Business Ideas and Inspiration

Fiverr has introduced a Freelancer Equity Program, granting shares to top-performing, eligible freelancers based in the United States. The initiative aims to provide financial benefits beyond traditional earnings, reinforcing Fiverr’s commitment to its freelancer community. As freelancers are projected to represent half of the U.S. workforce by 2027, Fiverr sees this program as a means of offering additional financial incentives. The program will provide up to $10,000 in Fiverr shares to eligible freelancers, with equity grants distributed over four years based on annual eligibility requirements. “Freelancers are the backbone of today’s economy and the heart of Fiverr’s…

Fiverr International Ltd. has reported a dramatic surge in demand for freelancers specializing in AI agent development, with searches rising 18,347% over the last six months. According to the company’s Spring 2025 Business Trends Index, which analyzes tens of millions of searches since September 2024, businesses are increasingly outsourcing work to freelance specialists who can implement AI systems capable of independently performing tasks like reading emails, scheduling meetings, and handling customer questions. This surge in interest comes as businesses race to integrate so-called “digital colleagues” into their workflows. Fiverr says the adoption of AI agents is outp…

The City of Flint, in partnership with LISC Flint, has launched the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund, a one-time grant initiative aimed at supporting local businesses still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, the program will provide reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to 20 eligible small businesses located within Flint city limits. The application period opens April 18 and runs through April 30, 2025. Businesses must demonstrate qualifying expenses incurred between March 3, 2020, and October 31, 2023, to be considered. Eligible expenses include payroll, rent, utilities, equipment purchases,…

What is a 1099 form, and how is it used? Most U.S.-based business owners have issued 1099 tax forms to independent contractors, keeping them in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. However, there are several other scenarios in which a small business owner would issue or receive a type of 1099. Do you know the 1099 rules? Are you curious about who should get a 1099 form, how to issue one, or what rules apply in different scenarios? In this article, we’ll provide the answers to these questions about 1099 forms and more. What Is a 1099 Form? The 1099 form, issued by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, serves several specific purposes, each with a di…

In a significant legal move that could ripple through the small business contracting community, Russell Thurston, a former executive vice president of Cambridge International Systems, Inc., was sentenced to 18 months in federal custody for his role in a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme. This case underscores critical concerns for small businesses navigating the complexities of government contracting. Thurston’s plea agreement revealed that he, along with several colleagues, participated in corrupt practices by providing various gifts to James Soriano, a former employee of the Naval Information Warfare Center. These included lavish dinners and even tickets to high-profi…

In a shocking turn of events, a former employee of the Small Business Administration (SBA) is accused of masterminding a fraud scheme that siphoned off over $3.5 million from essential COVID-19 relief programs. Attallah Williams, who held positions at both the SBA and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), allegedly exploited her government roles to approve fraudulent applications in exchange for kickbacks, raising concerns about the integrity of these critical programs. Williams’ scheme reportedly spanned three years, targeting four distinct relief programs designed to help struggling businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. As U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg pointe…

The former president of a Michigan-based asphalt paving company has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay a substantial fine for his role in a multiyear bid rigging scheme that defrauded customers and undermined competitive contracting. Daniel L. Israel, former president of Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI) in Pontiac, was sentenced on May 22 to six months in prison and fined $500,000 after pleading guilty to conspiring with Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. and other co-conspirators to rig bids on asphalt paving contracts across Michigan. Israel admitted to coordinating with employees from both companies to submit intentionally non-competitive bids designed to deceive …

Amid the ongoing efforts to combat fraud in pandemic relief programs, a significant indictment has emerged from Houston involving four individuals linked to a scheme aimed at defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA) and lenders affiliated with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This alert raises critical awareness for small business owners navigating financial assistance in the wake of COVID-19. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on September 24, charges Decarla Conner, Randy Delrosario, Darrell Foster, and Enjoli Jeffrey with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other related offenses, highlighting intentional misuse of emergency funds develop…

