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Starting and growing a small business is exciting, but it often comes with one big challenge: money. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, having access to the right capital can make all the difference. I’ve seen firsthand how the right funding can unlock opportunities, fuel growth, and help businesses thrive. Let’s explore some practical startup funding options that can give your business the boost it needs. Exploring Startup Funding Options fo

Introduction: Why Q4 Can Make or Break Your Year The fourth quarter isn’t just about holiday sales and finalizing annual reports — it’s a critical period for cash-flow management, strategic planning, and operational stabilization . Even businesses that have performed well throughout the year can stumble in Q4 if revenue slows, receivables lag, or unexpected expenses arise. Ascendio’s experience advising hundreds of small businesses shows that the last 90 days of the fiscal ye

Introduction: When the Funding Pipeline Freezes For most small businesses in America, SBA loans are the lifeblood of expansion  — funding new equipment, hiring, and inventory. But when political gridlock hits Washington, that lifeblood can stop flowing overnight. During a federal government shutdown, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) cannot process new loans or guarantees. That means banks, even if willing, often pause approvals because they can’t secure federal ba

Introduction: The Domino Effect of Washington’s Stalemate When Congress fails to agree on a federal budget, much of the U.S. government effectively “hits pause.” Federal workers are furloughed, agencies halt services, and vital small business programs freeze. While it may feel like a political headline far removed from day-to-day business, the reality is stark: government shutdowns ripple through every layer of the American economy, and small businesses often bear the brunt.