
Biz Buzz Blog
48 episodes

Ep 48Using Short-Term Financing To Manage Cash Flow Fluctuations
Don't let cash flow shortages disrupt your business’ operation. Read how short-term financing options can help you confidently manage through growth, seasonality, and/or unexpected disturbances.

Ep 47Importance of Community Outreach for Small Businesses
Learn how building a culture of community outreach and service can help your small business be more successful.

Ep 46What Does it Mean to Scale a Business?
It's not uncommon for entrepreneurs to use the terms “growth” and “scale” interchangeably when talking about adding revenue to their small business. The terms do have a similar meaning with a critical difference. Growing a business means that a business owner is adding revenue by adding more resources and higher costs to their operation. This could mean bringing on new clients and customers by adding a new location or building, purchasing new equipment or hiring more employees to meet the needs of those new clients.

Ep 45Things To Do After Buying a Business: A Comprehensive Checklist
Looking for next steps after buying a business? Follow our checklist and learn how to audit business operations, manage finances and set up a new business for success.

Ep 44Beyond the Menu at the Nautical Okoboji
Discover how entrepreneurs Dustyn and Schuyler grew a thriving restaurant group in the Iowa Great Lakes area with the help of strong business banking.

Ep 43A Cut Above the Rest: The Journey of Weaver Meats
When Kyle Weaver took over his grandfather’s butcher shop, he knew he was inheriting more than just a business — he was carrying on a legacy. Read how he’s continued the tradition.

Ep 42Community Housing Initiatives Is Helping Iowans Thrive
Every community thrives when its people have stable, affordable housing. Read how Community Housing Initiatives is building a better future for all Iowans.

Ep 41From Garage Doors to Property Management: How Rena and Dick Hall Built A Legacy With Multiple Successful Businesses
Rena and Dick Hall began with a single loan and now run The Door and Fence Store and RentAmes. Discover how they got their start.

Ep 40The Importance of Reviewing Your Treasury Management Solution at Year-End
Year-end is the perfect time for you to assess your current treasury management solution. Make sure it's ready to help you in the upcoming year.

Ep 39Best Practices for Implementing Treasury Management Services
Implementing a treasury management solution doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow our best practices and get started today.

Ep 38A Comprehensive Treasury Management Guide
This guide to treasury management banking offers essential strategies and insights to help your business grow and succeed.

Ep 37How Treasury Management Plays a Key Role in Fraud Prevention
Prevent fraud before it happens. From real-time alerts to automated payment verifications, treasury management solutions can help protect your business.

Ep 36Q&A Session With Pressed: A Hand-Stamped Jewelry Success Story
Kristen and Eric Meeter, owners of Pressed, share how they have grown their business and took calculated risks that paid off. Read the full interview.

Ep 35SBA Loans for Professional Practices
If you own a professional practice an SBA loan is an excellent way to gain the financial support you need. Learn how SBA loans work and the benefits they provide to small business owners.

Ep 34On a Roll: A Q&A With Chris Graen of Hassle Free Roll-Offs
Not many people know what it's like to start and grow a roll-off dumpster business. Check out our Q&A with Chris Graen, owner of Hassle Free Roll-Offs to learn more.

Ep 33Starting a Business: A Guide for Young Entrepreneurs
This comprehensive guide is for young entrepreneurs ready to start a business. Learn how to overcome challenges, leverage resources and build a successful startup that lasts.

Ep 32Ag-Alchemy Animal Nutrition LLC Bakes Up a Pawsome Business Idea
From baked goods to dog treats: the move John Rotella made to start his small business. Read more.

Ep 31Krafty's Meat Market: A Flavorful Journey to Success
Discover how Nathan Kraft turned his grocery store roots into a flavorful venture at Krafty's Meat Market.

Ep 30Unlocking Business Growth: The Power of Cash Flow Management
Mastering cash flow management is crucial for small business growth. Learn how leveraging treasury management services supports small business cash flow.

Ep 29Create a Small Business Budget in 4 Easy Steps
Creating a small business budget shouldn't be time consuming or stressful. Use these 4 easy steps to create a budget for your business.