A franchise is a business model where a franchisor allows a franchisee to operate under its brand and system. This involves an initial fee and ongoing royalties. Comprehending the key components of a franchise agreement, the different types of franchising, and the financial implications is crucial for anyone considering this venture. As you explore these aspects, you’ll uncover important factors that can influence your success in the franchising world. Key Takeaways A franchise is a business model where a franchisor allows a franchisee to operate under its trademark and operational system. Franchise types include business format, product distribution, and manufacturing …

Key Takeaways Franchise vs Corporate: Franchising offers a proven business model and brand recognition, while corporate structures provide greater control and flexibility in operations.Ownership Structure: Franchisees operate under a franchisor’s brand, while corporate owners control the entire business, including all locations and decisions.Operational Control: Franchisees adhere to the franchisor’s guidelines, which streamline operations, whereas corporate owners have complete autonomy over their business practices.Profit Distribution: Franchisees share profits with the franchisor through fees, whereas corporate owners retain all profits, allowing for more reinvestmen…

Key Takeaways Franchises offer a proven business model, brand recognition, and established support systems, reducing uncertainty for entrepreneurs.Independent businesses provide greater creative freedom and flexibility, allowing owners to tailor products and strategies to their unique market.Advantages of a franchise include strong brand awareness, operational training, and proven marketing strategies, which can enhance credibility and success.Disadvantages of franchising involve limited creativity and the burden of ongoing royalties and fees, impacting profit margins and overall autonomy.Independent businesses face challenges such as a lack of structured support and hi…

Exploring franchises under 50k offers a pathway to business ownership without requiring a hefty upfront investment. Contrary to popular belief, entering the world of franchising doesn’t always necessitate a six-figure sum. For aspiring entrepreneurs with a budget of $50,000 or less, a wealth of franchising opportunities awaits that blend affordability with the potential for robust business growth. Here, we present a carefully curated list of 28 top franchises under $50K, providing you with accessible options to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. But first, let’s review some important things to know before buying your dream franchise. READ MORE: See our Franchise …

Access to capital remains one of the biggest hurdles for small businesses—but the right grant can make all the difference. From covering startup costs to helping you expand operations, grant funding offers a rare chance to grow without adding debt. Each week, we bring you the newest small business grant programs from trusted sources. Whether the funding comes from government agencies, private organizations, or community initiatives, our Roundup highlights opportunities you can actually use. Here are the latest small business grants worth checking out: New Grant Program Offers Brown County (Ill.) Businesses Up to $5,000 for Innovations and Improvements Existing for-prof…

Freshworks has rolled out a significant upgrade that could change the game for small businesses striving for efficiency across various departments. The company announced that its Freshservice for Business Teams is now available as a standalone product, independent of its IT Service Management (ITSM) implementation. This new offering allows non-IT departments—like HR, Finance, and Legal—to leverage powerful tools that streamline complex processes and enhance employee experiences without reliance on the IT department. As organizations increasingly seek ways to improve service delivery, the timing of this release is propitious. According to the Freshservice Benchmark Report…

Freshworks Inc., a prominent player in service software, has announced its acquisition of FireHydrant, a leading provider of AI-powered incident management solutions. This strategic move aims to streamline IT service operations, offering small business owners an opportunity to enhance their operational efficiency and service reliability. In an era where quick recovery from IT disruptions is crucial, the integration of Freshservice’s IT Service Management (ITSM) with FireHydrant’s Incident Management capabilities presents a compelling case for small businesses. With a focus on creating a unified AI-native ServiceOps solution, the partnership will address the challenges of…

Freshworks has recently launched significant new features for its AI-powered IT management platform, Freshservice, aimed at enhancing employee experience (EX) and streamlining service delivery. These capabilities come in response to a pressing issue in the industry: the growing complexity and fragmentation of IT tools which has been contributing to employee burnout and reduced productivity. At a recent event, Freshworks highlighted the need for organizations to overcome the challenges presented by cumbersome software, which nearly 20% of IT leaders say leads to team burnout. Additionally, 29% of employees report productivity loss due to inefficient tools. These insights …

A new report released by Frontegg highlights a growing frustration among American consumers over login issues, especially password resets, which are pushing users to abandon purchases, accounts, and even paid subscriptions. The findings suggest that businesses may be losing significant revenue due to cumbersome authentication processes. According to the study, 87% of Americans have abandoned an account sign-up or purchase because of login difficulties. Password-related obstacles top the list, with 42% saying they’ve ditched an online cart specifically because they needed to reset a password to check out. The data underscores the delicate balance companies must strike bet…

