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Music is an indispensable element that elevates the emotional impact of videos. For video producers, finding the right soundtrack can make or break their projects. In this article, we’ll explore 15 valuable resources where you can discover free music for video projects, helping you captivate your audience without breaking the bank. The Importance of Background Music in Video Production Music holds immense significance in video production, particularly on platforms like YouTube. Music should be a big part of your strategy if you’re learning how to use video marketing. Thoughtfully selected music tracks can transform an ordinary YouTube video into a captivating experience,…

This week, our Small Biz Breakdown crew is back and talking about some of the biggest stories that matter most to small business owners and entrepreneurs right now. Check out the always lively discussion of this week’s panel as they discuss some of the latest innovations in AI technology, specifically a new offering from OpenAI, as well as a talk about some of the latest economic conditions and how they affect small business owners nationwide. See what they had to say about these topics and much more on this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown below … Small Business News Here are the top headlines from Small Business Trends from the last week that are important to …

This week on Small Business Breakdown, our expert panel is back and talking about headlines saying that consumers are turning their attention to small businesses over bigger retailers. Is this actually happening or just something someone is saying? Our panel discusses. They also tackle the topic of creative companies and their use of AI. If these companies do rely on AI technology to provide their products or services, should they be charging less for those products and services? Check out what they have to say on these topics and more in this week’s episode of Small Business Breakdown … Small Business News Roundup – March 8, 2025 Here is a look at the top headline…

This week, our Small Biz Breakdown crew is flying without a net, per se. There’s no agenda – not as if they’re always following the one they sometimes have – and the conversation could go anywhere. Like most weeks, however, the discussion always seems to focus on the latest in AI. And this week is no different. Zeroing in on news this week from Verizon, the Small Biz Breakdown crew discusses at length agentic AI. Is this just the next Metaverse, as one panelist suggests it could be? Or is there more to this emerging trend? Check out what everyone’s got to say on this hot topic in the latest episode of Small Biz Breakdown. Check out the latest small business news headli…

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…

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported a decline in its Small Business Optimism Index for March 2025, dropping 3.3 points to 97.4. This places the index below the 51-year average of 98, as small business owners across the country express concern over ongoing policy shifts and economic conditions. “The implementation of new policy priorities has heightened the level of uncertainty among small business owners over the past few months,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners have scaled back expectations on sales growth as they better understand how these rearrangements might impact them.” The NFIB Uncertainty Index also …

The U.S. small business market maintained steady momentum in the first quarter of 2025, according to BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report, with 2,368 businesses sold and a total enterprise value exceeding $2 billion—a 9% increase over Q1 2024. Despite looming uncertainty surrounding new tariffs, deal volume grew 2% quarter-over-quarter, as buyers pursued high-performing businesses and prices climbed 4% to a median sale price of $349,000. Following a dip at the end of 2024, transactions rebounded in January, climbing 4% amid optimism over anticipated tax cuts, lower interest rates, and deregulation. However, policy uncertainty under the new administration soon tempered that…

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reject the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), arguing that its reporting requirements impose unconstitutional burdens on small businesses. The brief was filed in Community Associations Institute, et al. v. U.S. Department of Treasury, a case that challenges the CTA’s beneficial ownership reporting mandates. NFIB’s brief questions whether Congress has the authority to impose the CTA’s reporting requirements under the Commerce Clause, arguing that the law regulates neither activity nor economic conduct. “The Corporate Transparency Act …

For small businesses, spring means one thing: tax season. That means there’s no better time than the present to start getting the necessary paperwork in order. Whether you’re a one-person show or a larger corporation, there are several key dates to be aware of. Not only will you avoid a last-minute rush, you’ll also avoid possible fees or penalties and ensure your business remains in compliance. Businesses with Employees If you had employees or hired independent contractors in 2024, you are required to provide them with the appropriate federal tax forms. For employees who earned wages in 2024, W2 forms must be distributed by Jan. 31, 2025. For independent contractors w…

Key Takeaways Effective Budgeting is Essential: Establishing a budget ensures resources are allocated wisely, preventing overspending and maximizing impact for your local event. Leverage Creative Venues: Utilizing public spaces and partnering with local businesses can significantly reduce venue costs while enhancing community engagement. Explore Cost-Effective Catering: Implementing potluck-style events or collaborating with local food trucks provides budget-friendly catering options that still offer quality and variety. Engage Volunteers Strategically: Recruiting community support and utilizing skill-based volunteers can help optimize resources, reduce labor costs,…

