Stuart Rubenstein asked:


Business Cards and the Home Business Equation

Whether you are an event planner, a restaurant owner, or a freelance writer, owning a business card is a must to define your explicit brand value. The visual imagery on your business card is a great way of conveying across a set of principles and a sense of purpose to your clients. We are here to tell you how to go about acquiring this strong corporate identity through your new business card.

Significance of Business Cards

Business cards can become a powerful medium of advertizing for your small business, if handled correctly. The design of your business card articulates personal business values that you want your target customer base to associate with your products and services.

Your business card  is also responsible for bringing consistency to all the out going communication from your company. It represents your true corporate identity especially when you distribute it during business round tables and during your local chamber of commerce meetings.

What to Include in Business Cards To start with, the heading of a business card will constitute the name of your company followed by your name. The heading can also be your job title. This piece of important information is usually in the center or at the top of the card with large and bold formatting. Next, your business card should communicate information about the product or service you are selling through an appealing visual statement. This can be done by using an eye-catching logo, a compelling picture, or a combination of colors. A slogan gets across the main purpose of your business, or your personal/ company value. While providing your contact details, try to include as many avenues to reach you as possible. A cell phone number, a voicemail number, an e-mail ID, a website address and perhaps a Twitter address  are all indispensable today. What to Watch Out for in Business Cards

• A clear and straightforward design to convey your precise message to your customer community

• A standard size 3.5” by 2” business card for it to fit in a wallet, or a card organizer

• A large supply of your business cards available with you at all times

• A professional quality print job to signal that you are a dedicated home business owner and mean real business

• Use of a paper or any other writable surface on the reverse side to note down any impromptu information

Methods of Designing Business cards

There are several online business card designing systems that will guide you to create professional looking business cards on your own. A step by step wizard will guide you through the process to generate affordable and personalized business cards.

Besides these systems, there are a number of business card software packages in the market. The programs allow you to explore the potential hidden artist with in you, or simply work with the many templates, images, and logos offered. Most of the software packages also provide additional options for creating envelopes, greeting cards, etc. You can print them out using  a desktop printer on business card stock. The benefit is the amount of time that you save. If you haven’t used any of these packages before, your best bet is to use the templates available in MS word and print your business cards. MS word does an excellent job of printing business cards on business card stock. You can also customize each print run for specific applications. Use a color laser printer if possible and search the MS Word help system to learn how to use these templates.

You can also go the traditional route and hire an experienced graphics designer and printer.  Make sure that the designer understands your company message and your personal vision. After meticulous planning, researching, and designing, your new identity is established.



Create a video blog…instantly.

We Buy Your Business asked:


We Buy Your Business

Getting out of business is a process. The length of time required to complete the process is directly related to the complexity of the business, and the circumstances underlying the decision to get out. Planning how you exit your business is just as important as how you started it.

The exit process, timing of events; and tasks associated need to be tailored to the type and complexity of the business. Each case is individual because reasons for dissolution differ, and problems that arise are unique to each circumstance. The following checklist contains key elements that should be evaluated as early in the exit process as possible to eliminate pitfalls later on.

The process for exiting a business should include evaluation of the following points:

1. Engage Professionals & Consultants as Team Members.

2. Prepare a List of Assets & Perform a Physical Inventory.

3. Perform a Valuation of the Business.

4. Prepare Detailed Plan & Assign Responsibilities.

5. Release Announcements & Notices.

6. Conclude or Transfer Contract Obligations.

7. Dispose of & Transfer Assets.

8. Settle Accounts Payable & Debt Obligations.

9. Prepare Final Financial Statements & Tax Returns

10. File Articles of Dissolution.

11. Prepare & Issue Special Filings, Notices, Informational Returns, & Taxes.

12. Receive Tax Clearance Notice.

13. Close Bank Account.

14. Store Business Records

The process for successfully exiting a business requires the same amount if not even more planning as starting the business. While the process may be easier, it is likely to be less enjoyable and more stressful. The best advice for business owners is to incorporate potential exit strategies in the early stages of setting up their business. Vigilance and diligent managerial oversight is needed to ensure that complications and problems which could affect dissolution, and net value, do not develop into roadblocks. When the time comes to divest or sell the business, be sure to engage the relevant expertise needed, and prepare an action plan.

