Getting Started

Swingline, a leading name in workspace tools, is marking its 100th anniversary with the launch of three new and refreshed stapler models. The milestone release includes the return of the Swingline CUB Compact Metal Stapler, the debut of the Swingline Vintage Plier Stapler, and a vibrant color refresh of the best-selling Swingline 747 Business Premium Desktop Stapler. Since 1925, Swingline has been a staple in workspaces worldwide, known for its combination of durability, efficiency, and timeless design. “For a century, Swingline has been at the heart of workspaces, delivering tools that combine reliability with stylish design,” said Brian Klein, Senior Manager at ACCO Br…

Key Takeaways Company Innovation is Essential: In a competitive business environment, fostering innovation is crucial for growth and sustainability, not just a trendy concept. Types of Innovation: Key innovation types include product, process, business model, marketing, and organizational innovation, each contributing uniquely to enhancing business performance. Driving Factors: Technological advancements and market demands play pivotal roles in shaping innovation, helping businesses meet customer needs and enhance operational efficiency. Cultural Influence: Creating an organizational culture that nurtures creativity and collaboration empowers employees to contribute…

Digital cameras can be an important tool for a small business. If you have a website, social media channels, or any other digital outlet, you need a quality digital camera. But how do you figure out the best digital camera for your small business? While it may be tempting to simply use your smartphone camera for photos, this may not deliver the image quality you want. Smartphone cameras have greatly improved over the years and can be quite good, but your best bet for the highest quality photos and videos is to invest in a digital camera. It is an important point to note that photography and videography equipment can be very expensive. As a small business, you certainly …

The fusion of art and science in interior design has never been more relevant than it is today. As people grow increasingly aware of the impact that well-designed spaces can have on their lives, demand for professional interior designers has surged. This has opened up many opportunities for those skilled in creating functional yet visually appealing environments. Read on for a guide about how to start an interior design business. Why Launch an Interior Design Business? Starting an interior design business can be a dream come true for those who find joy in transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Such a venture not only allows for the expression of cre…

Rocketlane has introduced a new invoicing feature designed to eliminate billing errors, accelerate approvals, and integrate seamlessly with accounting tools like NetSuite and QuickBooks. The update aims to streamline billing processes for professional services teams, reducing manual effort and improving cash flow management. Professional services teams frequently encounter issues with billing accuracy due to manual data reconciliation, lengthy approval cycles, and disconnected financial systems. Rocketlane’s new invoicing capability is designed to resolve these inefficiencies by providing a centralized solution for managing complex billing scenarios. “Too many teams spe…

Hostinger has announced the global launch of Hostinger Horizons, an AI-powered no-code web app solution designed to help businesses and individuals create fully functional web apps without coding skills. The platform enables users to develop, publish, and host web apps without relying on third-party integrations. “To realize your idea online, you often need either money, time, or knowledge – and very often – all of it. We aim for a completely new user experience where all you need is an idea, and you can make it a reality in minutes without any hassle. I believe that Hostinger Horizons will change the way small businesses operate and the way people think about the possib…

Despite an increase in gasoline demand, the national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped to $3.07, marking a three-cent decline from last week, according to the latest data from AAA. The decline comes as spring break travel picks up, with motorists in 31 states finding gas prices below $3 per gallon. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose from 8.87 million barrels per day (b/d) to 9.18 million b/d over the past week. At the same time, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1 million barrels, putting supplies slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also dipped, averaging 9.…

Small businesses often struggle with advertising due to limited budgets. However, there are many completely free ways to promote your business online and increase brand awareness. In this article, we will explore the best free small business advertising ideas that can help small businesses grow their customer base without breaking the bank. Let’s get started! What is free advertising? Free advertising refers to promoting a product or service without spending any money on advertising costs. Instead, businesses can utilize various methods such as social media channels, word-of-mouth marketing, community events, and Google search engine optimization to reach their target au…

