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Deal activity in the small business marketplace is heating up, even as broader economic uncertainties put pressure on margins and long-term confidence. According to new data from BizBuySell’s Q3 2025 Insight Report, the number of completed small business sales surged to 2,599 — an 8% increase from the same period last year and an 11% jump from the previous quarter. The total value of those transactions reached $2.13 billion. At first glance, this upward trend in acquisitions might suggest growing optimism. But a closer look reveals a more nuanced reality for small business owners: many are selling not out of confidence, but out of concern. Owner confidence has dropped b…

Small businesses are taking bold steps into 2026, choosing to increase their marketing budgets even amid economic uncertainty. A recent report from Constant Contact reveals that 68% of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) expect to boost their marketing expenditures to combat looming inflation, highlighting a resilient mindset in a challenging economic landscape. Amidst ongoing concerns about rising costs—cited as the primary worry by 41% of small business owners—the data suggests a strategic pivot. Instead of retreating from marketing efforts, these entrepreneurs are gearing up to seize new opportunities. “Small business owners are entering 2026 with a clear directive:…

As the holiday season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for what could be a make-or-break period. According to a new report from Constant Contact, a leading provider of digital marketing tools, a staggering 60% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) attribute up to half of their annual sales to the current quarter. With such a significant financial impact, adapting to both economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors has become more crucial than ever. The report surveyed over 1,800 small business owners across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, revealing that one in three owners feels the highest revenue pressure d…

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 …

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…

Small business owners are feeling the strain of a competitive labor market, with the latest NFIB Jobs Report revealing a notable rise in unfilled job openings. According to the November report, 33% of small business owners reported that they had job openings they could not fill, marking an uptick from October as businesses grapple with a persistent lack of qualified applicants. This development comes at a time when many industries are experiencing steady economic growth, despite challenges such as a recent government shutdown. Bill Dunkelberg, Chief Economist at NFIB, remarks, “On Main Street, job growth continues to be constrained by a lack of qualified employees.” This…

A new report from small business lender OnDeck, in partnership with document AI platform Ocrolus, finds that while small business owners remain largely optimistic about their growth potential, economic uncertainty is prompting many to take precautionary steps. According to the Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report, released on May 20, 2025, 93% of small businesses surveyed said they anticipate either significant or moderate growth in 2025. This figure reflects only a slight dip from the 94% who shared the same outlook in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, that optimism comes with increased caution. More than half of small businesses (55%) say they’ve already taken pre…

Small businesses in the United States are navigating a complex labor market landscape, where job openings remain high but qualified applicants are increasingly hard to find. According to the latest NFIB Jobs Report for October 2025, 32% of small business owners reported having unfilled job positions, marking a stagnation that echoes labor market trends from the height of the pandemic. Economists have long warned about the challenges posed by labor shortages, and the data indicates that these issues persist, impacting small business owners significantly. Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s Chief Economist, states, “The post-Covid labor market appears to have mostly normalized on Main…

Small business owners across the country are facing a familiar challenge: a significant number of job openings that remain unfilled. According to the latest NFIB September Jobs Report, 32% of small business owners reported having job openings they could not fill, a statistic that has remained consistent since August. This number has not dipped below 32% since July 2020, highlighting a persistent issue in the small business sector. Amidst this backdrop, the report’s findings present both challenges and opportunities for small business owners. Bill Dunkelberg, Chief Economist at NFIB, noted, “Main Street job openings remain above their historical average, with owners repor…

Small business owners are facing a fluid employment landscape as recent data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sheds light on current job market trends. The NFIB’s December jobs report reveals a mixture of challenges and opportunities that small business owners must navigate as they plan for growth in 2026. In December, 33% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings—a figure that remains unchanged from November and notably higher than the historical average of 24%. This statistic highlights an ongoing struggle with labor shortages, particularly for skilled positions, which saw a 2-point increase, with 28% of owners seeking skilled w…

In a recent op-ed, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations Tyler Dever addressed a pressing concern for small businesses: the impact of expanded unemployment insurance eligibility on employers. As lawmakers deliberate the details of the Securing Help for Involuntary Employment Loss and Displacement (SHIELD) Act, small business owners may find themselves at a crucial crossroad affecting their operations. Dever articulated a significant issue facing small business owners, stating, “Small business owners already shoulder the cost of the unemployment system through payroll taxes that fuel their state’s unemployment trust fund.” He argues that extending unemployment be…

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,…

The future of work is increasingly intertwined with the seamless flow between physical and digital operations, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Recent research from HP highlights a significant challenge many SMBs face: outdated systems that hinder productivity and stifle growth. According to HP’s report, The Workflow Wakeup, more than half of IT leaders in SMBs are bogged down by fixing problems rather than enhancing systems. This translates into a reluctance to innovate. For small business owners, understanding these dynamics can be the key to unlocking growth. “Inefficient workflows continue to hold organizations back, and the urgency to addres…

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 Inc. announced that Snap Map, its real-time location-sharing feature within Snapchat, has reached over 400 million monthly active users. The platform enables users to connect with friends, explore local hotspots, and discover new experiences in their physical surroundings. “Snap Map is unique in that it enables Snapchatters to stay connected to their world, whether they’re using it to meet up with friends they see nearby or to discover new places and experiences around them,” the company stated. “Unlike other digital maps, our Map is about more than getting directions from Point A to Point B, it enables Snapchatters to stay connected, in real time, to their physical…

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…

Key Takeaways Pixy Launch: Snapchat’s Pixy is a compact drone designed to elevate content creation for both casual users and seasoned enthusiasts, enabling stunning aerial shots for social media. User-Friendly Features: With its intuitive design and four preset flight modes—Hover, Reveal, Follow, and Orbit—Pixy makes capturing dynamic video content easy for users of all skill levels. Boosts Engagement: Pixy’s unique capabilities encourage the creation of user-generated content, helping brands foster community interactions and increase engagement across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Brand Awareness: The ability to create high-quality visual content enh…

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…

In a stark reminder of the vigilance surrounding COVID-19 relief efforts, a South Carolina businessman has faced federal charges for allegedly misappropriating over $1.2 million intended for pandemic relief. This case underscores the crucial importance of responsible fund management during challenging times, as small business owners continue to navigate the complexities of financial assistance programs. David Breen, 54, of Mount Pleasant, is charged with theft of government property for allegedly diverting funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for personal use. Court documents reveal that Breen sought s…

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 …

As spring arrives, small business owners should brace for rising gas prices that may impact their operational costs. Gas prices at the national average have surged by 28 cents in just a week, now standing at $3.884 per gallon, compared to $3.598 last week and $2.929 just one month ago. With the increase coinciding with a season traditionally associated with more travel, business owners need to pay close attention to these changes. The upward trend in gas prices is attributed to seasonal demand as warmer weather encourages road use. Additionally, the White House’s recent decision to release 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic reserves has done little to stabiliz…