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This ‘Mini-Berkshire Hathaway’ Style Company’s Strategy Of Building And Spinning Off Companies Is Giving Retail Investors Pure-Play Opportunities For Additional Stock

DSS, Inc.

By Ernest Dela Aglanu, Benzinga A company with an investment style seemingly similar to the legendary Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.A) is reporting significant gains in its portfolio of companies going through IPOs, uplists, and spinoffs. Berkshire Hathaway, best known for its CEO Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wealthiest men and the “Oracle of Omaha”, owns big stakes in businesses in insurance, distribution, manufacturing, retailing, rail transportation, energy generation, and more. Insurance generates the most revenue for the company, but manufacturing generates the most earnings before taxes. Berkshire Hathaway’s stock is the most expensive stock on Nasdaq. On February 24, the stock was priced at $456,460 and currently has a market capitalization of about $670 billion. The company’s stock is so expensive that a single share is worth more than a house in many parts of the U.S. A Fast Rising Alternative? If you are an avid follower of Berkshire Hathaway’s business model and intrigued by how many businesses it has fostered, the name DSS, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS) could warrant attention. Unlike Warren Buffet’s company, which owns pure-play companies like Geico, DSS is not an investment firm but rather an incubator–building and spinning off companies with the goal of giving retail investors pure-play opportunities for additional stock. For some context, a spinoff occurs when a company splits off a portion of its business into a separate company and distributes shares of the new entity tax-free to the parent company’s shareholders. Some prominent companies that have pursued spinoffs include General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and 3M Co. (NYSE: MMM). In joining these big players, DSS has evolved into a multi-industry business growing through acquisitions. The company has a diversified portfolio including biotech, a REIT focusing on healthcare facilities, a bank, and an alternative trading platform for token exchange, amongst other targeted businesses. The company’s Net Asset Value as of September 30 last year was $182.6 million, while Net Asset Value (NAV) per share was $1.31. Revenues were up by 172% year-on-year, total assets were $264 million, and asset growth was over 200%. DSS reports that its diversified, sustainable businesses driving strong cash flow and profitability are mainly: Premier Packaging Corporation — Innovative product and consumer packaging solutions. Impact Biomedical — Developing and acquiring companies and assets in biotech/healthcare. Decentralized Sharing Systems — Peer-to-peer decentralized distribution marketplace and direct marketing model DSS PureAir — Advanced technology that provides innovative, high-quality air and surface purification and filtration American Pacific Bancorp — Provides a complete range of banking and lending services DSS Securities — Investing and acquiring in fund management and market-making firm. Currently, with $1.7 billion assets under management. American Medical REIT — Medical REIT targets hospitals and acute care facilities in secondary and tertiary markets. Digital Securities Exchange — Developing and acquiring assets in securities trading and management, including digital asset exchanges and utility token exchanges. Spinoffs With The Goal Of Giving Investors Pure-Play Opportunities A Zacks Small-Cap Research report released in September 2022 revealed that DSS plans three (3) spinoffs in the next nine months: Impact Biomedical, American Pacific Bancorp, and American Medical REIT, with the first one, Impact Biomedical, potentially worth up to $160 million. The imminent spinoff of Impact Biomedical (its red herring has been filed) is in the comments phase with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with the eventual spinoff expected in the next quarter. Impact Biomedical is expected to file an amended S-1 and have a record date set in Q2 and could IPO within the next two quarters. The company’s valuation is expected to be determined by the bankers and the markets. DSS believes a spinoff of American Pacific Bancorp could happen quickly as it is a far less complicated entity — the spinoff could be executed by as early as the third quarter of 2023. “We expect it would be valued at the typical four to five times loans outstanding for commercial lenders, which currently stand at $40 million, thus valuing it at $160 million to $200 million. We believe it is earning approximately 10% on average on its loans. DSS’s current enterprise value is now $65 million,” the company said. AMRE REIT, on the other hand, has an 8% cap rate and is expected to reach $200 million to $250 million in assets before IPO’ing, which DSS anticipates could happen in Q3 of 2023. Again, this IPO process will provide DSS shareholders with a “no-cost” investment in a separately traded company. DSS says it plans to retain at least 50% of each entity in all three cases — the same will apply for future spinoffs beyond the initial three— but the Company assures shareholders would get a certain percentage. New shares will be issued to raise capital to support the growth of each newly public company. DSS appears to be a company that offers investors the opportunity to acquire a portfolio of curated pure-play companies in the form of stock dividends. In simple terms, when one of DSS’s companies goes public, if you own DSS stock, you’ll get their stock automatically, too — and benefit from individual increases in shareholder value with each spinoff. As DSS executes its business plan, more investors will most likely learn of these periodic spinoffs to participate in these ongoing stock dividends. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses within nine divisions: Product Packaging, Biotechnology, Direct Marketing, Commercial Lending, Securities and Investment Management, Alternative Trading, Digital Transformation, Secure Living, and Alternative Energy. DSS strategically acquires and develops assets to enrich the value of its shareholders through calculated IPO spinoffs and a parametric share distribution strategy. Since 2019, under the guidance of new leadership, DSS has built the necessary foundation for achievable growth through the formation of a diversified portfolio of companies positioned to drive profitability in multiple high growth sectors. These companies offer innovative, flexible, and real-world solutions that not only provide mutual benefits for businesses and their customers, but also create sustainable value and opportunity for transformation. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details Rick Lutz- TraDigital IR rick@tradigitalir.com Company Website https://www.dssworld.com/

