Business Ideas & Side Hustles

Gasoline prices are on the decline despite the approach of peak travel season, according to AAA. The national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped by three cents over the past week, settling at $3.15 as of May 8. This marks a decrease of nearly 49 cents compared to one year ago. AAA attributes the decrease to a lull in demand between spring and summer travel periods. Additionally, OPEC+ recently announced it will increase oil output again in June, expanding the global supply surplus. This development could contribute to further declines in crude oil prices, potentially keeping pump prices low for summer travelers. National Averages and Demand Trends The followi…

Key Takeaways Strong Online Presence: Establishing a Facebook page is essential for small businesses to connect with a vast audience of over 2.9 billion users and enhance brand visibility.Community Building: An effective Facebook page fosters interaction, allowing businesses to share promotions, gather feedback, and provide customer support, thereby building a loyal community.Engaging Content: Utilizing various formats such as videos, storytelling, and user-generated content can significantly increase audience engagement and improve organic reach.Page Optimization: Optimizing your Facebook page layout, including proper image sizes and complete page information, enhances…

A new report from Oxford Economics reveals that TikTok has become a key driver of employment in the United States, with 7.5 million businesses on the platform supporting more than 28 million workers. The study, published today, highlights TikTok’s role in job creation and economic opportunity, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses. 4.7 Million Jobs Directly Benefit from TikTok The Oxford Economics report estimates that 4.7 million jobs in the U.S. benefit directly from using TikTok. This includes: Over 3.1 million workers who use TikTok in their jobs by creating content for the platform or managing accounts. More than 1.6 million workers who benefit indirectl…

Project managers, rejoice! Zoho just introduced an application to usher in a bright new future for what you do. On March 11, 2025, Zoho revealed its new unified AI-driven project management platform Projects Plus. “Zoho Projects Plus is basically a collaboration of hybrid project management,” explained Zoho senior evangelist Aarthi Elizabeth. “One is your traditional projects and the other is your agile methodologies.” “It then brings in data analytics as well,” Elizabeth added. For many businesses, this constitutes a game changer. Think about the possibilities. Zoho’s current Projects software sees greatest use amongst businesses in construction, manufacturing, bank…

ResponseForce1, a Florida-based IT services firm with experience in disaster response and cybersecurity, has announced the launch of a new suite of compliance and security services designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The new Managed Services solution, branded RF1-TS, is set to go live on April 15, 2025. According to the company, the RF1-TS suite aims to help SMBs achieve and maintain compliance with NIST 800-171 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), providing customers with the tools necessary to take control of their IT environments. Comprehensive Services and Continuous Support The new offering includes Managed Serv…

A recent study by influencer marketing platform Heepsy reveals that YouTube users are more likely than users of any other platform to forget their passwords and request account recovery help. The study, which analyzed password-related search queries across 35 major platforms, found that YouTube leads with the highest volume of password reset activity, both in absolute numbers and per capita. According to the findings, YouTube users request new passwords more than four times a year on average, with a staggering 1.4 billion total password-related searches. This equates to 35,899 searches per 100,000 users, making it the most problematic platform in terms of password memory…

Key Takeaways Diverse Woodworking Opportunities: There are numerous woodworking projects suitable for all skill levels, including furniture, home decor, toys, and garden planters, that can be turned into profitable ventures. Focus on Customization: Creating custom designs and personalized items increases customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases, making your products more appealing to buyers. Sustainability Matters: Using eco-friendly materials and practices resonates with consumers, making items like upcycled wood products and handcrafted toys desirable in the market. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilize online platforms like Etsy and social media to…

Key Takeaways Enhanced Brand Visibility: Sponsoring events allows for strategic brand exposure through banners, posters, and media coverage, significantly increasing brand recognition.Direct Customer Engagement: Event sponsorship facilitates face-to-face interactions, fostering relationships that build trust and credibility with your target audience.Long-Term Brand Loyalty: By aligning your business with community values through sponsorship, you can create memorable experiences that enhance customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.Valuable Networking Opportunities: Sponsorship opens doors to connect with industry leaders and potential partners, leading to collabor…

