Bella Vita Associates, LLC
SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
Start-Up -- Strategy & Development -- Risk Management -- Exit Planning
Start-Up -- Strategy & Development -- Risk Management -- Exit Planning
Small Business Resources
Bella Vita strives to provide small business owners with the tools to grow and protect their businesses. Visit the links below to find helpful information to assist you and your business.
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ARTICLES
Insurance Options for Business Continuation
National Small Business Week (May 15-21, 2011)
Nine Common Mistakes in Business Succession Planning New!
Small Business Insurance and Risk Management Guide
Transferring Management in the Family-Owned Business
ARTICLES
Insurance Options for Business Continuation
National Small Business Week (May 15-21, 2011)
Nine Common Mistakes in Business Succession Planning New!
Small Business Insurance and Risk Management Guide
Transferring Management in the Family-Owned Business
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BROCHURES
7 Wonders of Life Insurance
Taking Care of Small Business
What You Need to Know About Disability Insurance
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance
BROCHURES
7 Wonders of Life Insurance
Taking Care of Small Business
What You Need to Know About Disability Insurance
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance
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ORGANIZATIONS
Entrepreneur.com
LIFE Foundation (A Non-Profit Organization)
National Association for the
Self-Employed (NASE)
National Business Incubation Association (NBIA)
Service Corps. of Retired Executives (SCORE)
U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
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RECOMMENDED READING
Built to Sell
by John Warrillow
Business Exit Planning: Options, Value Enhancement, and Transaction Management for Business Owners
by Les Nemethy
Business Valuations for Dummies
by James Bates, MBA, CEPA
Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth
by John M. Leonetti Esq., CM&AA
Mergers & Acquisitions from A to Z, 3rd Edition
by Andrew J. Sherman
Mergers & Acquisitions: An Insiders Guide to the Purchase and Sale of Middle Market Business Interests
by Dennis J. Roberts
Selling to an ESOP - 8th Edition
by Corey Rosen, Donald Davis, Ronald J. Gilbert, Joseph V. Rafferty, Scott Rodrick, David R. Johanson, Robert F. Schatz, Bruce F. Bickley, James G. Steiker, Douglas Jaques, Brian Snarr, James H. Willis, and Michael A. Coffey
RECOMMENDED READING
Built to Sell
by John Warrillow
Business Exit Planning: Options, Value Enhancement, and Transaction Management for Business Owners
by Les Nemethy
Business Valuations for Dummies
by James Bates, MBA, CEPA
Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth
by John M. Leonetti Esq., CM&AA
Mergers & Acquisitions from A to Z, 3rd Edition
by Andrew J. Sherman
Mergers & Acquisitions: An Insiders Guide to the Purchase and Sale of Middle Market Business Interests
by Dennis J. Roberts
Selling to an ESOP - 8th Edition
by Corey Rosen, Donald Davis, Ronald J. Gilbert, Joseph V. Rafferty, Scott Rodrick, David R. Johanson, Robert F. Schatz, Bruce F. Bickley, James G. Steiker, Douglas Jaques, Brian Snarr, James H. Willis, and Michael A. Coffey
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TOOLS & CALCULATORS
No Cost and No Obligation
Company Valuation and/or Buy-Sell Review
Download Request Form: PDF Word
Business Financial Gap Analysis
Download Request Form: PDF Word
Bella Vita "Start-up Framework"
Bella Vita "Program Management Principles"
Life Insurance Needs Calculator
Disability Insurance Needs Calculator
TOOLS & CALCULATORS
No Cost and No Obligation
Company Valuation and/or Buy-Sell Review
Download Request Form: PDF Word
Business Financial Gap Analysis
Download Request Form: PDF Word
Bella Vita "Start-up Framework"
Bella Vita "Program Management Principles"
Life Insurance Needs Calculator
Disability Insurance Needs Calculator
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TRAINING & EDUCATION
Online Small Business Training
Small Business Administration
Women Business Owners: Get Inspired, Grow Your Business and Plan Ahead
by Principal Financial Group
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Online Small Business Training
Small Business Administration
Women Business Owners: Get Inspired, Grow Your Business and Plan Ahead
by Principal Financial Group
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BUSINESS OWNER WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
A monthly podcast with new and upcoming topics and an archive of past topics.
