Getting Started

A new report released by Amazon highlights the massive economic contributions of independent sellers, revealing that small and medium-sized businesses selling through the platform have generated more than $2.5 trillion in sales over the past 25 years and currently employ over 2 million people across the United States. The 2024 Small Business Empowerment Report, published on May 20, 2025, underscores the transformative impact Amazon’s seller program has had on small business growth and job creation since its inception in 2000. Today, more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store come from independent sellers—most of which are small businesses. “These thriving businesses are c…

Key Takeaways Exciting New Features: BookTok has introduced new features to enhance user engagement and improve the book discovery process for readers.Enhanced Discovery: Users can now access improved visibility for their book-related content through user-generated videos and trending hashtags, increasing exposure to new readers.Improved User Interaction: Upgraded capabilities for comments, likes, and shares allow deeper connections and community engagement among book enthusiasts.Impact on Publishing: BookTok significantly influences sales and marketing strategies in the book publishing industry, showcasing the correlation between platform engagement and book sales.Conten…

In today’s competitive market, improving your sales skills is vital for success. Several online training courses cater to this need, offering valuable techniques and strategies. From negotiation skills to consultative selling, these programs provide you with the tools to enhance performance and gain recognized certifications. Comprehending which courses to pursue can greatly influence your career. Let’s explore these seven vital online sales training courses and how they can boost your selling capabilities. Key Takeaways Negotiation Experts offers high-rated training with practical simulations for advanced selling skills, available online and onsite, with LinkedIn certi…

Key Takeaways Blogging as a Business: Blogging has evolved from a hobby to a legitimate business with multiple income-generating opportunities, making it accessible for everyone, from seasoned writers to beginners. Niche Focus: Identifying and targeting a specific niche is crucial for attracting a dedicated audience and building a strong brand presence, with popular niches including personal finance, health, travel, and technology. Diverse Monetization Strategies: Successful bloggers can explore various income streams such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, ad revenue, subscription models, and online courses to diversify their earnings. Quality Content Creat…

If you’re considering investing in a franchise, there are several promising options available that cater to diverse interests and markets. From tech repairs with Techy to customizable dining experiences at Blaze Pizza, each franchise offers distinct advantages. Furthermore, services like senior care from Right at Home and health-focused businesses like Smoothie Factory present unique opportunities. Comprehending the specifics of each franchise can help you identify the best fit for your entrepreneurial goals. Let’s explore these options further. Key Takeaways Techy Franchise: Specializes in gadget repair with an initial investment of approximately $150,000 and strong …

Key Takeaways Five Guys operates as a franchise, allowing independent entrepreneurs to open locations under the established brand.The franchise model fosters rapid growth while offering support and resources to franchisees, enhancing their chances of success.Key characteristics of Five Guys include strong brand recognition, a limited menu focused on quality, and no paid advertising—relying instead on customer loyalty.The initial investment for a Five Guys franchise can be significant, with costs ranging from $152,600 to over $5 million, requiring substantial financial resources and commitment.Owning a Five Guys franchise comes with challenges, including operational mana…

Salesforce recently introduced an innovative solution aimed at alleviating the mounting pressures faced by nonprofits—Agentforce Nonprofit. As funding cuts and workforce burnout plague these organizations, the timing couldn’t be better. According to Salesforce, nonprofits are struggling to meet growing demand while employees are overwhelmed with mundane administrative tasks that detract from mission-critical work. For small business owners involved in the nonprofit sector, this launch could hold vital significance. Agentforce Nonprofit, which previously operated under the name Nonprofit Cloud, features a suite of new AI agents specifically designed to simplify essential …

In recent years, small business owners have found themselves increasingly vulnerable to lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The surge in these legal actions has become a significant concern for entrepreneurs, as many report they are being targeted without clear compliance guidelines. This predicament is illustrated by the experience of Clay*, an online store owner who was blindsided by a legal notice regarding his website’s accessibility. “It made my heart sink,” he recalls, highlighting the anxiety many small business owners face as they navigate these turbulent legal waters. The ADA, established in 1990 to enhance accessibility fo…