When first starting a business, many entrepreneurs begin using a personal credit card for expenses. It’s the path of least resistance. However, once the business starts to thrive, you will garner tangible benefits from using a good business credit card — i.e., a credit card in your business name that is used strictly for business purposes. Here are the advantages that a business credit card can offer your business to help it grow and be profitable: Expands Your Overall Available Credit Establishes Business Credit History Access to Other Financial Products to Fuel Growth Maintains Separation of Business and Personal Expenses Saves Times through Technology Allows You to…

The Palisades and Eaton fires that swept through Los Angeles in January caused significant disruptions to the local labor market, with payroll data from ADP showing a sharp decline in paychecks issued and hours worked. Although the fires directly affected a small portion of Los Angeles County’s total employment, their economic impact extended well beyond the burn zones. According to ADP payroll data, paycheck issuance in fire-affected ZIP codes dropped 10% in the first week of the fires compared to the same period in 2024. The decline continued in the following weeks, falling 6% from January 12-18 and again by 10% from January 19-25. By January 26, payroll activity had r…

Key Takeaways Flexibility and Independence: As an Uber Eats driver, you have the freedom to set your own hours and choose your delivery routes, allowing for a work-life balance that suits your personal schedule. Navigating the App: Familiarity with the Uber Eats app is essential for managing deliveries, tracking earnings, and maintaining effective communication with customers, enhancing your overall driving experience. Vehicle Requirements: To qualify as a driver, ensure your vehicle meets the necessary specifications, including registration and insurance, and understand the age requirements for different delivery methods (bicycle, scooter, car). Earning Potential: …

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the launch of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, an effort aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing by cutting regulations, expanding access to capital, and strengthening supply chains. The initiative, unveiled by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to restore American economic dominance and bolster national security. Supporting Small Manufacturers According to the SBA, approximately 99% of American manufacturers are small businesses, and the initiative aims to further support their resurgence. The agency highlighted recent job growth in the sector, cit…

Apple has unveiled its most powerful Mac to date, introducing the new Mac Studio, powered by the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. The latest iteration of Apple’s high-performance desktop features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, up to 512GB of unified memory, and up to 16TB of SSD storage, all within a compact design. The new Mac Studio is now available for pre-order, with official availability beginning March 12. “The new Mac Studio is the most powerful Mac we’ve ever made,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “A complete game-changer for pros around the world — powering both home and pro studios — Mac Studio sits in a class of its own, offerin…

Key Takeaways Understanding Business Models: Learn the three primary ATM business models—Independent Ownership, Partnership, and Franchise—each offering unique benefits and operational strategies. Market Research Importance: Conduct thorough market research to identify demand, demographics, competitor analysis, and optimal locations for ATM placements to maximize profitability. Legal and Financial Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with necessary licenses, permits, and financing options, such as loans and grants, to ensure compliance and funding for your ATM business. Effective Marketing Strategies: Leverage local advertising and digital marketing techniques to attr…

LexisNexis Legal & Professional has introduced an enhanced conversational search feature in its Nexis+ AI platform, aiming to accelerate research and business intelligence through generative AI-powered search capabilities. The update enables users to conduct conversation-based searches across a vast repository of licensed news and corporate data, including the industry’s largest collection of Gen AI-approved news datasets. Conversational Search and AI-Powered Research Launched in July 2024, Nexis+ AI is designed to assist researchers with AI-driven tools that streamline data discovery, document analysis, report synthesis, and news summarization. The newly introduced …

Small business sales in the U.S. rose slightly in April, according to the latest Fiserv Small Business Index released by Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI). The seasonally adjusted Index increased by one point to 151, reflecting a 0.4% month-over-month increase in sales and a 3.2% increase year-over-year. The report highlights a shift in consumer behavior as buyers continue to prioritize essential goods and services while cutting back on discretionary spending. “Even as consumer spending shows resiliency, market uncertainties appear to be driving budget-conscious consumers to reprioritize where they spend their money,” said Prasanna Dhore, Chief Data Officer at Fiserv. “Small busin…

