Biz Tactics

Small Business Administration Announces 17 New Women’s Business Centers

By Staff
Thursday, April 4, 2024 8:15 AM Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice of more than 33 million U.S. small businesses, has announced the selection of 17 new Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), 13 of which will be hosted by established Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across 10 states. “We have seen a historic Small Business Boom, with women, especially women of color, filing new business applications at double the rates of men,” said administrator Guzman.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Can Help Small Businesses Secure Loans or Grants

By Staff
Thursday, March 21, 2024 8:15 AM Finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes, whether it’s starting a new small business or looking to grow one you already own. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce can help small businesses secure loans or grants. Each week, the organization updates its list of loans, small business grants, and other programs and organizations that can help small businesses.

Small Business Administrator Guzman Kicks Off the Investing in America Tour

By Staff
Thursday, March 7, 2024 8:15 AM Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, traveled to Detroit, Mich., recently to kick off the Investing in America tour to shine a spotlight on the Black Small Business Boom.

Main Street America Offering Small-Business Grants

By Staff
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 8:15 AM CHICAGO—Main Street America has announced that it will be accepting applications for its Backing Small Business grant program from March 14 through April 7, 2024. Offered in partnership with American Express, the program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, according to Main Street America, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their business by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change.

The Chamber of Commerce’s CO Site Offers a Range of Business Advice for Small Businesses

By Staff
Thursday, February 8, 2024 8:15 AM NEW YORK—CO, the special advisory content site from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, continues to offer a range of topical, detailed and helpful resources for small businesses of all types. In line with the site’s goal and organization of helping smaller and independent businesses Start, Run and Grow, CO issues knowledgeable stories and reports. Entrepreneurs and industry leaders share growth strategies, answer questions and point readers in the right direction. CO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also put on special events, contests and informative webinars which encourage best practices and recognize outstanding achievement among small business owners.

Jobson Research Surveys Optical Retailers About the Independent Eyewear Market

By Staff
Friday, January 12, 2024 9:15 AM NEW YORK—According to a recent survey conducted by Jobson Research, independent eyewear is sold by 83 percent of independent optical retailers and this segment of the market comprises close to half of their sales. Built on an optical heritage, independent eyewear brands continue to resonate with those seeking frames with a unique soul and character. Conducted by Jobson Research, this study surveyed independent eyecare professionals dispensing independent eyewear on their offerings, sales and opinions on this category.

Time to ‘Hustle’—Try HubSpot’s Free E-Newsletter

By Staff
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—The New Year approaches and the digital marketing experts at HubSpot, one of the most robust resources on the web for small business marketing and ideas, offers its The Hustle newsletter as a regular (and free) helpful guide complete with the latest marketing advice, how-tos, tools and tips. This fun and often irreverent newsletter offers a range of templates and quick guides as well as research reports, copy/design guides, educational videos, podcasts and more.

What Are 5 Key 2024 Trends That Will Impact Your Small Business?

By Staff
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 8:15 AM WASHINGTON D.C.—The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has identified several Small Business Trends which will shape the coming year. “2024 stands to be an exciting year for the small business community, and the SBA wants to help make sure you’re ready for whatever is in store,” the organization recently posted. “Consult our resource partner network for no- or low-cost counseling and training and visit the SBA Learning Platform in order to access a wealth of educational materials."

American Express Creates ‘Door to Shop Small’ AR Experience for Shoppers to Celebrate 14th Annual Small Business Saturday

By Staff
Monday, November 20, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—American Express announced that for its 14th annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25, 2023 it will introduce “Door to Shop Small,” an augmented reality (AR) experience to help get more shoppers across the country through the physical and virtual doors of businesses. From Nov. 20-25, 2023, eligible American Express Card Members who make a single purchase of $50 or more by using their enrolled eligible Card at U.S. retailers in the “Shopping” category on the Shop Small Map or online directory, can earn a one-time, $5 statement credit. Enrollment is required and is limited.

Could the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Be a Good Resource for You?

By Staff
Monday, November 6, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—Across the country, within many local communities and across the U.S., the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan and member-driven. Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. The organization provides general advocacy on a range of issues impacting small and independent business from proposed legislation to utility and tax issues.

Small Business Saturday to Take Place on Nov. 25, 2023

By Staff
Thursday, October 19, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—It’s coming up soon. This year’s Small Business Saturday will be taking place on Nov 25, 2023. Celebrating small businesses’ contributions to the community and economy, the special day has been observed each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Originally founded by American Express, the goal was to encourage people to support smaller independent businesses.

Is Your Town Among the Greatest American Main Streets?

By Staff
Thursday, October 5, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 40 years. The organization which helps local communities and businesses in these efforts, puts on workshops, special events, virtual and live, annual conferences, and other initiatives that can help small and independent businesses learn and thrive. Organizations, companies and individuals can join and become a member to participate in various ways.

51 Loans, Grants and Programs to Help Your Small Business

By Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. A regular update on specific programs is shared by CO, the special information resource website for small businesses developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Each week, an updated list of loans, small business grants or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations are available to help small businesses.

Mastercard Is Ramping Up Services for Small Businesses to Help in an Increasingly Digital Environment

By Staff
Thursday, September 7, 2023 8:15 AM Mastercard is augmenting a suite of services that it provides for small businesses, including new tools to help companies accept payments, obtain financing, protect against cyber crimes and more, the company said. As small businesses work to adapt to an increasingly digital business environment, Mastercard International’s Ginger Siegel, North America Small Business Lead, told CO, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce resource site, “Many small business owners wear multiple hats and lack dedicated personnel in key areas, such as finance, marketing and technology."

Family Business Magazine’s Transitions Fall Conference to Explore ‘The Art of Ownership’

By Staff
Thursday, August 24, 2023 8:15 AM NEW YORK—What does it take to be a good and effective owner of a multigenerational family business? Responsible owners play the most critical role in ensuring the long-term survival and success of a family business. They know how to balance the needs of the business with their own needs. Find out what it takes to be a good and effective owner at Transitions Fall 2023, November 1-3 in San Diego, Calif. The conference, sponsored by Family Business Magazine, will take place at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa.