Today’s edition of Acceler8Success Cafe for Sunday 11.15.20 is our Weekly Recap where we share links to each day’s newsletter from the previous week and a preview of that day’s most popular shared article. We’re pleased to report that the relaunch of Acceler8Success Cafe has been a success as evident by the increasing numbers in views on and shares from our site, across social media and from the many messages received. Thank you to all our readers and previous and new subscribers for helping to put Acceler8Success Cafe on the road to success!

Monday 11.9.20

120 Absolute Must-Read Blogs for Entrepreneurs

The most important key to serious accomplishment as an entrepreneur is, by far, your own internal drive and passion. That’s not something that you can learn. What you can learn, however, is pretty much everything else that is related to business ownership.

Countless investors, marketing geniuses, and wildly successful entrepreneurs have written about their personal experiences — what has worked for them and, often more importantly, what hasn’t. No matter your age, niche, industry, or phase in the entrepreneurial game, this list will help to direct you to the right blogs for your specific needs. Read more.

Tuesday 11.10.20

Why we need to bring the entrepreneurship narrative back to small-business owners

Minority-owned businesses have been hit the hardest by the virus outbreak. In April 2020, during the height of pandemic lockdowns, more than 40% of Black small-business owners reported that they weren’t able to keep working, compared to just 17% of white small-business owners. This disparity may stem from the fact that Black-owned businesses are less likely to have a traditional banking partner, so they have less access to public loans or public resources like the Paycheck Protection Program.

Small business entrepreneurs are often women and people of color, and I doubt it’s a coincidence that those are also the groups who least often receive venture capital funding. When we widen the lens on entrepreneurship, we see that these groups aren’t waiting on VC investments to start being entrepreneurial. In fact, women of color start new businesses at a far faster rate than any other demographic group. Read more.

Wednesday 11.11.20 (Veterans Day)

Veteran Entrepreneur Portal

The Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP) is designed to save time with direct access to the resources necessary to guide every step of entrepreneurship. It also makes it easier for small businesses to access federal services, regardless of its source—and quickly connects Veteran entrepreneurs to relevant ‘best-practices’ and information. Learn more.

Thursday 11.12.20

Dark Truths About Entrepreneurship: What To Do When The Love Is Gone

So you’ve decided you want to be an entrepreneur, huh? City slicking between meetings at the pace of a cheetah and hunting to close the next deal, secure the next partnership, make the next sale. There was an allure to this life that drew you in. Or perhaps, you started simply because you wanted to support your family and being self-sufficient made sense. 

If you’re reading this, it’s highly probable that you’re already living the entrepreneurial “dream.” Yet, it can fast become a nightmare for some. There’s a dark side to this path — and plenty of struggle for those who choose to walk down it. Read more.

Friday 11.13.20

SBA Loans: What Is an SBA Loan?

When a small business owner needs financing, the first option to come to mind is usually a loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA). While many people are familiar with the term “SBA loan,” they often aren’t clear on what these loans are, or even how to get them. We’ve provided a general overview of the common SBA loan programs to help you decide which programs may fit your business needs best.

The SBA provides several small business financing options. The six most common loans offered by the SBA are 7(a) loans, 504 loans, CAPLines, export loans, microloans, and disaster loans. We have summarized the basic requirements, costs, terms, and application process for each of these SBA loans. Read more.

Saturday 11.14.20

Why Family Entrepreneurship is the New Family Business

Many think of family businesses as old-fashioned companies, passed down from one generation to the next, sometimes across three or more generations. Findings from the first ever Family Entrepreneurship Report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) debunk that assumption. Read more.

Our goal is to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs architect a plan of continuous accelerated movement toward a pinnacle of desired success, even if and when previously thought to be unattainable. This process has been developed around our proven e-IDEA (explore, identify, develop, execute & analyze) methodology. Deployed effectively, it is key to sustainability and ultimately, to success… Acceler8Success! Learn more.

