Did you know 63% of organizations experience check fraud? According to an AFP® Payments Fraud and Control Report, checks are considered the most vulnerable payment methods susceptible to fraud. That’s because checks contain significant sensitive personal information like bank account and routing numbers, physical addresses, and signatures. While checks are clearly the most susceptible to… Read More


Did you know 40% of businesses that encounter a disaster or emergency close permanently after? That’s why emergency planning and disaster preparation is key to the success of business in the aftermath. Disasters and other emergency events can cause damage, delays, and interruptions to your business, leading to potentially devastating financial losses. Here are some… Read More


It’s no secret that starting a new business is hard work, and many aspiring business owners can face challenges throughout the process. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 30% of new businesses fail within the first two years, 50% within the first five years, and 70% within the first 10 years. … Read More


It’s no secret small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. That’s why FirstBank launched a new video series aptly named “It Takes Courage”— a phrase encompassing the audacity it takes to build a construction business from scratch or start a successful string of restaurant concepts. In these videos, you’ll see how dedication, family support,… Read More


According to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, an estimated $100 billion worth of real estate assets were exchanged through 1031 Exchanges in 2019. While this figure can vary each year depending on the economy, it’s apparent why so many real estate investors and businesses are taking advantage of this tax incentive. Here’s what you need… Read More


59% of small businesses report not having enough capital to grow or sustain their business, according to the Federal Reserve Banks’ Small Business Credit Survey. Moreover, the knowledge gap about small business loans and financing has made it even harder to set your business up for success. While some sources may give new borrowers the… Read More


Did you know that Black-owned businesses are least likely to receive funding? Comparatively, 40% of white-owned firms received all of the financing they sought, compared to 31% of Asian-owned firms, 20% of Hispanic-owned, and only 13% of Black-owned firms. Fortunately, many organizations and opportunities are working to fix this gap and elevate minority-owned businesses. Here… Read More


Did you know 98% of small business owners don’t know the value of their company? If you’re thinking about selling or have an interested buyer, understanding the value of your business is important when negotiating the best possible deal. Here are four ways you can calculate your business’s value. 1. Asset-based method.  The asset-based method… Read More