Business Ideas and Inspiration

In today’s fast-paced business environment, choosing the right online HR system is essential for effective workforce management. Systems like Paycor and SAP SuccessFactors cater to different business sizes, offering features that streamline payroll and onboarding. Meanwhile, GoCo is customized for nonprofits and education sectors. Each platform has unique strengths, such as UKG for analytics and Rippling for automation. Identifying the best fit for your organization can greatly improve productivity and efficiency. What options will best suit your needs? Key Takeaways Paycor offers essential HR functionalities and onboarding software, ideal for small businesses seeking s…

As summer travel ramps up, Airbnb is once again activating its anti-party technology across the United States to deter potentially disruptive bookings over Memorial Airbnb announced on May 19, 2025, that it will again activate its anti-party technology across the United States for the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has deployed these defenses to reduce the risk of unauthorized parties on the platform. The anti-party system is designed to identify and block certain one-to-two-night bookings of entire home listings that may present a higher risk for a disruptive party. The technology considers multiple factors,…

Salesforce has introduced Agentforce for Financial Services, a new offering that delivers pre-built, role-based AI agents to help financial institutions automate front-office operations and maintain regulatory compliance amid workforce challenges and rising customer expectations. Announced May 21, 2025, Agentforce is designed to support financial advisors, bankers, insurers, and loan officers by reducing the time spent on administrative work and enabling more direct client engagement. Operating within the Financial Services Cloud, Agentforce uses industry-specific data, workflows, and compliance controls to automate tasks while adhering to firm standards and regulatory r…

Two Florida men have pleaded guilty to federal charges for their roles in a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme that resulted in nearly $10 million in tax losses and enabled the illegal employment of undocumented workers in the construction industry. Michael Mayorga and Francisco Alvarez entered guilty pleas before Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price of the Middle District of Florida. The pleas must still be accepted by a U.S. district court judge. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 to 2022, Mayorga and Alvarez, along with unnamed co-conspirators, created a network of shell companies through which they operated an unlicensed check…

Shopify has launched its Summer ’25 Edition, a sweeping update featuring over 150 new tools and enhancements designed to help merchants build, manage, and grow their online businesses with greater ease, flexibility, and fun. The updates span nearly every aspect of the platform—from storefront customization to global payments—delivering an ecosystem tailored for creativity and scale. At the heart of this release is Horizon, a brand-new theme foundation designed to offer merchants a balance of beauty and customization. With 10 ready-to-use presets, drag-and-drop Theme Blocks, and AI-generated content blocks, Horizon allows sellers to craft visually compelling storefronts w…

Lenovo has unveiled a new lineup of AI-powered desktop PCs and business monitors aimed at boosting workplace productivity, multitasking, and scalability across industries. The announcement, made on May 14, 2025, introduces the ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 desktops and ThinkVision T Series Gen 40 monitors—both built to meet the increasing demand for AI-ready computing environments. The ThinkCentre M Series Gen 6 includes towers, compact desktops, and all-in-one (AIO) systems designed to deliver scalable power and enterprise-level security for businesses of all sizes. Each desktop is engineered to support AI workloads such as model training, data analysis, and 3D visualizati…

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…

Canva unveiled Canva Sheets on May 14 at its Canva Create: Uncharted event, introducing a new generation of AI-powered data tools designed to make working with data simple, fast, and visual. The release marks Canva’s expansion into the world of spreadsheets, bringing together analytics, design, and automation within a unified platform. According to the announcement, Canva Sheets reimagines the traditional spreadsheet by combining structured data capabilities with Canva’s design-first approach. Users can now transform raw numbers into engaging visuals, reports, and marketing content without leaving the Canva ecosystem. A Visual-First Spreadsheet Experience Canva’s goal i…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new tool aimed at helping small businesses reduce reliance on foreign supply chains by connecting them directly with American manufacturers and producers. The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, unveiled on May 20, 2025, offers free access to a database of more than 1 million domestic suppliers, giving small businesses the ability to source U.S.-made components, products, and materials. The tool is part of a broader federal initiative to revive American manufacturing and improve supply chain resilience. “The SBA is proud to support President Donald J. The President’s mission to restore America’s economic resurge…

When managing inventory, selecting the right tracking program is essential for your business’s efficiency. The top five options—Oracle Fusion Cloud Inventory Management, Cin7, Zoho Inventory, Fishbowl, and Katana—each offer unique features that cater to different needs. For instance, Oracle Fusion shines in real-time visibility, whereas Cin7 automates stock replenishment. Comprehending the strengths of each program can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore how these systems can optimize your inventory management strategies. Key Takeaways Oracle Fusion Cloud Inventory Management provides real-time visibility and robust demand forecasting, ideal for large en…

When searching for the best payroll software for your business, you need to contemplate various factors such as features, usability, and compliance. For instance, Gusto offers thorough payroll and HR integration, whereas Square Payroll is cost-effective for smaller firms. It’s crucial to identify what suits your specific needs and budget. Grasping these options can greatly improve your payroll process, but how do you determine which one aligns perfectly with your business goals? Key Takeaways Gusto offers comprehensive payroll and HR solutions, starting at $49/month plus $6/employee, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Square Payroll is the most affordable choic…