How to Overcome First-Time Entrepreneurial Fear

Everyone is trying to make a name for themselves. If anything, other people will envy the pride you take in your work. Being an entrepreneur is an admirable thing, even if you’re taking baby steps… Read more.

How Entrepreneurship Can Thrive In Small Communities

Entrepreneurship is something we traditionally associate with large cities. Indeed, a few years ago, entrepreneur James Liang argued in his latest book The Demographics of Innovation, that as cities grow, they enjoy numerous advantages. Read more.

Why Family Entrepreneurship is the New Family Business

Many think of family businesses as old-fashioned companies, passed down from one generation to the next, sometimes across three or more generations. Findings from the first ever Family Entrepreneurship Report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) debunk that assumption. Read more.

Small Business Lending for Veteran Entrepreneurs

The facts are in; veteran-owned businesses make a big contribution, hiring more than 5.8 million Americans every year and contributing more than a trillion to the national economy.

At Benetrends Financial, we understand the importance of helping veteran entrepreneurs realize their dreams of business ownership. We’ve been working with veterans on small business funding for decades, specializing in small business lending strategies that pay off big in business. 

If you are a veteran looking to launch a business, let us help you with your funding.  You can turn your Thrift Saving Plan or Blended Retirement System without incurring upfront taxes or early withdrawal penalties. To learn more, schedule a consultation.

3 Strategies to Help You Pivot Gracefully

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every industry in the world. As many of us seek to realign ourselves and our businesses, being able to pivot with grace is crucial. 

What do you value? What do you prioritize? What is the biggest dream you have for your life? Answering these questions and noticing what your answers have in common is a great place to start. Read more.

The key is to continue working towards goals, improving while awaiting the “right” time. Patience certainly does not mean just sitting back while waiting, expecting the ideal opportunity to pop up out of nowhere. #Acceler8Success #goals #patience

Acceler8Success Cafe is production of Acceler8Success Group.

How Entrepreneurs Can Spark Innovation And Digital Literacy

The economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have hindered opportunities for countless individuals across the globe. The current state of the global economy suggests that today is not the time nor place to start a business or to pursue an entrepreneurial ambition. However, a group of young and innovative would-be entrepreneurs have found new opportunities to redefine success. Using the power of digitization and digital literacy, these new entrepreneurs are participating in the recovery of the global economy. Read more.

6 Things Remarkably Successful Entrepreneurs Do

While at Harvard, Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook and made his first billion before reaching 30. The 35-year-old is worth $71.3 billion, $20 billion more than at the beginning of 2019. Sergey Brin and Larry Page founded Google when they were both 25. The list of successful entrepreneurs goes on and on.

Well, each entrepreneurial success story is different. It’s a constant roller coaster and there are many ups and downs. It’s impressive to think of how they got their start. These are the ones who didn’t give up instead and kept on hustling. But, what exactly are these entrepreneurs doing that make them wildly successful. Read more.

Big Hops Craft Beer Taproom was designed from inception to provide a premium craft beer experience. Big Hops franchising combines America’s rapidly growing obsession in craft beer with the power of franchising. As a business model it has a relatively low financial entry level, can be a perfect transition into franchising for new operators, and an easy addition to multi-unit portfolios. Learn more.

Why we need to bring the entrepreneurship narrative back to small-business owners

Minority-owned businesses have been hit the hardest by the virus outbreak. In April 2020, during the height of pandemic lockdowns, more than 40% of Black small-business owners reported that they weren’t able to keep working, compared to just 17% of white small-business owners. This disparity may stem from the fact that Black-owned businesses are less likely to have a traditional banking partner, so they have less access to public loans or public resources like the Paycheck Protection Program.

Small business entrepreneurs are often women and people of color, and I doubt it’s a coincidence that those are also the groups who least often receive venture capital funding. When we widen the lens on entrepreneurship, we see that these groups aren’t waiting on VC investments to start being entrepreneurial. In fact, women of color start new businesses at a far faster rate than any other demographic group. Read more.

