Latest Small business News

Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season

Dec. 16, 2024 12:42 PM EST

After the busy Black Friday holiday weekend, Kristen Tarnol, owner of Emerald Forest Gifts in Studio City, California, is already asking her supplier to send more more fuzzy alpaca scarves and warm slippers that were best sellers over the weekend. “Even though it’s Los Angeles...

Holiday Gift Guide: Handcrafted items from North Carolina support hurricane recovery

Dec. 12, 2024 13:54 PM EST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The town of Asheville, known for its artists and restaurants, is a tourist destination and the economic hub of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain communities. In September, it was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene. Even businesses not...

Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season

Dec. 10, 2024 11:52 AM EST

The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. ...

Next Week: small business index, consumer prices, producer prices

Dec. 06, 2024 14:05 PM EST

A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week. Business barometer The National Federation of Independent Business serves up its small business economic trends index on Tuesday. The monthly index tracks small...

Small business owners brace for Trump's proposed tariffs

Dec. 03, 2024 15:58 PM EST

Small businesses are bracing for stiff tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed as one of his first actions when he takes office. Trump has proposed importers pay a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on...

Small business owners breathe easier over labor costs after decision to strike down overtime rule

Nov. 26, 2024 15:51 PM EST

Small business owners have had a mostly positive reaction to a judge's decision to strike down an overtime rule that would have qualified more workers for overtime pay. On Nov. 15, a federal judge in Texas blocked a new rule from the Biden administration that would have expanded...

Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key

Nov. 19, 2024 19:23 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Starting a small business is hard. Figuring out what to do with a small business when an owner is ready to retire can be even more difficult. Small business owners say it is best to have a plan well in advance of making a big change like ceding a business to someone...

Small businesses can capitalize on Small Business Saturday with some planning

Nov. 12, 2024 11:34 AM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Small Business Saturday — the Saturday after Thanksgiving — is coming up. But it doesn’t always translate to big sales for small businesses. There are some things small business owners should keep in mind when marketing themselves for the big holiday shopping weekend. ...

Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help

Nov. 10, 2024 12:41 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Many veterans who’ve started small businesses tell a similar story: Their military service prepared them mentally for the task, but they were at a disadvantage when it came to the financial part. “Vetrepreneurs” – veterans that start small businesses or...

Small Business Administration-backed financing rose 7% to $56B in fiscal 2024

Nov. 07, 2024 15:00 PM EST

The Small Business Administration said it backed $56 billion in financing to small businesses and disaster-affected areas during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up 7% from a year prior. The growth was driven by smaller loans, the agency said in its annual Capital Impact report. ...