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 …

When managing your inventory, selecting the right system can greatly affect your business’s efficiency. Top options like Oracle Fusion Cloud, Cin7, and Zoho Inventory provide fundamental features such as real-time tracking and automated stock replenishment. These systems help prevent common issues like stockouts and overstocking as they offer valuable reporting insights. To make the best choice for your needs, consider factors like user-friendliness and integration capabilities. Comprehending these elements is vital for optimizing your inventory management strategy. Key Takeaways Oracle Fusion Cloud offers real-time stock visibility and demand forecasting, ideal for b…

Meta has launched the first version of its standalone Meta AI app, bringing a more personal and conversational AI assistant to users across iOS, Android, web browsers, and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Built on Meta’s Llama 4 model, the app aims to deliver a more seamless and relevant AI experience with contextual memory and voice capabilities. According to Meta, the new app “gets to know your preferences, remembers context and is personalized to you.” The AI assistant integrates features such as image generation and editing, web search, and voice-based interaction, and is already available across Meta platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. New Featu…

What role should the government play in small business owners’ economic life? It seems that with the The President tariffs are at tax that the government is putting on all our lives, but should it just stay out of it? On The Small Business Radio Show this week, Sen. Phil Gramm describes evidence points to government interference and failed policies that pose the most significant threat to economic freedom. Gramm, who has a long history in U.S. politics, having served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, joins my conversation with Don Boudreaux, who is an economist and professor at George Mason University. They have a new book called “The Triumph of Ec…

A value proposition template is an essential tool that helps you articulate the unique benefits of your product or service. It addresses specific customer needs in a structured way, making it easier for you to communicate effectively. By clearly outlining what sets you apart from competitors, you can improve your messaging and engage your target audience. Comprehending its key components can greatly impact your business strategy and customer relationships, but the process has its challenges. Key Takeaways A value proposition template clearly defines the unique benefits of a product or service, addressing specific customer needs and problems. It helps businesses differ…

As a small business owner, finding the right scheduling software can greatly affect your efficiency and productivity. Various options like Connecteam and Homebase offer features such as automatic scheduling and employee self-service, which streamline operations. Each platform has unique capabilities customized to different needs. Comprehending these features and how they benefit your business is essential. In the following sections, you’ll discover the top picks for 2025 and how to choose the best fit for your specific requirements. Key Takeaways Connecteam offers a robust free plan for small teams, with features like automatic scheduling and time tracking to enhance …

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…

DoorDash has announced the launch of its new Preferred Integrations Program (DPIP), a tool designed to help restaurants make better-informed decisions about their technology partners. The program, unveiled on May 19, gives merchants clearer visibility into how well different point-of-sale (POS) and middleware providers perform on the DoorDash platform, aiming to streamline tech selection and improve restaurant operations. According to DoorDash, DPIP is part of its larger effort to support restaurant partners by offering increased operational transparency. The program highlights high-performing providers based on real-time metrics and available features that directly affe…

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…

When managing stock, choosing the right software can greatly improve your efficiency. The top seven solutions—Blaze.tech, NetSuite, Zoho Inventory, Fishbowl, Cin7, QuickBooks Commerce, and Lightspeed—each offer distinct features that cater to various business needs. For instance, Blaze.tech provides no-code customization, whereas NetSuite integrates all-encompassing ERP capabilities. Grasping how these platforms facilitate inventory accuracy and streamline order fulfillment is vital for optimizing your operations. Let’s explore what each solution brings to the table. Key Takeaways Blaze.tech offers a no-code platform for customized inventory management with automation…

If you’re considering franchise opportunities, it’s crucial to evaluate options that show stability and growth potential. Mr. Rooter stands out in the plumbing sector, whereas Snapology offers innovative STEM education through engaging play. Kumon provides a reliable method for academic support, appealing to a wide age range. In home services, Sam the Concrete Man offers a solid business model. High Touch-High Tech integrates technology to improve customer interactions. Each option has unique advantages worth exploring further. Key Takeaways Mr. Rooter offers stable growth in home services with strong support and low failure rates for franchise owners. Snapology engag…

Inventory planning software is an important tool that helps businesses predict their future inventory needs by analyzing historical sales data and market trends. It utilizes advanced forecasting techniques, often driven by AI and machine learning, to optimize reorder points and safety stock levels. By automating ordering processes and providing real-time visibility across multiple locations, it streamlines inventory management. Comprehending how this software works and its core features can greatly influence your operational efficiency and cash flow. What are the vital elements you should consider? Key Takeaways Inventory planning software predicts future inventory ne…

Preboarding is the vital phase that takes place after you accept a job offer but before your first day. This process is designed to engage you and prepare you for your new role, helping you acclimate to the company culture. It’s important since effective preboarding can improve retention rates and promote stronger team dynamics. Comprehending its key components can set the foundation for your success, so let’s explore how to make the most of this important time. Key Takeaways Boarding refers to the process of integrating new employees into an organization, ensuring they understand their roles and company culture. Effective boarding enhances employee engagement, reduci…