameters will help you see the predictions similar to those shown to your target audience.

Keyword Research

Google Autocomplete can be a useful keyword research tool.

Here’s how you can make the most out of it.

Type in a Keyword, Look at the Predictions

Simply type in a keyword that is relevant to your niche and look at the predictions. This research is a great way to discover valuable long-tail keywords. (Answer The Public is another free tool that does this for you.)

Then, use an SEO tool like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Moz Pro to analyze those keywords and identify ones that are worth going after.

Go Through the Alphabet

What if you don’t like any of the predictions that you got?

Brett Farmiloe, the founder and CEO of Markitors, advises to type in your keyword, then just go through every letter of the alphabet to see what predictions come up.

He uses the keyword “equipment financing” as an example:

Google Autocomplete predictions 4

You can add the letter “a” to get a new set of predictions:

Google Autocomplete predictions 5

And then you can add the letter “b” to it:

Google Autocomplete predictions 6

…and that’s how you go through the entire alphabet.

“This is particularly good when you are really stuck, and you are really just in need of some inspiration,” says Brett.

Let Google Fill in the Blanks

Tom Dupuis from Online Media Masters suggests using the underscore character “_” in a phrase so that Google would complete it.

He uses the keyword “chicago _ photographer” as an example:

Google Autocomplete predictions 7

“Instead of having Google complete only the last part, this can show you a better selection of keywords depending on what type of phrase it is,” explains Tom.

Experiment With the Position of the Underscore

Dupuis also encourages people to experiment with the underscore’s position to see what new Google Autocomplete predictions show up.

For example, if you already tried “chicago _ photographer,” why not try “_ chicago photographer”?

Google Autocomplete predictions 9

Try Both Singular and Plural Form of the Keyword

Another valuable piece of advice from Dupuis is to try both the singular and plural forms of the same keyword because this leads to different Google Autocomplete predictions.

Take one more look at the predictions for the “chicago _ photographer” keyword:

Google Autocomplete predictions 7

And now look at the predictions for the “chicago _ photographers” keyword:

Google Autocomplete predictions 8

As you can see, the predictions are different, so try both forms of the same keyword.

Online Reputation Management

This tool is also useful for researching results about your branded terms, such as company, executive, or product names. Google Autocomplete can present a serious threat to your public image if an unflattering search term appears in the predictions using your brand terms

What can you do if you find yourself in that situation?

You have several options:

Address the Problem

If the unflattering prediction refers to something true, fix the problem.

The resolution won’t make the autocomplete issue go away immediately, but if the problem is solved, then over time, people will forget about it and stop searching for it. As the volume for that search term goes down, it ultimately will drop off the prediction list.

Work on Your Brand Image

Again, if the prediction is about an actual incident, you can help people forget whatever happened faster by giving them something positive to focus on.

For instance, you can feature loyal customers on your website, do a giveaway, or organize an event.

Even directly engaging with your customers on various social media platforms can go a long way towards creating a positive brand image.

Other Ways to Use Google Autocorrect Research

Google Autocorrect is a simple tool — but it can be quite powerful. From keyword research to maintaining your reputation, those suggestions can super-charge your digital marketing efforts.

In addition to finding popular keywords, there are several other areas where Google’s suggestions can be useful concerning SEO.

Uncover Key Words for Local SEO

Google Autocomplete can also provide suggestions for local SEO searches you might not have considered.

Say you are looking to rank the website of a coffee shop in Denver — would you just target “coffee shop Denver”? Or do people use neighborhoods, cross streets, or even zip codes?

Google Autocomplete will tell you what terms people search when looking for a coffee shop in Denver:

google autocomplete local SEO

Looking at this example, what can we learn?

Denver Tech Center is a business and trading center in the southeast portion of Denver, Colorado. It’s a popular destination for business workers, so if your shop in that area, you’d want to include Denver Tech Center in your key terms list.

Denver Airport shows up on the list, so if the shop is near there,  you’d want to target that term as well.

Google autocomplete shows several major landmarks (including the airport), so you will want to research if your shop is near any popular locations, such as a museum or shopping center.