We Buy Your Business enables clients an opportunity to sell businesses and business assets fast for cash. If your exit strategy requires a quick divesture option Contact WBYB for cash offer NOW. Website: www.WeBuyYourBusiness.com



Kansieo.com

Anne Brown asked:


What can I expect when dealing with them?

Many people don’t have a clear idea of what business brokerages can do for them, yet they play a crucial role for many business owners and prospective buyers looking to sell or buy.  Buying or selling a business takes a very unique, specialized skill-set that does require a professional that focuses on business sales transaction.  All too often, people make the mistake of confusing the role of a real estate agent to that of a professional business intermediary.  This article will quickly examine the role of business brokerages and how the service of a business sales specialist differs from that of a real estate agent.

The role of Business Brokerages

For a business seller, the expectations for a professional business intermediary (a business broker) are many.  They are required to assist the seller prepare their business for sale, help determine a selling price, prepare an information package on the business, advertise the business (while maintaining confidentiality of the sale), find potential buyers – and screen & qualify them.  They must show the business to buyers.  Facilitate communication between the buyer and seller and ensure that there are no missteps on this front, which often happen.    They must go over conditional offers with a seller and facilitate the negotiation process.  Next comes due diligence, which for a business can be lengthy and complicated if not facilitated smoothly.  Finally, the closing of the business is carefully monitored by business brokerages to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.  Bear in mind that this is merely a (very) high level overview of what is done for the business seller.  Remember that this process can be repeated several times until a buyer is found that actually goes all the way to the end of the purchase (i.e. does not back away).  Selling a business is usually a longer process than selling a piece of real estate as well.

For the business buyer, business brokerages offer many benefits.  They assist with sourcing good businesses for sale, present different options, show different opportunities and help buyers with a purchase offer.  A professional business broker will remain engaged in the process through the conditional offer period, due diligence, waiving of conditions right through to the closing.  Commissions are paid by the seller – there is no direct out of pocket cost to the business buyer when dealing with business brokerages to buy a small business.

Work with a specialist

Business brokerages specialize in the buying and selling of businesses.  Real estate agents focus on the buying and selling of real estate.  There is a major difference and a completely different skill-set involved.  A professional business intermediary must have the expertise in business valuation, financial statement analysis, valuing intangible assets, how to buy and sell business, deeper exposure to laws governing business sales, equipment & premises lease issues, franchise agreements, employee issues pertaining to a business sale, and so on.  Selling real estate is different on a fundamental level.  Business brokerages have professionals with the experience to sell your business properly.  A business is a major investment – dealing with an expert is a wise decision.  There are good business brokers in Canada and Ontario specifically – give us a call to see what we can do for you.



Caffeinated Content

Anamika Gupta asked:


 Business Grants for Women

Many women in business find that in order to meet their business’ financial needs, they turn to searching out a loan source. Business loans for women are widely available through the Small Business Administration and a variety of other sources such as banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Loans, however, are not the only source for financing. In some instances, business grants for women are available.Small Business grants for women are a wonderful option for some women in business. Grants are an excellent source of funding because grants are not repaid. The funding is provided through government resources that have been budgeted for specific needs in our national community. Anyone is open to apply, so small business grants for women are available to anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, or background.visit now http://available-grant-money.blogspot.com

The downside of grants is that business grants for women are not widely available. Rather, business grants for women are available only to select businesses and under very strict circumstances, mostly for research or development. Technologically-focused businesses, for example, will find it much easier to qualify for a grant than a craft or retail business. Still, because the money is readily available, even if your business is retail oriented, it may be of benefit to check into business grants for women available for various resources that could assist you in your business.According to Denouement Solutions and Grants.gov, the United States government and its government organizations offer more 1000 grants totaling more than $400 billion in grant funding every year. Only 10 percent of citizens that qualify for these grants actually apply for grants, despite the fact that many more than that would qualify for a business grant for women. Therefore, even though not every individual or business is eligible for a business grant for women, it certainly can be beneficial to check into business grants for women.

