A blog that I usually go to everyday, Small Biz Trends, has a Startup Celebration post today that is sure to get that small business adrenaline going.

If you’re interested in the field of smartphone apps or clean energy, then there’s some good news in it for you.

Additionally, if you need support in your small business that does not involve filing, (because, of course, we got your back in that department) check out some of the links toward the end of the post.

Thanks, Small Biz Trends!

According to Bizjournal, Bank of America has hired 110-small business bankers in the Los Angeles area.  This employment decision is part of Bank of America’s campaign to hire 1,000 business bankers by 2012.

As a potential small business owner, it’s important to have a business banking account instead of just using a personal account. For more information on how to open a business banking account, read our post about opening a business banking account. 

If you’re a business owner just starting out, you will sooner or later realize that you need to open a business banking account. This is especially true if your business name is different from your legal name. Under no circumstance will the bank take a check written out to your business name without a business account. Therefore, a business banking account is an absolute priority to new business owners.

As a sole proprietor, this is where filing for a business entity such as Fictitious Name Statement or DBA, comes in. When you go to the bank to set up a business account, you will need the certified copy of your DBA as the legal document to prove that you are doing business legally in another name and open an account in that name. If you are forming or have already formed another legal entity such as a Limited Liability Company or Corporation, then you will need those certified documents, known as Articles of Organization, or Articles of Incorporation, respectively, to open a business banking account for that type of business entity.

Word of advice: separate your business banking account and personal banking account. In theory, it looks like it would be easier, but come tax time you or your accountant will have an easier time going through your expenses. Moreover, having a business account helps you better organize your business finances and begin to build a business credit history.

What You Need to Open an Account:

 As for requirements, what you will need in order to open a business banking account will pretty much be the same for all banking institutions. Depending on what type of business entity you hold—a DBA, LLC, Corporation, etc.—you should have those documents and one to two forms of identification.

Finally, if you have employees, a business partner or other facets, you will also need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) also known as a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Before you go, make sure that you have done your homework to see what types of banks and business accounts are out there before opening an account. For example, some business banking accounts offer free checking, waive monthly maintenance fees or offer attractive introductory interest rates.

Also, be prepared to discuss your short and long-term business plans. The bank wants to get to know you and have a full understanding if your business. It is important to establish a good relationship with your bank, especially with the manager or the teller manager. Having a good rapport with the bank will give you some small incentives such as avoiding getting your checks put on hold or bank employees calling other institutions to verify checks. Plus, it’s always nice to have a new acquaintance.

Above all, it is imperative that you have the correct legal documents to open an account and that you’ve done your research to see which bank and plan is right for you and your business. There is plenty of help out there to guide you; including Signature Filing. We’re dedicated to giving people the most reliable business information, as future and current entrepreneurs embark on their business ventures. I wish you the best of luck on your pursuits.

It looks like more small businesses are beginning to hire new employees. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, in a statistic released by Paychex (a provider of checks for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees) checks per client rose 2.8%. Additionally, the Labor Department has revealed that the number of Americans filing for unemployment is decreasing.

What does this mean for the prospective small business owner? For a lot of you, the recession may be keeping you from starting your business. However, this news reveals that small business owners are becoming more confident that we are slowly but surely climbing our way out of the recession. Banks may be more likely to give loans and customer bases may start increasing.

So, what are you waiting for? Get to work and start filing today! By the time your small business is up and running, you may encounter some good fortune.

turncliff:

Time and time again, I meet with small business owners or entrepreneurs who seem destined for success, but have yet to incorporate.

To some, incorporating sounds like a daunting task that will weigh your business down with red tape. But adding an “Co.” or “Inc.” or “LLC” after your company name…

According to a study done by Staples, the use of iPads or tablet computers has increased amongst small business owners.  According to Gaebler.com, with access to Microsoft office, along with a plethora of apps that help conduct business outside o f the office, tablets will soon become the go-to device for small business owners, especially for those who travel a lot.

If you do travel a lot, getting an iPad or a tablet may be a good investment. It’s lightweight and you can easily access information the information you need while you’re out.  What do you think?

mikerogers123:

You are probably sitting there and thinking why are you working so hard in an office when you know you can start your own business at home? That you have a few great small business ideas to help you get started, although up to now you have not zeroed in on just one prospect. That is a common dilemma faced by most would-be entrepreneurs. Good thing there are ways that you can do to start on the right foot.But before we proceed any further, keep in mind that having your own business is never an easy thing. Surely you can…

When you’re looking for services and products to assist you with your small business, doing a simple google search can send your head spinning. There are so many products out there, promising a lot of the same things with prices that are too high or too good to be true.

It can be tedious to figure out which products or ideal and which are a scam. Luckily, last week, The Small Business Authority posted an article about five questions to ask your merchant processing provider. This list is also very useful when it comes to other products and services as well. It’s a great read and these tricks can help you narrow down which companies are the best for you.

Dell released today its new line of small business laptops. The small business laptop has the latest Intel 2nd Generation Core i-series processor and has a battery life of about 12 hours.

The Vostro 3000 series has Skype pre-installed complete with a full HD webcam and SRS Premium Voice Pro. SRS Premium Voice Pro has the ability to sense ambient sounds, giving users more control over audio output and volume.

In terms of security features, the Vostro has a Dell Back Up and Recovery Manager where you can back-up to your hard drive or an external drive. There is also access to backing your files up online with DellSafe Online. Additionally, there are tools such as Roxio where you can backup media files and a 30-day trial of Trend Micro’s Worry Free Business Security Services.

The Vostro Laptop 3000 will be made available on March 22^nd.

Are you enticed to purchase one? Do you think this is a good investment as you embark on a new small business? Share your opinions!

Sign on San Diego reported today that small business owners are much more optimistic this year than last year since the recession began. In a survey by Union Bank, 64% of San Diego business owners expect to be more profitable in 2011. Last year, 56% of business owners felt optimistic about upcoming profits.

Could it be that small business owners are finding a light at the end of the tunnel? If you’re considering starting a small business, this may be a good time to start filing. If you have any questions and are looking for assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Signature Filing today!