TechSmith Corporation has released the latest versions of Snagit and Camtasia, integrating AI and Screentelligence-powered features designed to enhance content creation workflows. The 2025 updates focus on improving efficiency for users creating training materials, documentation, and workplace communications, marking the final annual release before TechSmith transitions to a continuous delivery model through its subscription offerings. AI and Screentelligence Transform Content Creation Snagit 2025 and Camtasia 2025 leverage AI to automate and refine editing processes, reducing effort and enhancing professional polish. Snagit simplifies step-by-step guide creation and pro…

Snap has developed an advanced AI diffusion model capable of generating high-resolution images on mobile devices in seconds, marking a significant leap in mobile-first artificial intelligence. The compact and efficient model is expected to power several new Snapchat features in the coming months. Snap’s latest AI innovation is designed to run entirely on-device, eliminating the need for cloud-based processing while reducing computational costs. The company reports that the model can generate high-resolution images in approximately 1.4 seconds on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike server-reliant AI tools, Snap’s model is optimized for mobile efficiency, making AI-generated ima…

Snapchat has introduced Sponsored AI Lenses, a new advertising format powered by the company’s proprietary Generative AI technology. This new feature is designed to offer brands a creative and interactive way to connect with Snapchat’s user base by placing consumers at the center of AI-powered, branded experiences. According to Snapchat, Sponsored AI Lenses allow users to visualize themselves in imaginative scenarios, such as wearing ‘90s hairstyles, exploring the Wild West, or showcasing high-fashion runway styles. These personalized, AI-driven images aim to enhance self-expression while promoting brand visibility among friends. “With advancements in AI transforming th…

This article will present insightful social media statistics covering different aspects, such as growth, usage, platforms, trends, impact, and future. These statistics will help you gain a deeper and broader perspective on the topic and make informed choices for your personal or professional goals. Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It connects us with people, information, and entertainment across the globe. It also influences our behavior, opinions, and decisions in various ways. Whether you are a casual user, a business owner, or a marketer, you need to understand the power and potential of social media in today’s digital world. Understanding the P…

A spa table plays a pivotal role in providing clients with a comfortable and relaxing environment. It is the centerpiece of your treatment room and can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your business. Often seen as the cornerstone of spa and wellness centers, a spa table plays a vital role in delivering a wide array of therapeutic services. At its core, the spa table is designed to provide comfort and support to clients while enabling therapists to perform treatments effectively. Typically, these tables come with plush padding and are upholstered with materials like leather or vinyl, which are not only comfortable but also easy to clean and maintain. Spa Tabl…

Splashtop has launched a new autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solution designed to enhance remote support for small and midsize businesses. The solution provides IT teams with real-time asset discovery, vulnerability detection, and automated patch management, allowing them to improve efficiency and security while maintaining cost-effectiveness. According to Splashtop, the AEM solution offers “critical automation features to lean IT teams, including vulnerability scanning and real-time patch updates for combatting zero-day threats.” It serves as a powerful complement to Microsoft Intune while also providing a cost-friendly alternative to traditional remote monitoring …

Key Takeaways Recognize Early Red Flags: Identifying warning signs during the hiring and onboarding processes can prevent costly mistakes later on. Focus on Communication Skills: Poor communication can hinder teamwork; evaluate candidates for clear articulation and active listening. Review Work History Carefully: Inconsistent job history may indicate reliability issues; probe for reasons behind frequent job changes or gaps. Assess Attitude and Preparedness: A negative mindset or lack of interview preparation can reflect potential future performance problems or poor fit with company values. Monitor Cultural Fit and Collaboration: During onboarding, observe how well …

The City of St. Paul has announced that applications for its 2025 Neighborhood STAR grant program will open on Monday, March 31. The program offers grants to support capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity of neighborhoods across the city. Eligible businesses and organizations must be located in or conducting business within St. Paul and use the funds for permanent capital improvements with a projected lifespan of at least seven years. Most grant awards are $50,000 or less. All applications must be submitted online through ZoomGrants by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 2. To qualify for consideration, applications must be…