Latest Small business News
Labor costs remain high for small businesses, but a report shows wage growth is slowing for some
NEW YORK (AP) — Employee wages are one of the biggest costs for small businesses. A new survey found some owners may be seeing a bit of relief when it comes to wages. But while some say wage growth has stabilized or slowed, others note they haven't seen any moderation in their...
COVID-19 government disaster loans saved businesses, but saddled survivors with debt
NEW YORK (AP) — In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans were a lifeline for small businesses. But now some small businesses are having trouble paying them off. And a Small Business Credit Survey report from the 12 Federal Reserve banks shows that small businesses...
Fake online reviews and testimonials are a headache for small businesses. They hope the FTC can help
NEW YORK (AP) — Online reviews and testimonials are a key way that small businesses can attract new customers and boost sales of products. But fake reviews and testimonials have been a persistent problem for small businesses, many of whom rely on recommendations for business. Fake...
High rents are forcing small businesses into tough choices like raising prices or changing location
NEW YORK (AP) — While many costs have come down for small business, rents remain high and in some cases are still rising, forcing many owners into some uncomfortable decisions. “Every time the rent goes up, we have to raise prices, to keep up with the cost,” said Adelita...
New surveys show signs of optimism among small business owners
NEW YORK (AP) — Small business owners overall are feeling positive about their business and achieving the goals they set for this year despite inflation and high labor costs, according to two new surveys. “At the mid-point of 2024, we asked small businesses to look back on the...
Spending at small businesses rose in July as consumers spend more on general merchandise
NEW YORK (AP) — Consumers spent more at small businesses in July, a rebound fueled by strong sales of general merchandise and health and personal care products. The Fiserv Small Business Index rose 1 point to 141 after a 4 point decline in June. The figure is derived from...
Summer tourists flock to boardwalks and piers while sticking to their budgets
NEW YORK (AP) — Small businesses along popular vacation destinations like boardwalks and piers in the U.S. say the number of tourists flocking to the waterfront is back to normal, meaning pre-2020 levels. But while the affluent are spending freely, lower-income vacationers are sticking to...
The Small Business Administration expands clean energy loan program
NEW YORK (AP) — The Small Business Administration is looking to attract lenders to finance small businesses’ clean energy projects. The SBA doesn't give out loans itself. Instead, it works with lenders to offer small businesses loans that often carry lower interest rates than...
How two Syrians in Rome are using hummus to aid war refugees and help migrants integrate
A pair of Syrians have created a community that provides support to migrants and vulnerable people in Rome, by sharing the flavors of a homeland torn by civil war. Founded in 2018 as a “humanitarian catering service," HummusTown was originally aimed at raising funds for families...
As hurricane season begins, here's how small businesses can prepare in advance of a storm
NEW YORK (AP) — The hurricane season roared into the U.S. with Hurricane Beryl hitting Texas in early July, surprising many business owners accustomed to seeing big storms arrive later in the summer. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting an...
