Business Ideas and Inspiration

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…

As the holiday season approaches, new trends in gifting are taking shape. A recent survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and PayPal reveals that nearly one in five Americans prefer receiving cryptocurrency over traditional gift cards this season. This shift highlights an emerging opportunity for small business owners to tap into the growing appetite for crypto as a valid form of gifting and payment. The NCA PayPal Holiday Crypto Report indicates that 17% of respondents would rather receive crypto than a gift card this year. Additionally, 31% believe cryptocurrency gifts are less likely to go unused compared to their gift card counterparts. Thi…

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…

OpenAI has launched its latest models, o3 and o4-mini, described as the company’s smartest and most capable releases to date. The new models are now available to ChatGPT users with full access to tools like web browsing, file analysis with Python, visual input reasoning, and image generation. OpenAI says o3 is its most powerful reasoning model yet, delivering state-of-the-art performance in coding, math, science, and visual tasks. The model significantly reduces major errors compared to its predecessor, OpenAI o1, and shows notable improvements in programming, business consulting, and creative ideation. Meanwhile, o4-mini offers fast, cost-efficient reasoning. Optimized…

OpenAI has launched Operator, an AI-powered agent capable of using its own browser to perform a variety of tasks for users. Operator, available as a research preview to Pro users in the United States, represents a step forward in AI’s ability to handle repetitive and time-consuming browser tasks independently. Operator leverages a new model, Computer-Using Agent (CUA), which combines GPT-4o’s vision capabilities with advanced reasoning through reinforcement learning. This allows the agent to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as buttons, menus, and text fields—essentially mimicking how a human interacts with a browser. Tasks Operator can perform include…

OpenAI has announced the release of Codex, a cloud-based software engineering agent designed to assist developers by performing parallel coding tasks such as writing features, fixing bugs, answering questions about codebases, and proposing pull requests. The tool is now available as a research preview to ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, and Team users, with Plus and Edu support expected soon. Codex is powered by codex-1, a version of OpenAI’s o3 model optimized specifically for software development. According to OpenAI, codex-1 was trained using reinforcement learning on real-world coding scenarios to closely match human programming styles, follow instructions precisely, and tes…

OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.5, a research preview of its latest and most advanced AI model, which is now available to ChatGPT Pro users and developers worldwide. The model represents “a step forward in scaling up pre-training and post-training,” according to OpenAI. GPT-4.5 advances OpenAI’s approach to AI development by focusing on unsupervised learning, a technique that enhances a model’s ability to recognize patterns, draw connections, and generate creative insights without explicit reasoning. “GPT-4.5 is an example of scaling unsupervised learning by scaling up compute and data, along with architecture and optimization innovations,” OpenAI stated in its announcement…

OpenAI has launched its most advanced image generation technology to date, integrating the capability directly into GPT-4o, its natively multimodal model. The new feature is now rolling out to Plus, Pro, Team, and Free users in ChatGPT, with Enterprise and Edu access coming soon. Developers will also gain access via the API in the coming weeks. OpenAI stated, “At OpenAI, we have long believed image generation should be a primary capability of our language models. That’s why we’ve built our most advanced image generator yet into GPT-4o. The result—image generation that is not only beautiful, but useful.” Multimodal, Context-Aware Image Creation The image generation tool …

OpenPhone has launched Sona, a new AI-powered agent designed to ensure businesses never miss a customer call again. The announcement, made April 17, introduces Sona as the first AI agent purpose-built for the essential front-office needs of small businesses and startups. OpenPhone describes Sona as a tool that helps businesses resolve customer issues instantly and convert every interaction into a growth opportunity. With 24/7 availability, Sona aims to eliminate missed calls and the potential revenue loss that can follow. “At OpenPhone, we bring all customer data and communication into one place. We organize customer communications from start to finish, enabling teams t…

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…

Optimizing your personal workflow management is crucial for enhancing productivity and efficiency. To start, you’ll need to define your workflow needs by evaluating your tasks and priorities. Next, you can build a customized strategy that breaks larger projects into manageable steps. Automation of repetitive tasks can save considerable time, allowing you to focus on more strategic activities. By employing effective scheduling techniques, you can better manage your time. The next step involves monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments. Key Takeaways Engage in self-reflection to identify your strengths and weaknesses, shaping a tailored workflow strategy…

Key Takeaways Importance of a Publishing Schedule: A well-structured social media publishing schedule saves time, ensures consistency, and builds trust with your audience. Key Components: Essential elements include a content calendar, publishing frequency, content diversity, platform consideration, and performance analysis. Audience Understanding: Tailor your content based on audience demographics and preferences to enhance engagement and community interaction. Effective Tools: Utilize scheduling tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, and Sprinklr to streamline your workflow, automate posting, and optimize engagement. Measure Success: Analyze engagement metri…

Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have announced the relaunch of the L.O.C.A.L. (Lifting Our Community Businesses Across Long Island) Small Business Grants, aimed at supporting small businesses across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Now in its second year, the program will award $5,000 grants to 40 selected small businesses, along with two grand prize grants of $25,000—one each for a business in Nassau and Suffolk County. According to the announcement, the program’s goal is to invest directly in the local economy by helping small businesses grow and thrive. The L.O.C.A.L. grants are made possible through Optimum Business, the program’s founding partner. “Optimum Busi…

Optimum Business and the Charleston Area Alliance have announced the opening of applications for the Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants, a new initiative aimed at bolstering small business growth in Kanawha County. As part of the program, 25 small businesses will each receive a $5,000 grant, totaling $125,000 in funding to support long-term economic prosperity in the region. The grant program, introduced on April 14, 2025, is designed to directly support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community’s economic infrastructure. Selected recipients will be announced later this year. The initiative includes recognition events hosted by Optimum Business, where local offici…