There are also listings for Denver, NC, and Denver, PA, which means it’s probably a good idea to include the state.

It’s easy to assume you know what people will search — but it’s worth the few seconds it takes to check and see what inspiration Google autocomplete might offer.

Create a User-Friendly E-commerce Website

Ecommerce is big business — according to Oberlo, more than 2 billion people make online purchases annually. Despite many online shoppers, there’s also a stiff competition to get shoppers to your site.

Using autocomplete to find key terms to target is just one way to use the feature to create a better ecommerce store and create a user-friendly site.

Let’s say your e-commerce sells shoes, clothing, and accessories. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible to find what they want and make a purchase.

Google Autocomplete can help by:

  • Showing which categories are most popular: For example, if you search “women’s shoes” in Google, the search engine will also suggest: “women’s shoes near me,” “women’s shoes on sale,” and “women shoes size 12.”  That means people often search for shoes on sale and by size, so those are categories you’ll want to include on your website.
  • Uncover popular brands: A search for “women’s tennis shoes” tells you which brands users search for most often, including Adidas and Nike. Those are brands your audience is likely to purchase.  
  • Get ideas for your FAQ page: Searching “are women’s shoes…” provides a list of questions people often ask, including “are women’s shoe sizes the same as men’s?” and “are women’s shoes more narrow?” Those are questions people are asking, and providing those answers could help drive more traffic to your ecommerce site.

User experiences can impact search rankings, so making a user-friendly site should be a top priority.

Get Inspiration for Content Topics

Google Autocomplete features searches that people make regularly. Targeting any of those terms or phrases is going to drive traffic. (At least it will if your content is good!)

Here are a few suggestions for getting content inspiration:

  • Who, What, Where, How, Why: Use your primary key term with question words before or after (whichever makes more sense). See what Google suggests — you might uncover the bit of inspiration you need to write your next great piece of content.
  • Use action verbs: This can provide creative angles for your next blog post or ebook. Searching “content marketing is…” shows a list of quirky title ideas, including “Content marketing is like a first date.” Other ideas for action verbs include: are, will, show, be, build, and replace.
  • “Key Term and…”: Looking for related topics? Search your primary key term with “and” to see what associated terms searchers are looking for. For example, if you search “content marketing and…” Google suggests social media, lead generation, storytelling, and sales.

Content marketing is a critical part of SEO, so finding topics that users are searching for can improve the ranking for specific pages and a site.

Conclusion

Google Autocomplete isn’t just a neat user feature that allows you to complete a search term without typing it out.

You can also use it to discover valuable long-tail keywords that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.

Of course, it can also wreak havoc on your life if an unflattering prediction appears next to your name or your company’s. It’s wise to keep an eye on what shows up on Google Autocomplete so that you can address a problem immediately.

Just don’t make a bad situation worse by using black hat techniques. It’s not worth it.

How do you use Google Autocomplete for SEO?

The post How To Use Google Autocomplete for SEO appeared first on Neil Patel.

Best ERP Software

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Historically, ERP (enterprise resource planning) software was used by large corporations and multinational organizations for managing their entire operation from a single platform.

But now these solutions are more accessible than ever before. In addition to enterprises, lots of SMBs have started to leverage these tools over the past several years. 

ERP software essentially combines all of your business tools into a centralized console. It encompasses components like accounting, HR, CRM, supply chain management, and more. 

By consolidating your business tools into a single ERP solution, it’s much easier to manage. Plus, ERP software gives you tons of extra value from a big-picture point of view, that you normally wouldn’t see from standalone software. 

So which ERP software is the best? Find out below. 

The Top 5 Options For ERP Software

  1. Infor
  2. AccountMate
  3. Epicor
  4. IFS
  5. Deltek

How to Choose the Best ERP Software For You

In order to find the right ERP software for your business, you need to understand what to look for as you’re shopping around. All ERP systems are not created equally, and there’s not really a “one-size-fits-all” solution. 

Rather than blindingly picking a tool, use these feature sets and considerations to narrow down potential options. 