March 07, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Unmet Need For Innovative And Effective Treatments For Kidney Disease: Acute Kidney Injury

Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

By Julian Richard, Benzinga Unicycive Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: UNCY) is a biopharmaceutical company spearheading efforts to develop effective, safe, and novel treatments for kidney disease to improve patient and caregiver quality of life due to kidney failure. Its candidate UNI-494 is currently in development for treating acute kidney injury (AKI). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious, life-threatening condition caused by an acute loss of kidney function. There are several causes of AKI, including heart failure and liver disease, blockage to the kidney and reduced blood flow, and drugs or toxic substances. Recent research has highlighted the role that mitochondrial dysfunction plays in AKI pathogenesis. Mitochondria are organelles (specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions) that produce energy for cell functions and regulate many other biological processes, such as cell death. When mitochondria become dysfunctional due to illness or trauma, it can lead to various diseases, including AKI. Treatment for AKI currently focuses on supportive care measures such as administering fluids and electrolytes to stabilize the patient’s blood pressure and dialysis treatment to remove waste from the body. While these treatments are effective in treating the symptoms of AKI, they fail to address the underlying cause of this medical condition and thus do not affect the progression of the disease. Symptoms of AKI include decreased frequency of urination and swelling in the legs and may lead to chronic kidney disease if not treated. Unfortunately, treatment options for mitochondrial dysfunction are limited. While several promising treatments can restore mitochondrial function, such as using antioxidants and other compounds to reduce oxidative stress, these treatments have yet to be successfully implemented on a large scale. This unmet medical need has left many patients with few treatment options. UNI-494 is a promising compound seeking to address this unmet clinical need. It is a patented pro-drug (a biologically inactive compound that can be metabolized in the body to produce an active drug) of nicorandil, which has been shown in preclinical models to improve mitochondrial function. Data for UNI-494 from three pre-clinical studies will be presented at the National Kidney Foundation’s (NFK) upcoming Spring Clinical Meetings in April 2023. “We are delighted to be presenting this bolus of data in support of UNI-494 as a potential treatment advance for acute kidney injury” said Shalabh Gupta, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Unicycive Therapeutics. Visit https://unicycive.com for more information on the company and its product candidates. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for kidney diseases. Unicycive’s lead drug, Renazorb, is a novel phosphate binding agent being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. UNI-494 is a patent-protected new chemical entity in late preclinical development for the treatment of acute kidney injury. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Anne Marie Fields - Stern Investor Relations +1 212-362-1200 annemarie.fields@sternir.com Company Website https://unicycive.com/

March 07, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Aqua Cultured Foods Holds First Industry-wide Alt-Seafood Tasting in Taste Lab at Future Food-Tech San Francisco

