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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…

Saltbox, a leading flexible co-warehousing and logistics provider, has announced the launch of the Luck of the Entrepreneur grant to support small businesses. Timed with St. Patrick’s Day, the initiative offers financial assistance to entrepreneurs, reinforcing Saltbox’s commitment to helping small business owners scale effectively. In response to ongoing supply chain challenges, rising costs, and operational obstacles, Saltbox is offering more than just financial aid. The company is providing access to a business community, expert logistics advice, and professional development resources to help entrepreneurs grow. “At Saltbox, we know that success in entrepreneurship i…

Chag Sameach! Also known as Pesach, Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery. This important religious holiday often is celebrated with plenty of pomp and festivity, particularly on the first day when families hold a special meal known as Passover seder. Looking to extend your best wishes to professional colleagues for Passover? Explore these 60 Passover greeting messages tailored for small businesses. How do You Wish Someone Happy Passover? How do you wish someone a happy Passover? What makes an appropriate professional message for Passover? People appreciate holiday messages, and Passover is no exception. In fact, some rel…

Intuit has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone for QuickBooks Online customers in the U.S., providing small and mid-market businesses with a streamlined way to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone. The new functionality enables QuickBooks users to manage their business finances more efficiently while improving cash flow and payment processing. “With Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re giving customers a competitive advantage that accelerates cash flow, business growth, and customer loyalty,” David Hahn, SVP, QuickBooks Money Platform says. “What makes Tap to Pay on iPhone unique for QuickBooks customers, is that it allows them to streamline their i…

OpenAI has announced the release of new tools designed to help developers and enterprises build AI agents that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users. The update includes a suite of APIs and tools aimed at simplifying the development of agentic applications. According to OpenAI, “We’re launching a new set of APIs and tools specifically designed to simplify the development of agentic applications.” These tools include the Responses API, built-in tools for web search, file search, and computer use, the new Agents SDK, and integrated observability tools for tracking agent workflow execution. Responses API: A New Foundation for AI Agents OpenAI’s new Response…

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…

Google has announced an expansion of Deep Research and Gems within the Gemini app, making the features available to additional Google Workspace customers. As of March 13, 2025, these AI-powered tools are now accessible to users in Business Starter, Enterprise Starter, Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus, as well as Frontline Starter and Standard, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Nonprofits. Enhanced AI Capabilities for More Users Deep Research and Gems are designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity by leveraging AI-driven capabilities. According to Google, Gems function as customizable AI assistants that help users …

A new survey by Omnisend reveals that AI-powered customer service tools may be driving shoppers away rather than improving their online experience. According to the survey, 39% of shoppers have abandoned a purchase due to frustrating interactions with AI chatbots, while 40% cite poor customer service as AI’s biggest drawback in ecommerce. Despite concerns, 88% of consumers reported having at least one conversation with an AI chatbot in the past year. However, only 28% of shoppers believe AI consistently understands their needs. Additionally, 53% of respondents rated their experience with AI chat support as average to extremely poor. Challenges in AI-Driven Customer Supp…

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…

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 …

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.…

Adobe has released its 2025 Work-Life Balance Report, providing insights into how solopreneurs and small business owners manage their professional and personal lives. The report, based on a survey of 1,018 entrepreneurs, examines the challenges and benefits of entrepreneurship, work habits, and the increasing role of AI in business operations. The report highlights that nearly three in five entrepreneurs experience a better work-life balance than they did in traditional employment. However, many still struggle to fully disconnect from work, averaging only 11 days off per year, excluding national holidays. Among surveyed Gen Z entrepreneurs, the average number of days off…

Zendesk has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Local Measure, a provider of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) and advanced voice solutions. The acquisition, expected to close in May 2025, aims to enhance Zendesk’s AI-powered voice capabilities and deepen its integration with Amazon Connect, Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) cloud contact center solution. Strengthening AI Voice and Enterprise CX According to Zendesk, this acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand into larger and more complex service environments. “Voice is one of the most personal and powerful ways businesses connect with their customers and employees, and managing it at…

