Latest news with #fundinggap
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Save Financial Services Announces New Flexible Financing Solutions
Save Financial Services introduces personalized, accessible financing solutions for small businesses to help them grow and succeed in today's challenging financial landscape. Global, August 11, 2025 -- Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Vision of Save Financial Services In a world where securing business funding can often seem like an insurmountable challenge, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) find themselves constantly navigating a complex financial landscape. Traditional banks, with their rigid criteria and lack of flexibility, have long been barriers for many entrepreneurs. Enter Save Financial Services, a company founded with a mission to bridge the funding gap and empower SMBs to flourish. Save Financial Services, led by the visionary Loribeth Bambo De Vera, is helping entrepreneurs secure the financing they need to thrive. Offering tailored financial solutions that focus on the unique needs of each business, Save Financial Services is reshaping how small businesses access capital in the Philippines. The Foundation: Loribeth Bambo De Vera's Commitment to SMB Growth Loribeth Bambo De Vera founded Save Financial Services with a clear goal: to provide small businesses with the support they need to scale and succeed. Drawing from her experience as an entrepreneur, Loribeth saw that many business owners with great ideas were often rejected by traditional banks. The reason? Insufficient collateral or lower credit scores—factors that prevented them from accessing the capital they needed. Save Financial Services was built to address these challenges. 'I saw firsthand how difficult it was for small businesses to access capital,' said Loribeth. 'I knew there had to be a better way to help these businesses grow.' Save Financial Services offers flexible and accessible financing options to entrepreneurs who may not fit the traditional bank mold, ensuring that each business receives the support it needs to succeed. Overcoming the Early Challenges in a Competitive Industry The journey to establishing Save Financial Services was not without its hurdles. In an industry dominated by large financial institutions, Loribeth faced the challenge of differentiating Save Financial Services and gaining the trust of entrepreneurs. Traditional lenders typically provide standardized, one-size-fits-all loans, but Loribeth wanted Save Financial Services to stand out by offering more personalized solutions. 'It wasn't just about providing funding; it was about helping businesses find the path to success,' Loribeth reflected. This mindset became the foundation of the company's philosophy and set it apart from other financial institutions. In the early stages, navigating complex regulations and fostering trust within a skeptical industry presented obstacles. However, through hard work and dedication, Save Financial Services established itself as a leader in alternative business financing. Expanding Reach: Strategic Partnerships with Local Incubators One of the key turning points for Save Financial Services came when it began partnering with local business incubators. These collaborations helped expand Save's reach and connect with a broader network of entrepreneurs. These incubators offered not just mentorship but also the opportunity for Save Financial Services to introduce its unique financing solutions to more businesses in need. 'These partnerships were a game changer,' said Loribeth. 'By focusing on the potential of a business rather than rigid financial criteria, we were able to help so many entrepreneurs who were otherwise left behind.' By working alongside business incubators, Save Financial Services was able to provide more flexible, accessible financing solutions that didn't require long, complicated paperwork or stringent credit requirements. This shift in approach allowed the company to provide valuable support to a broader range of entrepreneurs, enabling them to achieve their goals. What Sets Save Financial Services Apart: A Customer-Centric Approach Save Financial Services has built a reputation as a company that puts its clients first. The company's customer-centric approach is one of the key factors that set it apart from larger financial institutions. While traditional banks often offer generic loan products, Save Financial Services takes a personalized approach, designing financing solutions tailored to each business's unique needs and goals. Key Features of Save Financial Services' Approach: A True Partner for Small Business Success Save Financial Services has become a trusted financial partner for many small and medium-sized businesses. The company's unique blend of personalized financing and ongoing support has proven to be a game changer for entrepreneurs looking to overcome financial obstacles and achieve their goals. Whether businesses need funding for working capital, expansion, or to overcome cash flow challenges, Save Financial Services is there to provide the necessary tools for success. 'We are more than just a lender,' says Loribeth. 'We are a partner dedicated to helping businesses grow and thrive in the long run.' A Long-Term Impact on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Save Financial Services is not just reshaping the financial landscape for small businesses; it is also contributing to a more inclusive and diverse economy. By offering flexible financing and personalized support, Save Financial Services is helping entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face in securing capital, thereby creating a stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Philippines. With Save Financial Services, businesses no longer have to rely solely on traditional banks that may not understand their specific needs. Instead, they have a trusted partner dedicated to helping them scale, innovate, and succeed. About Save Financial Services Save Financial Services is a provider of flexible, accessible, and affordable financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses in the Philippines. Founded by Loribeth Bambo De Vera, the company is committed to helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow and succeed. Save Financial Services is redefining business financing by offering personalized financial solutions and ongoing support to businesses across various industries. Media Contact Loribeth Bambo De Vera Founder & CEO Save Financial Services Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Loribeth Bambo De Vera Email: Send Email Organization: Save Financial Services Website: Release ID: 89166854 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Are Things Really Getting Better For Women In Business In 2025?