6 Business Killers
Avoid the 6 most common mistakes business owners make.
Business Contingency & Succession Planning
Identify gaps in your business, establish financial priorities and develop a strategy to get on track.
Retirement Planning for the Business Owner and Executives
Fact...80% of small businesses do not have tax deductible retirement plans. Learn why.
Physician - Worried About Your Wealth?
Topics include Reductions in Medicare, Impact of Health Reform Laws and Malpractice/Litigation Exposure.
Professional Advisors Program
For attorneys, CPAs, tax advisors and other financial services professionals.
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COMPANY NEWS
Bella Vita Launches Insurance Solutions for Business Owners and Professionals
Released July 6, 2011
COMPANY NEWS
Bella Vita Launches Insurance Solutions for Business Owners and Professionals
Released July 6, 2011
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REAL LIFE STORIES
Building a Legacy
With the life insurance proceeds, Linda and the twins are keeping Del’s memory alive. Linda has kept the business and the foundation running. The money has also helped give her family a "fresh start" in a new home, pay off debts, and establish a retirement savings program for herself and college-funding plans for the twins. "I have peace of mind today because Del had the foresight to plan ahead," Linda said.
Employees Rescued My Business
For Jimmy Brebner, split-dollar life insurance offered an innovative way to reward key employees at his textile plant. He had intended that they would use the policy’s cash value for extra money upon retirement. But Jimmy couldn’t have been more surprised when, after a severe downturn threatened the future of the business, his employees volunteered to borrow against the cash value of their policies to help revitalize the company. With this money, Jimmy was able to meet payroll, pay his suppliers, and invest in retooling the firm.
Surviving a Nightmare
Brad and Lisa Cunard bought permanent life insurance early in their marriage for protection, but also to allow them to start saving for retirement. They were also partners in a commercial printing business with their two best friends, and the business took out key person insurance on all four. Several years later, Brad and Lisa’s dream of growing old together ended suddenly when a giant tree fell on the couple’s car, instantly killing Lisa and their two young boys who were in the back seat. The proceeds from Lisa’s life insurance gave Brad time to deal with his immense grief and helped keep their business running, saving 20 jobs in the process.
Insurance Saves a Family Business
Ernest “Peanut” Folks took great pride in the fact that his son, Ernesto, chose to follow in his footsteps. Peanut owned an auto body repair shop, and his plan was to one day pass along the business to his son. Life insurance never factored into Peanut’s plan until an agent called on him in 2003. His decision to buy a policy proved fateful, as he was diagnosed two years later with terminal cancer. Today, the business continues to thrive under the stewardship of Ernesto, who takes great pride in running the company that his father worked so hard to build and pass along to the next generation.
Passing the Baton
Brian House knew that one day he would run the family’s Chevrolet dealership, but he never imagined that it would be at age 29, after his father suffered two massive heart attacks. Life insurance proceeds ensured that Brian’s mother would be financially protected and provided the business with the cash needed to ensure a smooth transition. Today, Brian is vice president and dealer-operator at the family-run dealership, one of the most successful in upstate New York.
Overcoming the Unthinkable
After Ken Howell lost his business partner and longtime friend, Jeff Moses, in a small plane crash, he knew their automotive manufacturing company would be all right because of a smart business continuation plan. Life insurance policies funded a buy-sell agreement and the two remaining partners were able to take control of the company. Key person insurance on Jeff’s life provided the money needed to hire a new salesman to take over many of Jeff’s duties. As for Jeff’s family, they are financially secure because of money they received through the buy-sell agreement as well as life insurance Jeff owned individually.
A Lesson in Life
Bob Mentz, the owner of a successful greeting card business, bought life insurance partly because of a lesson he learned from his father, who left his wife virtually peniless when he died. Bob was able to finance an expansion of his business by borrowing against the cash value of his permanent policies. And when Bob died unexpectedly of a bleeding ulcer at age 50, the proceeds from his coverage allowed his wife Debbie to care for the family, and keep the business going strong.