Small business owners know that their success doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and the know-how to make it prosper. Growing a business takes a strategic approach. In an ideal world, business owners would throw money at every possible idea and see what sticks. But the reality is they don’t have unlimited resources. Instead, they should determine where and how to invest in their business to see the reap the greatest reward. I’ve been a business owner for more than three decades. During that time, I’ve tried different approaches to scaling my business. What’s emerged are some clear patterns of what does and doesn’t drive long-term gro…

As Spring Break kicks off across the U.S., drivers are seeing a modest but expected rise in gas prices, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of gas has climbed three cents since last Thursday, now sitting at $3.15. Gas prices typically begin their seasonal climb in spring and tend to peak during the summer months. However, despite the recent uptick, the national average remains about 40 cents lower than the same time last year. AAA attributes the lower year-over-year average to weak crude oil prices and subdued gasoline demand. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that gasoline demand fell slightly, from 8.81 million barrel…

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the launch of a new three-year Rural Jump-Start (RJS) Operating Grant program aimed at stimulating economic development and job creation in economically distressed rural counties. The initiative, approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), will distribute up to $630,000 in grants to support approximately 36 businesses and at least 120 new jobs across the state. “Colorado is committed to supporting the small businesses that drive our economy and these grants will support businesses in our rural communities around the state. Colorado is one of the best places to start …

The City of Raleigh has opened the fourth and final application window for its 2024–2025 Building Up-fit Grant program. The current cycle began on Thursday, April 3, and runs through Sunday, April 27. Award notifications are expected by Friday, May 16. The Building Up-fit Grant is a matching reimbursement initiative that assists small business owners with interior improvements to commercial properties within Raleigh city limits. Designed to promote job creation, economic development, and the revitalization of underused spaces, the grant matches up to 50 percent of qualified construction costs. Projects must include capital improvements and a change in use to qualify. Ap…

Key Takeaways Understanding Hot Shot Business: The hot shot business model involves fast transport of small loads, primarily using a reliable vehicle like a pickup truck or cargo van to serve industries with urgent delivery needs. Low Startup Costs & Flexibility: Starting a hot shot business generally requires a minimal investment and offers scheduling freedom, allowing owners to balance work and personal life effectively. Essential Equipment and Tools: Key to success are dependable vehicles, appropriate trailers, and technology solutions like Transportation Management Software and accounting systems to streamline operations. Legal Requirements: Entrepreneurs mu…

The U.S. Postal Service announced that it has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of proposed mailing services price changes scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2025. The proposed changes include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 73 cents to 78 cents. According to the Postal Service, the proposed adjustments were approved by its Board of Governors and would raise mailing services product prices by approximately 7.4 percent. The PRC must review and approve the proposed rates before they go into effect. Summary of Proposed Price Changes The Postal Service provided the following breakdown of key planned rate incr…

HP Inc. has issued its latest HP Threat Insights Report, warning that cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA verification tests to trick users into infecting themselves with malware. The findings, announced during the company’s annual Amplify Conference, highlight how attackers are exploiting users’ growing “click tolerance” resulting from frequent multi-step authentication processes. The report, based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security, details real-world cyberattacks observed between October and December 2024. According to HP, the “CAPTCHA Me If You Can” campaigns directed users to attacker-controlled websites, prompting them to com…

Key Takeaways Recognize Holiday Stress: Understanding the sources of holiday stress—such as family gatherings, gift shopping, busy schedules, and employee management—can help you effectively navigate the challenges of the season. Prioritize Self-Care: Implement self-care strategies, including mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and a healthy lifestyle, to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being during the hectic holiday period. Set Realistic Expectations: Focus on key priorities and delegate tasks to avoid overwhelm, ensuring that you and your team can remain productive amidst holiday demands. Manage Time Effectively: Utilize digital planners and task manageme…

Key Takeaways Understanding Shopify Dropshipping: Shopify dropshipping allows you to sell products online without managing inventory, minimizing risks and overhead costs. Low Startup Costs: With minimal financial investment required, starting a Shopify dropshipping business is accessible for newcomers and small businesses. User-Friendly Setup: Shopify’s intuitive interface enables quick store setup, making it simple to launch an online storefront even for those with limited technical skills. Importance of Niche Selection: Choosing a specific niche is vital for targeting customers effectively and differentiating your brand in a competitive market. Leveraging Apps fo…