Business Processes and Modules

As previously mentioned, ERP software encompasses various types of business processes. These typically come in the form of modules as you’re customizing an ERP solution. 

Some of you might only need a handful of these processes, while other businesses could be looking for a dozen. It really depends on your business size, existing tools, and future goals for resource planning. 

Examples of modules and processes to keep an eye out for include HRMs, financial management tools, CRM, SCM, inventory management, purchasing and supplier management, sales and marketing tools, and more. 

There are even industry-specific processes for things like manufacturing or engineering. These will include crucial functionalities for product planning, production scheduling, bill of materials, shop floor planning, etc. 

Make sure the ERP software you’re evaluating has the capacity to handle your needs with modules for these types of functions. 

Reporting, Analytics, and Dashboards

The best ERP software on the market today has advanced reporting capabilities. These go above and beyond basic spreadsheets and PDF downloads. Look for a solution that includes real-time data and smart filters.

Some tools might even have agile reporting and ad hoc reporting, so you can quickly adapt to ever-changing needs without interruptions. 

You should be able to manage these complex reports and analytics through a simple dashboard. If you can’t figure out the dashboards, you’ll never get the most out of these reports (which renders them useless). 

Dashboards should also display KPIs and let you analyze different data with just a few clicks. For example, you might want to compare qualitative vs. quantitative data based on departments or users within your organization. 

Integrations

Your ERP software must seamlessly integrate with your existing tools and software.

From simple file transfers to complete integrations, it’s crucial that these all work together. For example, you should be able to sync your existing CRM with your new ERP software. Or you might want to link an ERP payroll module to an HRMS software that you’re already using. 

ERPs that provide flexible integrations can expand the functionality of your existing tools or completely replace them after a smooth file migration. 

Custom Capabilities

Customization is crucial when it comes to evaluating ERP software. Otherwise, you won’t get the most of the potential benefits; here’s why.

Each department will have different business workflows. These could potentially have contradictory priorities and goals. For example, marketing teams will focus on spending while accounting teams will be focusing on saving money. Sales teams will be prioritizing a monthly quota, and production departments prioritize daily output. It’s impossible to configure these various workflows into an all-in-one solution. 

So your ERP software should have configurable workflows and custom dashboards for each department. This will allow those decision-makers to define specific KPIs and goals based on custom parameters. 

Setup and Deployment

It’s no secret that ERP software can be complex. Unlike other business tools, it’s not really a “sign up today and deploy in seconds” type of tool. This is largely due to the custom nature and different modules required to run smoothly. 

But with that said, some ERP software providers are definitely easier to set up and deploy than others. If you don’t want to install anything locally, look for a cloud-based ERP solution. You’ll still need a custom solution, but this will be easier overall. 

Between cloud-based SaaS solutions and on-premises deployment, you’ll have different options to consider. 

Training and Support

Again, ERP software isn’t always easy. You need to find a provider that offers you the resources required to hit the ground running. 

In most cases, they will need a proper installation by someone with technical expertise. So if your business doesn’t have a dedicated IT team, make sure you review your SLA. 

In many cases, the installation could be charged entirely separately from the ERP license or subscription. Cloud-based ERPs are definitely easier to set up (as mentioned earlier), but it might still require some training. 

What happens when you have a question or need some assistance? Will your software vendor be there to help you out?

These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself as you’re evaluating different options. 

The Different Types of ERP Software

Before we get into the ERP software reviews, I want to quickly explain the different types of ERP software available on the market today. This will add some clarity as you’re shopping around. 

General Purpose ERP Software

Generalist ERPs are flexible enough to fit the needs of various industries. They have robust customization capabilities, easy integrations, and processes that match a wide range of requirements. 

The vast majority of ERP software is branded as a general-purpose ERP. This gives software vendors the ability to target as many different organizations and industries as possible. 

Vertical-Specific ERP Software

As the name implies, vertical-specific ERPs are targeted for specific industries. Unlike a generalist solution, this type of software is not geared towards the masses. 