According to grants.gov, the United States government’s web site and main resource for grants that are available and can be applied for, there are more than 1000 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 21 different categories, as defined by the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. While some agencies may list available grants under multiple grant categories, the Federal government lists these categories of grants as follows:

Agriculture ,

Art ,

Business and Commerce ,

Community Development ,

Consumer Protection ,

Disaster Prevention and Relief ,

Education ,

Employment, Labor, and Training ,

Energy ,

Environmental Quality ,

Food and Nutrition ,

Health ,

Housing ,

Humanities ,

Information and Statistics ,

Law, Justice, and Legal Service ,

Natural Resources ,

Regional Development ,

Science and Technology ,

Social Services and Income Security ,

Transportation ,

Business Grant money,

Small Business grant money,

Grant money for small business,

Technology grant money,

Even though the category of Business and Commerce may be what appears to have the largest selection of resources for smallbusiness grants for women, consider the other categories as well, according to where your business falls. For example, if your business is a restaurant, don’t hesitate to check the Food and Nutrition category for grants currently available. If your business is a farm, check the Agriculture section.

Grants aren’t available for starting or opening a new business, and they also aren’t available for expanding on an existing business. However, business grants for women can offer funding for research or development of the business. Many grants may not be applicable to your particular business or needs, but there may be funds available for research, education, or other things needed for you to operate and improve your business to help you achieve business growth.

In general, when considering the options for a business grant for women, do your homework and read carefully. Look at all grants available that might be related to your particular business. Consider looking into the Business and Commerce section, of Grants.gov, as mentioned, and also look into the different categories of grant fundings. Take the time needed to read the grant qualifications carefully. With any business, check into the Regional Development category, as well as the Community Development category. Depending on your location within the United States, it’s possible to qualify for a grant to economically develop certain areas, and expanding a business in one of these areas can possibly assist you in qualifying for a business grant for women.

Free Business Grants

Several free small business grants are provided by the government for the business-minded person. If you think you have a profitable business or that your business needs additional funding for expansion then several free small business grants are available to cater to your financial needs.

One of these free small business grants is the program of The Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This free small business grants program by DHS seeks innovative ideas and inventions on security-related products. The award for those who will successfully hurdle the competition is $100,000 for six months to fund research that will prove the scientific, technical and commercial value of their concept. If DHS approves of their ideas, the companies can expect a two-year $750,000 free business grants to be spent on making functioning stereotype of the product.

The DHS free small business grants program is funded by the Small Business Innovation Research. To qualify for this free business grants, one must be a U.S.-based company with 500 or fewer employees. Proposals submitted for this free small business grants program should focus on the following areas: chemical and biological defense, information technology and marine security.

Other free business grants that you can avail of can probably be found right in your state. The federal government though, does not as a rule, provide for free business grants. But a number of state-run development agencies do provide free business grants among other things to those interested in going into business. These state-run economic development agencies that give free business grants can be found in Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Utah. The rest of the states offer financing, incentives, support and technical training services to budding entrepreneurs and practicing businessmen alike. The U.S. government’s Small Business Administration (SBA) was established in 1953 to address specific business needs. Free business grants are not available in Small business Administration but they do offer valuable assistance from conceptualizing the business to technical support and training to advices in making the business grow. SBA also extends attractive loan packages to people who want to start or expand business. SBA can be found in every state. And it has worked with several non-profit, lending, educational and training organizations nationwide. Business is a factor that help spurs the U.S. economy. It provides employment to people. It provides the much-needed taxes to the government. And make economic progress possible. Businesses need all the support the government can give. Free business grants could be valuable tools in making the business grow. With free business grants, a door of opportunities has opened for those who want to try their hand in business.

 

There Are Tons Of Small Business Grants For Woman…But Where?

