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Small Business Financial Exchange, Inc. (SBFE) and bluCognition have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing small business lending analytics. By integrating bluCognition’s advanced bank transaction data analysis with SBFE’s extensive credit payment performance data, the collaboration seeks to provide lenders with a more comprehensive view of borrower financial health. The partnership is expected to strengthen SBFE’s existing credit bureau relationships while expanding its membership base among U.S. lending institutions. The goal is to improve risk assessment and provide lenders with deeper insights into small business financial stability. “I am thrilled to…

What is a 1099 form, and how is it used? Most U.S.-based business owners have issued 1099 tax forms to independent contractors, keeping them in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. However, there are several other scenarios in which a small business owner would issue or receive a type of 1099. Do you know the 1099 rules? Are you curious about who should get a 1099 form, how to issue one, or what rules apply in different scenarios? In this article, we’ll provide the answers to these questions about 1099 forms and more. What Is a 1099 Form? The 1099 form, issued by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, serves several specific purposes, each with a di…

Thinking of starting your own business? Why not try the limousine business? It can be a good way to make money if done right. If you’re curious about how to start a limo business, you’re in the right spot. We’re here to guide you through the steps, making jumping in and getting going easier. Let’s get started! Understanding The Limousine Industry The limousine industry isn’t just about luxury cars but top-notch service and a memorable experience. At its core, a limo business specializes in offering premium transportation services. It’s about giving people a sense of importance, a taste of the high life, even for just a few hours. While many envision weddings and red-carp…

Lenovo has introduced a new lineup of AI-powered Yoga and IdeaPad laptops at MWC 2025, along with software advancements and innovative concept designs aimed at enhancing creativity and productivity. The company’s latest AI-driven devices include the Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition, the IdeaPad Slim 3x, and the Yoga Solar PC Concept, which leverages renewable energy to power a laptop. “As we push the limits of AI innovation higher than ever, it is important to remember that delivering access to AI for all is equally a core tenet of Lenovo’s philosophy,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. “With …

The Detroit Pistons and Comerica Bank have announced the launch of SHOP313 Pop-Up Shops presented by Comerica, a program designed to showcase and support 28 Michigan-based small businesses throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. Beginning January 31, participating businesses will receive brand exposure through in-arena promotions at Little Caesars Arena, as well as digital marketing support via the Pistons’ website and social media channels. SHOP313 Pop-Up Shops is an extension of both organizations’ commitment to bolstering Metro Detroit’s small business community. This marks the second consecutive year Comerica and the Pistons have partnered to provide business owners with …

In most cases, you have to be invited to a Franchise Discovery Day. And, if you are invited to attend a discovery day, get ready. Things are about to get serious. You are about to enter an exciting step in your goal to become a franchise owner. By the time franchise discovery day rolls around, you have pretty much decided which franchise opportunity you are going to focus all of your energy on. Once you’ve done that, you’re a lot closer to franchise ownership. What is Franchise Discovery Day? Franchise Discovery Day is a planned event at a franchisor’s headquarters, limited to “qualified” candidates for franchise ownership. Discovery day is the day that you as the prosp…

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve considered taking out a loan to help finance your operations. But how do you know if you’re eligible for a small business loan? And what’s the process like? In this comprehensive guide about how to get a small business loan, we’ll discuss everything you need to know, including some handy tips from some insiders. Let’s get started with successfully securing that loan for your venture! How to Get a Loan for a Small Business So, you have your business plan in place, and you’re prepared to secure a business loan. Before you proceed with your application on how to get a small business loan, take a look at these helpful ti…

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported a decline in small business optimism for February, with its Small Business Optimism Index falling by 2.1 points to 100.7. Despite the decline, this marks the fourth consecutive month the index has remained above the 51-year average of 98. However, the index remains 4.4 points below its recent peak of 105.1 recorded in December. Meanwhile, the Uncertainty Index rose by four points to 104, marking the second-highest reading ever recorded. “Uncertainty is high and rising on Main Street, and for many reasons,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Those small business owners expecting better business condi…

