2M7's Forward Thinkers Scholarship Winner

Sep 2024

Sep 2026

And The Winner Is...

The results are in. This year’s winner of the 2M7 Forward Thinkers Scholarship is Claire O’Brien. As a member of The University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, Claire was able to overcome stiff competition in this year’s contest. To do so, Claire not only demonstrated a strong performance in her academic journey thus far, but also clearly communicated a keen interest to harness the knowledge she acquired to this point, to succeed in the world of business as she moves toward her professional goals. Claire exhibited the enthusiasm, and aptitude that 2M7 Financial Solutions’ CEO, Avi Bernstein was looking to reward, and intended to encourage with the creation of this scholarship opportunity.

“Each year, university students face multiple challenges in their pursuit of their academic goals; and these stretch far beyond the classroom. Post-secondary schooling is extremely expensive and places a significant financial burden on those who attend, which can potentially negatively impact the studies of these students as they see to the financial obligations that arise with school funding. That is why I made it one of my goals to help lessen this burden: these students have enough “on their plate”; I want them to focus on what they are paying to study not on how they are going to pay for it. Claire’s essay not only exhibited her potential for business success, but also showed me a character that the 2M7 team strives to promote when we do business. Congratulations, Claire.

The 2M7 Forward Thinkers Scholarship is an annual scholarship that is available for post-secondary students studying in a business related field; and offers the winner a reward of $2,500 so they can better manage the expenses of their schooling. This year we had another strong applicant pool; and we encourage those not selected this year, to re-apply during next year’s contest, for their chance to get a generous amount of financial assistance. We at 2M7 would like to thank all those who participated in this year’s contest; and we wish all those that did decide to vie for this scholarship all the best in their future endeavours.

January 5, 2021

July 27, 2026

Benefits of a Merchant Cash Advance for Small Business

As you seek out new financial solutions for your business, you’re wondering about merchant cash advances. What is an MCA, and what can it do for your small business?As it turns out, a merchant cash advance has serious benefits for small businesses. Check out these advantages, and you might be convinced that an MCA is the right move for you.

Funding Based on Your Future, Not Your Past

One of the biggest benefits of a merchant cash advance is that your future is more important than your past. With a traditional bank loan, you must provide your business’s past income and revenue. They’ll also want to see the business’s credit score and maybe your personal credit score.A merchant cash advance, however, is extended on the basis of anticipated future sales. The lender examines your past credit card and debit card sales to make an estimate about what you’ll earn in the future. They offer the advance based on what you’re likely to bring in.That’s great news for small businesses without a lot of history under their belt. Plus, since it’s forward-looking, it takes into consideration that your business is growing. That’s much better than a traditional loan that looks at your past and doesn’t consider your future needs.

You Can Use It for What You Need

A merchant cash advance offers more flexibility to a small business. Some traditional loans will earmark your funds for particular business uses. An equipment loan, for example, needs to be used to buy equipment. A payroll loan must fund payroll.An MCA can be applied to either of these expenses. Since the funds aren’t earmarked, you could use the MCA to help with payroll. Then you could take any leftover funds and put them towards that equipment.You can even use the MCA to help with day-to-day operations. Need petty cash? The MCA’s funds could stock it up. What about keeping the lights on? The MCA could help you with the electricity bill too.This gives small business owners greater freedom and flexibility than other traditional loan products.

A Merchant Cash Advance Offers More Payment Flexibility

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that the MCA gives small businesses more flexibility when repaying the advance.With a traditional loan, you’ll have a set monthly payment. If you experience a poor sales month, then you might only be able to make a partial payment. You might default on the loan or require another loan to pay it back.The MCA is different. The lender takes a percentage of your actual credit card sales as payment. When you have a good month, you can pay your MCA back faster. If you hit rough waters, then the payment decreases accordingly. You don’t need to worry about defaulting on the payments.

Discover the Benefits of an MCA for Your Business

These benefits can make a merchant cash advance the right choice for many businesses, but they’re especially helpful for small business owners.Ready to see what an MCA could do for your business? Get in touch with the experts to get the funds you need today.

May 11, 2020

July 27, 2026

7 Small Business Trends to Leverage in 2020

The business world is evolving and new small business trends are emerging. Which ones should small businesses adopt for 2020? These seven trends are great contenders.

Embrace Social Media Storytelling

Social media is everywhere these days. With the rise of Facebook Live and Instagram stories, everyone wants video content. Tell your brand’s story with a creative mix of social media.

Think Green and Social

Today’s customer wants to buy from a company that shares their values. Think about a green initiative like reducing waste or adopting biodegradable packaging. Social causes are also popular.

Learn to Leverage eCommerce

eCommerce is finally hitting its stride. Traditional retailers are getting in on the act. Create a great website for your small business and watch your profits soar.

More Technology to Do More

Technology is driving eCommerce, but it’s also driving other parts of your business. Think about how automation could help you keep the books, conduct payroll, and so much more.

Make Your Employees Happy

Businesses today are investing more in their employees. Employee happiness improves productivity and the bottom line. Think about training and development initiatives or a wellness program that will keep them moving.

New Marketing Trends Will Dominate

Digital marketing has finally surpassed traditional marketing. New digital marketing media continue to emerge as well. Think about the rise of voice search or the popularity of audio streaming services as you plan your next campaign.

Personalize Customer Service

Finally, small business owners must realize the importance of customer service. Deliver personalized service to every customer, and you’ll win their loyalty.

Get the Funds You Need

Any of these initiatives could be a big financial undertaking for a small business trends. Get the right financial backing with a merchant cash advance. With the right funds, the possibilities are endless.

March 4, 2020

July 27, 2026

5 Ways to Build Engaging Relationships with Your Clients

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you need to build trust with your clients to drive sales. People buy from companies they trust, and you have to earn that trust. For most companies, that means building engaging relationships with clients over time. The more you interact with the client, the more opportunities you have to convince them to trust you.Building relationships is easier said than done. These five methods could help you engage with your clients on a deeper level.

Ask Questions and Get Answers

When was the last time you took a customer survey? Companies shouldn’t shy away from getting feedback from their clients. Ask the people you work with what you do well and where you can improve. It’s important to put that feedback into action. When your clients see you’re listening, they’ll feel their input really matters.

Go Above and Beyond

When you receive exceptional service, it stands out in your mind. You should aim to exceed your clients’ expectations at every turn. By doing so, you show how important the client is to you.

Communicate and Connect to Build Engaging Relationships

Have you ever watched a video or read an article, and thought, “This client needs to see this”? You should attend to clients’ needs this way. It’s part of communicating and connecting with people on a human level. By sharing content or sending an email to check-in, you can more easily build engaging relationships with your clients.

Show Appreciation

Everyone likes to feel important, and your clients are important to you. Show your appreciation by providing a loyalty program or a special offer.

Remember Patience is a Virtue

Today’s customers don’t like being pitched to, so cultivate patience instead. A client may not be ready to buy today. They may need more information. That’s okay. You can support them by answering questions and sharing information. By being helpful, not pushy, you’ll build trust and relationships with your clients.

Finance Your Relationship-Building Program

Building relationships drives sales and company growth. Conducting a survey or starting a loyalty program can cost though. Learn how a merchant cash advance could help you build better relationships.