These types of ERP solutions are popular in niches like manufacturing, construction, or retail. A vertical-specific ERP won’t be nearly as flexible as a general-purpose tool, but they do a great job hitting the specialized industry. 

Open-Source ERP Software

Open-source ERP software only makes up a small portion of the overall ERP market. However, it’s important to know that they exist. 

An open-source ERP is ideal for tech teams that want the ability to develop and integrate custom apps to an ERP solution. Since ERPs can handle such highly customized functionality and processes, this type of software is the preferred choice for developers. 

Small Business ERP Software

As previously stated, there was a time when only large organizations would be using ERP software. But cloud deployment has made ERP software significantly more accessible to small businesses.

Since some ERPs are delivered with custom modules (as opposed to a fully integrated solution), small businesses can choose just two or three modules and omit the others. For example, you could get an ERP software with just functionality for accounting and HRM. Then down the road, you can add-on a module for CRM or inventory. 

Small business ERPs are also known as “lightweight ERPs” because of this flexibility. 

#1 – Infor Review — The Most Versatile ERP Software

Infor is a cloud-based ERP software with solutions for SMBs and enterprises alike. They have several different ERP products for you to choose from based on your industry and business needs.

With 30+ years of experience in this space, Infor’s robust and flexible technology earns them a high ranking on my list.

The ERP solutions offered by Infor are a popular choice for wholesale distribution companies, manufacturing organizations, and various service industries. Some of the notable highlights of the software include:

  • Ability to personalize home pages and dashboards
  • Intuitive role-based user interfaces
  • Unlimited financial calendars, ledgers, basis reporting, and dimension strings
  • Embedded analytics directly within different user’ workflows
  • Production planning and scheduling management
  • Optimized purchasing with advanced order controls
  • Ability to ensure maximum margins with integrated pricing modules

While Infor is definitely known for its cloud solutions, they do offer single-instance and on-premises deployment options for some of their software.

Infor also has a wide range of specific software for things like HCM, CRM, PLM, SCM, and more. So if you just have one single need, you can explore those choices as well. 

#2 – AccountMate Review — The Best Vertical Specific Solutions

AccountMate is branded as the “world’s most customizable accounting system.” It’s designed to help growing businesses gain a competitive edge with unique ERP software based on specific verticals. 

The software is trusted by 125,000+ companies worldwide. In addition to the software, AccountMate provides additional services to help you get the most out of your ERP tools.

AccountMate’s vertical solution catalog is extensive, to say the least. They have 30+ vertical-specific category options available. Their development partners help businesses get industry-specific functionality in addition to the base financial software. 

Some of those top categories include:

  • Billing
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Business analytics
  • Business intelligence
  • CRM applications
  • Document management
  • Ecommerce
  • Food processing
  • Human resources
  • Invoice automation
  • Job costing
  • Payroll
  • Route management
  • Sales analysis
  • Warehouse management

The list goes on and on. As you can see, these vertical-specific offerings are extremely versatile. AccountMate can ultimately provide you with a comprehensive front office and back-office solution. 

Businesses within industries like manufacturing, wholesale distribution, utilities, government, solution providers, ecommerce, and business services all rely on AccountMate for ERP.

For those of you looking for a vertical-specific solution with a core focus on accounting and finance, look no further than AccountMate. 

#3 – Epicor Review — Best ERP Software For Manufacturing

Epicor is another industry leader in the ERP software space. They provide cloud and on-premises solutions for businesses in spaces like manufacturing, retail, automotive, lumber and building, and distribution.

With that said, the manufacturing ERP software offered by Epicor is the clear standout. 

It’s trusted by a wide range of manufacturers producing products like industrial machinery, lumber and wood, rubber and plastics, high tech electronics, aerospace and defense products, fabricated metals, medical devices, furniture, and more. 