When starting a small business it can be costly, and finding a grant if you’re a women isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Little do most people know, there are millions of dollars just waiting to be claimed for grants from the government and other little-known organizations. It can be very difficult to find the right grant for you, and the place of where to get it, but with a few clicks you too can easily get access to small business grants for women.

It is not a secret that women are beginning to own more and more businesses everyday. Not only this, but these businesses are becoming just as successful if not more then men’s businesses are. If you are looking for a grant, don’t be hesitant to look because of what the business is going to be. There are literally hundreds to thousands of grants out there for women wanting to start craft businesses, consulting, brokerage, record labels and more.

When looking for a grant, there is the option of spending hundreds of dollars to pay somebody to get you a grant. However, there are other ways that are completely free, but may be more time consuming then you would hope. One site that is worth checking out is The Ladies Club 2000.com. It is required that you sign up and become a member, free of charge, but then you will have access to grant information on how you can become qualified for a grant and where you can find grants to begin your business or increase your business.

There are all kinds of companies out there, and the type of grant that you will receive varies for place to place. On womens-finance.com, there are two different kinds of grants offered. There is the New Business grant that is between $100 and $5,000, and there is the existing business grand that ranges from $1,000-$5,000. You do have to apply at this site and be accepted, but it is worth checking this site out below:

http://www.mypaydayloan.com/cgi-bin/pagek.pl?PID=kow&kbid=10062

It may not seem like it, but our government does want you to succeed, and that is why there is millions of dollars out there for you. Most places have ridiculous requirements in order to get a grant such as being over 65, being a minority, or even having bad credit sometimes help the process.

There are sites out there that are specifically looking for women only to give grants to. These sites are attempting to help the women population succeed in entrepreneurialism and begin the road to succession. The site listed just below here has a list of about ten different sites that are specifically looking for women to give grants to.

There is no reason to get frustrated after not having any luck finding loans. The government wants you to succeed in opening your small business, or help develop it that much more. There are a few sites listed above that are very much worth checking out to help you find small business grants for women. Don’t get discouraged as this can be time consuming, but once you find the financial help needed, you will be on your way to developing your business.

Additionally, consider applying for an educational grant if returning to school is an option you’d like to consider. Many grants for higher education are offered each year, and not all are awarded. Knowledge is an extremely valuable business tool, and because the money is readily available for those who qualify, and educational grant is an excellent option to consider as a business grant for women.

Contact the specific government agency offering the grant for tips, information, and to ask questions before submitting your application.Small business grants and small business resources to help you start and run your own business. Small business training, information, articles, loans and more.visit now http://available-grant-money.blogspot.com

About The Author

Jeff Schuman



Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Anne Brown asked:


Many times, business owners make the decision to sell a business and too quickly dive into a listing arrangement without considering all of the consequences. 

As a business owner looking to sell a business, here are a couple of issues to keep in mind if you want to sell your company quickly and at a good price.





Deal with a professional

As a business seller it is in your best interest to deal with a business broker, intermediary or specialist that focuses on the selling of businesses.  Oftentimes, owners list their companies for sale with an individual who normally focuses on residential real estate and are disappointed when their business doesn’t sell.  If you want to sell a business, it’s better to deal with a specialist.

Selling a business requires a unique skill set and the process is much different than selling a piece of real estate.  For instance, business sales are usually kept confidential so dealing with a business sales specialist will benefit you by working with a professional that has an existing network of potential buyers interested specifically in businesses for sale.  There is also more technical expertise required (example – business valuation for the purpose to sell a business is much different than determining the value for a piece of real estate, the negotiation is usually much more involved, there are typically more deal terms to be negotiated, due diligence must be managed and the overall transition facilitated).  If you are looking to sell a business please choose to deal with a professional that specializes in business sales.





Declare your income

Too often, business owners don’t ‘declare’ a portion of their business income in order to have a lower tax bill.  This is highly unadvisable.  For starters, CCRA would not be too happy if they discovered such activity.  Secondly, from a purely economic point of view, it costs you, as a business owner, in the long run when you go to sell a business.  For instance, suppose you decide not to declare $10,000 in earnings and keep this instead as cash ‘off the books’.  If your overall small business tax rate was 23% you would be saving about $2,300 in taxes.  Alternatively, supposing you did declare the full amount you would pay $2,300 in taxes and be left with $7,700 in ‘declared’ income.  However, supposing your business was valued at 2x earnings you would be gaining $15,400 in supportable business valuation when the day came to sell the business.

