Starting a new business is a daunting task, not least because of the financial systems you have to set up including your business finance systems. There are many parts to your business finance. It doesn't matter what size the business is there is still a degree of complexity. We however are concentrating on the smaller businesses and the financial requirements placed upon them. The purpose of this article is to provide some helpful background information, which we hope will prove useful.

The types of finance available to small businesses is pretty similiar to that available to the private person. Financial institutions will offer the usual banking applications such as business current accounts, business credit cards, business loans and mortgages. One notable difference however is that the charges tend to be higher and the conditions tighter for business products over personal ones. The majority of banks will offer a full range of products and have dedicated departments and personnel in place to help you and your business.

Online business banking is especially important to the small business, particularly for those business people who are continually on the move. Previously a small business man or women would be forever in and out of the local branch of their bank to either cash cheques, pay in recieipts, arrange overdrafts or finance. With the arrival of online banking and the accessibility of the web, it is now easy to control the finances of the company at any time of day and any place. The days of wasting time in the banks, which would be better employed running the business, are thankfully in the past.

Financial institutions particular value business customers very highly. As a result they are very competitive when comes to enticing new business customers. New businesses are particularly attractive and banks will often agree very good deals to encourage the startup enterprises as once they have the custom they are in a good position to retainit. It is always prudent to shop around and talk to numerous banks to find the best deals on offer. Consider not only the rates for new business, but also how the current customers fair when compared to other banks. This will give you a good idea of the long term competitiveness of an existing bank. There are several internet comparison engines that can get you started on this process.

Neil Brown is a regular contributor to business finance and household insurance.