Key Takeaways Understanding Consumer Alerts: Yelp’s consumer alerts help users identify potential fake reviews and suspicious activity, enhancing decision-making when choosing local businesses. Benefits for Consumers: These alerts protect consumers by highlighting issues, allowing them to avoid misleading information and make informed choices in finding dependable services. Impact on Businesses: By addressing flagged reviews, businesses can enhance their credibility and transparency, ultimately attracting more customers and fostering community support. Types and Triggers: Yelp employs different alerts for fraudulent reviews, suspicious activities, and business integ…

If you’re looking to start your own business without a hefty investment, exploring the cheapest franchises to own in 2025 might be your best bet. These opportunities typically require less than $50,000 to get started, making them accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs. From travel services like Cruise Planners to fitness options such as Jazzercise, there’s a range of choices available. Comprehending these options can help you make an informed decision about your future business venture. What factors should you consider before jumping in? Key Takeaways Micro-franchises cost under $1,000 and often operate from home or mobile setups, making them highly accessible. Service…

Landbase has announced the launch of the Campaign Feed, a new enhancement to its agentic AI-powered go-to-market (GTM) platform, along with the acquisition of Delegate, a company known for its predictive and automated customer success solutions. These developments are aimed at accelerating Landbase’s mission to automate omnichannel sales outreach and improve go-to-market strategies through advanced AI-driven solutions. The Campaign Feed is designed to address key GTM challenges such as fragmented data, manual processes, and ineffective audience engagement. With the new capability, users receive AI-enriched campaign recommendations that can be reviewed, approved, edited, …

A recent global survey reveals a striking transformation for organizations that fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI). According to findings from Google Workspace, businesses that integrate AI are not merely saving time; they are enhancing innovation, creativity, and overall employee satisfaction. This could spell significant benefits for small business owners looking to grow and streamline operations. The survey highlights key metrics that could compel small business leaders to consider adopting AI tools. Respondents from highly transformed organizations noted a remarkable 57% increase in innovation, coupled with a 39% reduction in time spent on menial tasks. Furth…

Storytelling in business is an essential tool for connecting with your audience. It helps you convey your brand’s purpose and values in a way that resonates emotionally. By sharing relatable narratives, you can build trust and differentiate your brand in a crowded market. Effective stories improve engagement, making your message more memorable. Comprehending these elements can transform how you approach marketing and consumer relationships. But how can you implement these strategies effectively? Key Takeaways Storytelling differentiates brands by conveying their purpose and values, making them more relatable in competitive markets. Emotional connections foster trust a…

Key Takeaways Build Customer Trust: A clear return policy reassures customers, encouraging them to make purchases by minimizing the fear of buyer’s remorse. Essential Components: Include key elements such as a defined return time frame, specific conditions for returns, and a transparent refund process to enhance customer satisfaction. Clarity and Accessibility: Use straightforward language and ensure your return policy is easily accessible both online and in-store to improve customer confidence and understanding. Balance Flexibility and Rules: Set reasonable return windows and conditions, while remaining open to exceptions, to attract more customers and enhance loya…

Business storytelling is a strategic approach that helps you communicate your brand’s mission and values through compelling narratives. It matters as it creates emotional connections and nurtures customer loyalty. By transforming complex information into relatable stories, you can improve brand recall and trust. Comprehending how to effectively use storytelling can set your brand apart. So, what are the key benefits and strategies that can raise your storytelling efforts? Key Takeaways Business storytelling conveys a brand’s mission, values, and purpose, fostering deeper connections with consumers. It boosts customer loyalty, leading to increased income and memorable …