The point is that it may seem appealing in the short-run to cheat and not declare income but it really does pay to be honest.  Businesses with undeclared earnings are much more difficult to sell and much more difficult to justify a valuation on.  Business buyers always like to see properly documented and supportable earnings. 



Do some analysis on your business

When you decide to sell a business, it is important to be able to tell a narrative to potential buyers about your business.  Do some analysis and try to anticipate what an interested buyer might ask you.  For instance, if profit margins have been decreasing, find out why.  If sales have been decreasing, get to the root of it.  Perhaps you had a period where you lost a staff member and have since resolved the situation. 

Find out the story behind the numbers to paint an accurate picture to a buyer.  Remember that no business is perfect and most reasonable buyers don’t expect it to be.  Don’t try to gloss over any blemishes your business may have.  Be forthright. Buyers expect you to be honest and if you’re not then that would raise a red flag that could potentially de-rail a deal.



Create a video blog…instantly.

Matthew Franchise Anderson asked:


Answering the phone, paying the bills, waiting on customers, ordering, attracting new customers, training staff, adding product, handling complaints. They’re all part of your day. All are part of working ‘in’ your business. It’s time for you to start working ‘on’ your business. What are we talking about?

You sell products and/or a service and you readily recognize these as the merchandise of your trade. But did you ever consider that your business itself is a product too! When you ultimately decide to sell for retirement, or to pursue other interests, such as converting your hobby into a money making venture, your business is the ‘product’ you sell to the new owner. Is this product ready?

Consider the vast world of Franchising. Whenever a franchise is sold, the item purchased is a business; a specific way of doing business that perhaps includes a logo, color scheme, jingle or slogan, and maybe a recognized mascot. When we think of franchises we logically recognize the concept of a ‘business as a product.’ It’s time to think about your business in the same light. What can we learn from this fresh perspective? And how might this work ‘on’ your business, help you working daily ‘in’ your business?

I’d be willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that if you consider this franchise model, comparing it to your current operations for just 15 minutes, you will think of multiple ways to make your business more productive and therefore more attractive to any potential buyer.

The franchise’s most distinguishing feature, the one thing that sets it apart from all other businesses is its turn-key nature. It is ready to go, ready to be replicated over and over again. How is this possible? It has all been documented. Because of this scripting, results are predictable. The franchisor can say, “I have a product (a business) to sell you. Let me show you how it works.” Can you do this with your business? Could you step away today and have another be equally effective with your business? And just how would they do that?

It is directly because of this recorded channeling effort, their uniquely singular focus on operations of the franchise model that the consumer gets the very same product in Pittsburgh as Paris, Chicago as Cairo. Geographic multiplication is the natural notion we harbor when thinking of the franchise. But this replication applies just as effectively to the single location experience. Are your customers receiving the very same experience one after another, day after day? What value would it be for your business to have this level of control over results?

Documenting informs all on staff what is expected of them, who they report to, and how things are done in your business. It is the who, what, when, where, why, and how that makes your business unique. Why does a customer choose you over the competition? Do you know? Can you commit to writing the reasons why with certainty?

Written text informs suppliers of what is expected as well. A famous hamburger purveyor learned that French fries sometimes ended up soggy even though they were cooked exactly the same way, time after time. Since the oil and cooking temps were constant, it just had to be something about the potatoes. The moisture content of the soggy fry spuds was tested. Potatoes with moisture content in excess of 23% yielded a soggy fry.

This experience allowed them to provide suppliers with notice they would accept no spuds with such high moisture content. Simply stated, “You want to do business with me? This is how you keep me as a customer. This is what I want.” The supplier is genuinely pleased to know how to keep this customer happy.