Over the next few weeks leading up to #SmallBusinessSaturday we’ll be posting photos like the one below to continue to create awareness that franchises are small business just like Mom & Pop businesses on Any Street, USA. And, just like those independent business owners, franchise owners take entrepreneurial risk, invest their life savings, work long hours, give back to their local communities, compete with big box retailers and much more. Please help in this cause by sharing these posts across social media. #ShopSmall #ShopLocal #ShopFranchise

Funding Help Provided by Pioneers in The Industry

Benetrends pioneered The Rainmaker Plan^®, a funding solution that makes it easy to finance your small business.  While it is our flagship product, we also offer a comprehensive suite of funding vehicles that can be used individually or in conjunction with the Rainmaker.

These offerings include: SBA Loans (97%+ loan approval success rate), Securities-Backed Lines of Credit, Equipment Leasing and conventional business loans. Learn more.

7 Common Entrepreneurial Traps

Being an entrepreneur is actually quite dangerous. No, I’m not saying it’s at the level of danger first responders or medical workers on the front lines have to deal with, but hear me out: There are certain pitfalls and traps entrepreneurs can easily fall into that can ruin your health, your relationships, as well as your overall happiness.

Since the best offense is a good defense, I’ve outlined the top seven traps or pitfalls I see entrepreneurs fall into (and a few I’ve fallen prey to myself), listed in descending order, as well as some knowledge that will equip you with what to do if you do fall into one of these traps mistakenly. Read more.

120 Absolute Must-Read Blogs for Entrepreneurs

The most important key to serious accomplishment as an entrepreneur is, by far, your own internal drive and passion. That’s not something that you can learn. What you can learn, however, is pretty much everything else that is related to business ownership.

Countless investors, marketing geniuses, and wildly successful entrepreneurs have written about their personal experiences — what has worked for them and, often more importantly, what hasn’t. No matter your age, niche, industry, or phase in the entrepreneurial game, this list will help to direct you to the right blogs for your specific needs. Read more.

Small Business Owners Looking For Second Round Of PPP Loans

75% of eligible small businesses say they would apply or consider applying for a second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, and about half (52%) of small business owners anticipate needing additional financial support over the next 12 months. The findings are part of a new survey conducted by the NFIB Research Center. The group’s been regularly studying the impact of Covid-19 on small businesses and this marks their 13th survey since early March.

“This has been a difficult year for small businesses and many of them are still struggling to survive,” said Holly Wade, executive director of NFIB’s Research Center. “It’s clear that the small business community, nearly half of the GDP, need additional financial assistance to keep their doors open. Small business owners are working hard to manage the health and safety of their employees, customers, and themselves while operating their business and complying with local mandates and regulations.” Read more.

Small Business Start-Up Funding Options

Over 17,000 entrepreneurs just like you have received $4+ billion in start-up funding through Benetrends Financial. With multiple small business funding options available – from tax-deferred and penalty-free financing through 401(k)/IRA accounts to SBA and conventional business loans – your dream of owning a small business is now a realistic goal. Learn more.

How Will Covid-19 Impact the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs?

Covid-19 has fostered a wave of innovation, both positive and negative, in the world of entrepreneurship. Researchers and entrepreneurs dedicate their lives to create a future for consumers and organizations. Scientific studies, along with considerable risks that entrepreneurs take, are essential for ending the Covid-19 crisis and designing new techniques to adapt to a post-pandemic world.

While entrepreneurs are optimistic and resilient, the pandemic will require them to shift their business approach for decades to come. Although some businesses may have plummeted, other elements surrounding the pandemic will build the next generation of entrepreneurs. Read more.

Recessions Push Some Entrepreneurs To Launch Too Soon

Entrepreneurial success may depend on more than a great idea, plenty of connections, and financial backing, new research suggests. The entrepreneur’s job security may also play a significant role.

