There are more commercial loan opportunities available today than ever before. That may seem strange in light of what the economies of the United States and the rest of the world have just been through, but it makes sense if you think about it. Banks and lending institutions took a beating back in 2008 because of poorly written personal loans and mortgages. All of those “creative” financial vehicles were tailored for the average consumer, not the small business owner. Commercial lending rules haven’t changed much, but the number of loan types has increased.Before you can “shop” for commercial loans, there are a few preparatory steps you need to take. A business plan will be required, so don’t think you can get by without one. If you’re legitimately trying to improve your business you should have one anyway. Evaluations of your current status and a plan for the future are two items you should have on hand at all times. They can aid you in the loan application process and help you keep your finger on what’s going on with your business.The next item on your pre-shopping list is choosing the amount that you need. Commercial loans come in all shapes and sizes. If you need a million dollars, justify asking for it by showing how it will be spent. This is also the stage of the process where you’ll start to think about what type of loan you’ll be seeking. Standard secured working capital loans are the easiest to come by, but for your situation a cash advance on credit card sales or unpaid invoices might be a better choice. Advances work best if you’re buying inventory that will be liquidated to pay back the lender.Get a firm grasp on your company’s present financial picture, a plan for the future, a preferred loan type, and an amount that you’re shooting for; now you can shop your request around. You can do this the old-fashioned way, by physically visiting a number of lending institutions, or you can use modern technology and shop your request over the internet. There are sites online where you can fill out one application and have it submitted to multiple lenders. If you’ve done the set-up work correctly, you should have the money you need in a few days.

Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
My Dad repaired most of our shoes believe it or not, I can hardly believe it myself now. With 7 pairs of shoes always needing repairs I think he was quite clever to learn how to “Keep us in shoe Leather” to coin a phrase!

He bought several different sizes of cast iron cobbler’s “lasts”. Last, the old English “Laest” meaning footprint. Lasts were holding devices shaped like a human foot. I have no idea where he would have bought the shoe leather. Only that it was a beautiful creamy, shiny colour and the smell was lovely.

But I do remember our shoes turned upside down on and fitted into these lasts, my Dad cutting the leather around the shape of the shoe, and then hammering nails, into the leather shape. Sometimes we’d feel one or 2 of those nails poking through the insides of our shoes, but our dad always fixed it.

Hiking and Swimming Galas
Dad was a very outdoorsy type, unlike my mother, who was probably too busy indoors. She also enjoyed the peace and quiet when he took us off for the day!

Anyway, he often took us hiking in the mountains where we’d have a picnic of sandwiches and flasks of tea. And more often than not we went by steam train.

We loved poking our heads out of the window until our eyes hurt like mad from a blast of soot blowing back from the engine. But sore, bloodshot eyes never dampened our enthusiasm.

Dad was an avid swimmer and water polo player, and he used to take us to swimming galas, as they were called back then. He often took part in these galas. And again we always travelled by steam train.

Rowing Over To Ireland’s Eye
That’s what we did back then, we had to go by rowboat, the only way to get to Ireland’s eye, which is 15 minutes from mainland Howth. From there we could see Malahide, Lambay Island and Howth Head of course. These days you can take a Round Trip Cruise on a small cruise ship!

But we thoroughly enjoyed rowing and once there we couldn’t wait to climb the rocks, and have a swim. We picnicked and watched the friendly seals doing their thing and showing off.

Not to mention all kinds of birdlife including the Puffin.The Martello Tower was also interesting but a bit dangerous to attempt entering. I’m getting lost in the past as I write, and have to drag myself back to the present.

Fun Outings with The camera Club
Dad was also a very keen amateur photographer, and was a member of a camera Club. There were many Sunday photography outings and along with us came other kids of the members of the club.

And we always had great fun while the adults busied themselves taking photos of everything and anything, it seemed to us. Dad was so serious about his photography that he set up a dark room where he developed and printed his photographs.

All black and white at the time. He and his camera club entered many of their favourites in exhibitions throughout Europe. I’m quite proud to say that many cups and medals were won by Dad. They have been shared amongst all his grandchildren which I find quite special.

He liked taking portraits of us kids too, mostly when we were in a state of untidiness, usually during play. Dad always preferred the natural look of messy hair and clothes in the photos of his children.