News
2024-07-24
First Bank of the Lake Named ICBA’s Top Commercial Lender
Independent Banker, the award-winning magazine of the Independent Community Bankers ...
Franchise Loans
2024-07-18
SBA Franchise Loans
Learn about SBA franchise loans from the experts at FBOL. Call today at 888.828.5689...
Working Capital
2024-07-03
Working Capital Loans
Learn about SBA working capital loans which are a great way to fund your growing sma...
SBA 504 Loans
2024-06-24
SBA 504 Loans: 504 Loan Rates and SBA 504 Loan Requirements
Learn about SBA 504 Loans, SBA 504 Lenders and SBA 504 Loan Rates from the SBA loan ...
SBA 7a Loans
2024-06-24
SBA 7A Loans: 7A Loan Rates and SBA 7A Loan Requirements
Learn about SBA 7a Loans, SBA 7a Lenders and 7a Loan requirements from the experts a...
SBA Lending
2024-06-20
Passing the Torch
As a business owner, you've dedicated countless hours and immense effort into buildi...
SBA Lending
2024-06-19
Overcoming Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs
As we celebrate this Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Af...
SBA Lending
2024-05-30
Navigating SBA Loans and Insurance Requirements
While SBA loans offer significant advantages, they also come with certain obligation...
SBA Lending
2024-05-04
Celebrating Small Business Week
As National Small Business Week draws to a close, communities around the country hav...
Women-Owned Business
2024-04-19
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
In the world of business, entrepreneurship transcends gender boundaries. Yet, the pa...
Working Capital
2024-03-20
SBA 7(a) Working Capital Loans and First Bank of the Lake
In the ever-shifting landscape of business, securing a reliable financial lifeline i...
SBA Lending
2024-01-30
Fueling Small Business Growth: First Bank of the Lake's SBA Solutions
In the dynamic landscape of small businesses, securing financing is often the key to...
Business Finances
2023-12-08
Year-End Financial Tips for Small Businesses
With the holiday season around the corner, small business owners are not only gearin...
Veteran Lending
2023-11-28
Proudly Supporting Veteran Borrowers through SBA Programs
First Bank of the Lake is deeply committed to serving the financial needs of veteran...
Business Tax Tips
2023-11-23
Tax Benefits of Hiring Family Members
If you own a small business, hiring a family member is the same as hiring any other...
Business Finances
2023-11-02
How To Build Credit For Your Business
One crucial element that can significantly impact your business's financial standing...
Veteran Lending
2023-11-02
Why Veterans Thrive with SBA Loans
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be an intimidating experien...
Business Tips
2023-11-02
Inventory Management 101
In the world of small business, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is inv...
Business Tax Tips
2023-10-26
Tips for Lowering Commercial Property Taxes
A net effect of the pandemic has been large increases in property value, including c...
SBA Lending
2023-10-02
Buy-Sell Agreements
Successfully owning and operating a business comes down to preparation and follow-th...
Business Tips
2023-10-02
Dos and Don’ts of Customer Retention
A healthy business must have a thriving customer base that provides stability as a m...
Business Finances
2023-09-01
Why Revenue Isn’t the Best Measure for Startup Success
In the world of startups and entrepreneurial ventures, success is often equated with...
Women-Owned Business
2023-08-31
How to Become a Certified Woman-Owned Business
When your company is a Certified Woman-Owned Business, you’ll have access to contrac...
Business Finances
2023-08-01
What to Know About Profit and Loss Statements
Profit and loss statements, also called income statements, are a key indicator of yo...
Business Finances
2023-08-01
Smoothing Out Business Cash Flow
Of all the important measurable metrics, a business can live and die on cash flow as...
SBA Lending
2023-06-30
What Is the SBA and What Does It Do?
If you’ve considered starting a small business, you’ve almost certainly heard of the...
Business Tips
2023-06-30
Best Practices for Establishing a Succession Plan
The concept of business succession is having a unique moment of public interest than...
SBA Lending
2023-06-15
What Lenders are Looking for in a Soft Economy
As business activities slow down, lenders shift their focus toward specific aspects ...
SBA Lending
2023-06-06
Growing Community Impact Through SBA Lending
At First Bank of the Lake, we believe small businesses are the cornerstone of our co...
SBA Lending
2023-06-02
Speed Up Your Business Acquisition Loan Closing
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but getting a business acquisition loan is a ...
Business Tips
2023-05-31
Digital Advertising Platforms
The simple fact of the matter is that if you run a business in 2023, you need some f...