Fiverr has introduced a new Freelancer Equity Program aimed at providing top-performing U.S.-based freelancers on its platform with a financial stake in the company. The initiative offers eligible freelancers up to $10,000 in Fiverr shares, with equity grants distributed over four years based on annual eligibility requirements. The program arrives as the freelance economy continues its rapid growth, with projections indicating that freelancers could make up half of the U.S. workforce by 2027. Fiverr describes the program as a way to deliver additional financial value to freelancers beyond their regular earnings. “Freelancers are the backbone of today’s economy and the h…

A new study from Zoho Corporation reveals that US businesses are falling behind global counterparts in digital workplace transformation, with security gaps and slow adoption of digital tools hindering progress. The Trends in Digital Workplace Transformation report surveyed 4,900 employees worldwide to assess digital transformation maturity and identified critical weaknesses in security and operational efficiency. US Businesses Struggle to Keep Pace The study found that 39% of US organizations remain in the early stages of digital transformation, trailing top-performing global competitors. US businesses ranked 61% in digital transformation maturity, slightly below the 62.…

Key Takeaways Lack of Communication: A partner who consistently avoids communication or withholds important information can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt productivity.Differing Work Ethics: Misaligned work ethics, such as inconsistent commitment to deadlines, can create friction and negatively impact business growth.Financial Irregularities: Lack of transparency regarding finances can indicate deeper issues, jeopardizing the business’s cash flow and overall stability.Disrespectful Attitude: A partner who dismisses your ideas or undermines your authority fosters a toxic work environment and weakens collaboration.Inability to Accept Feedback: Resistance to constru…

Key Takeaways Utilize multiple monetization options on Facebook, including ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and direct sales of products and services, to maximize your income potential.Create engaging content that resonates with your audience by incorporating storytelling and visually appealing media to foster engagement and loyalty.Develop a strong Facebook presence by focusing on audience growth strategies, such as targeted ads and community engagement through Facebook Groups.Explore sponsored posts and partnerships to create additional revenue streams while maintaining authenticity and aligning with brand guidelines.Offer online courses or webinars to establish your …

In today’s digital environment, effective content creation is essential for engagement and impact. The right clip makers can greatly improve your video production process, offering tools that streamline editing, simplify workflows, and elevate overall quality. From AI-driven improvements in Wondershare Filmora to the advanced generative capabilities of Sora, these tools cater to various needs. Comprehending each option’s strengths can help you select the best fit for your projects, ensuring your content stands out. What features should you prioritize? Key Takeaways Descript offers unique text-based editing, making video modifications easy through script adjustments an…

UPS announced two new ground shipping products recently, expanding its end-to-end logistics offerings with the launch of UPS Ground Saver and UPS Ground with Freight Pricing. The company says these options are designed to meet the diverse needs of both residential and commercial shippers, delivering flexibility, control, and value in a changing logistics environment. “UPS is on a mission to transform our customer experience by offering an end-to-end portfolio which provides delivery, returns and pickup services seven-days-a-week,” said UPS Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer Matt Guffey. “Ground Saver and Ground with Freight Pricing represent the first of many product …

Key Takeaways Local Marketing Importance: Connecting directly with the community builds brand loyalty and trust, essential for small business success.Increased Visibility: Local marketing enhances brand recognition, making it easier for customers to discover your business.Targeted Approach: Focusing on local strategies attracts customers more likely to engage and convert into sales.Cost-Effectiveness: Local marketing typically requires a smaller budget, delivering a higher return on investment compared to broader campaigns.Community Engagement: Participating in local events and collaborating with nearby businesses fosters relationships that strengthen your position in t…

Key Takeaways Cost Savings and Incentives: Energy efficiency programs provide significant financial benefits, including rebates and tax credits that can lead to savings of up to $3,200 annually for implementing energy-efficient upgrades. Environmental Impact: Participating in these programs helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports sustainable practices, aligning your business with broader environmental goals. Enhanced Brand Image: Engaging in energy efficiency can qualify your business for green certifications, which enhance your reputation and attract eco-conscious consumers. Community Engagement: Local participation in energy efficiency initiatives fosters …