#small-business

#small-business

Sullivan described the penalty as "devastating" and warned it could spell the end for his small business, highlighting concerns about the impact of such fines on smaller enterprises.

Traditional SEO, such as keywords and backlinks, remains important in the age of AI. However, adding a layer of AEO (answer engine optimization) and GEO (generative engine optimization) may help your website show up in AI overviews and platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.

For small-business owners, writing blog posts each month can start to feel like a chore, especially if writing isn't your thing.

One in ten businesses, or 10%, stated that cash flow is a significant issue, with 49% expressing that cash flow is a problem overall. This struggle is largely influenced by a rise in costs, late payments, slow sales, unexpected expenses, and supply chain complexities, all contributing to the strain on the operational finances of small businesses.

AI-powered marketing systems are giving SMBs the equivalent of a full extra workday each week, and saving almost $5,000 a month in the process.

Bill Stewart, owner of LI Toy and Game, experiences significant losses due to return policies and customer fraud, estimating a net loss of $55 from a returned model kit.

Chayakada at 117 Bernal Road, Suite 80, offers a unique tea experience where chai is brewed from scratch, tailored to individual preferences. Owner Aleena Thomas, from Kerala, brings traditional chayakada concepts to life in the U.S. The café features a diverse menu of homestyle meals and snacks, all made in-house by a dedicated team. The space includes a kids library and multipurpose areas to promote community connection.

Owner Moustafa Eissa expressed, "In the Muslim community, there is no halal hot dog. We decided to start that off as a small weekend thing. From there, it took off."

We had trusted DoorDash - it was just an indescribable feeling! The mistake of overcharging us more than $100,000 in commission fees was shocking.

As a small business owner, your team is smaller, your margin for error thinner and your influence bigger. That means every misstep can feel amplified.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro offers a major upgrade for PC users with features like a modern interface, advanced antivirus protection, and user-friendly tools for productivity.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 printer offers a $100 discount, dropping the price to $200 as part of a limited-time deal following Prime Day. It features scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities.

California's small businesses face immense challenges, particularly from trial attorneys exploiting the Americans With Disabilities Act. These legal ambushes often target technical infractions with no ill intent.

Investing 8-12% of total revenue in marketing is a solid rule of thumb according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Companies aiming for rapid growth may surpass this range, with leading brands like Hims & Hers and Expedia reportedly allocating close to 50% of their revenue to marketing efforts.

Solo Stove is running a summer sale right now, with both pizza ovens and fire pits on sale. You can score ovens like the Solo Stove Pi Prime at a discount, and stoves like the Solo Stove Yukon are also available at a reduced price, making it the perfect shopping opportunity as summer kicks into gear.

A recent study found that 58% of small business owners prioritize business continuity and safeguarding the business's values over financial considerations.

The updates to Qualified Small Business Stock rules expand the definition of a small business to include companies with less than $75 million in gross assets, up from the previous $50 million cap. This change allows founders and investors to benefit from tax-free profits much sooner.

More than 60% of small-business owners say that investing in technology directly improves their profitability. Choosing the right digital tools can significantly streamline operations and cut costs.

Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS system designed specifically for small businesses, integrating essential functions like sales management, inventory tracking, and customer service.

In the new AT&T Business commercial, cast members from The Office reunite to promote an AI-powered alarm clock, showcasing their chemistry and nostalgia from the show.

Guerrero's journey from delivering flowers to becoming a full-time floral designer emerged when he met Leyla Naderja while working at Starbucks in 2014.

Chris Rea, who leads Hedd's qualification fraud service, warned that relying on physical or digital certificates alone is no longer sufficient. 'AI is changing the hiring landscape,' he said. 'It offers benefits, but it also makes it easier for dishonest applicants to create convincing fake CVs and forged qualifications.'

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of small businesses fail within one year, and by year five, 50% have failed, revealing stark survival odds.

The most special thing about wooden flowers are that they never die! Sola wood is one of the lightest woods in the world, cork-like and gentle to shape.

"It used to be $25 for a box of plastic bags, now it has gone up to $30," Khang said.

Networking events like the Real Deal can provide valuable connections, but they shouldn't distract you from your core business operations. Assess the potential benefits against time lost.

Tapp'd by Shmash'd is a new beer hall in Belmont offering Peninsula brews and craft smashburgers. Owner Gil Sesma merges his beer expertise with a passion for burgers.

The new Brother MFC-J4350DW and MFC-J4550DW printers offer 20ipm print speeds, automatic two-sided printing, and support for 5GHz wireless connectivity, along with 350 pages of ink.

"Parking is vital to my survival," Cheethirala said, highlighting the direct impact of the loss of parking on his business viability.

According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the Small Business Optimism Index dropped 2.3 points in January 2025 to 102.8. While still above the long-term average of 98, it's a notable shift.

"Ebrahein's like me in a lot of ways: a nomad, someone who goes toward what they need and what's going to serve them," says Gibson.

Selling digital downloads on Etsy can generate substantial passive income with minimal overhead costs and no inventory management.

"Being outside in nature with my family members, as well as enjoying creatures and animals, like friends' pets and my own, has all come together to shape my heart, for sure."

Generative AI's potential to bolster business is staggering, estimated to add more value to the economy annually than the entire GDP of the United Kingdom.

Offering a yoga studio membership equates to financial stability for independently owned studios, which face challenges similar to small businesses with high failure rates.

Susanna Conaway, owner of Feral Studio, shared that her new Berkeley location offers dedicated spaces for teaching and private practice, which was not possible in Oakland.

Silly Nice stands out in the cannabis market due to its commitment to quality, community, and authenticity, gaining recognition as a top brand in New York.

"Small business owners are deeply concerned at this regulatory expansion. It will force those who don't already use reporting software from big providers to adopt new systems and shoulder the cost and upheaval."

When you import goods, raw materials, or components priced in foreign currency, you take on transaction and budget risks.