Founded in 2010 by visionary entrepreneurs, Now emerged out of the shared challenges faced by business owners awaiting delayed invoice payments, realizing the detrimental impact on business growth. Now's mission revolves around empowering businesses to grow fearlessly. By addressing the critical need for accessible working capital, NowAccount^® redefines the financial landscape for entrepreneurs.

Now envisions a world where businesses of all sizes, representing diverse sectors, have equitable access to capital, commerce, and customer opportunities. The vision is to create an inclusive financial ecosystem that fosters growth for businesses regardless of their scale or background.

Core Values

Now is driven by the core values encapsulated in O.N.E.G.O.A.L.:

• Optimism: Upholding hope and confidence in the future, Now lifts up business owners who may feel defeated, providing them with a renewed sense of optimism.
• Network: Valuing the power of connections, Now fosters a network that believes in the strength of community and the potential created through meaningful relationships.
• Ethical: Transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of Now's ethos. The company is committed to being accessible, upfront, and transparent in all interactions.
• Grit: Characterized by courage and fortitude, Now approaches challenges with a spirited determination, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit.
• Original Thinking: Encouraging creativity and a willingness to learn, Now thrives on original thinking, turning ideas into impactful solutions.
• Advocacy: As entrepreneurs advocating for fellow entrepreneurs, Now actively works towards leveling the playing field, championing the cause of business owners.
• Liberty and Justice for All: Diversity, equality, and inclusion form the bedrock of Now's commitment. Serving as a beacon for the entire spectrum of businesses, the company champions fairness and justice.

Navigating NowAccount Setup: A Seamless Path to Getting Paid

Embarking on the journey with NowAccount is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth rather than grappling with complex payment processes.

Creating an Account: Initiating the process involves submitting necessary business information to the NowAccount team for qualification assessment.

Adding Customers Effortlessly: Businesses have the flexibility to select and add specific customers they wish to include for invoicing. The approval process ensures that only desired customers are part of the transaction.

Uploading Invoices for Processing: Once invoices are generated, businesses can seamlessly upload them to the NowAccount system for efficient processing.

Receiving Funds via ACH: Upon approval, businesses can expect to receive funds conveniently via ACH, streamlining the payment reception process.

Streamlined Platform Navigation: NowAccount takes pride in its user-friendly platform, emphasizing simplicity for both ease of use and efficient fund retrieval.

Efficient Invoice Management

The platform enables businesses to:

• Submit invoices in PDF form through the user-friendly interface.
• Track the progress of all invoices via a centralized dashboard.
• Receive timely notifications, including emails, when invoices are purchased, and ACH payments are initiated.

Getting Customers Approved for Invoicing

Setting up the account involves anticipating future invoicing needs and adding relevant customers. The process includes:

• Submitting customer information, including legal business name, physical address, contact information, and average monthly invoice volume with the customer.
• Undergoing a customer approval process, where a third-party insurance partner underwrites the customer for the requested credit, ensuring a seamless and risk-free experience.
• Activating approved customers by promptly introducing them to NowAccount via email.

Ensuring Smooth Remittance Information Update

To complete the setup, businesses are guided to update customer invoices with Now remittance information and upload them to NowAccount for a comprehensive and hassle-free invoicing process.

Unlocking Cash Tied in Accounts Receivable

NowAccount empowers businesses to liberate cash tied up in accounts receivable, converting future revenue into immediate working capital. The seamless process of transforming invoices into liquid assets provides businesses with the financial flexibility needed for operational sustainability and growth.

Upon fulfilling an order and issuing an invoice to a customer, the typical scenario involves revenue residing in accounts receivable until the customer completes the payment. According to Intuit’s 2019 Cash Flow Reports, businesses commonly have a substantial amount, at least $10,000, tied up in accounts receivable at any given moment. NowAccount steps in to accelerate invoice payments, enabling companies to collect revenue within days of invoicing.

By expediting invoice payments, NowAccount addresses the cash flow crunch that businesses often encounter. The ability to swiftly convert accounts receivable into cash allows companies to maintain day-to-day operations, reinvest revenue, and alleviate the challenges associated with cash flow constraints. With accelerated payments, businesses seamlessly meet short-term financial goals and project confidently into the future.

Acknowledging that "Cash is King," NowAccount emphasizes that if cash reigns supreme, the flow of cash is the queen. The gap between delivering goods or services and receiving payment can strain cash flow, a common challenge in business-to-business or business-to-government transactions with invoicing and payment terms. NowAccount provides a strategic solution, allowing businesses to take control of their cash flow by expediting invoice payments, swiftly converting invoices into revenue.

The Stout-Hearted Leader at the Helm of Now

Lara O'Connor Hodgson is the Co-Founder, President, and CEOof Now. She is as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Business School and is an internationally recognized speaker, leading seminars on creativity, innovation and access to capital.

Prior to Now, Lara co-founded Nourish (the manufacturing company), and Insomnia, LLC, a firm specializing in investment, development, and management of complex and innovative “world-changing” projects. Her background also includes 5 years with Dewberry Capital Corporation, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate development and investment firm, where she served as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Her product experience includes Dunk, a performance footwear and apparel manufacturing/retail company built on the concept of mass customization and founded with Shaquille O’Neal & Mike Piazza, where she served as Executive Vice President.

Ms. Hodgson received an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and a BS in Aerospace Engineering with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Today, she serves as a Trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation in addition to other Boards. E&Y recognized Lara as a 2018 Finalist for the Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year.

“We build a future where every business, irrespective of size or background, thrives with equitable access to opportunities and capital.”