Are you curious about what the qualified business income deduction (QBI) is and whether or not you can take advantage of it? If so, this article will provide an in-depth overview of the QBI deduction and answer the fundamental question: “Can I claim it?” Given its complicated nature, understanding how to maximize your tax deductions on business income with the QBI deduction should be a top priority for anyone who is self-employed. Learn all about it here, from what qualifies as eligible business income to when you can use this deduction and more. Let’s dive in! What is the Qualified Business Income Deduction? The Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) is a recently …

Wix has announced a new native integration with Printful, a leading print-on-demand company, to provide Wix users with direct access to Printful’s fulfillment services. This integration allows merchants, self-creators, and agencies using Wix to create and sell custom-branded merchandise without leaving the Wix platform. According to Wix, this new feature offers users a streamlined and cost-effective solution for launching their own product lines. “This integration gives our users a new opportunity to create high-quality products and merchandise customized to their brand, whether they are a yoga studio owner, a chef, or a dog trainer,” said Jill Sherman, Head of Supplier…

Gasoline prices across the U.S. remained largely unchanged over the past week, with the national average for a gallon of gas holding at $3.16, according to AAA. The price per kilowatt hour of electricity at public EV charging stations also remained stable at 34 cents. Gasoline Supply and Demand Trends The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows a decline in gasoline demand, falling from 8.57 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.23 million b/d. Total domestic gasoline supply also dropped slightly, from 248.1 million barrels to 247.9 million barrels. Gasoline production saw a decrease, averaging 9.2 million barrels per day. The current national gas…

The real estate market is continuing to boom, and with it comes the need for home inspection business owners. The best home inspectors have a blend of characteristics. They must have an entrepreneurial spirit, technical skills, expansive knowledge of house systems and construction, and meticulous attention to detail. The home inspector is a key component of the real estate sales system. It plays a pivotal role in communications between real estate agents and in assisting buyers in making informed decisions about the purchase of a property and its price. Starting Your Own Home Inspection Business: Key Steps These are the key steps you should take in starting your own ho…

A new Lenovo-commissioned study conducted by IDC reveals that global organizations are significantly increasing AI investments, but concerns over return on investment (ROI) remain a primary barrier to broader adoption. The 2025 CIO Playbook: It’s Time for AI-nomics reports that AI spending is expected to nearly triple in 2025 compared to last year, yet business leaders remain divided on its long-term value. Key Findings: AI Investment and ROI Challenges While AI adoption is accelerating, financial risk and uncertain ROI remain the most cited obstacles. The study found that 37% of management remains skeptical or has reservations about AI’s impact, despite 90% of IT profes…

Small businesses need to look at Facebook WiFi. You’ll get more activity on your Facebook business page. It’s good for social engagement and digital marketing. All you need to get started is a router and your smartphone. What is Facebook WiFi? It transforms your business into a WiFi hotspot when you are offering free WiFi to customers. Potential customers can check-in, and businesses can share announcements and promotions. Small businesses also receive analytics regarding gender and age demographics. Additionally, it’s software that provides people with free internet access. How to Setup Facebook WiFi Setting up Facebook WiFi is easy. Following are the steps to set up t…

Email marketing is an important part of digital communication. If you don’t feel that email marketing has been effective for you, you may be making common email marketing mistakes. The Impact of Email Marketing Mistakes Poor engagement: Mistakes can lead to reduced open rates, click-through rates, and overall engagement with your emails. Damaged brand reputation: Email marketing mistakes can negatively impact your brand’s image, causing recipients to perceive your emails as unprofessional or spammy. Reduced conversions: Mistakes may result in lower conversion rates, affecting your ability to turn leads into customers. Legal issues: Non-compliance with email marketing re…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reinstated lender fees for its 7(a) loan program, reversing a Biden-era policy that the agency said contributed to financial instability and undermined the program’s zero-subsidy requirement. The action was announced Thursday as part of a broader effort to address what the SBA described as “gross financial mismanagement” under the previous administration. “Since its inception, the SBA’s 7(a) loan program has launched millions of small businesses, driving economic growth and job creation. But the Biden Administration’s actions to undermine the financial integrity of the program now threaten to leave taxpayers on the hook,” …