This scripting idea may conjure up feelings of a company manual the size of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. You may also shelter thoughts of you having to record it all this week. If so your imagination has the better of you. However, you can prove the value of the franchise model to your business knowledge now, particularly if you never seem to have enough time.

Over the next week keep a list of all the chores, the tasks, you personally find yourself committed to as a business owner. Add a check mark for each additional time you are called to perform that task. Merely making a mental note won’t work. At week’s end you’ll benefit greatly from the visual confrontation a physical record provides. The more detail you supply, the more valuable your list.

At the conclusion of your experiment, review the evidence of where you spent your time. With a critical eye, ask yourself what assignments should be occupying your time? As opposed to those which actually did occupy your time. Think about the specific tasks and functions that lend themselves to delegation? As you pose questions regarding this experience, be aware of what you are doing. Considering tasks that can be delegated and choosing the assignments you need to concern yourself with; these are the process of defining your position, contracting the focus to the critical path that really matters in your line of business.

Congratulations! You are now working ‘on’ your business. You are shaping, forming, and creating the product that is your business. The sharpened focus the process develops obviously makes you more effective working ‘in’ your business as well.

This little exercise can be repeated in most areas of your business. It will help isolate problems as well as recognize opportunities. A recorded outline form is sufficient. No doubt you will make modifications as time goes on.

The process helps you create a turn-key operation: one that gives you time away from the grind stone. If you’re with me, you realize the greater opportunity created is that now, documented your method of operation, your unique product – your business – can be replicated. You could be the franchisor, selling your business model to others. As long as you can demonstrate convincingly, “I have a product (a business) to sell you. Let me show you how it works.”



Website content

We Buy Your Business asked:


We Buy Your Business

In today’s dynamic business environment you’re either Growing or Going…out of business that is! If you’re part of the latter contingent and have made the decision to get out of a business but are unable to transition your business internally or sell it as an intact entity, full or partial liquidation of assets may be an appropriate exit strategy. Asset liquidation can provide quick cash and assist in diversifying equity. However, before you terminate your lease, sell a key piece of equipment, or disconnect your utilities, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan.

Getting out of business successfully requires careful planning from start to finish. If you are looking at asset liquidation as a part of your exit strategy, consider incorporating the following recommendations into your plan to increase your chances for success.

1. Talk to your lawyer and accountant.

2. Establish the liquidation value of your assets; remember liquidation vs. retail value can differ substantially.

3. Identify the best venue and timetable to sell your assets.

4. Arrange the sale at the most appropriate location with an expert.

5. Use a non-recourse bill of sale.

Understanding and incorporating these steps into your exit plan will not only help you recover as much money as possible, they may also help you achieve the freedom needed to pursue new endeavors.

It is important to note that the recommendations discussed above are intended to serve as a general overview to assist with the asset liquidation process. It is not a substitute for case-specific advice that only your lawyer and/or accountant can provide. Also, depending on the situation and necessity of business divesture, the cooperation of creditors may need to be considered. Cover your bases and talk to the experts before liquidating any assets that may be in question.

Initiate the process by preparing a current inventory of your business assets. Include photographs, serial numbers and a brief description of the condition of each item if possible. A thorough inventory will save considerable time and expense as you navigate the sale process and can be invaluable if you are asked to provide documentation for creditors or the Internal Revenue Service.

Next, start preparing your assets for sale. To elicit the best offers, take care that you do not diminish the appeal of your most marketable items by lumping them in with outdated or worn-out equipment, furniture or inventory. In most cases the most lucrative value of these lesser items may be in the form of a tax deduction, so why not donate them to an appropriate charity?

Finally, don’t overlook your intangible assets. For example, is your lease assignable? Are the business licenses, permits, patents or trademarks that you hold in demand? Can they be transferred? Is there a market for your customer list, contract rights or accounts? You may need to check with your attorney or accountant to determine what information and agreements are transferable but once cleared these types of assets can also provide a substantial return.