The North Carolina Community College System announced it is partnering with Goldman Sachs to launch the 10,000 Small Businesses initiative across the state. The effort is part of Goldman Sachs’ $100 million national Investment in Rural Communities, aimed at bolstering small business growth and economic development. For more than 15 years, 10,000 Small Businesses has offered free business education, access to capital, and tailored support services to help entrepreneurs grow. In 2023, Goldman Sachs expanded the program into rural areas across 20 states, and North Carolina now joins the initiative’s latest expansion. “This partnership with Goldman Sachs reflects our system…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently taken significant steps to support veteran entrepreneurs by eliminating a backlog in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program. This move represents a crucial opportunity for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to more effectively compete for federal contracts, especially as the nation nears Veterans Day. With the backlog previously exceeding 2,700 cases, many day-to-day operations for veteran business owners were severely impacted. The backlog arose as resources were redirected from the VetCert program to meet higher diversity and i…

Verizon Business has introduced My Biz Plan, a new customizable wireless offering for small and midsized business (SMB) customers, now available nationwide. The new plan allows business owners to tailor wireless services based on their needs, marking a shift away from traditional carrier packages. Unlike the “good, better, best” options often offered by wireless carriers, My Biz Plan provides a single base plan with unlimited calling, data, and texting. Customers can then add business-specific features such as international connectivity and productivity tools, and make adjustments as needs change. Verizon highlights this plan as a flexible solution designed to offer more…

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express have announced the opening of applications for the fifth year of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants (BHSR) grant program. The initiative, designed to help small and independent historic restaurants preserve their legacies, will provide $2.5 million in grants to 50 restaurants across the United States in 2025. According to the announcement, the program has already awarded more than $5 million to 130 restaurant owners in all 50 states over the past four years. The grants have supported establishments facing economic hardships or recovering from disasters. The BHSR program is part of American Express’ br…

When considering customer experience mapping software solutions, it’s crucial to understand the variety of tools available and their specific features. These solutions help businesses visualize and analyze customer interactions, in the end improving the overall experience. From automated event tracking to collaborative mapping, each software offers unique strengths. To navigate this environment effectively, you should explore the top options and see which aligns best with your needs and objectives. The right choice could greatly impact your customer experience strategy. Key Takeaways Fullstory combines session replay with real-time analytics, offering deep behavioral …

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…

In an era where data is the lifeblood of decision-making, Workday is stepping up to empower small businesses with innovative tools and partnerships. Recently announced during Workday Rising EMEA in Barcelona, the launch of a global developer network and a collaboration with Google Cloud’s BigQuery is set to transform how small businesses can access and leverage AI technologies. Workday, a recognized leader in enterprise AI solutions that streamline HR and financial management, aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence with its new initiatives. “With the launch of our global developer network and Google BigQuery joining Workday Data Cloud, we’re opening our ec…

Onboarding is a crucial process that shapes your initial experience in a new job. It encompasses training, cultural orientation, and clarity about your role, all of which boost your confidence and engagement. A well-executed onboarding process not just improves job satisfaction but plays a key role in employee retention. Comprehending how onboarding works and its importance can greatly influence your success within the organization. So, what are the main components that make onboarding effective? Key Takeaways Onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into an organization, ensuring they understand their role and the company culture. Effective onboarding i…

When managing payroll, choosing the right software can greatly impact your efficiency and compliance. The top seven programs for efficient payroll systems offer a range of features customized to various business needs. From Gusto’s user-friendly interface to Rippling‘s global capabilities, each option serves different organizational sizes and requirements. Comprehending the strengths of each program can help you streamline your payroll process effectively. Let’s explore these solutions and see which one might fit your business best. Key Takeaways Gusto offers user-friendly payroll setup in under 30 minutes, automating payroll runs and tax filings for all 50 states. Ripp…

At Dreamforce, Slack unveiled transformative updates designed to reshape how teams communicate and collaborate. This latest integration of artificial intelligence within Slack aims to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, particularly for small businesses navigating the complexities of remote work. By shifting Slack into what it calls an “agentic operating system,” users can now interact with their customer relationship management (CRM) data—like Salesforce information or Tableau dashboards—through natural language. This streamlining of operations could alleviate the issues many small businesses face with fragmented tools and siloed information. Instead of toggl…