Business

How To Fund Your Business Plan

Published

3 years ago

February 23, 2022

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to getting a potential new business off the ground is finding a way of funding your big ideas. Whether you need a cash injection for premises or stock to sell, or you need equipment to help your business operate at the highest level, there are a few options to choose from to help you on your way, including small business loans. Some of the options you could consider with small business loans include short-term loans, invoice discounting, or a company credit card. There is something to suit everyone. Below, we’ll explore how you can fund your business plan.

Equipment Financing

Equipment financing allows you to purchase new, up-to-date equipment for your business, spreading the cost so the payments are manageable. One example of this would be agriculture farm equipment loans. These loans allow for often incredibly expensive pieces of machinery to be purchased, whilst still maintaining cash flow and allowing for the continued smooth running of the business. Financing equipment is great if you need a specific machine or tool to help grow or improve your services but don’t have a large amount of cash to part with in one go. Financing breaks the cost into more manageable and affordable payments.

Small business loans

These loans are used to cover the cost of running a business. They can be used to expand your business or train new staff to help you on the road to success. Lenders often ask for different requirements when applying for a loan such as how long the business has been established, credit score, and loan purpose. The ability to meet these requirements means that you’re more likely to be approved for the loan, but with something to suit everyone, they are a great option for all business owners. Think about how much you need and how much you can afford to repay and compare your options to find the best deal for you.

Invoice financing

When you provide a service to customers, it can sometimes take a while for your payment to arrive, which can contribute to cash flow problems. Invoice financing is designed to bridge the gap between your company and the customer’s payment. It works by lenders buying your invoices and uses them as collateral to loan you the money until the money has been paid. This finance option works well to help businesses to maintain cash flow. Although this option is generally more expensive than a business loan, it is a quick and easy process.

Inventory Financing

Inventory is the force behind any retail business. It helps businesses to make sales and keep customers happy. This finance option can help to provide your business with the funds to purchase extra inventory when needed. It helps to maintain cash flow and capital. It is important that a business can fulfil orders from customers all year round, so maintaining inventory is key when it comes to running a successful business.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.