Starting a Company

Small Business Resource Center

Building Bench Strength for Your Startup

When you’re building a new business, it’s important to assemble a core team of trusted experts to ensure you lay a strong foundation for a successful, sustainable launch. These may include advisors in tax, legal, marketing, human resources or recruiting. When it comes to finances, your mind may jump to “Who’s going to lend me the money?”

Getting Your Idea Ready for the Bank

You have a business or want to start one. You know the bank is your next stop, but you’re concerned you might not be ready. What do you do? Get started now, before your first meeting. The key is to ask yourself every question you can think of, prepare the answers and gather any documents you need. The more prepared you are, the better your banking experience will be. It can cut down review and decision time and starts your new banking relationship on the right foot.

What I Learned in the Marines: Helping Veterans Become Entrepreneurs

What does it take to turn veterans into entrepreneurs? There’s no straight line from the military to the business world, but what you learned then can help you now. These are the issues most often faced and the lessons you can use to solve them.

Building Great Places to Work

Pinnacle recently hosted a panel of business leaders who have been recognized by the Nashville Business Journal for building great places to work. Here are some takeaways that you can implement in your own company.

SBA 7(a) Loans: A Financing Alternative for All Growing Businesses

Obtaining financing for a venture can be a challenge for business owners who don’t qualify for conventional loans. One option for entrepreneurs who want to start or expand a business is the SBA 7(a) program. Learn more about what the program entails, who is eligible and what the funds can be used for.

5 Ways to Finance a Startup

Access to funding is one of the most important elements of getting your new business off the ground. Fortunately, you have options. Here are five ways you can get financing for your startup.

Podcast: 5 Types of Business Structures

Making a decision on the best structure for a business is a very important one, but no single approach works for everybody. Listen to this podcast for more information on each type of structure.

Determining Your Business Structure

One of the most important decisions new business owners make is how to structure their business. Here is a brief description of each type of structure and some things to consider.

Financing a Small Business: Debt vs. Equity

On average, entrepreneurs need about $65,000 to start a business, two-thirds of which comes from personal savings, according to Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. To account for the other third, owners typically can choose between two types of financing: debt or equity.

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