In recent years, credit has become the predominant form of support to small producers, while other forms of business development services have diminished. Looking Beyond Credit assesses the need for targeted business development services other than finance, their growing importance among small producers and how they can work in tandem with credit schemes.The book shows that small producers generally face a range of constraintsother than finance such as access to improved technology, raw materials, skills training and information on market opportunities. Therefore, schemes that address these constraints are achieving a larger impact than those which focus on credit alone. The case studies examined here record significant achievements in terms of employment generation, increased incomes and product innovation and diversification, thus supporting the view that targeted business development services can play a bigger role and should be incorporated with credit schemes to provide total support to small producers.Looking Beyond Credit will be essential reading for anyone involved in the supply or demand of business development services.

This book presents case material on modern small business enterprises, in the form of profiles. These are constructed on a consistent basis for 17 small firms, and use a contemporary framework drawn from business strategy and industrial organization. Each profile is designed to show how an entrepreneur has tried to achieve a competitive advantage in the market-place by fighting against "extended rivalry", market competitors, buyers, suppliers, substitutes and potential entrants. As well as looking at comprehensive and defensive strategies, the book extends analysis to financial structure, including discussion of reasons for cash flow problems and problems associated with excessive "gearing". A comparative analysis of the profiles, grouped according to the degree of market concentration and associated market structure, enables new conclusions to be reached about resources of competitive advantage. The authors bring varied insight from managerial economics, industrial organization and small firms' consultancy. Their criterion was that the analysis should always be well-grounded in the reality of small business existence.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, entrepreneurship has never been more vital. As jobs were lost from large organizations, most new jobs came from innovative startups. The lure of hi-tech has attracted many people who see themselves as future entrepreneurs, but who lack the perspective of the total experience. To meet this demand, community colleges and universities across the world have set up entrepreneurship courses. The Global Entrepreneur is a life-changing book. To leave the comfort of a steady job and enter the tumultuous world of the entrepreneur is a major and often fearful step. For those who are contemplating this change, or who have already embarked upon this exciting venture, reassurance based on the experience of both successful and even not so successful entrepreneurs can be invaluable. The book provides an overview of the entrepreneurial experience broken down into all of its essential elements. Today, startups are global in nature and the book helps a budding entrepreneur understand the effect of different cultures both on the company and his/herself. This book differs from the existing literature in that its focus is on the individual and his or her reaction to the international nature of the entrepreneurial experience backed by both the lived experience of actual entrepreneurs and case studies of entrepreneurship across the world. Business success is measured by financial return. The book will be a vital tool in this endeavour. This book will appeal to students of business or management and individuals who are considering a career change, to create or join a startup, and need more knowledge to make their decision.

This book is concerned with one of the major contemporary issues of industrial organization: the role of small business enterprise in a mature market economy. Key issues covered are start-up and its financial features; static and dynamic scale economies; enterprise case histories; small business strategy; competitive forces; strategic pricing policy; determinants of growth and survival; and the political economy of fair trade and enterprise. The treatment is analytical and empirical, well grounded in business reality, and set within the context of the political economy of small business. It is based on a unique and extensive database of small business enterprise, containing over 40,000 data points gathered by fieldwork within the firm. The book starts with a section on the database and then applies diverse methods; statistical analysis; enterprise and case histories; econometrics; and political economy. In this way, a picture of the modern small business emerges, it is viewed from different perspectives.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, entrepreneurship has never been more vital. As jobs were lost from large organizations, most new jobs came from innovative startups. The lure of hi-tech has attracted many people who see themselves as future entrepreneurs, but who lack the perspective of the total experience. To meet this demand, community colleges and universities across the world have set up entrepreneurship courses. The Global Entrepreneur is a life-changing book. To leave the comfort of a steady job and enter the tumultuous world of the entrepreneur is a major and often fearful step. For those who are contemplating this change, or who have already embarked upon this exciting venture, reassurance based on the experience of both successful and even not so successful entrepreneurs can be invaluable. The book provides an overview of the entrepreneurial experience broken down into all of its essential elements. Today, startups are global in nature and the book helps a budding entrepreneur understand the effect of different cultures both on the company and his/herself. This book differs from the existing literature in that its focus is on the individual and his or her reaction to the international nature of the entrepreneurial experience backed by both the lived experience of actual entrepreneurs and case studies of entrepreneurship across the world. Business success is measured by financial return. The book will be a vital tool in this endeavour. This book will appeal to students of business or management and individuals who are considering a career change, to create or join a startup, and need more knowledge to make their decision.

