Latest Small business News
Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election
A recent survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. ...
What changes should small businesses be aware of for 2025?
For small businesses, the biggest change in the new year will be the arrival of a presumably more business-friendly administration in Washington. But there are other shifts owners should keep on their radar. Among them: changes to state-level overtime and minimum wage rules, the...
Farmers, business owners, fire survivors face uncertainty after $100B in disaster relief flounders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — American farmers, small business owners and wildfire survivors are among those who will suffer if Congress cannot agree on a new spending bill after President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan that included more than $100 billion in disaster aid. ...
Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
