Getting Started

Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to entrepreneurship and financial literacy, has announced a partnership with SCORE, the largest network of volunteer business mentors in the U.S. The collaboration aims to expand mentorship and resources for small businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs across the country. SCORE, a volunteer organization with more than 10,000 mentors, has provided free business guidance for six decades. Through this partnership, SCORE will extend its mentorship services to small businesses participating in Operation HOPE’s 1 Million Black Business Initiative (1MBB) and clients recovering from natural disasters. The 1MBB program, launc…

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder to farmers and fishers who opted out of making estimated tax payments in January that they must file their 2024 federal income tax return and pay any taxes due by March 3, 2025. The usual March 1 deadline has been extended to the next business day since it falls on a Saturday this year. Avoiding Estimated Tax Penalties Farmers and fishers who meet the two-thirds gross income requirement from farming or fishing during 2023 or 2024 are eligible for the March 3 deadline, provided they did not make an estimated tax payment by January 15, 2025. Those who did make a payment by January 15 can wait until the regular April …

Microsoft has announced it will retire Skype in May 2025, shifting its focus to Microsoft Teams (free) as its primary communication platform. The move is aimed at streamlining Microsoft’s consumer communication offerings and consolidating users onto a single collaboration hub. Transitioning to Microsoft Teams Microsoft stated that Skype users will have the option to migrate to Teams for free, with their existing contacts and chats seamlessly transferring when they log in using their Skype credentials. During the transition period, Teams users will be able to call and chat with Skype users and vice versa, ensuring continued connectivity between both platforms. “For years…

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…

Apple has announced a $500 billion investment in the United States over the next four years, marking its largest-ever financial commitment. The company’s plan includes a new manufacturing facility in Texas, doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, expanding research and development, and accelerating investments in AI and silicon engineering. Apple’s investment will support new facilities in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington, reinforcing its focus on advanced manufacturing and innovation. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility will open in Houston in 2026, creating thousands of jobs and producing …

Small and medium-sized businesses are often vulnerable to cyber attacks owing to limited infrastructure. For instance, they use free cybersecurity solutions due to financial constraints or are less prepared to respond to a cyber incident. This often leaves them prone to several attacks that advanced solutions may catch. No wonder, nearly half of the cyber incidents impact small businesses. And companies with 100 employees or less receive 350% more social engineering attacks than large enterprises. The financial repercussions of such attacks is huge with 60% of SMEs going out of business within six months of a cyber attack. Threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware …

A new study from Zoho Corporation reveals that US businesses are falling behind global counterparts in digital workplace transformation, with security gaps and slow adoption of digital tools hindering progress. The Trends in Digital Workplace Transformation report surveyed 4,900 employees worldwide to assess digital transformation maturity and identified critical weaknesses in security and operational efficiency. US Businesses Struggle to Keep Pace The study found that 39% of US organizations remain in the early stages of digital transformation, trailing top-performing global competitors. US businesses ranked 61% in digital transformation maturity, slightly below the 62.…

IRS Chief Operating Officer Melanie Krause will assume the role of acting IRS Commissioner following the retirement of Doug O’Donnell, the Internal Revenue Service’s acting Commissioner since January, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced. O’Donnell, who has spent 38 years at the IRS, plans to retire on Friday after serving in multiple leadership roles, including as Acting Commissioner from November 2022 to March 2023. “On behalf of the Treasury Department, I want to thank Doug O’Donnell for his decades of public service and dedication to the nation’s taxpayers,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “He has been a remarkable public servant, and I wish him the …

eBay has introduced a series of user experience (UX) enhancements designed to help shoppers find local listings and fast-shipping items more efficiently. The updates include improved delivery estimates, new search filters, and clearer retail standards, making it easier for customers to make informed purchasing decisions. eBay has leveraged artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of delivery estimates, addressing the challenges posed by its decentralized seller network. By analyzing factors such as a customer’s proximity to an item, the chosen shipping service, the seller’s shipping history, and real-time data synchronization, eBay has enhanced its predictive capa…

Suzy Levian, founder of Suzy Levian New York, has announced the launch of EmpowerHer, a new initiative designed to provide financial and mentorship support to female entrepreneurs. Timed to coincide with Women’s History Month, the program aims to remove financial barriers and help women grow their businesses through grants, scholarships, and networking opportunities. Breaking Barriers for Women in Business Levian, a self-made entrepreneur in the jewelry industry, created EmpowerHer to give back to women facing the same challenges she once overcame. “Amidst the hardships of founding my own business while raising my six children, I found strength in the confidence of all …

You do not always need a lot of money to start a new business, and there are many business ideas you can pursue that do not require a large upfront investment. So, if you are considering starting a new business venture but do not have a lot of capital, there are still plenty of options available for you. Whether you’re interested in e-commerce, freelancing, or passive income ideas, there are opportunities that can be explored with minimal upfront investment. Read on to discover what kinds of businesses you can start without requiring a large investment. How Can You Start Your Own Business With No Money? If you would like to start a new business without incurring larg…