Uncertain job prospects, such as those caused in financial downturns, sometimes convince entrepreneurs to improve their financial situation by rushing new ventures to market. In doing so, they sacrifice quality standards and ultimately underperform their peers. Read more.

10 Writing Resources I Wish I Knew About Earlier as a Freelancer

When I was little, I wrote mystery stories in a SpongeBob notebook. I’ve been writing ever since. However, throughout my freelance writing endeavors as a recent college graduate, I’ve learned that no matter how long I write, my writing can always improve. As someone just starting out as a freelance writer, I basically need all the help I can get. With the help of online writing resources, however, I’ve strengthened my grammar, headline strength, and more. I’m making over twice as much money as I did last month. I also wrote a story in Medium’s featured section and am a top writer in Writing, Business, and Leadership. In hopes I can help others in their writing journey, here are 10 writing tools I use often and wish I knew about sooner. Read more.

Today’s edition of Acceler8Success Cafe is our Weekly Recap where we share links to each day’s newsletter from the previous week and a preview of that day’s most popular shared article. We’re pleased to report that the relaunch of Acceler8Success Cafe has been a success as evident by the increasing numbers in views on and shares from our site, across social media and from the many messages received. Thank you to all our readers and previous and new subscribers for helping to put Acceler8Success Cafe on the road to success!

Monday 11.2.20

Proclamation on National Entrepreneurship Month, 2020

This month, we recognize the bold spirit of America’s entrepreneurs who continue to prove that the American dream is alive and more obtainable than ever before.  As we continue our great American comeback, we know that these innovative men and women will remain at the forefront of our efforts to create a brighter future for our country. Read more.

Tuesday 11.3.20

How Successful Entrepreneurs Handle Rejection

If no one told you you’re going to hear “no” as an entrepreneur, here’s what you need to know: You’d better get used to it. Whether it’s telling your spouse about how you want to quit your day job and start a business, or you’re going after small business funding, the one thing most entrepreneurs have in common is rejection. Selling anything (whether it’s the idea of entrepreneurship to a skeptical spouse or the idea of a loan to your banker) is hard. It’s not the rejection that matters. It is how you handle it afterward that will make or break your business. As sure as you set out to achieve a goal, you are going to experience roadblocks. Big or small, each “no” could take a chunk out of your armor, if you let it. Read more.

Wednesday 11.4.20

11 Entrepreneurs Discuss 2020’s Biggest Challenges And Opportunities

There’s absolutely no doubt that 2020 has been a year like no other. Thanks to COVID-19, many businesses around the world have experienced loss of income, staff and general day-to-day operations. A large number of businesses have had to shut down, either temporarily or permanently. There aren’t many industries that will be heading into 2021 unscathed.

Entrepreneurs and start-ups in particular have had to face challenges they weren’t expecting – and many have had to change the way they operate, both internally and externally. Here’s how some top entrepreneurs have made it through: the challenges they faced and lessons they learned along the way. Read more.

If you’re looking for a business lending source to help finance your start-up or manage your future wealth, contact us today. Benetrends Financial, a pioneer in the industry, has helped thousands of potential small business owners like yourself secure funding over the past 35 years. Learn more.

Thursday 11.5.20

4 Small Business Lending Trends to Watch in 2021

Small companies have a big impact on the U.S. economy. Business Insider says small companies make up 99 percent of all private sector businesses and they employ 60 percent of all the workers in the country.

These companies are particularly vulnerable to cash flow issues, so fluctuations in the small business lending market are vitally important to the economy. What small business lending trends are affecting American entrepreneurs through 2021? Read more.

Friday 11.6.20

4 Things To Keep In Mind During National Entrepreneurship Month

As the calendar turns to November and National Entrepreneurship Month, business owners have an opportunity to celebrate and reflect. It undoubtedly has been a taxing year for business founders, but those challenges haven’t dampened the overall entrepreneurial spirit.

