If you spend more than you earn, one way to generate additional income is to turn your talent or hobby into a business.

Whether it's a bakery, a computer consulting firm, party planning or a small maintenance company, why not make extra money by doing something you are passionate about?

Realistically you can expect it to take some time before you reap the rewards from your business, however individuals who run their own companies can enjoy greater financial freedom and independence.

At the Small Business Banking Centre a dedicated team can provide you with financial products like commercial chequing and savings accounts, commercial mortgages, business credit cards and loans.

Trina Roberts, Bank of Bermuda's Head of Small Business Banking Centre answers your questions about what makes this dedicated business banking service unique.

What products does the bank offer that could help new business owners?

As a business customer you'll have access to a range of products and services. We have put together a banking service to suit the needs and motivations of business customers of all types. In addition to offering regular business reviews to ensure that our service delivers what you need, customers also have access to:

·Business Internet Banking: Access your accounts 24 hours a day from the comfort of your own computer. Transfer funds between accounts and make payments in Bermuda and overseas. Visit www.bankofbermuda.com to register.

·Business Loans: We have a wide range of loan options to help you fund or expand your business from financing equipment, vehicles, or financing imports and exports.

·Card Acceptance Solutions: Start accepting credit card and debit card payments from your customers with comprehensive and secure card acceptance solutions.

Business Insurance Coverage

·Retail Business Insurance: Protect your fixtures and fittings, stock and inventory and general contents with business insurance coverage.

·Small Trades All Risk Insurance: Protect your business, your employees and your tools while you work on a job site.

·Business Loan Protection Insurance: Cover your business loans and manage your business risk.

What tools and resources are available at the Bank of Bermuda's Small Business Banking Centre to help business owners?

Your business plan is your manual for your business. At the Business Banking Centre we provide a 'Starting Your Business Package' with a free business planning template. The plan could help you to ensure you are on track with what you wanted to accomplish from the start. The plan helps you to outline your plans for the future. Every business is different so at the end of your first year of banking with us we will call to discuss how your account will be managed in the future to ensure you are on the best course for your business.

To Contact Trina Roberts telephone (441) 299 6443 or 299 5555; visit www.bankofbermuda.com/business; or e-mail bob.small.business [AT]bob.hsbc.com

For information on business planning advice visit the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation's website at http://www.bsbdc.bm.