A new study from American Express reveals that the majority of businesses are looking to improve their payments processes in 2025, with automation emerging as a key focus. The Amex Trendex: B2B Payments Edition survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. business decision-makers, highlights the role of streamlined payments in business growth, supplier relationships, and operational efficiency. Key Findings According to the study, 91% of business decision-makers recognize that “easy, streamlined and secure payments drive business growth.” However, despite this acknowledgment, only 17% of businesses surveyed have fully automated their payments processes, while 15% have not automated a…

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 …

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…

TeamViewer, a global provider of remote connectivity and workplace digitalization solutions, has announced a new initiative offering free one-year licenses of TeamViewer Remote to eligible women-led startups and small businesses. This initiative, launched in celebration of International Women’s Day, aims to support female entrepreneurs by providing secure remote access and IT support capabilities. The offer is available through March 31, 2025, for businesses with a female CEO or co-founder. Eligible businesses must have between 5 and 31 employees, be no more than 10 years old, and be registered in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Germany. Additionally, businesse…

Ferrero North America has launched the 2025 Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Now in its fifth year, the program provides financial support and resources to early-stage Black business owners. This year, IFS will award a total of $150,000 in grants, with three recipients each receiving $50,000, along with mentorship and access to networking and educational tools. The IFS initiative was created to honor the legacy of Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos, and to celebrate the qualities that make business owners unique. “Wally Amos was boldly original, and his vision and impact are still par…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the national program and specialty award winners for the 2025 National Small Business Week, which will take place from May 4-10. The awards recognize businesses and resource partners for their contributions in government contracting, disaster recovery, and key areas such as exporting, small business investment, and surety bonding. “SBA is proud to recognize excellence across our small businesses and key resource partners,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “As we prepare to highlight just a few of the many success stories during National Small Business Week, we are laser-focused on our mission to empower Ame…

PayPal Holdings, Inc. announced Wednesday that it has surpassed $30 billion in global loan originations, providing more than 1.4 million loans and cash advances to over 420,000 business accounts worldwide since 2013. The milestone underscores the company’s ongoing role in addressing the persistent challenge of capital access for small businesses. Small businesses account for more than 43% of the U.S. GDP and nearly 40% of private sector payroll, yet more than three-quarters of them remain concerned about securing the capital needed to sustain or grow their operations. In response to this concern, PayPal continues to expand its suite of financing solutions tailored to the…

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…

ASUS has officially introduced the NUC 15 Pro+, a high-performance mini PC designed to deliver advanced computing capabilities in a sleek, compact form factor. Announced on March 19, 2025, the NUC 15 Pro+ integrates the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and offers up to 99 TOPS for AI-enhanced power, alongside support for quad 4K displays, cutting-edge connectivity, and a durable, upgrade-friendly chassis. Performance Boost with AI-Enhanced Power The NUC 15 Pro+ features up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Series 2) paired with Intel Arc Graphics, delivering an 18% performance increase over previous-generation NUC models. With up to 99 TOPS of AI performance, the dev…

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most critical aspects of digital marketing, and it continues to evolve each year. For small businesses, keeping up with these changes is essential to maintaining online visibility, attracting new customers, and staying ahead of the competition. In 2025, SEO is more dynamic than ever, with AI-driven search results, voice search optimization, user experience (UX) enhancements, and evolving Google algorithms shaping the digital landscape. If you run a small business, understanding and implementing the latest SEO strategies can significantly impact your online growth. This article will explore what your small business needs to k…

PostcardMania, the marketing technology firm based in Florida, announced Wednesday the addition of snap-apart mailers to its automated direct mail offerings. The move comes through its technology-focused division, PCM Integrations, and expands the company’s range of affordable, high-response marketing tools for small and mid-sized businesses. Snap-apart, or snap-pack mailers, are sealed documents with perforated tear-off edges. Often used by government agencies, the format gives the appearance of official correspondence and is designed to convey urgency. According to the company, this format boasts a 95% open rate and can be particularly effective in increasing response …

TikTok has introduced Security Checkup, a new feature designed to give users a streamlined and centralized way to manage their account security settings. Announced by Kim Albarella, Head of TikTok Global Security, the tool provides a comprehensive dashboard that helps users take control of their account security with ease and confidence. According to the announcement, “Security Checkup, a powerful new tool that provides an all-in-one security dashboard to easily review and update account security settings.” The dashboard offers a step-by-step guide through several security features, aiming to simplify the process of safeguarding accounts. Simplified Access and Control U…