AquaCultured Foods

Food tech startup Aqua Cultured Foods today announced it will host a Taste Lab at Future Food-Tech San Francisco, held March 16-17, 2023 at the Marriott Marquis. The event will be the company’s first large-scale tasting event for members of the food industry in preparation for public availability later this year. Taste Lab events allow conference attendees to try novel foods for the first time and meet company founders. Aqua will offer various preparations of its tuna, ground shrimp and scallop derived from microbial fermentation. “Future Food-Tech is the ideal venue for us to showcase the results of nearly two years of R&D, scale-up and collaborative work with chef and foodservice partners,” said Aqua CEO Anne Palermo. “The food-tech industry already considers us a leader in alt-seafood, and this Taste Lab presentation is our opportunity to validate that reputation.” Aqua’s Taste Lab will take place Thursday March 16 beginning at 3:15 p.m. Launched in 2015, Future Food-Tech brings together international entrepreneurs, investors and major food brands to dig into the crucial issues facing the food industry today. The summit has become a global hub, connecting 1600 international food brands, ingredient providers, investors, start-ups and technology leaders. Over the two-day summit, food-tech pioneers and visionaries discuss innovative approaches to scaling alt-proteins, new formulations for healthier, nutrient packed foods, and commercial opportunities at the intersection of food and medicine. Future Food-Tech events take place in London, New York and San Francisco alongside World Agri-Tech Innovation Summits, together forming Rethink Agri-Food Innovation Week. In-person events are livestreamed to maximize connections and accessibility among a global audience. For more information visit https://futurefoodtechsf.com. Aqua is developing a range of alt-seafood such as calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish from novel fermentation processes. A unique strain of microorganism transforms plant-based ingredients into “seafood” with a realistic taste, texture, and appearance that can be used as a one-to-one replacement for animal seafood. The company is also producing minced fillings for applications such as dumplings, ravioli, and sushi rolls. Aqua’s calamari, shrimp, scallops, and filets of tuna and whitefish are created from fermentation processes that do not use any animal inputs, genetic altering or modification. Unlike plant-based processed foods formulated with starches and protein isolates, Aqua’s alt-seafood retains its naturally occurring fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. For images visit https://app.box.com/s/wfbrvgraf2ty2b7by5h6ahjsaqrd8zx3. About Aqua Cultured Foods Aqua Cultured Foods is an innovative food technology startup developing the world’s first whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives created through microbial fermentation. Its novel technology produces a sustainable, complete protein source using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional aquaculture. As the first to develop realistic alt-seafood with fermentation, Aqua Cultured Foods occupies a unique position in the burgeoning alt-seafood market, as well as within the fermentation industry. The company’s mission is to mitigate global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and feeding the world’s expanding population with delicious, nutrient-rich foods. For more information visit https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com. Contact Details Gary Smith +1 818-783-0569 gary@evolotuspr.com Company Website https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com

March 06, 2023 03:54 PM Central Standard Time

News Release

Keep Underestimating Michigan: This Midwest Powerhouse is Just Hitting its Stride

Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan

By Denise Pollicella, Esq. It is no secret that Michigan cannabis businesses have had a rough time of it lately. The market consolidation that took three to five years in other maturing legal cannabis states compressed into the span of roughly 18 months in Michigan in which the wholesale price of marijuana cratered by an astounding 90%. This is in a state that most MSOs had already passed on, primarily due to the unlimited state license structure. Over-leveraged and cash-poor companies with limited to no options for traditional financing found no help from the private equity market, which appears to have pulled up stakes for the younger and more fertile East Coast. But those quick to write Michigan off are not paying close enough attention. Take, for example, the wholesale price of marijuana. According to Leaflink’s Wholesale Cannabis Pricing Guide, Michigan had a 3.2 score in 2020 (1 being the highest on a 1 – 10 scale). At the time, Michigan had the third highest flower prices in the country, and the second highest concentrate prices in the country, while the more mature states in the West and Southwest had the lowest. But in Leaflink’s 2022 Guide, even though Michigan’s score fell to 4.8, it was still well above the more mature West and Southwest markets and continues to hold the spot for the third-highest flower prices in the country. It is in the edibles and cartridges that the state has seen the steepest declines. Still, after the expected brief Croptober dip, Michigan has seen its prices level off and even tick up slightly. The sigh of relief from growers across the state has been almost audible. Demand in the legal market is also increasing, thanks to Detroit, Port Huron and Traverse City all finally permitting recreational adult use retailers after years of messy litigation. Twenty-four are already online in Detroit, with a second application period due to open in March, which will likely bring at least another two dozen online in short order, all in the state’s most populous city, and all before the start of baseball season and a host of arts and cultural events that bring fans and tourists to Michigan in the Summer. A completely non-scientific poll of my own licensed cannabis retailers in Detroit shows an increase of roughly $150,000 monthly in sales and climbing from the addition of recreational adult use licensing. While the majority of the State’s most populous cities have already welcomed not only the licensed cannabis industry as a whole but recreational adult use retailers, the number of retailers will likely continue to climb as the more than 1,300 Michigan municipalities who opted out of the recreational adult use market watch the state write nearly $61,000,000 in checks to the 129 municipalities who did, up nearly $17,000,000 from 2021’s distribution. At $51,800 per retailer and microbusiness license, smaller cities are starting to run out of reasons to “just say no”. And let’s not forget about Michigan’s border towns, now the most sought-after locations in the state: in the South, bordering Indiana and Ohio, and in the North, bordering Wisconsin. A mere 45-minute drive from Green Bay on the East and a 90-minute drive from Minneapolis on the West, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is booming. Whether cannabis is federally legalized or not, Michigan is situated, both in infrastructure and location, to dominate the Midwest for the next ten years. This expected growth in continued revenue, taxes, and demand is good news for the Michigan licensed cannabis industry, which, by all accounts, has not met the projected demand of the state’s reported cannabis-consuming population. So while the consolidation happened earlier than anyone expected, and we will continue to argue about why, it was, in the end, inevitable and necessary, and the businesses that survived came out all the stronger for it. As a state, Michigan certainly still has its challenges, and for our legal cannabis industry’s age, our laws and policies very often do not reflect maturity. We seem determined to continue to disregard a $2 billion industry that has created over 30,000 primary full-time, living wage jobs, and is rapidly becoming the primary revenue generator for many of Michigan’s communities, big and small. We have a lot of work to do, and not all of it will be painless. The MSOs can continue to pass Michigan on the way to Massachusetts and New Jersey. We don’t mind. That was never Michigan’s plan. If you have been to even one planning commission meeting in rural Michigan, you already know that Michigan prefers its businesses to be locally owned and operated. We are an agricultural, manufacturing state that has always thrived on free market competition and local economic development, and Michigan’s cannabis industry fits in nicely. Denise Pollicella is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan and a business attorney in her 27 th year of practice. See her bio at cannabisattorneysofmichigan.com This article was originally published on Benzinga here. Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan are experts in licensing and representation for Michigan’s cannabis industry since 2009 Contact Details Tiffinay Burgess Tiffinay.burgess@pollicella.net

