For the nearly 4 million small businesses in California, these difficult economic times can be especially challenging. To help small business owners weather the financial storm, Rabobank N.A. is providing business tips for navigating a difficult economy.

"Rabobank understands that no two businesses, even within the same industry, are alike. Every business has unique needs and business considerations, so they need more from their bank than a cookie-cutter approach during difficult financial times," said Jeff Paul, regional president.

"At Rabobank, we want to ensure that small businesses are prepared to survive and even thrive during all economic cycles, so we work with companies on a one-on-one basis to find the right approach for their individual needs," said Paul.

While every business is different and there is no one single solution for small businesses to survive, there are some general tips for working through the current difficult economy.

•Emphasize customer service. It costs more to get a new customer than keep a customer. It is important to put current customers first.

•Pay bills. Don't let bills go unpaid and risk affecting the credit report.

•Network. Increase focus on meeting new people, who may become new clients.

•Barter. Trade services with another small business.

•Collect outstanding debts. Review outstanding invoices for those past due.

•Refinance debts. Meet with a banker to see if there is a way to refinance debts at lower rates.

•Reduce expenses. Look for items that can be eliminated or replaced with less expensive solutions.

"Economic concerns shouldn't add additional pressures to the main job of running your business from day to day," said Paul. "At Rabobank, we believe that a solid banking relationship should be one thing you don't have to worry about, so we collaborate with our customers to find solutions that work for them."

Rabobank is offering a special package of discounts to business owners. The package includes a business checking account free of monthly service charges for six months, basic or standard business online banking free of monthly fees, and a first order of business checks free or $100 credit toward new checks, whichever is less.

The offer ends June 26.

Rabobank N.A. is a California community bank that provides personalized service and a full array of quality products to individuals, businesses, commercial real estate developers and investors, and agricultural clients, with 87 retail branches, including one in Westlake Village, and 14 financial service centers.