Don’t believe me? Just look at the numbers. According to Yelp, Covid-19 caused more than 163,000 businesses to close as of the end of August, representing a 60% uptick compared with the middle of July. But with more than half a billion new companies setting up shop each month and 24 million people planning to become self-employed in the coming year, it seems like plenty of people are willing to take the leap to become their own bosses. Read more.

Saturday 11.7.20

Does “Practice Make Perfect” for Entrepreneurs?

Business funding from the government is something many entrepreneurs rely on to ignite what they hope is a successful career. However, a significant amount of these monies go wasted as these small businesses find themselves belly-up. This certainly leads to the obvious conundrum of who is worthy of such an investment.

If you’re either an entrepreneur or involved in government lending, this article is especially worthy of your time. In fact, the subsequent findings have the potential to impact public policy moving forward! Read more.

Our goal is to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs architect a plan of continuous accelerated movement toward a pinnacle of desired success, even if and when previously thought to be unattainable. This process has been developed around our proven e-IDEA (explore, identify, develop, execute & analyze) methodology. Deployed effectively, it is key to sustainability and ultimately, to success… Acceler8Success! Learn more.

Made in America: How Two Black-owned Businesses Made it Through 2020

In March, Yolanda Owens was set to open a wellness center in an economically struggling Atlanta neighborhood like the one she’d grown up in. It was going to be the latest dream-come-true for Owens, who 17 years ago left a successful engineering career to start iwi fresh, a farm to skin spa in the city’s downtown.

The new wellness center would provide meditation classes, a juice bar and other health-related services to residents. It would also provide proof to young women of color that they too could start a business. Read more.

How One Entrepreneur Changed Her Business Model in the Pandemic

Sarah Figueroa had worked for several years to build a company, called Geojam, that would connect fans at concerts and give sponsors a look at what was working and what wasn’t.

“The dream was to connect people through music, in real life,” Ms. Figueroa said. “I’m at a concert. You’re also a fan. Let’s link up.”

Geojam, started last year, was going to meld her interests in social media, marketing, live events and music. The company planned a 50-college tour at the start of this year to test the idea. Read more.

Franchises Are Small Business

Over the next few weeks leading up to #SmallBusinessSaturday we’ll be posting photos like the one below to continue to create awareness that franchises are small business just like Mom & Pop businesses on Any Street, USA. And, just like those independent business owners, franchise owners take entrepreneurial risk, invest their life savings, work long hours, give back to their local communities, compete with big box retailers and much more. Please help in this cause by sharing these posts across social media. #ShopSmall #ShopLocal #ShopFranchise

National Entrepreneurship Month 2020

The United States is home to the most creative, passionate, and talented minds anywhere in the world. Throughout our history, we have pioneered revolutionary innovations, and we continue to reach new heights in business, science, and technology. During National Entrepreneurship Month, we celebrate the determination of those who strike out on their own to fuel our robust economy. Learn more.

Does “Practice Make Perfect” for Entrepreneurs?

Business funding from the government is something many entrepreneurs rely on to ignite what they hope is a successful career. However, a significant amount of these monies go wasted as these small businesses find themselves belly-up. This certainly leads to the obvious conundrum of who is worthy of such an investment.

If you’re either an entrepreneur or involved in government lending, this article is especially worthy of your time. In fact, the subsequent findings have the potential to impact public policy moving forward! Read more.

Houston-based Pepperoni’s growing popularity among consumers is based upon consistency in delivering high-quality NY Style pizza, exceptional customer service and excellent unit-economics. Coupled with a strong branding program, technology integration and low-investment level, Pepperoni’s, founded in 1990 is positioned to be the next disruption in the Pizza segment of Franchising. Request info.

17 Excellent Entrepreneurship Books You Can Read In A Weekend

Maybe something a bit different than the normal business book suggestions?

These picks are all 350 pages or fewer and can be finished in a single weekend—or a single sitting if you read quickly! Read more.

Are you ready to own your own business?