Cash Flow

SMBs should look inward to survive recession

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In such a difficult economy, it is tempting to blame economic conditions such as the credit crunch or the lack of consumer spending as major culprits in the increasing number of small business failures.

Timing of minimum wage increase 'unfortunate' for SMBs

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many small businesses are going to see another hit to their working capital this week as the federal minimum wage will rise to $7.25 on Friday, July 24.

The increase will be the third and last under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which has raised the minimum wage incrementally each July since 2007.

Many small business owners who have already found themselves struggling to make ends meet are not happy about the added expense.

Recovery not imminent, but job loss worries and personal saving habits stabilize

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Although the majority of Americans believe the recession will not end for one or two years, job loss concerns and personal saving habits have held steady, said a Financial Times/Harris Interactive poll released this week.

The survey, which polled adults in the five largest European countries and the United States, found that 43 percent of Americans believe the recession will end in one or two years, compared to the 6 percent who believe it will end in six months.

Small business optimism slips, employment shows modest improvements

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Though small business optimism slipped slightly last month, the National Federation for Independent Businesses (NFIB) survey showed that profits have marginally increased and employment levels are starting to stabilize.

The monthly survey, whose June results were released this week, showed that the small business optimism index fell one point to 87.9, down from May's 88.9.

The month's reading marks a bump in the past three month's steady gain of 7.9, reported Reuters.

Retailers post declines in June sales as consumers cut discretionary spending

Capital Solutions Bancorp — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In a blow to fabrication companies and retailers nationwide that are already struggling with their working capital, stores are reporting weaker than expected June sales numbers, particularly in mall clothing stores, the Associated Press reported.

Target Corp. reported a 6.2 percent decline in June, a steeper fall than the 5.6 percent expected by Reuters-surveyed analysts, the AP said.