March 06, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

This Company Is Focused on Treg-Enhancing Therapies - Could This Be Medicine’s Next Frontier?

Coya Therapeutics Inc.

By David Willey, Benzinga Texas-based biotech company, Coya Therapeutics (NASDAQ: COYA), is positioning itself as a leader in a promising area of the medical field. When the father of company CEO and founder Howard Berman was diagnosed with dementia, Berman became inspired to turn his expertise in neuroscience towards developing a treatment that could help his father and others like him. Now the company has conducted trials that show the promise of a new therapy to slow or stop neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons, Alzehimers, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as well as other autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Cell and gene therapy (CGT) is a growing biomed market. It is currently worth over $18 billion and was forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.41% by Precedence Research, bringing its value to over $93 billion by 2030. Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is a developing field in the cell therapy market. It has been inspired by the successes of Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies for treating cancer. CAR-T treatments, which engineer the immune system to respond to the cancerous cells, have seen high complete remission rates in cancer patients suffering from cancers like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Treg-based therapies look to apply the innovations of CAR-T therapy to other diseases. It's an exciting field, with around $3 billion raised by investors over the past decade. More than 180 trials for Treg therapy have been registered in the past twenty years, however the majority of these trials are still pre-clinical. While many companies involved in Treg-based therapy remain in the pre-clinical stage, one is already bringing data to the table. Coya Therapeutics is advancing multiple Treg-based therapy modalities and is one of the most clinically advanced companies in the Treg field. Coya Is Tackling Inflammation At Its Source Many neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and Parkinson's Disease, are often driven by widespread inflammation, resulting from a malfunction of Treg cells. Coya Therapeutics is investigating Treg’s potential for reducing inflammation by modifying the Treg cell to make it functional again and down-regulate the cytokine inflammation. The company believes that restoring Treg cells’ functionality could either slow or stop the spread of these diseases. Unlike some others in the market, Coya has been able to bring its therapies to the clinic. With its Coya-101 therapy, it has validated this approach for cell therapy, with two trials that either slowed or stopped the disease’s progression. With its Coya 302 therapy, it is also looking to add biologics to its portfolio. In two proof of concept studies, the company has identified two biologics which treat Alzheimers and ALS, and biomarkers indicate patients seeing some recovery for the disease. Also biologic treatments, which are derived from living organisms as opposed to synthetic chemicals, have the advantage of being both cheaper and more scalable than traditional treatments. Biologics can be developed as “off the shelf” therapies, as opposed to the more time-consuming autologous treatments that are specific to each patient. Other companies working in the TREG space include Sonoma Biotherapeutics, which has received investment from the venture arm of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), GentiBio, which has seen investment from the venture arm of Novartis (NYSE: NVS), and Abata Therapeutics. Treg-based therapies are a unique way to target inflammation and potentially reverse the spread of the disease at the cellular level. Currently there are only two FDA-approved drugs on the market to treat ALS and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and they don’t seem to halt the disease. While studies have sought to reduce inflammation in ALS patients using drugs like cyclooxygenase–2, or through experimental therapies that use intracerebral and intrathecal delivery, these approaches are either too invasive or don’t appear to reduce inflammation. Coya believes its novel cell therapy could see positive results, just as CAR-T treatment saw cancer remission rates without the negative side effects of treatments like chemotherapy. Want to learn more about Coya Therapeutics and its Treg therapies? Visit its website. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. About Coya Therapeutics, Inc.Headquartered in Houston, TX, Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: COYA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary treatments focused on the biology and potential therapeutic advantages of regulatory T cells (“Tregs”) to target systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Dysfunctional Tregs underlie numerous conditions including neurodegenerative, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, and this cellular dysfunction may lead to a sustained inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in lack of homeostasis of the immune system. Coya’s investigational product candidate pipeline leverages multiple therapeutic modalities aimed at restoring the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions of Tregs. Coya’s therapeutic platforms include Treg-enhancing biologics, Treg-derived exosomes, and autologous Treg cell therapy. Coya’s 300 Series product candidates, COYA 301 and COYA 302, are biologic therapies intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers. COYA 301 is a cytokine biologic for subcutaneous administration intended to enhance Treg function and expand Treg numbers in vivo, and COYA 302 is a biologic combination for subcutaneous and/or intravenous administration intended to enhance Treg function while depleting T effector function and activated macrophages. These two mechanisms may be additive or synergistic in suppressing inflammation. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice Contact Details David S. Snyder David@coyatherapeutics.com Company Website https://coyatherapeutics.com/