In recent years it's felt like the momentum for women entrepreneurs has been growing. There are more women starting businesses, more conversations about the funding gap, and more visibility for women-led businesses. But visibility does not always translate to progress. So, the real question is, are things actually getting better for women in business when you look at the numbers? In 2025 we're still up against decades of systemic barriers such as unequal access to funding, networks, and mentorship, but is the tide starting to turn? Are we slowly making headway? Let's explore the latest data and ask whether the business landscape is becoming more equitable, or if we're still applauding small wins instead of real change. The Boom in Women-Owned Startups According to the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, the number of women starting new businesses has reached an all-time high. In North America, women now account for nearly half of all new business owners, with the sharpest growth coming from Gen X. This isn't a trend; it's a shift in who is shaping the small business economy. While the surge in new women-led startups is encouraging, the bigger question is whether these businesses are positioned for long-term success. Early data shows that many of these ventures remain micro-businesses, with limited access to funding and slow paths to scalability. Starting a business is one thing but building a profitable and sustainable business is another. The rise in women-owned businesses is powerful, but it must be matched with the resources, mentorship, and systems that help them grow beyond survival mode. Breaking the 1.9% Million-Dollar Ceiling for Women in Business The long-standing benchmark that only 1.9 percent of women owned businesses make over $1 million in revenue per year remains largely unchanged in 2025. That percentage still holds, reinforcing just how elusive the million-dollar milestone remains for women entrepreneurs, even as new businesses enter the market. Recent data shows modest progress. From 2019 to 2024, the number did grow by nearly 10 percent. That signals upwards momentum, although from a very low base point. Still, among those businesses, 2023-2024 saw a sharp slowdown where women owned million-dollar firms posted only a 0.3 percent revenue growth year over year, compared to a 9 percent for men. Across the broader landscape, women-owned businesses collectively generate around $2.7 trillion in revenue, accounting for approximately 5.8 percent of total US business revenue. Average revenue still lags behind with male-owned small businesses averaging roughly $607k in annual revenue versus $219k for women; a gap of nearly 40 percent. Are Women in Business Finally Getting Funded? Despite the attention the funding gap has received in recent year, venture capital funding for women remains shockingly low in 2025. According to Pitchbook, women-only founding teams received just 2.5 percent of all venture capital dollars in the first half of the year. That statistic is pretty much unchanged as the average over the last decade has held between 2-3 percent. However, alternative funding sources are starting to see more traction. Women are increasingly turning to angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government-backed grants as funding options that don't rely on traditional venture capital networks. Industry leaders must continue to challenge the status quo and call out the disconnect between DEI rhetoric and actual investment dollars. Until investors and institutions are held responsible for where the money goes, progress will continue to lag behind the headlines. The funding gap is more than a numbers problem; it's a systemic barrier that needs structural change. The bottom line is that the data in 2025 is telling us a mixed story where more women are starting businesses, visibility is growing, and alternative funding paths are expanding, but the deeper structural gaps in revenue growth, funding, and scale remain relatively unchanged. Progress is happening, but it is small. If we want to see real change, it will take more than inspiration. It will take investment, accountability, and a collective agreement to build an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs don't just start a business, rather they thrive in their businesses.
Wall Street Journal
03-08-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
A Good Plan to Keep Social Security Solvent
Andrew Biggs's 'A Risky Plan for Social Security' warns that the bipartisan reform plan to provide long-term solvency for the Social Security system proposed by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R., La.) and Tim Kaine (D., Va.) is too risky (op-ed, July 25). But the Cassidy-Kaine plan is much less risky than ignoring Social Security's current $25 trillion funding gap and allowing its trust fund to be depleted by 2033. Messrs. Cassidy and Kaine based their proposal on extensive evidence that diversified investing produces much higher long-term returns than reliance on low-yield Treasury bonds.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Would you pay $100 per year to make a dent in Pierce County homelessness?