Business Finances
2023-05-31
Common Accounting Mistakes That Small Businesses Make
Managing the way money flows into and out of your business is critical to set yourse...
Business Tax Tips
2023-04-24
Tax Implications of Incorporating Your Business
Incorporation is a serious step, and it comes with major implications for every aspe...
Business Finances
2023-04-24
Money Management Tips for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, managing your money can be challenging. It’s essential to unders...
Business Finances
2023-04-04
Is the Money in My Account Safe?
Your financial institution is one of the safest places to store your hard-earned ca...
Business Finances
2023-03-31
Should You Offer an Employee Stock Ownership or Profit-Sharing Plan?
When you’re building a business, having the right people on your team is critical. B...
Business Tips
2023-03-31
Burnout in the Workplace
When your employees are experiencing burnout on the job, it’s not just a problem for...
Business Finances
2023-02-24
Financial Trouble for Your Business
Every entrepreneur wants their business to flourish — and to achieve that goal, it’s...
SBA Lending
2023-02-24
Short-Term Vs Long-Term Loans
As implied by their names, the main difference between short-term and long-term loan...
Business Tax Tips
2023-01-25
Understanding the Section 179 Deduction
When used properly, this deduction can promote growth by lowering tax bills and help...
Business Finances
2023-01-25
Business Debt Consolidation
Managing your company’s debt can quickly become complicated. One way to simplify the...
Business Finances
2023-01-04
Tips for Building a Business Emergency Fund
An emergency fund for your small business is a smart investment. By having some savi...
Business Tax Tips
2023-01-04
Tax Benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans
As an entrepreneur, an employee stock ownership plan can be an appealing way to give...
Business Tax Tips
2022-12-02
Giving to Charity
Donating to a charitable cause has a wealth of benefits. In addition to strengthenin...
Franchise Lending
2022-12-02
What Are the Most Common Franchised Industries?
Starting your own business from scratch can be daunting if you lack experience or kn...
Business Tips
2022-10-26
Ways to Minimize Excessive Employee Downtime
Excessive downtime at work can have negative effects for both employers and employee...
SBA Lending
2022-09-07
Benefits and Drawbacks to Selling Part of Your Business
Owning your own business presents new challenges every day. Some challenges may requ...
Business Finances
2022-09-07
Navigating the Proper Use of Your Business Credit Card
You’re holding the bill as you reach for the business credit card in your wallet. Do...
Business Tips
2022-08-01
Determining a Fair Salary Range for Employees
It’s no secret that your small business relies heavily on the hard work, dedication,...
Business Tips
2022-08-01
Strategies to Secure Your Supply Chain
The pandemic has and continues to put significant strain on the global supply chain,...
Business Finances
2022-06-29
Accrual Accounting vs. Cash Basis Accounting
Whether you’re doing your own accounting or leaving it in the hands of a professiona...
Business Tips
2022-06-20
What to Look For in a Third-Party Vendor
As an entrepreneur with a growing business, you may reach the point where it’s more ...
Business Tips
2022-05-27
Financial Risk vs. Business Risk
Just like everything else in life, owning and operating a small business can be risk...
Business Tips
2022-05-27
Ways You Can Protect Your Company's Intellectual Property
Your business thrives on your ideas and the products and services they give life to....
SBA Lending
2022-05-03
Should You Get a Startup Business Loan for Your Entrepreneurial Venture?
You’ve had a dream of going into business for yourself, and now you have the can’t-m...
Business Tax Tips
2022-05-03
How to Properly Handle a Business Tax Audit
Receiving a letter from the Internal Revenue Service informing you that your busines...
Business Finances
2022-04-01
How Your Company Can Make a Financial Fresh Start
Undoubtedly, it’s a trying time for businesses across all different industries. From...
Business Tips
2022-04-01
Does Your Business Need an App?
As an entrepreneur, you know the importance of having an online presence — and an ap...
Business Tax Tips
2022-02-25
Tax Aspects of Selling Your Business
If you’ve decided to sell your business, you’ve got a lot of decisions to make — and...
Business Finances
2022-02-25
Financial Advice for Seasonal Businesses
Running a seasonal business presents unique advantages as well as challenges. One of...
Business Tax Tips
2022-01-26
Collecting Sales Tax: It's Complicated
The majority of U.S.-based businesses that sell products or services must collect, r...
Business Tips
2022-01-26
Is Your Business Ready to Go Overseas?
If your business is ready for new markets, new horizons, and new challenges, an over...