By Staff
Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:15 AM
Shoppers are still willing to buy even as smaller job and wage gains and high interest rates are slowing the growth of consumer spending, according to Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist for the
National Retail Federation (NRF). “U.S. economic growth for the remainder of this year will depend on several factors but particularly the pace of job growth, inflation and what actions will be taken by the Federal Reserve,” Kleinhenz said. “The good news is that the economy is growing, inflation is moderating, and overall fundamentals look fine as increased consumer spending supports underlying momentum.”
By Staff
Thursday, June 6, 2024 8:15 AM
The
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that the agency has removed its 504 Loan Program’s cap on lending for clean energy projects as part of broader SBA and government efforts to usher in the nation’s clean energy future. “Small businesses and start-ups play a crucial role not only in innovating to develop the future of climate technology but also in adopting sustainable practices and transitioning to clean energy to help advance the ambitious goal of net zero by 2050,” said SBA administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA.
By Staff
Thursday, May 16, 2024 8:15 AM
Campaign Builder from
Constant Contact offers a new way for small businesses (SMBs) and nonprofits to automate their marketing. Campaign Builder leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies, like the company’s customer data platform (CDP), to automatically generate turnkey, multi-channel marketing campaigns for SMBs in minutes, according to the company’s announcement. Campaign Builder leverages Constant Contact's AI platform, along with best practices from its decades of experience as a digital marketing pioneer, to automate the areas where SMBs are most likely to get stuck—creating content and choosing the right channels to reach their audience.
By Staff
Thursday, May 2, 2024 8:15 AM
Main Street America, an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhoods, has announced that 1,188 programs have achieved designations as Main Street America programs in recognition of their commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach. The 2024 network of designated Main Street members includes 800 programs that earned accredited status—the organizations’ top designation tier—for demonstrating a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in the six standards of community evaluation.
By Staff
Thursday, April 18, 2024 8:15 AM
The
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing in America
Small Business Hub, a digital portal that provides industry-specific resources to help small businesses tap into new and existing opportunities. “The SBA’s new Investing in America Small Business Hub will help more small businesses connect to the resources, funding opportunities, and support they need to capitalize on these opportunities and strengthen their businesses,” said administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.