March 06, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Tooth Decay Can Cost Up To $28,000 When Left Untreated — DentalPlans.com Helps Americans Get The Dental Care They Need At Steep Discounts

DentalPlans.com

By Rachael Green, Benzinga The most common chronic disease in the United States is tooth decay, with nearly 90% of adults between 20 and 64 having some decay in their teeth which can lead to tooth loss and gum disease if left untreated. As a result, an estimated 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and 36 million have no remaining teeth at all. However, 77 million Americans don’t have dental insurance, and even those that do still end up paying an average of $874 out of pocket per year for dental care because the coverage they do have is limited. Many dental insurance plans set their total annual maximum at around $1,500. Once a patient exceeds that limit for the year, they have to pay any remaining costs out of pocket. To understand just how easy it is to exceed the annual maximum of most plans, let’s look at the average costs, without insurance or a dental savings plan, of three common procedures: root canals, dental implants, and dentures. A Root Canal Can Cost Between $1,000 to $4,350 on Average Over 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States. The procedure is used when untreated decay progresses all the way through the tooth and into the nerve, causing inflammation, infection, and a lot of pain. Root canals are essentially the last option for saving a tooth that has been left to decay for too long. In one large-scale study, it was found that teeth that received a root canal can survive an average of 20 more years. But that’s if the patient also received a crown and filling to restore the tooth afterward. For those that just received a root canal with no restorative work, the tooth survived an extra six and a half years on average—better than nothing, but not great. While pricing varies, a single root canal costs between $1,000 and $1,600 without insurance, depending on the location of the tooth. For patients who want restorative work that can extend the tooth’s life as much as possible, they’ll have to add between $50 and $250 for the filling and $900 to $2,500 for the crown. The total cost of a root canal, filling, and crown can vary between $1,950 and $4,350 without insurance. A Single Dental Implant Can Cost Up To $4,500 In the United States, 3 million people already have at least one dental implant and an estimated 500,000 new implants are placed each year nationwide. Each one of those tooth replacements costs about $3,000 to $4,500 on average without insurance, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). A full set can cost as much as $45,000 without insurance. A Full Set of Dentures Can Cost Up To $28,000 Given the high rates of tooth loss in the United States mentioned earlier, about 40 million Americans wear full or partial dentures, with a full set costing anywhere from $1,000 to $28,000 without insurance depending on permanence. Traditional removable dentures range from $1,000 to $3,000 while the more permanent implant-supported dentures average $21,500. Even for partial dentures or bridges for people who have only lost a few teeth, prices range from $450 for a temporary denture up to $3,100 for a permanent, custom-fitted denture without insurance. These costs don’t factor in the added costs of maintaining dentures including tissue conditioning to prepare gums for wearing dentures and periodic denture adjustments or relining to make sure they still fit even as gums change. Savings Plans on DentalPlans.com Can Make Life-Changing Oral Care Affordable To help curb the costs of important dental care, dental savings plans that provide plan members with big discounts on most procedures have emerged as an alternative to or supplement for traditional dental insurance. DentalPlans.com, a leading marketplace for dental savings plans since 1999, is helping Americans find the right plan for their needs so that they can afford the care they need. A dental savings plan is not insurance. That means anyone can join anytime throughout the year, and start saving quickly. Plans activate in just 1-3 business days. People just sign up for the plan that suits their needs, pay the fee to activate their membership, and then receive reduced rates each time they visit the dentist. Both routine preventative care and more expensive procedures like root canals, dental implants, and dentures mentioned above are discounted between 10% and 60% for plan members. Plan members have reported an average savings of 50% off.* All they have to do to get the discount is show their membership card to one of the more than 140,000 participating dentists nationwide. There are also no restrictions or exclusions based on current health conditions and no limits on how much can be saved each year. A dental savings plan can mean the difference between being able to afford the care needed or having to go without. To learn more about dental savings plans visit DentalPlans.com *Discount Health Program consumer & provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. This article was originally published on Benzinga here. DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Matthew Wong matthew.wong@wpromote.com Company Website https://www.dentalplans.com/

March 06, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

What is Reverse Factoring for Cannabis Businesses?

Canna Business Resources

Cash flow is an important aspect of business operations, but spending on needed supplies and other overhead doesn’t always align with income from sales. You may find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the cash on hand to pay supplier invoices promptly, even though you anticipate money coming in. This could be a major impediment to carrying on operations, which is why many businesses require an open line of credit to bridge the gap between expenses and income. This type of financing can be hard to come by for cannabis businesses because many major banks won’t serve the cannabis industry. But with the right cannabis lender, you have the opportunity to secure a range of financing options, including reverse factoring. What is reverse factoring, and how can it help your business account for fluctuations in cash flow? Read on to find out. What Exactly is Reverse Factoring? Reverse factoring is a financing solution that involves three parties — you, your lender/financial organization and your suppliers. Also referred to as supply chain financing, this process is initiated by you, the buyer, and involves paying off supplier invoices with financing and then paying the lender back when money comes in. This financing allows you to continue making needed purchases to keep your business going while you await income from sales. You can avoid the stress of unpaid invoices and unsteady business cash flow as well as the potential for harming relationships with suppliers because of late or missed payments. How Does Reverse Factoring Work? The process is relatively simple once you have an arrangement in place with a cannabis lender. It starts when you purchase supplies or products from a vendor. Your supplier then provides you with an invoice for the purchase. Typically, this is approved by your company and given to the lender offering an open line of credit. The supplier can request early payment, which the lender releases on your behalf and bills against your line of credit. The supplier receives payment, and you are responsible for paying the lender on the agreed schedule (perhaps monthly or at a set maturity date). Suppliers may pay a small fee for early payout, and you may be charged interest, depending on the amount of credit and when you pay. Examples of Reverse Factoring for Cannabis Businesses If you run a dispensary, you might cultivate/manufacture some of your own products, but likely, you also sell a range of products supplied by other brands. You must order these products regularly to keep store shelves stocked, but you’re essentially paying out of pocket until you sell the products, recoup your costs and earn revenue. The gap between buying products and selling them could leave you dealing with a dip in your cash flow. You might not have the money to pay for products you need to stimulate sales and income. What can you do? With accounts receivable/invoice financing or a reverse factoring line of credit, you can keep an open line to funding needed to pay supplier invoices in a timely manner, allowing you to continue placing needed orders for supplies while you await sales and revenue to cover the costs. Advantages of Reverse Factoring for Cannabis Businesses You may be hesitant to take on any form of lending as a business owner. It’s natural to worry about repaying not only borrowed funds but accrued interest. That said, having a backup in place to provide coverage between expenditure and income is not only helpful to your ongoing business operation, but there are also benefits for your suppliers as well. How the Supplier Benefits Your suppliers are dealing with some of the same issues you are when it comes to cash flow. They provide you with materials or manufactured goods that cost them money, but they’re waiting on you to pay for them. When you have credit lined up to pay them if your cash flow stalls, you give them the gift of predictability that allows them to keep their operations running smoothly. If they know they can count on timely payments, they’re better able to manage their business and keep supplying yours. How the Buyer Benefits The biggest advantage of receivables factoring for your cannabis company is that it allows you to optimize cash flow, alleviating the risk of supply chain collapse. When you have ready cash to pay for products, you can work with supplier payment terms and build long-lasting relationships that benefit your business long term. Keeping Cash Flowing in Your Marijuana Business Many forms of cannabis financing can help you expand and purchase equipment or real estate. Credit lines that allow you to manage cash flow are arguably the most important for maintaining uninterrupted operations. You might get away with paying suppliers late once or twice, but if you prove consistently unreliable, you’ll find yourself without a supplier. Keeping the cash flowing gives suppliers confidence in your ability to pay and helps you maintain strong relationships and a steady supply of product. Is Reverse Factoring Right for You? Unless you’re lucky enough to have a lot of money sitting in the bank to cover cash flow concerns, having a backup option like reverse factoring in place to cover lean times is essential. With a reliable income stream, you can find a suitable cannabis lender and enjoy favorable terms that give you the best opportunity to keep your business operations on track. Contact Details Canna Business Resources info@cannabusinessresources.com Company Website https://cannabusinessresources.com/

March 03, 2023 11:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

How Does Cannabis Real Estate Impact Local Cannabis Companies?