This edited volume presents new means of quantifying the behavioral and consequential differences between technology-based and non-technology-based nascent entrepreneurs in varied economies. It explores the socioeconomic place of technology in developed and developing countries, and describes the implications of this research for policymakers' ability to identify and support new areas of economic growth. This book also examines technology-based nascent entrepreneurship issues in the context of entrepreneurial leadership, business incubation, ethnic migrants, university researchers, new venture formation activities, student entrepreneurship, and start-up competitions. The contributors to this collection provide valuable insights for the growing study of and expanding policies addressing nascent entrepreneurship.

Using institutional economics as a theoretical framework, this book analyzes institutional environment conducive to entrepreneurial activity in order to enhance economic performance across countries. In particular, the main contributions of this book to the entrepreneurship literature are the following: * Identify past and current research about the institutional context shaping entrepreneurial activity and its effect on economic growth * Examine social progress orientation as those institutional factors that are shaping innovative entrepreneurial activity * Explore the effect of different types of entrepreneurial activities on economic growth * Examine how social progress orientation through opportunity-driven entrepreneurship affects economic development* Analyze the interrelationships between institutions, entrepreneurial activity and economic development across countries * Study how the country's institutional context influences the way in which entrepreneurial activity affects social progress Two sides of the same coin might be observed when analyzing policy aspects of those institutions affecting entrepreneurial activity. On the one hand, effective public policy to promote entrepreneurship is predicated on understanding the underlying forces as well as the consequences and impacts of entrepreneurship. On the other hand, different endeavors to promote entrepreneurial activity might have deleterious economic effects since they could actually reduce employment in the long-term. Thus, it is crucial to understand the institutional environment in which entrepreneurs are interacting and making decisions. The comprehension of these phenomena serves to move forward the theoretical, practical and policy debate on entrepreneurship as a mechanism to achieve higher economic performance.

Your small business survival guide for the remote work environment In Remote Work Technology: Keeping Your Small Business Thriving From Anywhere, experienced SaaS and telecommunications entrepreneur Henry Kurkowski delivers a step-by-step walkthrough for using SaaS technology and communication apps to power your small business from anywhere on the planet. You'll learn how to capitalize on the ability to hire a geographically distributed workforce and excel at serving clients at a distance. You'll also discover why and how you need to alter your approach to management and spot the common pitfalls that litter the way to a truly distributed business. This important book includes: Valuable case studies of businesses that embraced the reality of remote working during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and cautionary tales of unexpected challenges that arose during the transition. Discussions of how to incorporate remote workers into efficient workflows to increase your business' productivity Explorations of how to support your employees when you can't just pop into their office Perfect for small business founders, owners, and managers, Remote Work Technology is also a must-read guide for independent contractors who work directly with small businesses and entrepreneurs.

A review of appropriate technology institutions

Marketing can be confusing for business owners. That's why author Jill Brennan created this clear and concise guide to small business marketing. Business owners can follow the simple, yet powerful, step-by-step framework for connecting existing customers and attracting new customers to their business.

This volume explores the ways in which knowledge and innovation impact business and economic sustainability, offering a wide-ranging and richly illustrated study of knowledge, innovation and sustainability of organizations from a dynamic capabilities perspective. In organizational theory, dynamic capability is defined as an organization's ability to react and adapt adequately and rapidly to external change. In today's global economy, pursuing sustainable strategies and practices is critical to organizational success. Complying with externally and internally imposed sustainability targets might initially appear as a restriction for organizations; however, they can be transformed into a new set of opportunities. This means that the classic ways in which management absorbs the experiences associated with evolving conditions, organizational frameworks and markets must be reconsidered in light of the preservation of the technological, environmental and social ecosystems. Featuring research and case studies from sectors such as NGOs, SMEs, education and agriculture, this book offers students, academics, practitioners and policymakers a multi-faceted understanding of how and why knowledge, innovation and sustainability are intricately linked-and offers insight into best practices that balance organizational and societal needs.

