by Julie Ngo   Many business owners have created buy-sell agreements to protect themselves and their business in case of an untimely death. These agreements are often funded with life insurance to ensure that the cash to purchase the business is available when needed.   Permanent disability is another threat…

by Chris McCullough   Ask any business owner about the key to their success and in addition to offering a great product, the next thing you’ll hear is “provide wonderful customer service.”   We’ve all heard the old adage that “the customer is always right,” but in today’s economic times…

presented by Nicole Albrecht                                                               Several tax hikes, some tax breaks. Now that the fiscal cliff deal assembled in Congress is becoming law, it is time to look at some of the tax law changes that will result. Here are the major details in the bill, which will bring significant…

the good, the bad and the ugly by Jackie Steed   Tips for finding the good in your merchant account. If you are one of the many merchants charging your patrons a surcharge for using a credit card, you may be exposing your business to hefty fines and penalties if…

Alyson Drago has joined U.S. Bank’s SBA Division as a business development officer serving small businesses in southern California. She works at U.S. Bank’s SBA Business Center located at 27289 Jefferson Avenue in Temecula. In her new role, Drago will serve small businesses between Los Angeles and San Diego, including…