Hiring difficulties remain a significant challenge for small businesses, particularly in the construction and transportation sectors, according to NFIB’s January jobs report. The report found that 35% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in January, a figure unchanged from December. Job openings were most prevalent in transportation, construction, and manufacturing, while the agriculture and finance sectors reported the fewest vacancies. The construction sector saw a notable four-point increase in job openings from December but remained two points lower than January 2024. “Small business owners are certainly feeling hopeful about the direct…

Key Takeaways Community Hubs: Public markets serve as vibrant spaces that foster connections between farmers, artisans, and consumers, enhancing community engagement through unique shopping experiences. Economic Impact: They significantly bolster local economies by providing platforms for small businesses, attracting foot traffic, and generating sales opportunities while promoting local entrepreneurship. Sustainability Focus: Many public markets emphasize sustainable practices by prioritizing locally sourced and environmentally friendly products, encouraging healthier consumer choices. Challenges to Navigate: Public markets face competition from supermarkets and reg…

OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.5, a research preview of its latest and most advanced AI model, which is now available to ChatGPT Pro users and developers worldwide. The model represents “a step forward in scaling up pre-training and post-training,” according to OpenAI. GPT-4.5 advances OpenAI’s approach to AI development by focusing on unsupervised learning, a technique that enhances a model’s ability to recognize patterns, draw connections, and generate creative insights without explicit reasoning. “GPT-4.5 is an example of scaling unsupervised learning by scaling up compute and data, along with architecture and optimization innovations,” OpenAI stated in its announcement…

The U.S. residential construction market is expected to expand by $242.9 million between 2025 and 2029, growing at a 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a new report from Technavio. Rising household formation rates and a growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices are key factors driving market growth. However, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in the availability of skilled labor for large-scale projects. The U.S. residential construction sector is seeing increased demand for affordable housing, spurred by lower mortgage rates and federal programs aimed at expanding access to homeownership. The Federal Reserve’s interes…

Are you a business owner who is in the process of hiring a new employee? If so, you may be wondering how to go about drafting a job offer letter. In this article, we will share five job offer letter template examples that you can use as a guide. We will also provide tips on how to make your offer letters more persuasive. Let’s get started! What Is a Formal Job Offer Letter? A formal job offer letter acts as a pivotal document during the hiring phase, serving as a bridge between the initial interview process and final employment. Beyond merely an offer of employment, it’s a reflection of a company’s professionalism and organizational standards. This crucial letter delin…

ASUS has introduced the ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605), a lightweight business laptop powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra processors, enterprise-grade security, and customizable configurations designed for professional use. The AI-powered business laptop features ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant, and ASUS ExpertGuardian, a security suite providing multi-factor authentication and firmware protection. AI-Powered Performance and Productivity The ExpertBook B5 integrates AI-driven computing, offering up to 99 total-platform TOPS for enhanced multitasking. ASUS’s AI ExpertMeet provides real-time transcription, noise cancellation, and live-translated captions, en…

Personal trainers are in more demand than ever as more people look to stay fit and improve their health. This has created a huge opportunity for people who want to work in this industry. Follow these steps to learn how to start a personal training business and take advantage of the growing personal fitness segment. How to Start a Personal Training Business: Key Steps Starting requires the following: You need to determine your specialty or niche. To decide on one, consider market demand, your expertise, and your interests. Some options include strength training, sports training, weight loss, and rehabilitation. Industry-specific certifications include those from the Na…

Staying at home with kids is a full-time job on its own. But many moms also want to make extra money online or with a home-based business idea. If you’re looking for the perfect business idea for stay at home moms, read on for some options. What is a Mompreneur? A mompreneur is any mom who also runs a business. The term is often applied to those who run companies that serve other moms, or those who serve as the primary caregiver for their children. Read more: What is a Mompreneur? Business Opportunities for Stay-at-Home Moms Technology has opened lots of opportunities for stay-at-home moms and anyone looking to run a business remotely. You can run a company completely…