Canna Business Resources

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans say marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use, according to the Pew Research Center. Now that the cannabis industry has grown in acceptance, business owners need to secure cannabis real estate to operate. At the same time, however, the lingering stigma makes it harder for business owners to obtain property. If you’re hoping to open a cannabis business in your area, this guide can orient you to the options and challenges of marijuana real estate. Types of Cannabis Real Estate The cannabis industry is surprisingly diverse. Your real estate needs may vary based on the type of business you’re operating. 1. Retail Space Retail space is needed for those who sell marijuana directly. Like other retail businesses, these properties should be chosen based on traffic, visibility and ease of access to ensure success. You’ll also want to ensure that your store layout is conducive to an enjoyable, frictionless customer experience. 2. Commercial Warehouses Warehouses are storage and linking points in the cannabis supply chain, so they may be operated by retailers directly, as well as producers and distributors. Warehouses should be selected based on proximity to their final destination and the source of their contents. 3. Rural Farmland Producers require sufficient acreage to grow marijuana. Because space is needed, this type of cannabis property will typically be found in rural locations, and buyers will need to ensure that the land offers good runoff, quality soil and favorable weather. Using a greenhouse gives you added security and can be used to cultivate plants in virtually any climate. 4. Commercial Plants Producers and distributors may rely on commercial plants to process marijuana crops and prepare them for final sale. These facilities commonly require sufficient square footage to handle inventory, personnel and equipment. Challenges for Cannabis Businesses Seeking Quality Real Estate Despite widespread acceptance of recreational marijuana, cannabis business owners still face significant hurdles when it comes to securing cannabis real estate. Here are some of the biggest challenges affecting the industry. Local Ordinances Even though cannabis businesses are legal, some local communities prohibit cannabis businesses from operating. For instance, 40% of Connecticut towns ban cannabis businesses, according to CT Insider. This factor forces business owners to pursue marijuana real estate in urban centers, which can raise prices and present stiff competition. Financing Hurdles Currently, most major banks and traditional financial institutions do not work with cannabis businesses. This issue can make it harder to obtain the financing needed to buy or lease a cannabis property in your community and may force you to rent a property until you build enough capital to fund your own real estate purchase. Fortunately, some lenders specialize in cannabis business loans, though entrepreneurs may find themselves facing limited options compared to other types of business. Strong Competition Now that recreational marijuana is legal in at least 21 U.S. states, entrepreneurs are scrambling to get in on the action. But since cannabis businesses are often localized in urban centers because of local ordinances, cannabis business owners may face strong competition, making it harder to gain traction in a crowded marketplace. Advantages of Diverse Real Estate Holdings for Cannabis Businesses Diversification is a sound investment strategy regardless of whether you’re talking about stocks, bonds or tangible assets, such as real estate property. Cannabis business owners can expect the following benefits when they pursue diverse real estate holdings — that is, owning multiple types of property. Mitigates Risk Having access to multiple properties can protect you from sudden economic changes. For instance, if you’re renting a retail space, and the landlord increases the monthly fee, you can shift your business to an alternate location to trim expenses. Presents Opportunity for Growth Operating in multiple locations gives you added business opportunities and room to grow. You may discover that one location offers the physical space you need to introduce a new piece of equipment or product line. Provides a Form of Passive Income Renting out your real estate property gives you a source of passive income. For instance, you might consider renting a portion of your warehouse space to another business to keep costs down. Considerations of Cannabis Real Estate Cannabis business owners have some special considerations relating to their real estate. Security Cannabis properties — including warehouses and fields — require security to protect your money as well as your inventory. When selecting a property, ensure the building and area can be secured to protect your assets and employees. Expansion Opportunities A retail storefront in a crowded location might not provide the physical space you need if you plan on expanding soon. When possible, try to select properties that give you room to grow. Ongoing Costs If you’re renting a property, you may face rising costs as landlords raise the cost of rent, which can put a damper on your cash flow and capacity for expansion. Even if you own the property, you’ll have to plan carefully to manage your tax liability, which will increase as your business grows. Give Yourself Room to Grow Choosing the right cannabis property is important since it affects business now and in the future. That’s why it’s important to select a property that fits your business goals and gives you room to expand your horizons as business improves. Contact Details Canna Business Resources info@cannabusinessresources.com Company Website https://cannabusinessresources.com/

March 03, 2023 11:51 AM Eastern Standard Time

What are Cannabis Lenders and How Do They Support Business Owners?