The literature on family business has developed significantly over the last years. However, efforts remain to summarize and systematize the main aspects that affect the behavior of this type of company. In this regard, the topic of strategic management has been developed. In this sense, it is especially important to recognize how the family decisively influences the behavior of the company and also to identify how the existence of the company affects family dynamics. Those who manage family businesses, whether family or not, must reconcile both perspectives (business and family) in the definition of strategic objectives, allowing sustainability and continuity in this type of organization. Challenges and Opportunities for the Strategic Management of Family Businesses provides emerging research that covers how strategic management in the family business has been developed and identifies the objectives that sustain this strategic behavior, the main areas of analysis (family and business), the definition of strategies, and their implementation. Also, the authors of this book review the different scenarios for family firms and propose strategies to tackle the challenges and seize the possibilities to grow in a competitive and dynamic environment. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as human capital, organizational leadership, and knowledge creation, this book is ideally designed for family firms, managers, advisors, consultants, policymakers, business professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, and students.

In The Automatic Customer, John Warrillow provides the essential blueprint for turning your customers into subscribers The lifeblood of your business is repeat customers. But customers can be fickle, markets shift and competitors are ruthless. So how do you ensure a steady flow of business? The secret - no matter what industry you're in - is finding and keeping automatic customers. These days virtually anything you need can come through a subscription. Far beyond Spotify and Netflix, companies in nearly any industry, from home contractors to florists, can build subscriptions into their business. Subscription is the key to increasing cash flow, igniting growth and boosting the value of your company. Whether you want to transform your entire business into a recurring revenue engine or just pick up an extra 5 per cent of sales growth, The Automatic Customer will be your secret weapon. 'Read, apply and watch your bank deposits grow every month' Chris Guillebeau, bestselling author of The $100 Startup 'If you have a business, or are thinking about starting one, this book will be the best investment you've ever made' Bo Burlingham, editor-at-large of Inc. and author of Small Giants and Finish Big John Warrillow, the author of Built to Sell, is the founder of The Value Builder System (TM) where advisors help company owners increase the value of their business. Previously, he founded Warrillow & Co., a subscription-based research business dedicated to helping Fortune 500 companies market to small business owners. A sought-after speaker and popular Inc.com columnist, he lives in Toronto.

If you are seeking access to equity or finance from a bank or bank-related institution, your company will need a Basel II rating. How does the Basel II Rating differ from previous credit ratings? What specific information will your bankers require for the rating? What can you do to ensure the most favourable outcome? Unfortunately there is no mathematical or scientific solution to these questions. Approval of your request will largely depend on your ability to provide not simply the relevant information, but a tactically effective line of argument. If you under-represent your project, even if it does not fail the rating test outright, it is likely to get it assigned to a grade below its merit. The penalty is reflected in the conditions of the desired facility, especially, the rate of interest. Marc B. Lambrecht's The Basel II Rating shows you what information to assemble and exactly how to make your case in order to maximise your rating results. His book will help you argue the success potential of your business; accurately define the financial basis on which that success can be realised; and present your credentials convincingly. Follow the framework, use the advice and the techniques he suggests and you will make a convincing case for your business and the value and risk of the project for which you are seeking finance. This book can help you ensure continued access to business finance and equity on the best possible commercial terms.

For private business owners, managing a successful exit from their business is one of the most important events in their business lives. This book shows you how to do so with the minimum of fuss and maximum return. It is unique because the author writes from the owner's point of view, bringing together in one place all you need to know about planning this complex process. Exit Strategy Planning emphasises the need to place exit planning on a firm foundation, with taxation planning and business continuity planning providing the basis to ensure a smooth transition that will yield the maximum return. The first three parts of the book ('Laying the Foundations', 'Choosing your Exit Strategy' and 'Preparing and Implementing your Plans') present a best practice approach to this complex subject. Here the book highlights the importance of planning, often several years in advance, and explains the need to make the business 'investor ready' by identifying and removing impediments to sale. Part 3 culminates in a step-by-step guide to producing and implementing your Master Exit Strategy Plan. Following on from this the extensive appendices in Part 4 discuss in detail each of the exit options open to you (many of which you have probably never considered) and show how to choose the optimum exit route. Exit Strategy Planning is a book that will do more than save you time and money now and in the future; it will help you to maximise on what may well be a lifetime's investment.

Business owners today are constantly faced with difficult challenges and eight of ten new businesses will not survive the first five years. Competition is difficult and building a sustainable, profitable business is arguably the most challenging sport in all of business today. In The Ultimate Business Tune Up Rich Allen combines the experiences of his father's own small business, his personal experiences running and growing a business, and his learning from advising hundreds of small business owners into a powerful, step-by-step guide for small business owners everywhere. Rich introduces a model that is both easy to understand and powerful when used to make strategic business decisions.