Ignition has introduced AutoPricing, a first-to-market suite of pricing automation tools designed to help professional services businesses streamline price increases at scale. The new capabilities allow businesses to automate bulk price adjustments, providing greater control over revenue growth while improving long-term cash flow and profitability. The latest AutoPricing feature enables businesses to increase prices across multiple clients simultaneously, eliminating the manual burden of individual price updates. The tool integrates directly into proposal editing and renewals, giving businesses an immediate view of additional revenue generated from price adjustments. “T…

It’s kind of a misnomer. Ghost Kitchens aren’t spooky figments of the imagination. They are real. Ghost kitchens are facilities where food is prepared, cooked, and packaged specifically for delivery. Orders are placed and managed online. There are several ways you can start ghost kitchens: Within a restaurant that you already own or lease. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease. From your home. Ghost kitchens grew hugely as a response to Covid restrictions. That’s when “ordering in” became even more popular. In fact, according to stats the average person in the US orders food at least once a week. The big restaurant operators are already taking advantage of…

Meta is updating its Facebook Live video storage policy, limiting the availability of live broadcasts to 30 days before automatic deletion. The change, which takes effect on February 19, will align Facebook’s storage policies with industry standards and streamline how live video content is managed on the platform. New 30-Day Limit for Live Videos Under the updated policy, new live broadcast videos can be replayed, downloaded, or shared for 30 days before they are automatically removed from Facebook. Previously, live videos were stored indefinitely. Additionally, all live videos older than 30 days will be deleted in phases over the coming months. Meta will notify users b…

Key Takeaways Exclusive Features: Snapchat Premium offers advanced tools for storytelling, enhanced filters, and unique content options that help users elevate their social media presence. Privacy Focus: Subscribers enjoy an ad-free experience that promotes more authentic connections with followers, ensuring user trust is maintained. Advanced Story Insights: Businesses can use custom Story timers and analytics tools to optimize social media engagement and tailor content to their audience effectively. Enhanced User Experience: Personalization options such as custom app icons, chat interfaces, and unique notification sounds help brands maintain a consistent identity and…

Power strips and surge protectors have become an integral part of our lives, often more so than we realize. Power strips can make all the difference for small businesses, ensuring that all the essential devices are powered up and functioning seamlessly. This guide will take you through the world of power strips, surge protectors, smart power strips, and USB power strips, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Understanding Power Strips and Surge Protectors What is a Power Strip? A power strip, sometimes known as an extension block, is a block of electrical sockets attached to the end of a flexible cable (power cord) that plugs into …

Key Takeaways Optimal Setup is Crucial: An organized and inviting flea market stall attracts customers and enhances their shopping experience, ultimately leading to higher sales. Strategic Layout Planning: Design your stall layout to encourage easy navigation, maximizing customer engagement while placing high-demand items to encourage exploration of your entire inventory. Essential Equipment Matters: Utilize sturdy tables, display racks, and clear signage to enhance organization and visual appeal, making products easy for customers to browse and understand. Effective Merchandise Organization: Categorizing products by type, price range, and theme makes shopping smoot…

Effective retail inventory management is key for running a successful retail business because it allows you to maintain optimal stock levels, minimize carrying costs, and meet customer demand. It ensures that the right products are available at the right time and place, helping to prevent stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and improve cash flow. Retail stores can improve operational efficiency, increase profitability, and provide a better customer experience by optimizing their inventory levels and processes. Using effective inventory tracking and control, a business owner can optimize stock levels, improve customer satisfaction, and increase sales. What is Retail Inv…

Small business owners are entering 2025 with heightened confidence despite persistent economic uncertainty, according to Bluevine’s 2024 End-of-Year Business Owner Success Survey (BOSS) Report. The survey of 1,200 small business owners (SBOs) found that 79% expressed confidence in their business outlook, an increase from 73% in mid-2024. Expectations for profitability and revenue growth have also risen, reflecting resilience among small businesses. Despite optimism, SBOs continue to navigate inflation and rising costs. The report found that 64% of respondents identified inflation as a top concern, while 55% cited taxes and fees. Concerns over tariffs have more than doubl…