We Buy Your Business (WBYB) provides cash offers for all assets in order to assist in the liquidation process. Please contact your WBYB representative for more information at www.WeBuyYourBusiness.com



Create a video blog…instantly.

business news asked:


Copyright 2008 IPS – Inter Press Service/Global Information Network

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 6 2008

The year 2008 has already been grim for most Lebanese businesses: Struggles with the nation’s permanent protest movement, security problems, a brief war in a Palestinian refugee camp and sporadic bombings have brought the nation to its knees.

Most recently a bomb tore through the bustling Chevrolet area on the outskirts of Beirut on Jan. 25, killing Captain Wissam Eid from the Internal Security Forces.

As the political situation tips further in the direction of widespread insecurity, however, Lebanese businesses around the country are clinging to the motto, "the show must go on." Expansion seems to be the word on the street in Beirut, no matter what the uncertain future may hold.

ABC, a major department store and mall with seven outlets, two main flagship stores and a staff of more than 1,000 is currently revamping one of its main branches in Dbayeh.

"In March, we are also launching a new section extending over an entire floor of 8,000 square meters dedicated to children, dubbed Kidsville. It will also include a 500 square meter playground, an array of kids’ accessories and a coffee shop, La Mie Doree," said Robert Fadel, ABC’s general manager. A second big store in the Ashrafieh suburb of Beirut is adding an extension for a playground that will fill an expanse of 800 square meters.

The Johnny R. Saade group is also jumping on the expansion bandwagon. Its travel and tourism arm, Wild Discovery, will be setting up shop in Kaslik in northeast Lebanon in a few months.

"We decided to push forward with the opening of new branches in Lebanon despite the prevailing situation, following the simple strategy that one has to invest and position oneself in times of relative crisis to prepare for the inevitable economic and political recovery that can be foreseen," said Sandro Saade, one of company’s owners.

"This opening is also justified by a strategic objective to cover the northern Beirut area, where there is a demand for high-quality travel services."

The company’s real estate arm boasts a $30 million residential project sprawling over 18,000 square meters in one of Beirut’s posh suburbs. In addition, the group is developing a winery in Bekaa Valley, near the villages of Kefraya and Tell-Denoub, covering a 50-hectare swath of land. The project is estimated at $25 million and will employ 50 people, excluding seasonal workers.

"The Lebanon venture will also integrate two other complementary projects, namely a wine museum and a boutique hotel, or ‘h"tel de charme’" with 30 to 35 rooms, said Karim Saade, another company owner.

It is not just big names that are taking a leap of faith into the murky Lebanese waters.

Nehme Lebbos, founder of Iloubnan, a news portal for Lebanon, left his home country in 1991 and worked as an IT consultant for 12 years in France before coming back.

"I wanted to come back ever since I left. I started IIoubnan in March 2005 with the help of my wife, a French journalist," Lebbos said. "It is a Web magazine dovetailed with an e-commerce wing."

The young entrepreneur has poured all his savings into this venture, relying on a bank loan, as well. The company’s recent success has allowed for an increase in operations, with four journalists employed on a full-time basis and a network of 20 freelance journalists around the world.

A shared vision of Lebanon seems to cement together the diverse business figures. "Lebanon is our homeland and we believe in our country," Fadel said. On the other hand, Lebbos is conscious of the risks he might incur but is nonetheless determined to promote change in his home country.

Although most companies are investing in Lebanon, many have also looked to taking their business abroad. ABC will be opening in Jordan in March. "The company will bring to the Jordanian market a spirit of Lebanon, and aims at becoming a leading and trendy shopping destination," Fadel said.

Similarly, the Saade brothers are relying on an international network of agencies for their tourism activity as well as launching a new winery in neighboring Syria. The group is trying to counter the negative business environment by highlighting the quality of its services. And so Wild Discovery is investing in an in-house sales training program expected to enhance its team’s knowledge and technical skills.

For most entrepreneurs, the essential rationale linking their projects is endorsing Lebanon as a brand in the region. Lebbos believes that this cannot be done without the help of young Lebanese people. "They need to travel, study abroad, graduate and experience foreign countries," he said, and "then come back and invest in Lebanon."

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId



Website content