By some estimates, Pierce County's homelessness response is more than $100 million shy of what the region needs to effectively mitigate the crisis. A local data analyst involved with Pierce County's homelessness response has theorized it might be possible to close the funding gap, but would it generate the resources needed and what mechanisms exist to do so? From 2015 to 2023, the county spent more than $172 million dollars on its homelessness response, about $21.5 million per year. In 2024, the county budgeted more than $75 million dollars to fight homelessness. In a blog post published in November 2024, former Pierce County Human Services director Heather Moss estimated the county would need an annual investment of $157 million to meet the needs of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, according to the county's Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness (CPEH). When asked how that level of funding would help to make significant progress towards ending the homelessness crisis, Moss said one of the largest efforts would be building or providing incentives for builders to create more affordable housing — what she called a nationally recognized best practice to mitigate homelessness. Moss also said additional funding would be used to provide more interventions and resources for the chronically homeless population — a demographic of people who have been unhoused or unsheltered for long periods of time, or who have found themselves unhoused more than once. 'Until or unless we get to that level of sustained funding, our system will be insufficient to meet demand,' Moss wrote in her statement. Gerrit Nyland is a policy analyst for the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness. He previously worked as the director of client information systems for Catholic Community Services, one of Washington's largest homeless-service providers, where he did data management and reporting. He also worked for Pierce County, helping to develop and author the Pierce County's CPEH — the very plan Moss cited in her estimation of the funding gap. During a recent Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness meeting, Nyland shared a data dashboard he created which outlines all the funding for homelessness and housing services across Pierce County. He also floated a theory that the funding gap could be closed if every Pierce County resident paid $100 annually. He explained that if the estimated more than 940,000 residents each contributed $100 annually, it would generate more than $90 million in additional revenue to bolster the homelessness-response system. In an interview with The News Tribune, Nyland theorized that the roughly annual $94 million would help close the funding gap between the current system funding and what is estimated to reach reach what the CPEH calls 'functional zero.' Nyland said 'functional zero' means anyone experiencing homelessness could immediately be enrolled in a program leading to permanent housing. Nyland clarified his $100-per-person idea is more theory than actual plan. '$100 per person per year is more a tool to communicate the scale of the number than a funding strategy,' he told The News Tribune. '$100M is tough to easily put into context – so putting it in a per person structure – like $100 per person – just makes it a more understandable number.' What mechanisms exist to close the gap? When asked about ways the revenue could be collected to fill the funding gap, he offered four different possible revenue streams which could be used. 'None of these are simple or easy or maybe even desirable. But those are the tools we have available,' he said. First, Pierce County could dedicate a portion of its existing general fund dollars to homelessness. Nyland projected 3% of the general fund would be roughly $25 million. 'Pretty much only Tacoma does this now – no other city nor the county government dedicates any of their 'own' general funds to address homelessness,' he said. 'Time for every municipality to get some skin in the game.' He also suggested that state and federal funding could be a way to bridge the gap but acknowledged those strategies as less realistic given recent events. 'This is laughable with the current administration, but things won't always be this way (I hope),' Nyland wrote in an email about the prospect of increased federal funding. 'The federal government has historically been our best bet at funds from progressive taxation. And Washington pays more into the federal government than we get out – we are owed a greater share, in my humble opinion.' The other revenue stream he suggested is a new property tax or sales tax. He calculated a $.20 per $1,000 of assessed value property tax would generate roughly $25 million annually. 'If you can get past the irony of addressing a housing issue with a tax on housing,' Nyland joked. What do Pierce County officials say? When asked about Nyland's theory to close the gap by increasing local revenues, Pierce County Council Chair Jani Hitchen, D-District 6, told The News Tribune she thought the idea was 'intriguing,' but the region's funding could be more effective if used to better address the problem and circumstances which lead to folks becoming unhoused in the first place. 'I don't think the $150 million is off-base BUT it assumes that none of the other problems are being addressed and working to reduce those that enter the system,' she wrote in an email to The News Tribune. She also pointed to the anticipated changes in federal funding under the Trump administration. The region's homelessness response has heavily relied upon federal funding in recent years to support homeless and housing services and programs. 'It is too early to tell what the short- and long-term impacts will be, but the cost to local governments for those living in poverty just increased,' Hitchen told The News Tribune. 