Optimum announced the launch of three new offerings on Thursday, aimed at improving in-home internet coverage, enhancing cybersecurity protections for small and medium-sized businesses, and expanding customer support for connected and entertainment devices. The suite of new products includes Whole Home Wi-Fi, Optimum Business cybersecurity solutions, and a new tiered Total Care customer support plan. “We are proud to introduce these innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of both our residential and business customers,” said Luciano Ramos, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Optimum. “Whether it’s ensuring reliable connectivity anywhere in your home, dig…

Oracle is making significant moves to enhance the artificial intelligence landscape in the United States, particularly with its plans to construct a new data center in Saline Township, Michigan. For small business owners, this development carries implications that could boost both local economies and the broader tech infrastructure. The Michigan data center, a collaborative effort involving Oracle, Related Digital, and DTE Energy, is set to employ cutting-edge technology and is targeted for operational readiness by 2026. It promises to create 2,500 temporary construction jobs during its building phase, ultimately providing around 450 permanent positions once operational.…

Oracle has unveiled exciting updates to its Oracle Database@AWS, aiming to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in optimizing their cloud-based operations. As the shift toward cloud computing accelerates, new features in Oracle Database@AWS promise to enhance data management, boost security, and facilitate innovation—all crucial for small businesses competing in a digital landscape. Karan Batta, senior vice president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, spoke about the strong demand for these offerings, particularly from larger enterprises. However, these enhanced capabilities also offer significant advantages for smaller operations. “The newly added Oracle AI Dat…

Oracle Health has recently unveiled its next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system, aiming to revolutionize how healthcare providers interact with technology. The new platform is now certified for use by ambulatory customers in the U.S. and is designed to enhance clinical efficiencies by embedding artificial intelligence (AI) within its core functionality. This advancement could present significant opportunities for small business healthcare providers looking to streamline operations and improve patient care. For many small practice owners, the challenge of managing administrative tasks can detract from quality patient interactions. Oracle’s EHR intends to all…

Amid ongoing supply chain disruptions, Oracle has unveiled a new solution designed to bolster retailer operations: Oracle Retail Supply Chain Collaboration. This cloud-based platform promises to help businesses manage supplier relationships, enhance operational efficiency, and improve compliance—all critical elements in today’s unpredictable market. The introduction of this solution arrives at a time when small retailers face myriad challenges, from shifts in consumer demand to compliance with evolving regulations. Oracle’s latest offering addresses these concerns by providing actionable, data-driven insights that empower businesses to navigate supply chain complexities …

Oracle has taken a significant step to enhance how businesses of all sizes can leverage the power of cloud technology with the introduction of its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Dedicated Region. Designed to meet the growing demand for flexibility and sovereignty in cloud solutions, the OCI Dedicated Region allows organizations to quickly deploy a complete cloud environment without the extensive space and infrastructure typically required. Scott Twaddle, Senior Vice President of Product and Industries at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, emphasized the increasing need for businesses to manage AI and cloud services in ways that best suit their unique requirements. “Organiza…

At SuiteWorld 2025 in Las Vegas, Oracle NetSuite unveiled “NetSuite Next,” its most ambitious evolution yet of the cloud ERP platform. The company says the new version is designed to make artificial intelligence feel less like a tool and more like an active business partner—one that listens, reasons, and takes action. For small business owners juggling financials, inventory, payroll, and customer data, NetSuite Next promises something rare in enterprise software: simplicity without sacrificing power. Oracle calls it “collaborative, insightful, adaptive, and trustworthy.” In practice, that means AI features that automate repetitive tasks, flag risks before they become pro…

Oracle has recently unveiled OCI Zettascale10, a cutting-edge supercomputer in the cloud designed to push the limits of artificial intelligence. Featuring unprecedented capabilities, this technology offers small business owners significant advantages, transforming how they approach AI applications while unlocking potential challenges. At its core, OCI Zettascale10 connects hundreds of thousands of NVIDIA GPUs across multiple data centers, delivering up to 16 zettaFLOPS of peak performance. This architecture is particularly well-suited for large-scale AI workloads, allowing businesses to train and deploy their AI models efficiently. Mahesh Thiagarajan, Oracle’s Executive …

Small business owners constantly seek ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen security. The latest announcement from Oracle introduces tools that could help meet those objectives: the new networking capabilities in Oracle Acceleron. Designed for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), these innovations promise to elevate the performance and scalability of cloud operations, making them particularly relevant for small businesses aiming to innovate and compete. Oracle Acceleron is not just an evolution of cloud networking; it represents over a decade of cloud networking innovation, promising faster and more cost-effective operations. According to Clay Magouyrk, …

In a cautionary tale for small business owners, Bryan Ochoa Diaz, the proprietor of Casa Colima in Vancouver, Oregon, has pleaded guilty to money laundering related to a COVID-19 relief loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This case underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the terms of such loans and serves as a warning against misuse of federal funds designated for recovery. The case, which was investigated by multiple federal agencies including the SBA Office of Inspector General, involved a loan of $350,000 that was to be used exclusively as working capital to mitigate economic injuries linked to the pandemic. Instead, shortly after receiv…

You don’t need to spend all day cooped up in an office to run a successful business. In fact, there are many outdoor business ideas that could help you create a successful career while enjoying nature. Here are some options to consider. Best Ideas for Outdoor Businesses If you want to start your own business but don’t want to be chained to a desk, there are plenty of profitable business ideas you can run mainly outside. Here are some of the best outdoor business ideas for you to consider. Gardening and Landscaping Business A landscaping service can be a very lucrative business opportunity that offers various services to potential customers. You may focus mainly on lawn …