Canna Business Resources

Business owners are familiar with the ups and downs of cash flow. It’s common for companies to borrow money for supplies, payroll and other business needs. When cash flow is delayed, seasonal slow-downs occur or expansion is underway, businesses may need a boost. Business owners in the cannabis industry face an uphill battle when it comes to securing traditional loans. The good news is that your company can find needed financing through cannabis lenders. What are cannabis lenders, and why are they preferable to traditional lending institutions? What do you need to know before you take out a business loan? What Is a Cannabis Lender? Like traditional banks, cannabis lenders offer a range of financial resources, such as banking options, financing and processing solutions. The difference is that they cater specifically to the cannabis and CBD industries. In the past, cannabis companies have had little option but to run cash businesses and turn to predatory private lenders offering unfavorable terms. With increasing legalization and a growing market for cannabis goods, however, a new breed of lenders is bridging the gap by providing reliable funding and tools to help businesses increase efficiency and profit. What Makes Cannabis Lenders a Better Choice than Banks for Financing? Banks must comply with federal regulations and because cannabis has not been federally legalized, major banks won’t provide services like loans. They don’t want to wade through the risks and complexities, even for established businesses with proven profitability. Cannabis business loans from dedicated lenders, on the other hand, come with a range of benefits. These lenders understand your industry, offer specific types of financing and provide a range of favorable options. They make it much easier for established businesses to secure needed funding. 5 Things Cannabis Business Owners Need to Know About Cannabis Lenders Before you jump into a lending situation with the first company you come across, it’s important that you understand what lenders are looking for and what options are available to you. 1. What Cannabis Lenders Look For Like most lenders, cannabis lenders are looking for a safe and solid investment. At the end of the day, they want to work with reliable companies that pose minimal risks. In short, they want every assurance that they’ll get their money back. For this reason, they typically serve businesses that are already established and can provide a history of revenue. They’ll be interested in your industry experience and how long your current business has been operating. What you should look for is a lender that offers a range of options, including uncollateralized financing. 2. Multiple Lending Options Are Available In addition to typical loans, cannabis financing from a reputable lender should include a number of options to fulfill different business needs. You’ll want to look for institutions that offer lines of credit, working capital, accounts receivable invoice financing, real estate financing and equipment financing, as well as banking and processing solutions. Every business is unique, and the right lender understands this. It will help you find the lending options that suit your particular needs and preferences so that you have the best opportunity to thrive. 3. Deep Understanding of the Marijuana Industry Business owners often wear a lot of hats, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have the knowledge or experience to excel at every aspect of business management. You will have to rely on a range of other professionals to help you with everything from contracts to tax filings to financing. Ideally, you’ll want to collaborate with professionals who understand your industry and your business. Cannabis lenders necessarily have a deep understanding of the marijuana industry, which gives them the insight to offer products most suited to your operation. This is a major benefit when you’re seeking financial assistance but are unsure of the best type of lending for your needs. 4. Tools and Resources Are Available When traditional banking and lending options are unavailable to you, it can be difficult to see a path forward for your business. Cannabis lenders provide the tools and resources you need to survive, thrive and expand your business. The right banking, processing and financing solutions can help you to better manage your operations, streamline cash flow and grow your company. 5. Flexible Financing Within the Cannabis Industry Working with traditional banks as a cannabis company is a complicated and frustrating process. The cannabis industry operates in a sort of limbo position because of the legal framework surrounding it. Dozens of states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes and others have decriminalized it. Hemp CBD is federally legal. However, cannabis, in general, remains illegal at the federal level. Banking institutions face high risks and legal complexities in serving the cannabis industry, so by and large, they don’t. To find flexible banking and lending options, cannabis companies must turn to a new class of lenders that focus specifically on cannabis clients. Is Cannabis Lending Right for You? If you are an established cannabis company searching for lending options that help you weather the ups and downs of cash flow or expand your operations, cannabis loans are the way to go. The right lender can provide financing resources designed specifically for your industry and the unique needs of your business. Contact Details Canna Business Resources info@cannabusinessresources.com Company Website https://cannabusinessresources.com/

March 03, 2023 11:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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