Ep 28Form a Successful Small Business Partnership: 5 Best Practices
Forming a small business partnership gives you an opportunity to combine financial resources and skill sets, which can expand your business capabilities. Here are a few best practices to consider before choosing a business partner.
Ep 27Waste Not, Want Not: Brommer Sanitation Inc. Adopts Sustainable Solutions With the Help of Northwest Bank
From professor to small business owner. Read how David Brommer continued his family’s legacy by taking over Brommer Sanitation Inc.

Ep 26Farming for the Generations
Learn how four generations of hard work and strong values has helped Dan Thompson of T&T Farms ensure his family farm legacy is passed down to the next generation.

Ep 25How To Test the Viability of a Business Idea
Learn how to test the viability of a business or product idea before you go all-in on your investment.

Ep 24Small Business Outsourcing: More Bang for Your Buck
Small business outsourcing frees up time so you can focus on running your business. Learn the functions you can outsource today.

Ep 238 Small Business Fraud Prevention Strategies
Fraudulent activity can have lasting financial consequences for business owners. Take steps now to prevent small business fraud with these tips.

Ep 22Small Business Tax Preparation Checklist

Ep 21Navigating the Financial Tides: Strategies for Managing Cash Flow as a Seasonal Business
Managing cash flow as a seasonal business includes budgeting, forecasting and income diversification. Read more tips on how to ensure financial stability throughout the year.

Ep 20Take Your Storefront Digital: How To Expand Your Business Through Online Sales
In today's fast-paced world, convenience is king. Learn how you can expand your storefront business through online sales.

Ep 19Farm Succession Planning: Securing Your Agribusiness Future
Farm succession planning requires communication and realistic expectations. Ensure a smooth transition with this farm succession planning guide.

Ep 18The Benefits of ACH Payments
ACH payment services are more secure than checks and credit cards, and can save your small business time and money. Learn how.

Ep 17Niece Trucking Becomes a Midwest Trucking Powerhouse

Ep 166 Cash Flow Management Strategies for Farmers
Positive cash flow is essential to your long-term success. However, it can be challenging, especially as a farmer. Check out our 6 strategies to help you achieve success.

Ep 157 Financing Strategies To Help Small Businesses Navigate the Economic Landscape

Ep 145 Questions You Should Ask About Lockbox Services
Cash flow is critical to the success of your small business but depositing checks can be a hassle, especially if you’re a start-up small business. Check out these 5 FAQs on this time-saving service.

Ep 13Small Business Loans
Applying for a small business loan for the first time can be overwhelming. We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Ep 12How To Increase Your Personal Credit Score So You Qualify For Small Business Financing
Find out how your personal credit score can affect the financing opportunities for your small business.

Ep 11Turning Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business
Are you ready to leave the 9-to-5 life behind? Check out our guide for turning your side hustle into a full-time business.

Ep 10The Beginner's Guide to Starting a Franchise
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of starting a franchise business.

Ep 9Establishing a Farm Management Record-Keeping System
Effective farm management consists of maintaining accurate financial records and establishing a record-keeping system. Get the details.

Ep 8Improve Your Financial Literacy as a Small Business Owner
Financial literacy can mean the difference between success and failure when it comes to starting a small business. Learn key financial terms every new small business owner needs to know.

Ep 75 Retirement Planning Strategies for Small Businesses Owners
It’s easy to get distracted by the daily financial decisions of running your small business. But, don’t forget about your retirement plan. Keep these 5 strategies top of mind.

Ep 6How To Write a Business Plan: 4 Important Steps
Turn a great idea into a profitable small business. Learn how a business plan can provide a road map for your success.

Ep 5The Benefits of Employee Training Programs for Small Businesses
Employee training programs can help your small business attract and retain high-performing workers.

Ep 4Remove Common Financial Barriers With The Beginning Farmer Loan Program
Find out how you can acquire farmland with the right loan program.

Ep 3Small Business Tax Tips
Be smart with your tax preparation by starting early. Check out our 6 tips to help you during tax time.

Ep 26 Banking Services That Will Help Your Startup Business Get Off the Ground
Banks provide business-specific financial solutions that can help your small business. Here are 6 banking services to help you reach your goals.

Ep 1Farm Tax Preparation Tips
When filing farm taxes it's important to find ways to minimize your tax burden and improve your bottom line. Here are 6 farm preparation tips you should follow.