'And our local income taxes will continue to be shipped out of state, while we are asked to feed, house and provide healthcare for those with the highest needs.' Much of the federal funding came from federal pandemic assistance. Since the pandemic, federal COVID assistance and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars have allowed for significant increases in homelessness-mitigation investments. Of the more than $75 million budgeted in 2024 for the homeless-response system, $23 million was from ARPA funds. 'While homelessness will always be one of my major priorities, our local government is going to have to shift to just trying to keep our government functioning,' she said. Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, a Democrat, said Nyland's theory to collect an average of $100 of revenue from each Pierce County resident would be 'very inequitable.' Both Mello and Hitchen pointed out the county is limited in what kind of taxes it can impose to generate revenue. 'The concept is interesting and has merit, but the mechanism doesn't exist, at least nothing I am aware of,' Hitchen told The News Tribune in an email. 'I have firmly believed that we need to find a way to bring in funding for things like addressing homelessness in a very real way, but the tools allowed to county government by law are VERY limited.' She pointed out King County has funded a variety of different packages for funding through levies and other types of assessments, but recently, local school districts have failed levies and bonds needing 50% or even 60% voter approval for some funding options. 'It can be really challenging in Pierce County to raise taxes,' Hitchen said. 'At the Councilmatic level, we have very few tools available by state law, and truly believe in some cases it should be a vote of the people.' Amy Cruver, R-District 3, told The News Tribune she did not believe that throwing more money at the problem would solve the crisis. 'Mr. Nyland suggested a novel idea, but I'll just say … if money could solve our problems, our educational system would be in the top tiers of the country,' she wrote The News Tribune in an email. Cruver pointed to Washington's public educational system, which she said has received increased funding in recent years only to see standardized test scores drop and a declining rate of students meeting math and reading standards. 'I believe the same principle applies to trying to solve homelessness. More money won't solve the problem. We must do the best we can with what we have,' she wrote. 'In addition to the current homeless problem, I'm concerned that our homeowners will be taxed out of their own homes.' How wide is the funding gap? Kari Moore, spokesperson for Pierce County Human Services, said the more than $150 million estimated need was a 'bit dated,' based on the plan drafted and published around 2022. 'Putting a dollar figure on solving the homelessness crisis is a moving target, and Pierce County is working to develop reliable financial models that will inform what dollar amount is required to solve the crisis in the county,' Human Services director Gary Gant told The News Tribune. 'We are currently evaluating the projections needed to address homelessness in Pierce County as part of our Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness update, but we know the interventions that work have been underfunded for a very long time,' Mello told The News Tribune. 'In fact, the system has never been funded at adequate levels in modern times to keep pace with the scale of crisis to both prevent it and intervene with evidence-based solutions.' A Pierce County Finance Department report from January 2024, found Pierce County would need to spend between $525 million and $1.1 billion across 2024 and 2025 to meet the total need for homeless services, with operational costs of between $225 million and $500 million in the following years.
BBC News
27-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hopes Newcastle Centre for Writing will help bridge funding gap
The creation of a new £11m writing centre will help bridge the funding gap between "forgotten" artists in northern England and those living in the south, a mayor has government signed off millions of pounds of funding in January for the Centre for Writing, which will be based in will aim to provide opportunities and careers in the creative industries for those living in north-east East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the North East Combined Authority (Neca) wanted to support "home-grown talent" but said funding for the region's art sector had been outpaced by that in the south for some time. "There is not enough national money – we do seem to have been a bit forgotten about up here," she tank IPPR North said its analysis had found a £450m "culture chasm" between London and the North of England, which had added to a "vicious cycle of regional inequality"."It is unbelievable that this is happening in this day and age," McGuinness said. 'Bold step' Leaders hope the Centre for Writing will cement the region as a hub for writing and literature and attract big-name publishers to the area, as well as supporting Newcastle's Seven Stories and The National Centre for the Written Word in South will acquire a Newcastle property to house the centre, which will then be run by Tyneside-based charity New Writing North and Northumbria University, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Department for Culture Media and Sport has confirmed it will provide £5m towards the Centre for Writing, while Northumbria University is set to provide £2.5m in said it would provide £2m and Newcastle City Council is expected to provide £1m. It is hoped the remaining £850,000 will be secured through additional grants. Newcastle City Council deputy leader Alex Hay said the creation of the centre was a "bold step" for the region's creative industries."This is more than just a building – it is about growing jobs, attracting investment and giving people of all ages a way into the creative industries, ensuring the North East has a strong voice in UK culture," he said. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