Provides professionals with practical, step-by-step guidance to setting up a successful freelance business, either full- or part-time. Going Freelance profiles over 150 professions where independent freelancers are in high demand, including accounting, financial planning, law, editing, engineering, architecture, science and technology, education and training, computer programming, health care, physical therapy, and many more. Packed with proven ideas for marketing your skills, promoting good customer relations, handling difficult customers, and getting paid. Also covers tax aspects of self-employment. A freelancer's sourcebook'' lists hundreds of associations and organizations that professionals can turn to for help, references, and 150 career profiles.

In Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Clusters, Panos Piperopoulos provides a comprehensive introduction to what entrepreneurship is all about, how and why entrepreneurs innovate and how innovation systems operate. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of most economies, so the author examines their characteristics and the crucial role played by the owners and entrepreneurs who innovate to ensure the survival and continued growth of their firms. He also includes the particular phenomena that arise where the entrepreneurs are either female or from ethnic groups, or where the context is that of a developing region or country. The importance of co-operative strategic alliances and networks between firms is discussed, along with how these strengthen SMEs' competitiveness. The concept of open innovation has been proposed as a new paradigm for the management of innovation and the author presents a hypothetical model for enhancing the competitiveness and performance of SMEs by properly utilizing employees' creative potential, emotional intelligence, tacit knowledge and innovative ideas. The contemporary model of business clusters, involving partnerships with competitors, agents, universities, research centres and local, regional and national governments is discussed. The ways, means and methods through which SMEs' competitiveness and innovation can be enhanced within business clusters is illustrated by cases that identify four types of SMEs, that behave differently and play different roles in the networks and clusters of which they form a part, but all of whose performance and competitiveness is a function of their position and role in the wider scheme of things.

"Gerber's books never disappoint. These Ten Principles help you dig in to create newer, bigger ideas during our deeply troubled times, ultimately producing a great renewal--of mind, of body, of spirit, and leading to a new operating system where anything is possible and growth is built into the culture."
--Stephen M. R. Covey, author of the New York Times and#1 Wall Street Journal bestseller The Speed of Trust

"This book doesn't just describe great business principles--it MAKES business history. Your economic survival hinges on you reading this book "
--Jack Canfield, coauthor of the New York Times #1 bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series and author of The Success Principles

"Gerber is the master in giving us the essence. Every business begins small, then grows and endures in accordance with its founding principles. His new book scores a perfect 10 "
--Denis Waitley, author of The Psychology of Winning

"New books recycle old ideas. This one is brand-new thinking for our deeply troubled times. Gerber takes on the tough issues of the day, and provides liberating insight and compelling principles on creating small business success in any economic or political environment."
--Dr. Ivan Misner, New York Times bestselling author and founder of BNI

"Entrepreneurship has been the high road to success and satisfaction for 200 years. In this book, Michael shows you how to start and build your own business better and more meaningfully than you ever thought possible. Good Luck "
--Brian Tracy, bestselling author of The Psychology of Achievement

Everything you need for strengthening and flexing your resilience muscle! Resilience can mean something different to everyone, yet it is increasingly necessary to survive in the modern workspace, whether that is at home, in an office or other place of work. Hard times for organisations generally mean harder times for employees, often with increased workloads and reduced resources. Being able to navigate this environment and remain resilient is preferable, but when stress and anxiety take over you need to know how to boost your resilience and look after your own well-being. An essential read for anyone working today, this book focuses on the concept of agile resilience, exploring how resilience can be learned, chosen, developed and adapted to help you cope with the range of circumstances and experiences you may face. It explains what resilience is, including your own personal take on that, what might deplete it, the impact of Covid-19, and how you can maintain or replenish it when necessary in order to thrive in your work and life.

The Routledge Companion to Family Business offers a definitive survey of a field that has seen rapid growth in research in recent years. Edited by leading scholars with contributions from the top minds in family business from around the world, this volume provides researchers and scholars with a comprehensive understanding of the state of the discipline. Over 25 chapters address a wide variety of subjects, providing readers with a thorough review of the key research themes in the modern family firm, such as corporate social responsibility and bank debt rationing. International examples cover a wide range of economies including China, Europe, and Latin America. The book will appeal to undergraduates, postgraduates and business instructors seeking a definitive view of the issues and solutions that affect and support family business.

Quilting is big business. This book is for anyone who wants to turn their love for quilts into profit in a market that is viable and continues to grow. It will guide the reader through all the aspects of setting up and running a thriving home-based quilti