Here are some of the top benefits you’ll get with Epicor’s ERP software:

  • Ability to track, measure, and monitor entire operation from raw materials to final product
  • Improve efficiencies with real-time visibility into plant and business operations
  • Streamline your processes to reduce costs and increase profits
  • Adapt to new strategies, changing customer needs, and new manufacturing methods
  • Implement lean manufacturing methodologies to eliminate waste
  • Make smarter decisions and prioritize customer satisfaction

Overall, the software is designed for mid-sized and large businesses in the manufacturing and distribution space. If you fall into these categories, I strongly recommend Epicor for ERP.

#4 – IFS Review — The Best Agile ERP Software

IFS is a bit unique compared to other ERP solutions on the market today. The software isn’t as complicated and rigid as other tools that you’ll come across. 

Instead, IFS gives you the ability to adapt in real-time as market landscapes change, and new technology becomes available. This approach helps maximize the agility of your organization.

IFS has pre-configured ERP solutions for areas like supply chain management, human capital management, project management, financials, service industries, and manufacturing.

Within those categories, some of the noteworthy highlights of the ERP software include:

  • Risk and opportunity management
  • Digital asset lifecycle journey
  • Contract management, variation order management, and payment applications
  • Real-time planning and scheduling optimization 
  • Sales forecasting and demand planning
  • Multisite and multi-entity supply network visibility and planning
  • CRM and SRM
  • Financial accounting, management accounting, project accounting, and strategic accounting

Again, all of these tools and functionality are designed to keep your organization agile as the market changes. You’ll be able to gain a competitive edge and make strategic decisions in real-time using IFS for enterprise resource planning. 

#5 – Deltek Review — The Best ERP Software For Small Business

As previously mentioned, ERP software is no longer reserved for global enterprises. There are plenty of great options out there for small businesses that want to leverage these solutions.

Deltek is one of those options for smaller companies, and it’s my top recommendation in this category.

Overall, Deltek is a great option for project-based businesses seeking an ERP solution. They have a wide range of products and modules in categories like:

  • Information management and collaboration
  • Business development
  • Project and portfolio management
  • Human capital management

They even offer niche-specific solutions like costpoint for government contractors or project lifecycle management for small architecture and engineering firms. These examples showcase the versatility of Deltek. 

The cloud-based deployment makes it easy for smaller businesses to implement as well. 

Summary

There are dozens of vendors out there offering ERP software. But after extensive research and testing, I can only recommend the five options reviewed above. 

Which one is the best? It depends on your situation.

Make sure you follow the methodology I described earlier in this guide to narrow down your options as you’re shopping around. This will make your life much easier and ensure you make the right decision for your business. 

The post Best ERP Software appeared first on Neil Patel.

New comment by asn0 in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (September 2020)"

Ambra Health (https://ambrahealth.com) | REMOTE (US), Full time | Performance/Reliability Engineer (SRE-like), Medical Image Processing and Storage

At Ambra Health we help the health care system solve complex problems with storing and sharing medical imaging data (X-rays, CT’s, etc), at locations around the world – including many renowned health centers. This involves managing a lot of medical data, getting it to the right place quickly and reliably over the Internet – some very challenging and interesting engineering problems.

We are looking for a US-based remote-only DevOps-oriented engineer to work closely with our storage and image-processing services development team. You would find ways (in hardware and software) to improve performance and reliability of those services, which manage over 10 billion images (5PB) in the cloud and in data centers around the world.

The ideal candidate would be able to work independently with minimal supervision, seasoned to make good productivity/planning decisions – but please reach out if you think you’re the right less-experienced person.

Requirements:

– Strong Linux system administration and diagnostic skills

– Experience operating a distributed application and diagnosing problems at the application, network and hardware level

– JVM tuning experience

– Full-stack tuning, at the hardware, OS, network and software levels

Big plus if you’ve got these skills:

– Familiarity with programming, profiling, or debugging a JVM or system language

– Experience with application instrumentation (specifying, collecting and analysing performance metrics)

– Experience with automating testing or deployment

– Experience managing cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure)

Our hiring process is pretty painless – short introduction call, 1-hour phone call with the team to get to know each other, then (if it works for you) a paid part-time trial period to see if we like working together.

Send me an email with your resume: pete+jobs@ambrahealth.com

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