Team building exercises play a vital role in enhancing workplace morale. Activities like the Marshmallow Challenge encourage creativity and collaboration, as well as games such as Virtual Bingo that promote friendly competition. Engaging in these exercises not merely strengthens relationships but likewise improves communication among team members. Comprehending the various activities available and their specific benefits can help you choose the right ones for your team. Discovering the most effective strategies for sustaining this positive environment is fundamental for long-term success. Key Takeaways Marshmallow Challenge: Teams build the tallest structure using limit…

Finding reliable funding can be one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your team, or investing in new technology, securing a grant can offer the boost you need—without taking on debt. That’s why we’re here every week with the latest verified small business grant opportunities from across the country. From local government initiatives to national programs and private sector funding, our goal is to connect you with real, actionable funding that fits your needs. Here’s this week’s roundup of small business grants you can apply for right now: Gran Coramino Expands Small Business Grant Program…

Funding your franchise is an essential step in ensuring your business’s success. You’ll need to assess your total investment, including franchise fees and operational costs. There are various financing options available, from SBA loans to personal funding sources. Comprehending these avenues can greatly impact your ability to secure the necessary capital. In the following sections, we’ll break down each option and guide you through the application and approval processes. Key Takeaways Assess your total startup costs, including franchise fees and operational expenses, to determine your funding needs. Explore various funding options like SBA loans, traditional bank loan…

Key Takeaways Evolving Landscape: Small businesses must adapt to rapid changes in technology, consumer preferences, and global challenges to thrive by 2030.Technological Integration: Embracing artificial intelligence and digital marketing tools can streamline operations and enhance customer engagement, helping businesses to adjust effectively.Sustainability Matters: Prioritizing eco-friendly practices is crucial, as consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility.E-Commerce Growth: Building a strong online presence is essential for reaching broader markets, with e-commerce projected to continue expanding significantly.Navigating Challen…

Futuri, a leader in AI-powered content and sales intelligence tools for media, has unveiled a major expansion to its SpotOn platform with the launch of SpotOn Video, a new tool that enables radio, advertising, and television professionals to generate short-form branded video ads in minutes. This innovation allows media sellers to instantly produce high-quality 15-second video spots—ideal for social media, websites, and digital campaigns—without any video production expertise or specialized hardware. SpotOn Video is currently in beta testing, with a limited number of early users already gaining access. The company has opened a waitlist for additional media sellers and age…

Samsung’s latest innovation, the Galaxy XR, is set to redefine how small businesses leverage technology for enhanced productivity and customer engagement. With an infinite screen that seamlessly integrates virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), this device not only offers a fresh way to interact with applications but also opens the door to immersive experiences that could transform operations. The Galaxy XR features a cutting-edge interface guided by Gemini, an intelligent assistant that allows users to navigate with voice, hand gestures, and eye movement. For small business owners looking to streamline operations and enhance user experiences, this presents a c…

After a slower-than-usual start to the seasonal climb, gas prices are beginning to rise just ahead of the summer travel season, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose by four cents over the past week, reaching $3.192. The increase comes as crude oil prices climb and fuel demand begins to rise. AAA notes that the typical spring surge in prices was delayed this year due to lower-than-normal crude oil prices. However, prices are now aligning with seasonal expectations. Despite the recent rise, gas remains about 40 cents cheaper than the same time last year, when the national average was $3.60. The price uptick arrives just as a record …

Gas prices in the U.S. are rising as refineries begin their seasonal switch to summer blend fuel, pushing the national average to $3.16 per gallon, according to AAA. Routine maintenance and an offline refinery in Northern California are further tightening supply, contributing to the price increase. The shift to summer blend fuel, a routine adjustment designed to reduce emissions in warmer weather, historically results in higher fuel costs. In addition to this transition, gasoline demand increased from 8.32 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.57 million b/d over the past week, while total domestic gasoline supply declined from 251.1 million barrels to 248.1 million barrels…