Six Essential Small Business Loan Tips.

For many small business owners in northeast Ohio, finding the right loan with the right lender can mean the difference between taking a leap forward or falling behind the competition. In the nuanced arena of small business lending, it takes more than a firm handshake to secure financing that will lead to growth and prosperity...... Click here to read more

Getting the right financing. The loan you think you need may not be what you need.

When business owners approach a bank for a loan, most are not exactly sure what they’re asking for. “They might say they need a line of credit to grow the business, or a loan to buy equipment and raw materials, but those may or may not be the best options for their needs,”....... Click here to read more

5 ways to avoid critical mistakes when setting up a business banking account.

Whether you are establishing a new business, or yours has outgrown your current business banking accounts, there are tips to keep in mind to avoid future problems. For several years, the owners of a Northeast Ohio retail shop had been satisfied with their business banking....... Click here to read more

Long-Term Small Business Banking Relationships Begin with Well-Defined Expectations.

Why do some small business banking relationships thrive over several decades while others falter after only a few tumultuous months? For many family-owned companies that have flourished alongside a single longtime financial..... Click here to read more

In the age of portability and high exemptions, trusts still offer unique benefits.

Eight years ago when Fred and Cynthia explored strategies for passing on their wealth, the estate planning landscape for married couples looked much different than it does today. Like many of their friends, they set up a standard A/B trust..... Click here to read more

Choosing the right type of financing for your business needs.

Like many businesses, a small but successful parts manufacturer had taken out a commercial line of credit — a smart move to handle urgent working capital concerns such as purchasing raw materials to produce inventory, mitigating delays...... Click here to read more

Take a load off - The benefits of working with a private banker.

Private bankers serve as a conduit between a bank and its busy professional clients. “They are a single point of contact who act as a personal CFO,” says David Hall, vice president of private banking at Home Savings Bank. “They listen to their clients’..... Click here to read more

Success without succession. Planning an exit when a succession plan isn’t an option.

The one certainty any business owner has is that they cannot work forever. If, for whatever reason, forming or executing a succession plan isn’t an option, the owner should consider selling the business as part of an exit strategy..... Click here to read more

How to choose a bank that’s the right fit for your small business.

Officials at a local metal stamping business thought they had done their due diligence in searching for the right banking partner. After interviewing several institutions, they opted for a bank with a strong reputation for responsive service..... Click here to read more

Take steps to minimize your business’s risk of becoming a cyber crime victim.

The morning coffee is still brewing when an email appears in the inbox of an accounts payable employee at a Northeast Ohio business. The company’s CFO is requesting an immediate wire transfer of $22,000 to a longtime vendor.... Click here to read more

Practical advice on getting more out of your charitable giving

Tax season may be months away, but it’s never too early to adopt strategies that can maximize your support of the causes meaningful in your life while helping to save money on your returns.... Click here to read more

How to put a business line of credit to work for your working capital needs

For small businesses that need just the right amount of money right now, a commercial line of credit provides an on-demand solution for their short-term working capital concerns.... Click here to read more

Another dimension - Leverage your bank’s investment expertise to uncover opportunities

The recent state of the market has led to excess cash on hand for many companies. Many are looking to seize the opportunity and invest. But when they do, they tend not to turn to their banks.... Click here to read more

Is an Ohio legacy trust the right choice for your financial future?

Twenty years ago, Alaska became the first state to allow the use of Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPT) – a device designed to shield assets from future unknown creditors. Delaware followed suit the same year. These states joined a number of offshore jurisdictions that offered.... Click here to read more

The power of conversation

Banks enjoy the opportunity to discuss their business clients’ future. Technology has made many aspects of life easier, including banking. When you’re a business leader with numerous daily responsibilities, the extra time you gain from not having to make a trip to the bank can be quite valuable.... Click here to read more

Practical advice on financing your business acquisition

Anyone who has ever been immersed in the complexities of acquiring a business knows that the experience is more comparable to riding a rollercoaster than taking a Sunday drive. Finishing the transaction can leave you exhilarated at the prospect of increased sales and new markets to explore.... Click here to read more

Build a partnership

Work with your bank to understand the benefits of treasury management. Treasury management services provide a multitude of ways for companies to operate more effectively. The first step to realizing the benefits of these tools is to initiate a conversation with your bank..... Click here to read more

Is it time to call in treasury management support? Critical questions for small businesses

In addition to fraud oversight, today's treasury management offerings encompass a range of a la carte options, such as online and mobile banking, ACH processing, remote deposit capture, payroll, wire transfers and merchant credit card services.... Click here to read more

Why consider a community bank for your middle market commercial real estate deals

Is it worth your while to search beyond the usual suspects when seeking a partner for your next multi-million dollar commercial real estate venture? For generations, small business owners have depended on community banks for convenient financial assistance in their own backyards.... Click here to read more

Be tax ready

It’s never too early to start planning for the next tax year. Tax reform is on the agenda in Washington, D.C., but it’s difficult to know what form it will take or what impact it will have on both U.S. businesses and taxpayers.... Click here to read more

Five reasons to consider taking advantage of financial planning software

Financial planning software is often distinguished between platforms that rely more heavily on cash-flow projections versus those that are based on the goals the client wishes to achieve. Some packages blend both approaches.... Click here to read more

How your business benefits from better communication with your lender

Be prepared to educate your prospective lender about the ins and outs of your business. A diligent loan professional will have spent time researching your company, industry and market, but it's up to you to make sure the lender knows your business's complete story.... Click here to read more

Secure your future

Find a bank that believes in your company’s business model. Companies that have built and maintained a strong relationship with their bank are in a much better position to overcome financial hardships.... Click here to read more