Now Open for Business -- American Express Provides Open Access

American Express has been a pioneer in the consumer credit card market for generations. In the past decade or so, they have also driven the market with innovative credit card solutions for small business owners. As featured in recent business reality television shows, like the "Restaurant" and "Salon", American Express' Open Network has proven crucial for providing small business owners with working capital.

The Open for Small Business network provides a vital credit line administration function for small business owners. Beyond just credit cards, the Open Network allows business owners to secure short term business capital lines of credit starting at $10,000 and even larger lines through unsecured business capital loans. Both products are installment type loans that can be tied to a small business owner's need for both credit card and short term lending products to secure necessary inventory and equipment to operate and grow.

Now Open is also the foundation of the business credit card suite of products offered by American Express. These products include the Business Gold rewards Card, the Business Green Rewards Card, the Platinum Business SimplyCash Card, the Platinum Business Credit Card and the Gold Delta Skymiles Credit Card. Each product is tailored to the needs of different segments of the small business credit card market.

Many small businesses simply need access to affordable working capital. And this need usually isn't a short-term phenomenon. The number one cause for business failure in this country is lack of capital. This can take the form of not being able to afford enough equipment or inventory to fund ongoing operations. Or, it can manifest itself in not being able to make payroll. For many small companies, its employees are its primary assets. And, if payroll isn't maintained, those assets will usually walk out the door to seek greener pastures. The Business Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for augmenting the working capital critical to all small businesses.

Other small businesses have made it past the need for immediate capital, and are interested in earning rewards for their business purchases. As most small business owners can attest, their credit card spending can really add up with buying supplies, traveling to meet clients and entertaining business prospects. And, with this spending comes the opportunity to earn some serious cash rebates or travel-related rewards. The American Express Platinum Cash Rebate Card is an excellent choice for this market.

The final segment of small business owners are the true road warriors. This group typically has a strong affinity to a major airline, since they spend most of their time in the air. For this group American Express offers a superior airline miles program in partnership with Delta Airlines. Delta Airlines frequent flyers can dramatically multiply their mileage rewards with this airline rewards credit card.

The Now Open Network from American Express is the amazingly flexible platform that drives this incredible array of small business credit card products, providing the financial fuel for the backbone of the American economy. To take your business to the next level, you may want to consider what American Express can do for you.

Published: 3/15/2007

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