We offer access to capital, ways to help protect a company and its employees, and strategies to safeguard a business today and for your heirs.
As a business owner, you have unique financial needs that go beyond your personal finances, and those needs change as your business evolves, from just starting out to exiting the business.
Your personal and business finances are closely connected. Working with a Merrill Private Wealth Advisor lets you tap into a set of services designed to help meet the personal and corporate needs of business owners — in alignment with their personal wealth management strategy.
A full range of solutions, designed for business owners
We can help you navigate whatever comes your way. For many, this starts with access to working capital to manage the day-to-day or an overall financial strategy to manage excess cash. As your business grows, we can help you protect your company and employees from the unexpected, by working toward safeguarding your business and your family’s future with business continuation and wealth transfer services. And when you’re ready to think about your next chapter, we’re here to help you craft a succession plan.
Our business services include:
- Cash Management Services1 that can help you manage your daily, short- and long-term business cash flow needs.
- Retirement Planning2 that can help you set up retirement plans for yourself, your family and your employees.
- Investment Strategies2,3 that provide a comprehensive plan that can help you build a balanced portfolio and utilize hedging strategies where suitable and appropriate.
- Lending Solutions1 that give you access to customized loans through Bank of America to help you grow your business, finance new or existing property, or address emergency financing needs.
- Trusts and Estates services that allow you to develop a plan based on your wishes for your business and heirs, including wealth transfer strategies.
- Succession Planning1 strategies and merger-and-acquisition referrals that help you guide your business through acquisition, selling a division or exiting by selling to a third party.
Solutions for non-profits, endowments and foundations2
With a long history in supporting institutions, we can help address your organization’s needs and provide ongoing guidance on industry-wide best practices in mission advancement, leadership development and fiduciary review and support. Navigating the complexities of running a nonprofit institution, endowment or foundation, and taking a comprehensive approach to your investments, is far from a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Connect with a Merrill Private Wealth Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Expansion is often top of mind for business owners. Pursuing an IPO or growth through acquisition are important strategies for business owners to consider. Additionally, customized loans through Bank of America can help you grow your business, finance new or existing property, or address emergency financing needs. Working with a Merrill Private Wealth Advisor to explore these strategies can help you and your company prepare for what’s next.
Most business owners could benefit from a business succession plan. One of the important decisions a business owner must face is when and how to step out of the business. Working on a succession plan in advance can help you think about key questions, such as:
- Do you expect to retire from your business?
- What would happen to your business if you were to die today?
- Do you have children you hope to bring into the business?
These are questions only you can answer, and your answers will lead you and your financial and legal advisors to a course of action and a plan that will help you more easily navigate your eventual exit.
Business cash management services encompass the full range of accounts, tools and services that a business or business owner may need to manage the cash flows of their business. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Mobile and online account access
- Bill pay services
- Merchant credit card processing
- ACH, wire transfers and other funds transfer services
- Debit and credit cards
Managing cash flow — how much money is going out the door versus how much is coming in — is essential for every business. Maintaining a healthy cash flow can help ensure that you have cash available for your needs today and in the long term. Optimal cash management includes forecasting expenses and earnings, tracking net cash flow, and having the right tools that can help you create a cash flow budget and update it regularly. Business owners may want to work with their banker or financial advisors to help ensure access to a robust suite of cash flow management tools as well as business lending facilities to manage business cash flow effectively.
Banks and other lenders offer a wide range of business loans, many of which have customizable terms, to help purchase inventory and materials, refinance debt, expand operations or finance account receivables. Some examples include:
- Secured business credit lines
- Unsecured business loans and lines of credit
- Business auto loans
- Commercial real estate loans
- Equipment loans
- Securities-based lines of credit
Working with a loan officer and/or credit specialist is the best way for business owners to evaluate and identify the loan that is most appropriate for their situation.
For secured business loans or lines of credit, the amount of collateral required depends on a number of factors, including the total loan amount, the credit worthiness of the borrower, the type of collateral and the underwriting rules of the lender. Working with a loan officer and/or credit specialist is the best way for business owners to understand collateral requirements and identify the loan that is most appropriate for their situation.
Related Solutions
1 Capability offered by Bank of America, N.A., and its bank affiliates.
2 Capability offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
3 Hedging and monetization strategies can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Prospective investors are required to meet certain qualifications and acknowledge they understand the risks associated with certain hedging and monetization strategies that may not be suitable for all investors.