Insurance Saves a Business
Linda Benders and Jeanne Rizzotto, partners in a real estate business, decided to purchase life insurance to fund a “buy-sell agreement.” As time went on and the business took off, they eventually met with their agent to increase their coverage. Days later, Linda was killed in a car accident. The money Linda’s family received helped her husband to care for their 3-year-old daughter and elderly mother, and enabled the three older children to continue their education. It also helped Linda’s survivors avoid unwanted financial entanglements by providing Jeanne with the resources to buy out her partner’s share.
REAL LIFE STORIES
Building a Legacy
With the life insurance proceeds, Linda and the twins are keeping Del’s memory alive. Linda has kept the business and the foundation running. The money has also helped give her family a "fresh start" in a new home, pay off debts, and establish a retirement savings program for herself and college-funding plans for the twins. "I have peace of mind today because Del had the foresight to plan ahead," Linda said.
Employees Rescued My Business
For Jimmy Brebner, split-dollar life insurance offered an innovative way to reward key employees at his textile plant. He had intended that they would use the policy’s cash value for extra money upon retirement. But Jimmy couldn’t have been more surprised when, after a severe downturn threatened the future of the business, his employees volunteered to borrow against the cash value of their policies to help revitalize the company. With this money, Jimmy was able to meet payroll, pay his suppliers, and invest in retooling the firm.
Surviving a Nightmare
Brad and Lisa Cunard bought permanent life insurance early in their marriage for protection, but also to allow them to start saving for retirement. They were also partners in a commercial printing business with their two best friends, and the business took out key person insurance on all four. Several years later, Brad and Lisa’s dream of growing old together ended suddenly when a giant tree fell on the couple’s car, instantly killing Lisa and their two young boys who were in the back seat. The proceeds from Lisa’s life insurance gave Brad time to deal with his immense grief and helped keep their business running, saving 20 jobs in the process.
Insurance Saves a Family Business
Ernest “Peanut” Folks took great pride in the fact that his son, Ernesto, chose to follow in his footsteps. Peanut owned an auto body repair shop, and his plan was to one day pass along the business to his son. Life insurance never factored into Peanut’s plan until an agent called on him in 2003. His decision to buy a policy proved fateful, as he was diagnosed two years later with terminal cancer. Today, the business continues to thrive under the stewardship of Ernesto, who takes great pride in running the company that his father worked so hard to build and pass along to the next generation.
Passing the Baton
Brian House knew that one day he would run the family’s Chevrolet dealership, but he never imagined that it would be at age 29, after his father suffered two massive heart attacks. Life insurance proceeds ensured that Brian’s mother would be financially protected and provided the business with the cash needed to ensure a smooth transition. Today, Brian is vice president and dealer-operator at the family-run dealership, one of the most successful in upstate New York.
Overcoming the Unthinkable
After Ken Howell lost his business partner and longtime friend, Jeff Moses, in a small plane crash, he knew their automotive manufacturing company would be all right because of a smart business continuation plan. Life insurance policies funded a buy-sell agreement and the two remaining partners were able to take control of the company. Key person insurance on Jeff’s life provided the money needed to hire a new salesman to take over many of Jeff’s duties. As for Jeff’s family, they are financially secure because of money they received through the buy-sell agreement as well as life insurance Jeff owned individually.
A Lesson in Life
Bob Mentz, the owner of a successful greeting card business, bought life insurance partly because of a lesson he learned from his father, who left his wife virtually peniless when he died. Bob was able to finance an expansion of his business by borrowing against the cash value of his permanent policies. And when Bob died unexpectedly of a bleeding ulcer at age 50, the proceeds from his coverage allowed his wife Debbie to care for the family, and keep the business going strong.
Insurance Saves a Business
Linda Benders and Jeanne Rizzotto, partners in a real estate business, decided to purchase life insurance to fund a “buy-sell agreement.” As time went on and the business took off, they eventually met with their agent to increase their coverage. Days later, Linda was killed in a car accident. The money Linda’s family received helped her husband to care for their 3-year-old daughter and elderly mother, and enabled the three older children to continue their education. It also helped Linda’s survivors avoid unwanted financial entanglements by providing Jeanne with the resources to buy out her partner’s share.
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