Small businesses often need a healthy dose of ingenuity, elbow grease and a scrappy attitude to make it because they’ve started a company on a shoestring. No matter how grand your idea or product, you’ll still capital to get the job done. This week we feature tips and hints on finding money or paying less for the things you need. 

Free and cheap money: credit cards

Did you know that many credit card companies and banks offer special services and discounts to small businesses? All the big ones have some program for small companies, including American Express and Bank of America. Check out CitiBank’s small business credit card that has no annual fee, a rewards program, a 24/7 personal Business Assistant Service and more. Or look into the Visa business card  which lets you save whenever you shop with Visa’s merchant partners.  

Local resources: the Chamber of Commerce

Offered through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, members of small businesses can find discounts from selected vendors, free or reduced room rentals, preferred rates on credit cards, and more. Check your local Chamber for current deals which will vary from state to state. Look under “membership” for discounts or deals. Find your local chapter at www.USChamber.com.  

National resources: the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

NASE offers support, benefits, and consolidated buying power to sole proprietors and very small businesses. For example, NASE membership provides a 20 %-50% savings on accounting software, including Quickbooks, and savings on filing incorporation papers with BizFilings.com. Check out member benefits and costs at www.Nase.org. 

Next time we’ll feature discount travel and other tips. Learn which business is right for you and receive a free consultation.