News & Insights

The top three challenges in entrepreneurs:

1) Recruiting

2) Inflation

3) Insufficient Capital or Cash Flow.

Read the rest of entry »

Securing funding remains a critical aspect of success for small business owners and entrepreneurs. However, the process of obtaining a bank loan can often time be difficult especially when facing challenges posed by traditional banking institutions. The latest Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index, Big banks approved 13 percent of small business loan applications last month, down from 14.5 percent in January. However, Small banks’ approval percentages rose from 19.3% in September to 19.5% in October, marking an increase every month since June 2023. Understanding the landscape and employing strategic approaches could enhance small business owners and entrepreneurs to secure vital capital.

Read the rest of entry »

The entrepreneurial journey can come with unique risks, challenges, and learning opportunities. FreshBooks reports that 24 million Americans aspire to become entrepreneurs but frequently encounter obstacles that hinder their pursuit. Understanding and taking proactive steps to overcome these hurdles can be crucial not only for survival but also for success.

Read the rest of entry »

Understanding the economic terrain is crucial for making informed decisions. Economists are outlining key trends that are expected to shape the economic landscape. These trends could provide insights into the potential trajectory of global economies in the coming months of 2024.

Read the rest of entry »

Within the United States, a majority of new businesses, specifically over 50%, are owned by individuals from minority backgrounds. Despite this, such businesses continue to experience disparities when it comes to accessing capital and opportunities. As the business environment becomes increasingly dynamic, it is critical to highlight and support minority entrepreneurs. To effectively promote and support the growth of minority-owned businesses, there are several strategies that may be employed that could provide support.

Read the rest of entry »

91% of small business owners already struggle with the current economy’s impact on their industries according to a Goldman Sachs survey. Modern small business owners may be faced with a unique set of challenges that demand innovative solutions. To stay ahead of the competition here are some hurdles that you should look forward to when heading into 2024.

Read the rest of entry »

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to reimburse a friend for a shared meal, split expenses for a gift, or simply send money to someone quickly? In the past, you might have resorted to cash transactions, but now there's a fast, safe, and easy way to make those payments with Zelle® in the Integro Bank app.

Read the rest of entry »

Take a step back and reflect on the past and consider the strategies that worked well for your business in 2023, as well as the challenges you faced. What things did you put on hold or ignore, and where did you focus your business energy? By analyzing your successes and setbacks, you could gain valuable insights to help you determine where to focus your efforts in 2024. Take a closer look at what you put on hold and consider whether you could address those long-term issues in the coming year. Celebrate your achievements and learn from your failures.

Read the rest of entry »

In today's world, being adaptable is not just an advantage, but a necessity that distinguishes it from the rest. According to an NFIB Survey, 60% of small business owners consider online banking capabilities to be critical. Small businesses face a complex landscape of economic uncertainties, changing consumer dynamics, and the constant advancement of technology. To navigate through this maze, small businesses should consider not only being resilient but also having a strategic partnership with the tools of the future.

Read the rest of entry »

When implementing technology, the results can vary greatly. From a sound plan and a well-executed strategy resulting in improved company performance to a poorly executed strategy resulting in deeply flawed results. When it comes to AI, two recent articles highlight just that.

Read the rest of entry »