Latest Small business News
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...
Small businesses can capitalize on Small Business Saturday with some planning
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
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
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. ...
Small business disaster loan program is out of money until Congress approves new funds
NEW YORK (AP) — The Small Business Administration has run out of money for the disaster assistance loans it offers small businesses, homeowners and renters, delaying much needed relief for people applying for aid in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ...
Ahead of the presidential election, small biz owners are growing more uncertain about the economy
NEW YORK (AP) — Small business owners are growing more uncertain about the economy ahead of the presidential election and are reining in spending, according to a new survey. The National Federation of Independent Business optimism index edged up 0.3 points in September to 91.5. But...
Should California's minimum wage be $18? Voters will soon decide
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Voters will decide in November whether California should raise its hourly minimum wage to $18 by 2026 and pay workers what would be the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. That would be on par with Hawaii, where workers are on track to get paid at...
Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month
NEW YORK (AP) — The Small Business Administration could run out of money to fund disaster loans in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation. As is typical after a disaster, the government is offering aid to small businesses that were in Helene's path. The SBA is offering disaster...
Marketing plans are key for small businesses ahead of a tough holiday shopping season
NEW YORK (AP) — The holidays are the busiest time of year for many small retailers and other businesses. But the holidays this year could be particularly challenging. Although inflation has retreated, small businesses are still dealing with high costs and consumers have been...
Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI
NEW YORK (AP) — As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they're harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business — 98% — said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by...