Social media, be it Twitter, Facebook or YouTube, have become the most popular platforms by hundreds of millions of users across the world. This has opened up opportunities for businesses to connect with customers, allowing them to maximize the income of their business. In addition, you can use social media sites to also make some money on the side. There are also opportunities to make money through social media without the need to sell anything. In this article, we show you things that can help you make money on social media. Why Small Businesses Should Use Social Media to Increase Income As part of a marketing strategy, social media can help your small business interac…

Understanding the intricate relationship between customer experience (CX) and brand loyalty is a must in today’s dynamic business landscape. As consumer behavior evolves, so does the concept of brand devotion. In this article, we go into 60 essential customer experience statistics, shedding light on the impact of positive experiences, customer loyalty, and emerging trends. Defining Customer Experience Customer experience (CX) refers to the overall perception and interaction a customer has with a brand throughout their entire journey. It encompasses every touchpoint, from initial awareness to post-purchase support. CX extends beyond individual transactions; it’s about bui…

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…

Understanding a zoning variance begins with familiarizing oneself with zoning ordinances. These ordinances delineate how properties are utilized in specific areas. When effectively implemented, they ensure functions such as maintaining residential zones free from industrial influences. They also specify land uses for agricultural, commercial, and other purposes. While a city council sets the usage rules through ordinances, a zoning variance acts as an exception, awarded on an individual basis What Is a Zoning Variance? A zoning variance is a formal exception to the rules set by local zoning ordinances. Essentially, it’s a permit that allows property owners to use their…

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…

How to Make Money Streaming If you’ve ever been curious about how streamers make money, we’re here to provide you with the answers. A live-streaming business can be quite profitable and serves as a great option if you’re seeking an extra source of income. There are numerous ways to begin learning how to make money streaming. In this article, we’ll explore what streaming is, the potential earnings you can achieve, and some ideas to help you get started. Ideas to Make Money Streaming Most platforms have some kind of streaming capability that can open you up to a large audience. Streaming can be a good way to make real money while also gaining a large following. We’ll go th…

Salesforce and Google have announced a significant expansion of their partnership, integrating Google’s Gemini AI models into Agentforce and strengthening ties between Salesforce Service Cloud and Google Customer Engagement Suite. The move aims to enhance AI-powered customer service capabilities, providing businesses with more flexibility in deploying AI agents. With the integration of Google’s Gemini AI models, Agentforce agents will be able to process images, audio, and video, handle complex tasks using Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities, and leverage real-time insights from Google Search through Vertex AI. “Through our expanded partnership with Google Cloud and deep i…

PayPal has announced the launch of PayPal Open, a unified platform designed to streamline payments and financial services for businesses of all sizes. The new platform integrates all of PayPal’s merchant solutions under one system, allowing businesses to access payment processing, financial tools, and AI-driven insights through a single interface. PayPal Open aims to support businesses ranging from small enterprises to multinational corporations by simplifying commerce operations. With access to PayPal’s global network of up to 400 million active accounts, including 92 million active Venmo customers, merchants can leverage a broad consumer base to drive sales. “Our goal…

FedEx has released its 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, detailing how shifting consumer expectations are shaping the competitive landscape for digital retailers. The report, produced in collaboration with C Space, underscores the growing importance of convenience, seamless returns, and social media-driven brand engagement as key factors for success. Consumer expectations in e-commerce are increasingly centered around a frictionless shopping journey. According to the report, more than 80% of shoppers prioritize convenience, with home delivery (81%), free shipping (76%), and real-time tracking (68%) cited as essential features. Returns also play a significant role …

Selling items online and in person can be a great source of income and a way to get more life out of used items. There are many types of items to flip, so there is plenty to choose from. To help you start flipping, we’ll look at some of the best things to flip for this article. What is Flipping? Flipping is a straightforward concept wherein you purchase items and resell them straight away rather than holding on to them. Some items may need to be repaired or have some maintenance involved before they can be flipped. But the general idea when it comes to flipping items is to purchase things at a low price and sell them for a profit. Identifying the Best Items to Flip fo…

What is WordPress? WordPress powers businesses all over the world. It is one of the most popular website building platforms, and it allows you to create a website or blog from scratch or improve an existing website. There are many notable brands, celebrities and companies that use it too. This article discusses what WordPress is and how it can benefit your business. By the end of this post, you should definitely know the answer to the question, “What is WordPress?” What is a WordPress Website? If you ever did an internet search for “What is WordPress?” you’d likely find out more than 1 in 4 websites use the website platform to power their own website (by the way, the te…

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…

If you’re a small business owner looking to create a comprehensive employee training plan, you’re in luck! Here are training plan template options, each designed to help you develop your employees’ skills and knowledge. What is an Employee Training Plan Template? An employee training plan template is a document used to outline the training sessions and development activities a company plans to provide to its employees. What Should a Training Plan Template Include? A well-designed training plan template should include several key elements to ensure the success of any training session. These include… Identifying Training Needs A successful training plan template should b…

Are you considering owning a Chick-fil-A franchise? If that’s the case, you probably have questions about the ownership process and what it entails. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Chick-fil-A franchising. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you determine if owning a Chick-fil-A is the right choice for you. So, whether you’re just starting to explore franchise opportunities or you’re ready to take the next step, keep reading for helpful information about Chick-fil-A ownership. What is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? A Chick-fil-A franchise is a restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and other related menu items. T…