Operating a business is a demanding endeavor. As risk-takers, entrepreneurs draw up business plans, manage operations, and make essential decisions. Of most significance is financial management, as this determines business stability and growth.
For this reason, business owners need a checking account to facilitate the speedy and secure movement of funds. In competitive business environments, having a business checking account in Maryland is a requirement for companies aiming to stay ahead.
5 Benefits of Opening a Business Checking Account in Maryland
Opening a business checking account in Maryland comes with numerous benefits, including:
- Professionalism: A separate checking account for business operations paints a professional image for clients and investors. Note that business checks bear the company name, address, and logo, improving credibility.
- Organized finances: With a dedicated checking account, it is easier to track and manage business finances separately from personal funds. This saves time and avoids confusion during tax season or when analyzing financial statements.
- Aids business loan application: Entrepreneurs need immediate access to credit to meet various business emergencies, including taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity, expanding operations, and solving cash flow problems. A business checking account in Maryland will improve the chances of getting approved for a business loan. It will be easier to provide proof of business finances and financial history.
- Access to business banking services: Business checking accounts have features specifically designed for businesses. Examples are the ability to accept credit and debit card payments, payroll services, and integration with bookkeeping software.
- Reduced personal liability: Separating business funds from personal funds provides legal protection for the owner in case of any legal action against the business.
How to Customize Your Business Checking Account in Maryland
Maryland's business environment is unique and dynamic. For a business to thrive, it needs an optimized business checking account catering to its specific financial needs and matching the state's economic landscape. Here are some tips to customize a business checking account in Maryland:
Optimizing the Maryland Business Checking Account to Obtain an SBA Loan
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are popular among business owners thanks to their low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The organization administering these loans (SBA) partners with government agencies and micro-lending institutions to provide numerous loan programs to Maryland business owners, including marginalized groups, to help them start, run, or expand their operations. These programs include the following:
- Maryland SBA 7(a) Loan Program: Offers loans of up to $5 million and guarantees up to 85% of the loan's amount.
- Maryland SBA Microloan Program: Offers loans up to $50,000.
- Maryland 504 Loan Program: Offers loans for major fixed assets, such as land, buildings, and equipment, and caps at $5.5 million for a single project.
Several eligibility requirements are standard across all SBA loan types. These include a good credit history and financial projections. Also, the business must be functional and operating for profit. With a reliable business checking account, companies can easily substantiate their financial health and history, improving their chances of approval.
Online Merchant Options
The e-commerce market is projected to grow immensely in the foreseeable future, reaching over $5,000 billion in revenue and 4.5 billion users in 2028. As the 22nd best state for business, Maryland has good potential for e-commerce businesses, with online sales forecast to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025. Maryland businesses need to have an online presence to tap into this potential.
This means having a website capable of receiving payments via credit or debit cards and other online payment methods, including PayPal and Stripe. With a business checking account in Maryland, businesses can seamlessly integrate these features into their websites and online payment systems.
Payroll Software Features and Efficient Bookkeeping Solutions
Operational expenses need to be managed effectively. Wages make up a significant portion of business expenses and are overwhelming to track manually.
With a customized business checking account in Maryland, entrepreneurs can access payroll software features that automate employee salary payments, tax deductions, benefits contributions, and other related expenses. This streamlines business operations and ensures compliance with Maryland's labor and tax laws.
Overdraft Protection
Overdrafts occur when a business debits more money than is available in the checking account. This can lead to penalties and cash flow problems. With overdraft protection linked to a business checking account in Maryland, companies can avoid these financial setbacks and maintain a positive balance to meet their financial obligations.
Unlock Business Growth With Woodsboro Bank's Business Checking Account in Maryland
Woodsboro Bank offers customized business checking accounts that cater to different client needs. These business checking accounts come with online banking and cash management services, including bill pay, overdraft protection, Intuit® Quicken Money, and VISA® CheckCard. Contact Woodsboro Bank today to take advantage of business checking accounts customized to Maryland's unique business environment.